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China's top legislature concludes standing committee session

Xinhua) 08:59, September 13, 2025

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 17th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 17th session Friday in Beijing.

At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt an atomic energy law, a law on public health emergency response, a law on national parks, a revised Arbitration Law, a law on publicity and education regarding the rule of law, and a decision on revising the Food Safety Law.

The session also adopted a decision to remove Pan Yue from the post of head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission and appoint Chen Ruifeng to the position.

President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders to promulgate the laws and decisions.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting.

Lawmakers ratified an extradition treaty and a judicial assistance treaty between China and the Republic of Serbia.

They also passed a deputy qualification report and other personnel-related bills.

Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao stressed the need to fully and accurately grasp the significance, connotations and practical requirements of the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and integrate this understanding into the NPC's foreign affairs work.

He also called for efforts to fulfill the people's congresses' duties in legislation and oversight, and to promote the effective implementation of laws such as the Constitution, the Patriotic Education Law, and the Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs.

Zhao chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons before the closing meeting, and presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
Donald Trump issued a stunning threat to NATO allies for holding up his negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war and warned against 'wasting my time' in a blistering social media post.

Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday morning to rebuke NATO allies for buying oil from Russia despite their opposition to Vladimir Putin's invasion, saying it 'greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia'.

'I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,' Trump wrote.

'As you know, NATOS commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking!'

Trump then floated a bold plan to have the US and NATO impose 50 percent to 100 percent tariffs on China, 'to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended'.

He wrote that this, 'will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR'.

'China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip.'

The post comes days after tensions sharply rose in Europe after Russian drones that were reportedly heading to a NATO base used to supply Ukraine were shot down in Polish airspace.

Donald Trump issued a stunning threat to NATO allies for holding up his negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war by buying oil from Vladimir Putin

Trump warned NATO allies that buying Russian oil is weakening their negotiating position

Trump's post is not the first time that he has threatened to impose hefty sanctions on Moscow, and he has previously floated extra sanctions on countries buying its oil.

The president has also imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing its continued imports of Russian oil, but has not yet taken similar action against China.

Trump has made ending conflicts around the world a central pillar of his foreign policy this year, and ended his Truth Social rebuke with an insistence that, 'this is not TRUMP'S WAR'.

'(It would never have started if I was President!),' Trump wrote.

'It is Bidens and Zelenskyys WAR. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives (7,118 lives lost last week, alone. CRAZY!).

'If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.

'Thank you for your attention to this matter!'

Trump's threat against China for its support of Russia in its conflict with Ukraine comes weeks after he blasted the two leaders - and Kim Jong Un - for 'conspiring against the United States of America' as they assembled to watch a massive military parade in Beijing

Trump's threat against China for its support of Russia in the conflict comes weeks after he blasted the two leaders - and North Korea's Kim Jong Un - 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 at the start of the month to mark 80 years since WWII, showcasing China's newest high grade weapons - including a laser which experts fear could burn out electronics or even blind pilots.

The summit was billed as an alternative to the US-led global system and was packed with displays of unity between Moscow, Beijing and Delhi, India.

Trump slammed the gathering in a Truth Social post, asking Xi to, 'please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America'.

He questioned whether Xi, 'will mention the massive amount of support and "blood" that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader.

'Many Americans died in China's quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!'

Trump signed off with a warm message, writing: 'May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.'

The post comes days after tensions sharply rose in Europe after a Russian drone was shot down in Polish airspace. Pictured: US-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is launched during a live fire exercise

The Kremlin's foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, responded to Trump's message saying: 'I would like to say that no one has been conspiring, no one has been plotting anything, no conspiracies.

'No one even had such a thought - none of these three leaders had such a thought.'

He added: 'I can say that everyone understands the role played by the United States, the current administration of President Trump and President Trump personally in the current international situation.'
A Florida mom stunned the maternity ward after she delivered a record-breaking baby boy weighing twice the size of an average newborn.

Daniella Hines, 40, welcomed her son Annan on September 3 at St. Joseph's Hospital-South in Riverview.

Nurses on the ward were left astonished after they weighed him at a whopping 13 pounds, 15 ounces, breaking a hospital record.

'He was the talk of the maternity ward,' Hines told TODAY.

At just eight days old, Annan was already wearing clothes designed for a nine-month-old baby and has earned the nickname 'Sumo'.

Annan is Hines and her husband Andre Sr.'s second child, with their first Andre Jr. born weighing 12 pounds, 11 ounces.

But Hines was still shocked when her newborn was handed to her, as she recalled how different the birth of her second felt.

'I remember thinking, "What are they pulling out of me? What is going on here?" I felt so much pressure,' she told the outlet.

Daniella Hines, 40, delivered her son Annan on September 3 at St. Joseph's Hospital-South in Riverview and stunned the nurses on the ward after he weighed in at a whopping 13 pounds, 15 ounces

St. Joseph's Hospital-South called Annan a 'big miracle,' as staff said on Facebook: 'Annan is believed to be among the biggest babies, if not the biggest baby, ever born at St. Joseph's Hospital-South'

At six feet tall, and her husband Andre Sr. reaching six foot two inches, Hines was expecting a bigger newborn and believes their height was likely a major factor in Annan's size

Her confusion subsided when she saw Annan for the first time, and she added: 'He was so big. I was like, "Whose baby is this? He came out of me?"'

Hines stands at six feet and while her husband is six foot two inches tall. She believes their height played a large role in determining their children's size.

Not-so-little baby Annan became the talk to the ward, as hospital staff believed him to be the biggest baby delivered in their ward.

'Everybody starts coming in because it's not every day you see an almost 14 pound baby pop out,' Hines continued. 'He was like a little celebrity.'

St. Joseph's Hospital-South called Annan a 'big miracle,'.

'Annan is believed to be among the biggest babies, if not the biggest baby, ever born at St. Joseph's Hospital-South,' staff wrote on Facebook.

Hines responded on the post with great thanks for 'such great hospitality,' and added that Annan's 'weight came as a surprise to us as well'.

'He is such a big beautiful blessing,' she wrote, adding with laughter to the comment section, 'yes, I had a C-Section.'

'Everybody starts coming in because it's not every day you see an almost 14 pound baby pop out,' Hines said. 'He was like a little celebrity'

Hines' husband, Andre Sr., shared on social media that their baby boy had already earned the nickname 'Sumo'

On Thursday, Hines shared more pictures of baby Annan who was resting peacefully with a little smile on his face. 'We are so in love with the newest addition to the family,' she wrote

Hines' husband, Andre Sr., shared on social media that their baby boy had already donned the nickname 'Sumo.'

On Monday, Hines wrote: 'It's been almost a week since our little or should I say BIG bundle of joy made his debut into this world.'

'Who knew he would be a baby celebrity,' she continued.

Annan was doing 'fine' after his first week at home, and Hines was continuing her recovery from her second C-Section birth 'due to high risk and weight'.

'I'm still in awe, he was estimated to weight around 11lbs(which is still big) and here we are,' she wrote.

'Now the focus is on making sure he stays healthy and taking back all these small clothes and size newborn/number 1 diapers that won't fit.'

On Thursday, Hines shared more pictures of baby Annan who was resting peacefully with a little smile on his face.

'We are so in love with the newest addition to the family,' she wrote.

Annan was doing 'fine' after his first week at home, and Hines was continuing her recovery from her second C-Section birth 'due to high risk and weight'

Annan is Hines and her husband Andre Sr.'s second child, with their first Andre Jr. born weighing 12 pounds, 11 ounces

'Annan is eight days old and wearing 6-9 months in clothes and size 2 diapers! Look at those squishy cheeks and juicy rolls!'

Annan's mother told TODAY that her newborn has been 'really chill,' except for when it's time to eat.

'We didn't expect such a big blessing, but it's just more to love!' Hines said. 'I can't wait to show him when he gets older: "Look you were in the news!"'

In March, a mother in Alabama gave birth to a baby girl that was the size of a three month old, weighing in at 13 pounds, four ounces.

In 2019, a New York woman named Joy Buckley gave birth to a baby girl who weighed in at 15 pounds, five ounces.

'I felt like I had been hit by two tractor-trailers simultaneously,' she told the Washington Post the day after the birth.

Currently, the Guinness World record for the heaviest baby born to a healthy mother belonged to a baby boy born in Aversa, Italy in September 1955.

The boy weighed in at a whopping 22 pounds, eight ounces.
China has accused the UK of 'trouble-making and provocation' after a British and American warship passed through the Taiwan Strait.

HMS Richmond and the USS Higgins passed between Taiwan and mainland China on Friday, prompting fury in Beijing.

Beijing accused the two allies of undermining peace in the region, saying that the move amounted to 'harassment and provocation', according to military spokesman Senior Colonel Shi Yi.

But a spokesperson representing the British and American alliance said the two ships sailed through international waters.

Chinese naval and air forces shadowed the two warships as they carried out what Washington described as a routine operation.

The rebuke comes as tensions rise over the narrow stretch of water that separates Taiwan from China, with Beijing insisting the self-governing island is a breakaway province.

The ruling Communist Party, led by President Xi Jinping, has long vowed to bring it back under its control, with American warnings that the country could be strengthening its forces for an invasion in 2027.

HMS Richmond passed between China and Taiwan during the transit in the Taiwan Strait

The Royal Navy ship was joined by USS Higgins during the transit on Friday

Taiwan is a set of islands located around 80 miles off the coast of mainland China, where the East China Sea meets the South China Sea

Meanwhile, on the same day, satellite images revealed Beijing's newest aircraft carrier, Fujian, was operating in the same region. The vessel is yet to be commissioned but is undergoing sea trials.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told Newsweek: 'The two ships were simply conducting a routine Taiwan Strait transit where freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.'

The Taiwan Strait separates China from the island of Taiwan, a self-governing country that Beijing claims should be under its control.

The U.S. has previously warned that the threat to Taiwan is 'imminent'.

China has never admitted such plans, but analysts point to its sweeping naval build-up, with satellite images showing new bases along its eastern coast.

Measuring just 36,000 square kilometres, Taiwan is roughly 1/25th the size of mainland China, or about half the size of Scotland - but it is a territory of immense strategic and economic importance.

The island is a manufacturing and technological powerhouse that occupies a critical part of the global supply chain.

Meanwhile, on the same day, satellite images revealed Beijing's newest aircraft carrier, Fujian, above, was operating in the same region

Displacing some 80,000 tonnes of water and measuring a whopping 1036 feet (316 metres) in length, the gargantuan craft features a full-length flight deck with an advanced catapult-launch system for jets

Left to right: HMS Richmond, HMS Dauntless, HMS Prince of Wales (Front), ROKS Soyang (Behind) ROKS Kang Gam Chan and ROKS Nampo

The Fujian will form the basis of President Xi Jinping's plan to transform his People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a world-class fighting force

Taiwan is also an integral member of the 'first island chain', a ring of territories running from Japan to the Philippines, each of which is to some degree allied with the US to form a natural barrier against Chinese military expansion into the Pacific.

The Taiwan Strait - a narrow waterway separating the island from mainland China - connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans and constitutes the shortest shipping route between East Asia and the Middle East on which China's export economy is heavily dependent.

Beijing is acutely aware of this vulnerability, fearing that a US blockade of the strait could deal a punishing blow to its economy, and is quick to denounce any sailing of Western naval vessels through the Strait.

In June, Beijing also accused Britain of 'troublemaking' when patrol ship HMS Spey sailed the same route.

'That incident triggered a show of force from China, with 74 warplanes sent toward Taiwan, 61 crossing the median line that unofficially divides the strait.

Taiwan's government welcomed the sailing of the Royal Navy vessel.

'The foreign ministry welcomes and affirms the British side once again taking concrete actions to defend the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating its firm position that the Taiwan Strait is international waters,' the ministry said in a statement.
Almost 600 Scottish police officers are being paid NOT to work  because their safety training has expired.

Deeply alarming figures show that 582 Police Scotland officers cannot be deployed to emergencies or to cover large events because they are yet to carry out their annual officer safety training.

The mandatory course takes just two days to complete and refreshes officers on their legal rights as well as the publics.

The figure represents more than 4 per cent of the forces total cadre of frontline staff.

It comes as officers have warned that a lack of SNP government investment in Police Scotland has led to large areas of the country becoming policing deserts.

A survey published this summer showed that nearly two-thirds of Scots were not confident that local officers had the resources to prevent crime. Only a third thought the force could muster a visible local presence.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: These figures are deeply alarming and expose the fact that communities are being starved of vital policing resources.

They are also further proof of how sustained SNP cuts are having a serious impact on ensuring that the basics of policing can be carried out.

Almost 600 Scottish police officers are being paid NOT to work as their training has expired

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said the figures were deeply alarming

He added: It should never have reached a point where the safety training of hundreds of officers is not up to date.

That will undoubtedly have an impact on Police Scotlands ability to police big events as well as how to respond to emergency incidents. It is time the SNP gave our police the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Police Scotland released the figures under freedom of information laws, and said that the 582 officers who could not work due to a lack of training represented 4.2 per cent of the force.

The figure excludes officers who are on a career break, long term absent, not deployable, or deployable for desk work only.

Amid concerns about the police front line being stretched to breaking point, figures released by the Scottish Conservatives in July showed that officers racked up 4.5 million hours of overtime in the past five years, with hours up 7.5 per cent last year to 773,151.

A Police Scotland spokesman said last night: The current rate of recertification stands at 95.8 per cent. The safety of our officers and staff remains our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that all eligible officers complete the required training within the time frame.

Scotland is in the grip of an epidemic of crime, with 487,674 offences reported in the year to June 2025  about 56 per hour  up from 477,927 the previous year.

Sexual crimes including rape were 5 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2024 (increasing from 14,417 to 15,129), and 9 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2021, when there were 13,939.

Crimes of dishonesty  including fraud, housebreaking and shoplifting  are up from 112,384 to 112,421 in the past year. Thats 26 per cent higher than the year ending June 2021, when there were 89,259.
Scores of suspected rapists and sex attackers are being spared prosecution, fuelling claims victims are being betrayed by soft-touch justice.

More than a dozen alleged rape cases have resulted in social work referrals and therapy appointments in the last two years rather than going to court.

Meanwhile more than 100 people suspected of committing sex assaults have also dodged jail, despite prosecutors having enough evidence to put them behind bars.

It comes as last week it was revealed incidents of diversion from prosecution - where the accused is referred to councils or other agencies to address the cause of their offending instead of going to court - have rocketed over the past decade.

In 2024-25, 3,594 diversion from prosecution cases were commenced, according to official Scottish Government statistics, which was 7.2 per cent more than the 3,351 cases the previous year and 37 per cent higher than the 2022-23 total of 2,624.

Prosecutors insist diversions can help offenders tackle the underlying causes of their behaviour.

However, Scotlands Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain promised to review their use for suspected serious sex offences in 2023 after teenager Kaitlyn Ward told of her trauma at seeing her alleged rapist being able to avoid a trial and conviction.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain promised to review their use for suspected serious sex offences

A dozen alleged rapists have dodged court in the last two years in favour of therapy

The young woman, who waived her anonymity, was only 14 when she was attacked but the 16-year-old boy she accused was given social work meetings instead of a High Court trial.

Despite Ms Bains review, she earlier this year stopped short of changing the rules.

She instead said all future decisions on diversion from prosecution will only be taken by senior Crown Counsel appointed by her.

Last night Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said the public would be alarmed and appalled that so many sex offenders are evading justice.

He added: Diversion from prosecution orders should never be used to deal with sexual criminals, but under the Nationalists it is becoming more and more common.

The public are sick and tired of the SNPs relentless weakening of the justice system.

The SNPs drive to keep criminals out of prisons is a kick in the teeth to distraught victims who must be left wondering why they bothered reporting crimes in the first place.

Latest figures show that a total of 13 alleged rape cases have resulted in a diversion since Ms Bain ordered her review of the practice in 2023.

Meanwhile 108 alleged sexual assaults have not resulted in a criminal conviction under the scheme since 2022. Of the 108 cases, 85 were under 18 at the time of offending.

Diversion has been used to ease pressure on Scotlands creaking court system and is often used in cases of offending by children or in circumstances involving learning disabilities.

It can only be offered, according to the Crown Office, where there is sufficient evidence and where it is assessed that diversion is the most appropriate outcome in the public interest.

If an accused chooses to participate in the diversion programme it is not recorded on their file as a criminal conviction.

It was initially rolled-out for those who were accused of committing so-called low-level offending such as theft and vandalism.

A Scottish Government spokesperson woman said: We recognise the devastating impact of sexual crimes on victims, their families and wider society which is why we are taking a wide range of steps to strengthen how victims and witnesses in sexual offence cases are supported and informed through the justice system including through establishing a specific Sexual Offences Court if the Parliament passes the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill later this month.

Katrina Parkes, Deputy Crown Agent at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: Sexual offences, including rape, are among the most difficult cases prosecutors deal with. These cases are particularly difficult when the victim and accused person are both children.

Diversion is an intervention which aims to address the underlying causes of offending, when this is deemed the most appropriate course of action in the public interest.
A Georgia woman has been found dead and stuffed in a trash can outside her apartment.

The body of Teasha Ariele Colbert, 42, was discovered Thursday morning at the Sanford Arms Apartments, a small residential community in Macon.

Deputies with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office responded to a missing person call around 8 a.m. and entered a unit on Sanford Avenue, where they found Colbert unresponsive.

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones pronounced her dead at the scene and later told reporters she had been found 'stuffed in a trash can'.

Authorities taped off the residential block as investigators combed the area for clues.

No arrests have been made, and the sheriff's office is treating the case as a homicide.

Colbert's gray Toyota Camry was still parked near her apartment, her purse and water cup left inside - details which her younger sister, Sandy, said immediately set off alarm bells.

She called 911 after realizing her sister would never leave home without them.

Teasha Ariele Colbert, 42, was found dead 'stuffed in a trash can' at the Sanford Arms Apartments in Macon, Georgia

Authorities are investigating her death as a homicide but have yet to identify a suspect

Colbert, a security guard, was remembered as fun-loving and full of life by her sister

The Bibb County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that deputies had previously responded to a domestic call involving Colbert, though officials declined to release further details.

Sandy described her sister as the life of the party, someone who loved makeup, lashes, and nails, and who worked as a security guard with Allied Universal.

'She was the oldest, but she had the spirit of the youngest,' Sandy told the Macon Telegraph. 'She knew about beauty trends, she brought the party wherever she went.'

'I just hate that my sister was found in a trash can because I don't want nobody to remember her as trash. My sister wasn't trash.'

The sisters led very different lives, but remained inseparable. Sandy devoted to her daughter, and Teasha drawn to travel, fun, and nightlife.

'She was a security guard, she just needed somebody to protect her. Nobody was there,' Sandy said.
Dozens of Canadian supermarkets have been exposed for hiding 'Made in USA' labels on produce amid Donald Trump's tariff war.

An investigation conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and CBC found that around 45 grocery stores across the country were mislabeling American made products as Canadian.

The phenomenon, known as 'Maple Washing', has outraged shoppers who believed they were boy boycotting American goods in support of the Buy Canadian movement.

The movement sprung up in response to the president's rhetoric around Canada and the tariffs he imposed.

Shopper Stacy Dineen told CBC that she buys Canadian food as much as possible, or will buy products imported from outside the US.

'Trump's comments about annexing Canada, wanting to make us part of the United States, boy, that really kind of lit something,' she told the outlet.

But Dineen, like many shoppers, found herself frustrated not being able to trust the product's being marketed to her.

'It makes me feel misled,' she told the outlet. 'At this point, I have run out of patience for it. It feels - at the very least, it's careless.'

An investigation conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and CBC found that around 45 grocery stores across the country were mislabeling American made products as Canadian

Shoppers shared their outrage over the ongoing issue, as many Canadians found attempts to boycott American products more difficult with the deceptive labeling

CFIA and CBC's investigation uncovered that from November 2024 to mid-July, the CFIA received 97 complaints regarding product country-of-origin claims.

Of those investigated so far, 32 percent of the complaints came from a company violation with most stemming from bulk produce, CBC reported. The violations investigated have been corrected, according to the outlet.

The term 'Maple Washing' was coined earlier this year as trade war tensions grew, and tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration led many Canadians searching for homegrown products.

Dineen found herself in Sobeys grocery store shopping for organic broccoli under signage that said 'product of Canada'.

But when she inspected further, the tag on the product said 'produce of USA.'

CBC investigated other stores operated by Sobeys, Loblaws, and Metro in Toronto and found similar issues.

'At each store, one or more country-of-origin shelf signs in the produce section stated the accompanying product was a "product of Canada" or Mexico, but the product's sticker or packaging said it was a "product of USA",' the outlet reported.

CFIA and CBC's investigation uncovered that from November 2024 to mid-July, the CFIA received 97 complaints regarding product country-of-origin claims

Dineen found herself in Sobeys grocery store shopping for organic broccoli under signage that said 'product of Canada.' Only when she inspected further, the tag on the product said 'produce of USA'

Dineen, like many shoppers, found herself frustrated not being able to trust the product's being marketed to her. 'It makes me feel misled,' she said

Sobeys was found to have labeled products such as almonds and avocado oil with Canadian flags and 'Made in Canada,' which resulted in an April case that eventually led to no repercussions for the chain.

'We don't grow almonds in this country. Those should not meet the Made in Canada threshold,' Mike von Massow, a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph.

While some errors can be attributed to human error and short staffed grocers, shoppers are growing tired.

In a statement to CBC, a spokesperson for Sobeys said: 'Fresh produce can change week-to-week and unfortunately mistakes can happen from time to time.'

Sobeys, Loblaw and Metro told the outlet that they strive for accurate country-of-origin signage, and noted the difficulty of dealing with large amounts of inventory.

A Reddit thread, simply called 'Maple-washing Safeway,' exposed an example of dishwasher tablets with 'Product of USA' on the back with a Canadian flag stuck next to its pricing label.

'Just another post about shady practices by grocery stores. Local Safeway thinks we can't read,' the post said.

A Reddit thread, simply called 'Maple-washing Safeway,' exposed an example of dishwasher tablets with 'Product of USA' on the back with a Canadian flag stuck next to its pricing label

Food labelling expert Mary L'Abbe said that in just six months the Buy Canadian Movement had shoppers losing their patience

One user fumed: 'There needs to be penalties for misleading consumers!'

'Why are Canadian entities that are supposed to protect Canadian consumers not giving out massive fines and forcing and mandating changes in significant ways to various corporations that abuse Canadian consumers time and time again?!' another raged.

'It's beyond absurd, it is ignorant, insulting and allows those massive corporation to take advantage of Canadian consumers without repercussions in any significant way to help prevent it from happening again to alleviate the concerns of Canadian consumers of being pick pocketed by them over and over.'

'I've noticed Loblaws doing this too. They mark them as Canadian because "the store brand is Canadian" but the product wasn't made in Canada,' a comment pointed out.

The Buy Canadian Movement has not only been a contentious topic for outrage caused by maple-washing, but also for the cost of non-imported goods.

Food labelling expert Mary L'Abbe said that in just six months the Buy Canadian Movement had shoppers losing their patience.

'It's important to Canadians, and I think they have a responsibility to their consumers who expect them to interpret the regulations correctly,' said L'Abbe, a nutritional sciences professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.

'I think the retailers have to step up to the plate and actually get their act together.'

'It's important to Canadians, and I think they have a responsibility to their consumers who expect them to interpret the regulations correctly,' said L'Abbe (pictured), a nutritional sciences professor emeritus at the University of Toronto

Dineen said: 'Why would you put a Maple Leaf on a product that very clearly is imported? It just erodes the trust. It just makes you think, "OK, so that's meaningless."'

Canada recently removed its retaliatory tariffs on US goods in August, signaling a major thaw in trade tensions between Canada and the US.

The move aimed to reset trade talks between the two countries, and should lead to lower tariffs on Canadian goods entering the US.

The move came a day after Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump spoke by phone for the first time since the two countries missed a self-imposed deadline to reach a trade agreement earlier this month.

In March, Canada imposed counter-tariffs of 25 percent on a wide range of US products after Washington slapped duties on steel and aluminum.

Canada rolled back retaliatory tariffs to match US exemptions on goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced

President Donald Trump announced a range of tariffs in April. It kicked off a tariff war with Canada. But Canada removed many of its retaliatory tariffs on US goods, marking a major thaw in trade tensions between the two countries

Carney said the rollback, starting September 1, will match US exemptions on goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal (USMCA).

However, Canadas 25 percent tariffs on US autos, steel, and aluminum will remain in place for now  costs that will be felt more acutely by Canadian consumers than American ones.

In July, former President Trump announced he would raise U.S. tariffs on Canada to 35 percent, citing both the rise of fentanyl and Canadas reluctance to cooperate with the U.S. as factors in his decision.

The Trump administration later exempted goods covered by the trade deal.
Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro got into a heated exchange over the speculated motive behind Charlie Kirk's assassination.

The talk show host accused the conservative commentator of jumping the gun with his assertion that Kirk's alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is on the 'political left.'

'We dont know what this kid is,' Maher insisted. 'We don't know s***.'

'Its two days out, we dont know s***, Ben,' he continued, arguing that 'the internet is undefeated in getting it wrong to begin with.'

The testy exchange came after Shapiro argued that although investigators had not publicly established the motive, 'you can break down the death threats and where they are coming from.'

'If we are not politically correct, then we understand that if theres a shooting at a synagogue, it is very likely to be either a White supremacist or a radical Muslim,' he said.

'If it is a shooting of a Republican politician, it is very likely to be a trans, antifa, Marxist shooter.'

Shapiro appeared to be citing anti-fascist messages found engraved on bullets in a gun used to kill Kirk, which included 'Hey fascist, catch!', and references to the Italian anti-fascist song 'Bella Ciao.'

Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro got into a heated exchange over the speculated motive behind Charlie Kirk's assassination, with the conservative commentator saying the killer was 'very likely to be a trans, antifa, Marxist shooter'

Maher fired back that 'we don't know s***' in a tense exchange with Shapiro, arguing that 'the internet is undefeated in getting it wrong to begin with'

The suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination was identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident

Shapiro fired back at Maher for dismissing his assertion that Robinson is on the left, and brought up 'actual reporting' that described Robinson as 'not right-wing.'

He added that both sides of the political spectrum have extreme wings that have been prone to violence.

'The thing that all these groups have in common is a philosophical structure that says, There is a system that is targeting me. That system is a system of power and it is deadly to me. Therefore, I am excused in using violence against that system,'' Shapiro said.

He said he had been friends with Kirk for 13 years, and admitted he never before thought he was in such danger despite having his own security detail.

'Ive had 24/7 security for a decade,' Shapiro said.

'Ive spoken at a lot of college campuses. I never, honest to God, thought that we were going to get to this point.'

Robinson was unmasked as the alleged shooter on Friday following a two-day manhunt, which came to an end after his father recognized him through FBI photos and confronted his son.

Robinson seen in his mugshot

The alleged killer confessed to his father after he was confronted, and initially told him he would rather kill himself than turn himself in

Kirk, seen moments before he was shot, was assassinated Wednesday on the UVU campus in Orem, Utah as he held a Turning Point USA event

He reportedly told his father that he would rather kill himself than turn himself in, but was convinced to speak with a local youth minister who also worked with the US Marshals Service.

The family's social media profiles show Robinson, who has two younger brothers, often enjoying family vacations and sharing smiling selfies, including one of his mother celebrating her 'genius' son getting into college.

Other images also show Robinson appearing to use guns frequently in his childhood, regularly visiting shooting ranges and posing with high-calibre weapons.

Robinson was taken into custody around 11pm local time in southern Utah on Thursday night. He lives in a $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah - about 260 miles south of Kirk's assassination site in Orem.

He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit. Authorities said at a press conference on Thursday night that Robinson will face the death penalty if convicted.

At a press conference on Friday morning, Utah governor Spencer Cox began his remarks by declaring: 'We got him.'

Robinson, 22, named Friday as the alleged killer who shot Charlie Kirk, had a childhood obsession with guns and was seen posing with an M2 Browning 50. calibre machine gun in social media pictures

The alleged assassin was even gifted a 'build your own rifle' kit for Christmas as a child, and was often seen smiling in happy family pictures on social media

Robinson has two younger brothers, and lives in a $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah - about 260 miles south of Kirk's assassination in Orem

Officials released images of the person of interest who was sought in the manhunt, seen wearing a black T-shirt with a bald eagle flying across an American flag

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Cox described Kirk's assassination as a 'watershed moment' in American history, but added: 'The question is, what kind of watershed?'

He said that investigators learned from Robinson's family that he had become more political in recent times, and had recently expressed his dislike for Kirk, describing him to his family as 'full of hate'.

Cox said that casings from the weapon used to kill Kirk were found to have several anti-fascist messages engraved on them, including one referencing the WW2 Italian anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.

One engraving read 'Hey Fascists, Catch!' - next to an up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol and three down arrow symbols - another read 'OwO', and a third read 'If You Read This You Are Gay LMAO', Cox said.

The governor added that Robinson's roommate helped investigators by showing messages on Discord where the alleged killer talked about retrieving a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush, and references to engraved bullets and a scope.
Scotland's largest health board is shelling out 3.6 million to a private health firm to create a 1,000-bed virtual hospital in a bid to battle enormous backlogs.

Amid a waiting times crisis, patients under the care of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) will see their homes turned into virtual wards and illness or aftercare monitored remotely.

In partnership with London-based medical tech firm Doccla, the health board will issue devices that measure patients blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, activity levels and oxygen.

The stats will feed into a smartphone app, which will send information back to doctors. Patients can also keep in touch with medical staff by video call or messaging.

Although hailed by health chiefs as transformative, the move has raised questions about cost and the extreme pressure that Scotlands hospitals are under.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: Frontline staff are overworked and under-resourced. They need real support, so that they can see patients in person rather than sticking plaster solutions.

'While this may ease some of the pressure on our embattled health service, it wont make up for the damage done by the SNPs dire workforce planning.

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: Over 880,000 Scots are stuck on waiting lists for tests, outpatient appointments and hospital treatment.

Patients will be able to monitor their own symptoms at home to ease pressure on the NHS

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane feared the move was a 'sticking plaster'

Abysmal backlogs mean a rising number of Scots are being forced to go private.

NHSGGC hopes that the move  which could cover up to 1,000 patients at a time  will help to reduce admissions and shorten hospital stays. Bosses also think it will allow for more capacity in hospitals.

Documents show it will cost a total of 3,626,777 to set up the system.

NHS Scotland is consistently missing four-hour A&E waiting targets, with latest statistics showing that of the 140,820 people who attended emergency departments in July, just 71.1 per cent were seen and either admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours  far below the 90 per cent goal set out by SNP ministers.

During a single week ending on August 31, 2,277 patients waited more than four hours for emergency care in NHSGGC alone.

The virtual hospital has been created between NHS GGC and a London-based firm, Doccla

Earlier this month, Health Secretary Neil Gray appeared to confirm the scrapping of a Scottish Government promise that no one will have to wait more than a year for NHS treatment by March 2026.

According to Scottish Labour analysis, long-term waiting list delays on the NHS are more than 800 times more common in Scotland than in England.

Recent figures show that there were nearly 15,000 people waiting for medical treatment for two years or more  representing one case per 367 people.

In contrast, NHS England reported just 182 waits of more than two years, or around one in 317,000.

The total number of people waiting more than two years is 82 times greater in Scotland  or about 864 times higher once adjusted for population size.

Last night NHSGGC said that it had agreed a three-year contract for a digital remote monitoring system that will support 1,000 virtual beds and clinics and that the virtual hospital will play a significant role in the transformation of services.
'One in, one out' migrant deportation flights are due to start next week after the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said they would begin 'imminently'.

The scheme, signed off in July, saw the first Channel arrivals detained on August 6, with the inaugural flight understood to be pencilled in for as early as Monday.

New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, tasked with ramping up the UK's response to small boat crossings, said she expected returns to begin 'imminently'.

Removal notices have already been served on asylum seekers who arrived last month, warning they will be sent back to France within five days.

Crossings have now topped 30,000 this year, the fastest point on record. It is the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 30,000 mark has been passed since data on the crossings was first reported in 2018.

The 'one in, one out' pilot scheme has been agreed for the UK to send back to France migrants who have crossed the Channel, in exchange for those who apply and are approved to come to the UK.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Under the new UK-France treaty, people crossing in small boats can now be detained and removed to France. We expect the first returns to take place imminently.

Removal notices have already been served on asylum seekers who arrived last month, warning they will be sent back to France within five days

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, tasked with ramping up the UK's response to small boat crossings, said she expected returns to begin 'imminently'

'Protecting the UK border is our top priority. We will do whatever it takes to restore order to secure our borders.'

On Monday, Ms Mahmood said countries which refuse to 'play ball' and take back their migrants could face curtailed access to visas.

It would mean citizens seeking to travel legally could be penalised if their governments fail to cooperate with deportations from Britain and other major economies.

Ms Mahmood said: 'For countries that do not play ball, we've 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 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.'

Earlier this month, the Government admitted that no Channel migrants had been returned to France yet under its much-vaunted deal.

Ministers had claimed when the agreement was announced that it would take effect within weeks, and the first small boat arrivals due to be returned were detained in Dover at the start of August.

The former Home Secretary later said she expected the deportations to begin 'later this month'.
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A huge manhunt is underway in north Georgia after a veteran police officer was shot in the throat.

Brantley Worley, a captain with the McCaysville Police Department, was shot on Friday at 11:10pm while responding to a 911 call.

The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey, who police say is still on the run. No details about what led to the shooting have been released.

The shooting happened in McCaysville, a small town that borders Tennessee.

Worley was airlifted to a hospital in nearby Chattanooga and is alive but in critical condition as of Saturday morning.

Worley's wife, Jessica, also confirmed her husband's condition, saying on Saturday that she was with him in the ICU. She pledged to stay with him until he comes home.

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are assisting in the search for Ramsey, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Fannin County Sheriffs Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

Ramsey has been described as a 5'11" white male weighing about 185 pounds. He has long blonde hair and blue eyes.

Brantley Worley (left) stands with McCaysville Deputy Police Chief Rick Landress (center) and Chief of Police Michael Earley in July as he accepts his promotion to Captain. Fewer than two months later, he was shot in the neck, leaving him in critical condition

Police say 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey (pictured) is the man who shot Worley. He is still on the loose and being pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies

Worley is pictured with his wife, Jessica, who pledged to stay with her husband until he comes home

He was last seen on 1st Street wearing a green top, dark-colored pants and a dark motorcycle helmet.

Ramsey is being considered 'armed and 'extremely dangerous'. The public is urged not to approach him if they see him and rather call 911 if they have any information that will lead to his arrest.

Ramsey has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer. This charge could be upgraded if Worley dies in the hospital.

Chief of Police Otis Earley told WIS10 that Worley has a broken neck and is suffering from brain bleeding. He also has fluid in his lungs.

'Captain Worley is a dedicated officer who has faithfully served this community, and we are asking everyone to keep him, his family, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,' Earley said in a statement.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp took to social media early Saturday morning to express his sympathy for the wounded officer and his family.

'Marty, the girls, and I are asking all Georgians to join us in praying for this officer who was shot in the line of duty, as well as all law enforcement who face this kind of danger on a regular basis to protect their communities,' Kemp said.

Worley was just promoted to captain on July 21 after 15-year-long career in law enforcement. He is also a certified field training officer and a firearms instructor.
A teenager banned from school after teachers told her she could not wear a dress bearing the Union Jack flag told a crowd of more than 110,000 protesters gathered in London that 'British culture matters too'.

Courtney Wright, 13, was forced to spend a morning in isolation at Bilton School in Rugby, after staff told her she couldn't wear her Spice Girls-style dress or make a speech like other pupils.

The straight-A student, who had planned to talk about history and traditions for a special Culture Day organised by the school in July, was told the dress was unacceptable, before being removed from her lesson and asked to wait in reception until her father arrived to collect her.

After being introduced by Robinson as a 'brave little British girl', Courtney walked onto the main stage where she was received by rapturous applause and whistles.

Telling the crowd she was 'so proud to stand here today', she said: 'Even though I'm only 13 I already know how lucky we are to live in this country.

'Britain is our home, it's a place built on courage, sacrifice and freedom.

'Millions before us fought to protect it and it's our duty to love it, respect it and keep it strong.

'We may be young but we are the future and together, with pride in our hearts, we will always stand for our great nation.'

Courtney Wright, 13, who was banned from school after teachers told her she could not wear a dress bearing the Union Jack flag told a crowd of more than 110,000 protesters in London that 'British culture matters too'

Courtney Wright, 13, was forced to spend a morning in isolation at Bilton School in Rugby, after staff told her she couldn't wear her Spice Girls-style dress or make a speech like other pupils

Bilton School in Rugby told Courtney the dress was unacceptable, before she was removed from her lesson and asked to wait in reception until her father arrived to collect her

She then told the crowd she had been 'silenced' by her school, adding 'my voice didn't count'.

A request to the audience if she could read out the speech she was meant to deliver to her classroom was met with exuberant cheering.

She began: 'Today I want to talk about my culture, British culture and why it is important to me. In Britain we have lots of traditions including drinking tea, our love of talking about the weather and our royal family.

'We have amazing history, kings and queens, castles and writers like Shakespeare. Its also modern, diverse and always changing.

'We have music, fashion and food from all around the world blending into daily life - and lets not forget about fish and chips.

'Its also the way we speak, our humour, our values of politeness and fairness and the mix of old traditions and new ideas.

'Sometimes in school we only hear about other cultures, which is great because learning about different countries is interesting and important.

'But you feel like being British doesn't count as a culture, just because its a majority.

Courtney spoke at the protest today, where 110,000 people gathered to join Tommy Robinson's Unite The Kingdom rally

Courtney was hauled out of lessons and made to sit in reception until her father Stuart Field (pictured) collected her

'I think culture should be for everyone, not just people from different countries and backgrounds.

'Being British is still a culture and it matters too. So let's celebrate all cultures, whether they come from far away or right here at home.'

As she ended her speech, a hoarse-sounding Robinson encouraged the crowd to give their praise, adding: 'Her parents must be so bloody proud.'

The youngster was one of many speakers on the main stage at the rally, which also generated a 5,000-strong counter-protest.

Organised by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim activist Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, the Unite The Kingdom protest met at Stamford Street near London's Waterloo Bridge before making its way to the southern end of Whitehall.

Swathes of demonstrators turned out bedecked in Union Jacks and England flags at the march - where protesters also vocally mourned Charlie Kirk after the conservative activist was shot dead on Wednesday.

At the rally, believed to be the largest right-wing protest in British history, some protesters were seen with photographs of Kirk and flags bearing his face.

Speakers included far-right politicians Eric Zemmour from France and Petr Bystron of Alternative for Germany (AfD), as well as controversial Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson.

Mr Field said Courtney wanted to wear the dress to celebrate being British and the Spice Girls, taking inspiration from Geri Halliwell (pictured) in her iconic dress

Commentator Katie Hopkins and TV personality Ant Middleton also attended, as well as former actor Laurence Fox.

Courtney Wright's treatment at the hands of her school earlier this year provoked backlash among parents who said they were 'disgusted and surprised'.

'I couldn't believe it when I saw it on social media,' said one 44-year-old dad, whose 12-year-old daughter is in the same year as Courtney.

'It's disgusting if you think this was supposed to be about celebrating diversity. My daughter wore a tie made of the family tartan because we are Scottish and nothing was said about that.

'It's a medium multi-ethnic school and there were other pupils who wore traditional Asian dress and headwear which was acceptable, so why not allow a union flag dress?'

The incident prompted an apology from the school's Stowe Valley Trust and reached Downing Street, with Sir Keir Starmer appearing to support the teenager.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said at the time: 'The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated.

'You can see that from everything this government has done. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British.'
A 22-year-old wannabe professional gamer who lived with Charlie Kirks alleged assassin gave cops incriminating text messages leading to his arrest.

Lance Twiggs turned over Tyler Robinson, who lived with him in a three-bedroom apartment in Saint George, Utah, Daily Mail can reveal.

Twiggs showed police texts from Robinson about stashing a gun linked to Wednesday's shooting of the prominent conservative activist at Utah Valley University (UVU), a law enforcement affidavit said.

His identity was revealed as separate reports emerged from Fox and the New York Post which stated that Robinson was living with a 'transgender partner' who is co-operating with the investigation.

It is unclear if Twiggs is the same person referenced in the reports and he has not been named in the affidavit. His grandfather, Jerry Twiggs, told Daily Mail that he was unable to comment on rumors that he is trans and that there was a transgender motive to Kirk's murder.

'I dont want to comment on that. Im not sure what his situation is exactly right now,' he said, adding that he had never met Robinson.

Jerry also confirmed his grandson had been talking with the police, but that he had not spoken to him since.

'After he was with the police, hes been at his house, and theres no way for us to contact him other than going over there,' he said.

Lance Twiggs, who lived with Tyler Robinson in a three-bedroom apartment in Saint George, Utah, turned Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin over to police

Robinson allegedly texted about stashing a gun linked to Wednesday's shooting of the prominent conservative activist at Utah Valley University, a law enforcement affidavit said

Investigators spent all day Friday collecting evidence in an apartment that shooting suspect Tyler Robinson shared with a roommate

Authorities are yet to confirm a motive, but Utah Governor Spencer Cox told the Wall Street Journal that Robinson was, 'deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology'.

South Utah native, Twiggs, studied at Utah Tech University, according to his Facebook page. Robinson, 22, was also taking electrician training at a nearby technical college.

And like Robinson he was an avid gamer, posting shooting game videos on a TikTok account with the bio: Becoming TikTok pros one terrible video at a time.

He posted himself on social media playing popular games including Apex Legends, Valorant and Rocket League.

Other comical videos he shared included adding spaghetti to an Italian sandwich and microwaving a bottle of Mountain Dew.

Friends told Daily Mail that Robinson and Twiggs were part of a large group chat of dozens of gamer friends mostly from Robinsons alma mater, Pine View High School, hosted on online chat network Discord.

Robinsons alleged incriminating texts to Twiggs were also sent on Discord, according to the affidavit filed Friday.

Twiggs and Robinsons neighbor, Cable Phillips, 20, said police arrived at their two-story housing complex around 5.30am on Friday, and cordoned off the surrounding area.

Kirk was fatally shot in the neck at his event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Investigators searching Robinson's St George, Utah home on Friday

Investigators were seen carrying out paper bags, envelopes, and a personal computer. A forensics team photographed the exterior and worked their way inside the property.

While they worked, neighbors stood behind police tape watching in the early morning desert sunshine.

Resident, Josh Kemp, 18, told The New York Times that Robinson would always blast music with his roommate and never talk to anybody.

Oliver Holt, 11, told the paper that when he knocked on Robinsons door last week asking for odd jobs, the alleged shooter was acting pretty strange and kept glancing back into his apartment acting kind of nervous and scared.

Twiggs and Robinson's female next-door neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail the young men were reclusive and that she had spoken to Twiggs twice in the past two years.

She said she did not see anything about Twiggs that indicated he was transgender.

The neighbor said Robinson and Twiggs had a third roommate who moved out about a year ago. To their knowledge, no others have moved in since.

The third roommate was also a male and did not appear to be trans, the neighbor said.

Twiggs was part of a large group chat of dozens of gamer friends mostly from Robinsons alma mater, Pine View High School, hosted on online chat network Discord.

Twiggs was not named in the law enforcement filing and is not accused of being involved in Kirk's murde

A Zillow listing shows photos of Twiggs and Robinson's apartment at the Fossil Hills housing complex in Saint George, a 1,460-square-foot space with three beds and two baths.

The property listing said the current owner has roommates bringing in a total of $900/month for just two of the bedrooms.

An affidavit supporting the murder, obstruction, and felony firearm charges against Robinson described the roommate handing over bombshell text messages to police after the shooting.

Robinson sent messages to Twiggs, who was not named in the law enforcement filing, stating a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, according to the affidavit by Utah Attorney Generals officer Brian Davis.

Robinson allegedly texted about leaving the rifle in a bush, messages related to visually watching the area where a rifle was left, and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel.

The messages also refer to engraving bullets, and a mention of a scope and the rifle being unique, the affidavit said. Messages from the contact Tyler also mention that he had changed outfits.

Police said the descriptions matched what they had found: A Mauser .30-06 caliber rifle wrapped in a towel, abandoned in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus shortly after the shooting on Wednesday.

The affidavit does not accuse Twiggs of any involvement in the crime.

Robinson was arrested late Thursday evening and is currently being held in custody and is likely to have a first court appearance next week

At his parents nearby home on Friday afternoon, Twiggss father Tyler said no one in the family would be commenting.

It appears Twiggs and Robinson became close after the alleged shooter graduated high school.

He received a $32,000 scholarship to Utah State University, but only attended one semester in 2021 as a pre-engineering major.

He later enrolled at Dixie Technical College in his home town of Saint George, which is in the extreme southwest of Utah, near the Arizona border, and was a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program, a statement by the college said.
The Oxford Union has confirmed its incoming president will face disciplinary proceedings after he sent messages celebrating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

George Abaraonye, a student at Oxford University who became president-elect of the Union after a vote earlier this year, posted several vitriolic comments online in the aftermath of the shooting in Utah.

Mr Kirk, 31, a Donald Trump ally and co-founder and chief executive of the youth right-wing organisation Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University show on Wednesday.

It has been reported that in one message to fellow students in a WhatsApp chat, Mr Abaraonye wrote 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f****** go', while another on his Instagram account read: 'Charlie Kirk got shot loool.'

'Loool' is an extended version of the acronym 'lol' meaning 'laughing out loud'.

Mr Abaraonye has since deleted the messages and apologised.

The world-famous debating society condemned the incoming president's 'inappropriate remarks' in a statement posted on social media on Saturday.

'The Oxford Union has already issued a statement condemning the president-elect's inappropriate remarks,' the statement read. 'We emphasise that these are his personal views and not those of the union, nor do they represent the values of our institution.'

Charlie Kirk (left) debates George Abaraonye (right) at the Oxford Union in May 2025

Mr Abaraonye, 20, reportedly posted his message on WhatsApp after the shooting

But the Oxford Union also condemned the 'racial abuse and threats' that Mr Abaraonye has received in response.

'No individual should ever be attacked because of the colour of their skin or the community they come from,' the statement continued. 'Threats to his life are abhorrent. Such rhetoric has no place online, or anywhere in society.

'The Oxford Union has always been one of the world's foremost defenders of free speech. We will continue to defend freedom of expression in all its forms.

'But free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation or hate.'

Although the Union clarified that it 'does not possess executive powers to summarily dismiss a president-elect', it confirmed that the complaints filed against Mr Abaraonye have been 'forwarded for disciplinary proceedings and will be addressed with the utmost seriousness'.

The statement added: 'Our duty is to demonstrate to our members, the university community, alumni and the wider public that disagreement must be expressed through debate and dialogue, not through abuse or threats.

'That is the tradition we uphold and it is the standard we will continue to set.'

In The Isis, he was recently billed as 'icon of the week' and was also described by student peers as 'the guy who is everywhere and anywhere' at Oxford

The student relaxes at the Union, where he is due to take over the prestigious presidency

Mr Abaraonye was also events officer of the University's Arab Society and founded the HipHopSoc, where he was known as 'the headphone guy'

Mr Kirk and Mr Abaraonye, a politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) student, met during a debate on 'toxic masculinity' held by the Oxford Union in May.

A video of their interaction shows the pair disagreed throughout the debate but the conversation remained civil.

As well as being elected as the next president of the renowned Union, a post previously held by the likes of Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, Mr Abaraonye was also events officer of the University's Arab Society and founded the HipHopSoc, where he was known as 'the headphone guy'.

As well as being involved in various societies, Mr Abaraonye has been praised by two prominent student magazines.

In The Isis, he was recently billed as 'icon of the week' and was also described by student peers as 'the guy who is everywhere and anywhere' at Oxford.

In response to the backlash he has received, Mr Abaraonye told the New Statesman: 'It is right to call out the insensitivity of my initial reaction. But the irony is not lost on me that many of those now threatening violence and hurling abuse toward me, and toward people who look like me, have shown no interest in holding Charlie Kirk to the same standard when he mocked children killed by gun violence or excused the deaths of women and children abroad.

'My words were no less insensitive than hisarguably less so; the difference is that I had the humility to recognise when I strayed from my core values, and I addressed it immediately upon reflection.'

Describing itself as 'the most prestigious debating society in the world', the Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and counts historical figures including Malcolm X among those to have attended its discussions.

An Oxford University spokeswoman said: 'The Oxford Union is independent of the university.

'We deplore comments appearing to endorse violence - they are unacceptable and entirely contrary to the values of our community.'
Shooting suspect Tyler Robinson appeared to be a social teenager who was passionate about math in high school, his yearbook revealed.

Robinson, 22, was arrested on suspicion of assassinating Charlie Kirk, 31, at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Robinson was apprehended following a 33-hour manhunt after he was persuaded to turn himself in by his father.

Years before being named as the alleged shooter, Robinson was a student at Pine View High School in St George, Utah, where he was a member of the auto mechanics club.

In a section where students were asked for their favorite subject, he wrote: 'Math, it makes more sense than English.'

Former classmates have described Robinson as an unremarkable, normal student who had friends and mainly hung out with members of the school band.

He had good grades and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Utah State University, but only attended for one semester before he dropped out to enroll in Dixie Technical College.

At the time of the shooting, he was a third-year student at the college in the electrical apprenticeship program.

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson appeared to be a social teenager who was passionate about math in high school, his yearbook revealed

Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed by a single bullet at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Robinson was unmasked as the alleged shooter on Friday following a two-day manhunt, which came to an end after his father recognized him through FBI photos and confronted his son.

The alleged assassin reportedly told his father that he would rather kill himself than turn himself in, but was convinced to speak with a local youth minister who also worked with the US Marshals Service.

The family's social media profiles show Robinson, who has two younger brothers, often enjoying family vacations and sharing smiling selfies, including one of his mother celebrating her 'genius' son getting into college.

Other images also show Robinson appearing to use guns frequently in his childhood, regularly visiting shooting ranges and posing with high-caliber weapons.

He lives in a $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah - about 260 miles south of Kirk's assassination site in Orem.

Robinson was taken into custody around 11pm local time in southern Utah on Thursday night.

He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit. Authorities said at a press conference on Thursday night that Robinson will face the death penalty if convicted.

At a press conference on Friday morning, Utah governor Spencer Cox began his remarks by declaring: 'We got him.'

The suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination was been identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, on Friday

Robinson, 22, named Friday as the alleged killer who shot Charlie Kirk, had a childhood obsession with guns and was seen posing with an M2 Browning 50. calibre machine gun in social media pictures

Robinson seen in his mugshot

The alleged killer confessed to his father after he was confronted, and initially told him he would rather kill himself than turn himself in

Cox described Kirk's assassination as a 'watershed moment' in American history, but added: 'The question is, what kind of watershed?'

He said that investigators learned from Robinson's family that he had become more political in recent times, and had recently expressed his dislike for Kirk, describing him to his family as 'full of hate'.

Cox said that casings from the weapon used to kill Kirk were found to have several anti-fascist messages engraved on them, including one referencing the WW2 Italian anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.

One engraving read 'Hey Fascists, Catch!' - next to an up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol and three down arrow symbols - another read 'OwO', and a third read 'If You Read This You Are Gay LMAO', Cox said.

The governor added that Robinson's roommate helped investigators by showing messages on Discord where the alleged killer talked about retrieving a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush, and references to engraved bullets and a scope.
A man has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after a series of 'revolting' antisemitic attacks on synagogues and a Jewish school in London.

Seven Jewish premises in Barnet, north London, were allegedly targeted while four synagogues and a private residence had a 'substance smeared on them' between August 15 and September 11. Liquid was also thrown towards a school and over a car.

Ionut-Cristian Bold, 37, was charged on Saturday with six counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage and for racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence.

Bold, who is of no fixed address, has also been charged with three counts of destroying or damaging property and for having an article with intent to destroy or damage property.

He was arrested in the Hendon area on Friday and will appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on September 15.

Superintendent Zubin Writer, who leads local policing in Barnet, Brent and Harrow, said: 'We will always treat allegations of this nature extremely seriously and these charges follow an investigation by a team of local officers.

'We continue to offer support to local residents, including members of the Jewish community.'

Police had an increased presence around Barnet, which has a large Jewish community, while enquiries were held into the attacks.

New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service in London

Synagogues in Golders Green (pictured: a high street in the area) were among those targeted

The force said that a private residence and four synagogues in Golders Green had a 'substance smeared on them', while a liquid was thrown towards a school and over a car in two other incidents.

Detectives were first called to a report of religiously-motivated criminal damage relating to a synagogue on the morning of September 3.

Further reports were then made that similar offences had taken place in the early hours of September 4 at a private property, and at another synagogue on September 7.

Police received reports that a liquid was thrown at a school at around 2am on September 8 and that a substance had been smeared on two further synagogues on September 2 and overnight on September 11.

As a result of inquiries, officers were able to link a seventh incident which took place on August 15 and involved a liquid being thrown over a car linked to a fifth synagogue.

A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust, a charity which looks after security for British Jews, said: 'The extreme defilement of several Jewish locations in and around Golders Green is utterly abhorrent and deeply distressing.'

A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'These repeated incidents are leaving British Jews anxious and vulnerable in their own neighbourhoods, not to mention disgusted.'
A self-proclaimed African tribe dug in at their woodland encampment last night as they continued to defy a court order demanding they leave.

Kofi Offeh, 36, from Ghana, and Jean Gasho, 43, from Zimbabwe, have been camping in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, since May, along with their 21-year-old American handmaiden Kaura Taylor.

On Friday, Sheriff Peter Patterson issued an immediate extraction decree against the trios self-titled Kingdom of Kubala during a six-minute hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

The order demands the group leave the private land, which is behind an industrial estate on the outskirts of the town.

However, despite the legal demand, the group showed no sign of moving as they welcomed more visitors today, including some laden with gifts.

One of the people who turned up to meet with the tribe was a woman from London who streamed live footage of her visit to the woods on social media platform TikTok.

The video was watched by more than 5,000 people - some of whom spoke online to state they would be offering their help and even travelling themselves to the camp.

One man vowed to donate 100 for the trio to buy a gazebo and anything else they need.

The trio have shown no intention of moving from the woods where they have set up camp

The group were visited by a woman from London who streamed her visit on TikTok

During a live video the group could be seen trying on gifts, including jackets, given to them

Another said he was planning to visit the group on Tuesday and was willing to pick others up from Manchester Train Station and drive them to Jedburgh.

The TikToker from London, who said her name was Nash, also offered to go and buy the trio some fish and chips and chicken.

Another woman who arrived at the camp brought waterproof jackets and umbrellas for the group as well as a leather jacket that Mr Offeh, who calls himself King Atehene, tried on momentarily.

And the donations were no doubt needed as heavy rain started to lash the camp shortly after the womens arrival.

The tribe have said they are not afraid of the legal action taken to evict them.

Mr Offeh previously said: And we are not afraid of whatever the court - the so-called court - has granted.

However, the king has also conceded that he would not be fazed if they are forced off the land, known as Darnic Parklands.

He had said: If we must go, the creator will find us another place to go.

The Kingdom of Kubala have claimed to be victims of historical displacement because their ancestors were forced out of the Highlands 400 years ago.

The trio said they returned to Scotland to reclaim their rightful homeland after Queen Elizabeth I ordered the eviction of the black Jacobites in 1596.

They have divided opinion among locals. Some have left offerings of Irn-Bru and shortbread, while others have branded them delusional.

They have camped in the woods for the past month after being shifted from nearby land owned by Scottish Borders Council.

The court action was brought after the group ignored a previous eviction notice, which instructed them to leave by 5pm on Monday.
A Texas hospital director stashed hidden cameras in bathrooms to spy on patients and staff, police said.

Robert Shrader, 41, was fired from his role at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center once the hospital became aware of his alleged wrongdoing.

The former hospital boss is also the subject of an $100 million class action lawsuit filed by thousands of alleged victims.

Investigators said the scheme was busted when maintenance workers found a camera in a bathroom on August 22. The workers then called the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, FOX 26 reported.

The camera was traced back to Shrader through its memory card which contained a video of Shrader installing it in the bathroom, investigators said.

Authorities say more than 300 images and videos were recovered from multiple hidden cameras.

At least seven people seen on the footage were identified as victims by police, resulting in Shrader being charged with seven counts of invasive visual recording. He was arrested last week and later posted bond.

The lawsuit filed on Thursday, however, claims that the thousands of people who used the bathrooms at the hospital while the cameras were in place were victims too.

Robert Shrader, 41, appears in court after being charged with seven counts invasive visual recording. Shrader worked at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and is accused of hiding cameras in bathrooms

A $100 million class action lawsuit filed against Shrader (pictured) and the hospital where he worked argues that thousands of people were likely recorded against their will

The attorney representing the plaintiffs, Anthony Buzbee, argues the sheer number of possible victims is why a class action lawsuit is warranted in this case.

'A disgusting member of management secretly installed camera in several public bathrooms at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center,' the lawsuit said.

'He did so to collect and later view images of unsuspecting individuals, both employees and otherwise, using the bathroom for his own sick pleasure,' it added.

The named plaintiffs include phlebotomists, lab staff, and a medical equipment contractor who claim they unknowingly used the bugged bathrooms.

The lawsuit also accused Memorial Hermann of negligence for failing to prevent Shrader from accessing the HVAC system, which is how police say he placed the cameras.

In a statement to KPRC, Memorial Hermann announced its intention to defend itself in court.

'We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter. The criminal conduct undertaken by the former employee occurred outside the scope of his employment, contrary to our policy and without our knowledge.'

In previous statement, the hospital system expressed disgust at Shrader's alleged crimes.

Pictured: An open slit in the ceiling tile shows where police say Shrader placed the hidden camera

A closeup view of where police discovered the hidden camera in one of the bathrooms

Memorial Hermann said it is defending itself against the class action lawsuit in a statement (Pictured: Memorial Hermann hospital campus in The Woodlands, Texas)

'We are shocked, deeply upset and offended by this individuals illegal and reprehensible behavior, which not only has affected our workforce, patients and the communities we serve at our Woodlands Campus, but also violated the trust placed in him and failed us all,' the statement read.

Shrader's defense attorney, Brian Folly, said in a statement to FOX 26 that his client 'has no criminal history of any kind and has had no opportunity to assert his innocence in court nor an opportunity for my office to review any alleged evidence of wrongdoing'.

Another lawsuit was filed by a nurse on September 5 against Shrader, not the hospital. The nurse is seeking $1 million in damages.

The complaint states she was 'likely recorded without her knowledge, as she regularly used the bathroom where the hidden camera was found'.

Shrader managed all the nurses on the medical surgical unit, including the plaintiff, identified by her initials in the lawsuit.

This complaint also included pictures of where the cameras were allegedly placed.

'This was an outrageous breach of trust and a traumatic violation of my clients privacy,' said sexual assault attorney Anna Greenberg, who represents the victim in the lawsuit.

'My client is coming forward not only to seek justice, but also to give a voice to all the victims whose dignity was taken from them.'

Daily Mail contacted Shrader for comment.
The backlash against FBI Director Kash Patel over the bungled search for Charlie Kirk's assassin has intensified as it emerged he went on an expletive-laden rant against his staff over the failures.

Patel came under fresh fire after it emerged that suspect Tyler Robinson had finally been arrested for the alleged murder of Kirk, 31, after being turned in by his own family.

Robinson's arrest Thursday night came after a 33-hour manhunt in which two other men were wrongfully detained.

The mix-up led Patel to incorrectly announce that investigators had someone in custody on Wednesday before he was forced to walk back his statements. It later emerged that he had prioritized dining at a swanky NYC restaurant during the most vital hours of the manhunt.

Robinson, 22, was only arrested after his father reportedly recognized him in surveillance footage.

Fox News's Laura Ingraham branded the calamitous search 'unreal'.

The blunder led Patel to instigate a blistering conference call with over 200 FBI personnel Thursday morning, warning his agents that he would no longer tolerate any more 'Mickey Mouse operations,' according to The New York Times.

On Saturday afternoon it appeared Patel was feeling the heat and tweeted how authorities were able to capture the alleged shooter within 33 hours of the incident with his 'bold strategy' praised.

Backlash toward FBI Director Kash Patel over the bungled search for Charlie Kirk's assassin intensified over the last few days

Patel appears to be feeling the heat and tweeted how authorities were able to capture the alleged shooter within 33 hours of the incident with his 'bold strategy' praised

Steve Bannon, a former Donald Trump Administration advisor, criticized his performance at the press conference on the investigation

'Against all law enforcement recommendations, we demanded the video footage and enhanced stills of the suspect be released to the public,' Patel explained.

'Robinsons father, who ultimately turned him in to authorities, told law enforcement that he recognized his son in that released video,' he wrote.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump waded into the debacle to defend Patel by re-sharing a post on Truth Social, which praised his decisive action during the probe.

But Chris Rufo, a conservative activist, said the faux pas should cause the Trump Administration to 'reassess' if Patel is right for the job.

'He performed terribly in the last few days,' he wrote on X. 'We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done.'

One law enforcement official described the 'horrific event' of Kirk's murder as a clear demonstration of Patels 'public inability to meet the moment as a leader,' according to NBC.

'It was amateur hour,' Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told HuffPost on Thursday.

'He was doing a running commentary,' he added. 'Historically, the FBI keeps its mouth closed until it believes it's the right time and the right message.'

Steve Bannon, a former Donald Trump Administration advisor, told The Hill that Patel's performance at the press conference was lacking.

'I don't know why Kash flew out there, you know, thousands of miles, to give us: "Hey, working partnerships and our great partnership in Utah." Okay, got that.'

President Donald Trump, on the other hand, seems to be supporting his FBI director.

He posted a link to a JustTheNews article on Truth Social, his social media platform, where experts praised Patel for his insistence on releasing the security footage.

Fox News' Laura Ingraham calling the fumble 'unreal' after it was revealed the FBI had incorrectly detained two men leading Patel to incorrectly announce the suspect was in custody

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday at Utah Valley University

Patel was allegedly dining at Rao's in New York City just hours after the shooting

FBI agents look at bushes during their frantic search for the shooter

White House Communication Director, Steven Cheung, told Fox News: 'Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication - especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him - simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship.'

Patel also took flak for dining at Rao's thousands of miles away from the crime scene while an active investigation was happening before butchering the details.

Hours after the killing, Patel took to X to announce that the 'subject' in Kirk's murder was finally 'in custody.'

In a post shared at 6:21pm, the director wrote: 'Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with the FBI.'

But just over an hour later - at 7:59pm - Patel walked back his earlier statement, announcing that the subject 'has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.'

Two sources with knowledge of his movements revealed that he was actually in New York City that evening, dining at Raos - the high-end Italian hotspot that opens at 7pm promptly, as reported by NBC News.

In the chaotic aftermath of the assassination, 71-year-old George Zinn was cuffed and hauled away by police at the scene.

While rumors instantly swirled that Zinn may have been the shooting suspect, authorities quickly announced this was not the case and the culprit was still at large.

Police seen taking in a man as a suspect, who was later released

Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, and former student at Utah State University, was arrested Thursday night following a tip-off from his family members.

The FBI told Daily Mail on Saturday: 'We will continue to be transparent with the American people with real-time updates as we are able.'

But the New York Times paints a far more chaotic picture behind the scene where Patel reportedly exploded at his staff during the conference call.

During the call, he allegedly 'lost it' on agents for bungling the investigation into Kirks killer, all while upending the probe himself by congratulating state and federal officials for wrongfully detaining a person as 'the subject for the horrific shooting.'

He slammed employees for failing to provide timely updates and specifically blamed agents in Salt Lake City, claiming the local FBI didnt show him a photo of the suspected killer for 12 hours.

But just weeks earlier, Patel had dismissed the head of the Salt Lake City FBI field office for reasons that remain unclear.

Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, admitted to feeling immense pressure to succeed and demonstrate their ability to lead a manhunt - a fear that, in the end, became a grim reality, according to the NYT.

These consecutive failures thrust Patel into hot water, fueling growing concerns about his ability to competently manage a case of such high-profile importance.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody on Thursday evening after a 33-hour manhunt

President Donald Trump, on the other hand, seems to be supporting his FBI director. He posted a link to a JustTheNews article on Truth Social, his social media platform, where experts praised Patel for his insistence on releasing the security footage

The confusion and public backtracking in the immediate hours after Kirks death came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by three former FBI agents against the FBI, the Department of Justice, the White House, and senior officials - including Patel.

In the lawsuit, the former agents alleged they were targeted for refusing to carry out controversial directives - including firing disfavored colleagues and compiling lists of individuals who had worked on Trump-related investigations, according to The Independent.

Brian Driscoll, who served as the FBI's acting director earlier this year, claimed that Patel suggested his superiors at the White House and DOJ, 'directed him to fire anyone who they identified as having worked on a criminal investigation against President Donald J. Trump.'

The lawsuit also portrayed Patel and his deputy, Bongino, as out of their depth, politically motivated, and so fixated on social media that 'it could risk outweighing more deliberate analyses of investigations,' the outlet reported.

Both Patel and Bongino allegedly told FBI officials that they should be 'posting more about their successful investigations and other "FBI wins" on social media,' according to the suit.
Tommy Robinson supporters called for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to be killed during a mass anti-migrant march in London on Saturday.

In an interview with former Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill, one protester was filmed saying: 'Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer.'

Coleshill disagreed, responding that Starmer should instead be put on trial and 'lawfully executed.'

Footage of the exchange, filmed among the 110,000 people who joined the march, has sparked widespread outrage online.

Social media users demanded the protester's immediate arrest, with one writing: 'A jail sentence is in the post for this chump!' Another added: 'Hope the Met get this man.'

The video surfaced as police confirmed nine arrests after Robinson supporters hurled missiles at officers in what is thought to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history.

It comes just days after American right-wing activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at an event at a university in Utah.

The 'Unite The Kingdom' march saw 110,000 anti-migrant activists march through central London today, with police reporting that they faced 'unacceptable violence' as they sought to control the crowds.

Tommy Robinson supporters have called for Keir Starmer to be assassinated during a huge anti-migrant march in London on Saturday

Tommy Robinson's supporters turned their anger on British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was the organiser of the Unite the Kingdom march in central London

Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed by a single bullet at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

The event, organised by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim activist Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, met at Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge before making its way to the southern end of Whitehall.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticised the Government for a 'rapidly increasing erosion of Britain' via a video call to the event in central London.

A counter-protest organised by group Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) formed at the other end of Whitehall with 5,000 in attendance, according to official Met Police figures.

The Met Police said it had faced 'significant aggression' from violent Unite The Kingdom protesters who they say assaulted officers and peppered them with missiles.

Speeches and music continued on the stage in Whitehall past the 6pm cut off time imposed by police.

Dozens of tributes have been spotted to Kirk following his death this week while speaking in Utah

A man holds a photograph of Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was shot dead in the US this week, during the Unite The Kingdom march

The interviewer, conspiracy theorist and former Conservative councillor William Coleshill (right), disagreed. He said Starmer should be tried before being 'lawfully executed', despite Britain not having the death penalty

Away from that crowd, a line of officers stood beneath a tunnel outside Embankment station, while men wearing St George's flags shouted 'w*****s' and spat down at them from one of the Golden Jubilee footbridges at around 6pm.

One man heckled through a megaphone and others could be heard shouting the same profanity at the police line below.

Through out the day swathes of pro-Robinson demonstrators turned out bedecked in Union Jacks and England flags, with many bearing pictures of Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist who was shot dead in Utah on Wednesday.

After crowds reached Whitehall, Laurence Fox told those gathered he was praying for Charlie Kirk and said a 'sword' should be taken to people shutting down free speech.

As violence broke out among Unite The Kingdom protesters, police officers faced 'significant aggression' and were seen struggling to keep activists from breaching their lines and gaining access to counter-protesters, who were all but surrounded.

Initially small scuffles between protesters and police broke out, with activists pushing and shoving, and officers seen drawing batons in response, before projectiles were thrown and officers assaulted.

The force struggled to contain the violence and by 4.30pm, had to send in urgent reinforcements to deal with Unite The Kingdom protesters, including mounted officers on horses.

The Met said its officers were 'attacked with projectiles and have had to use force to prevent their cordon being breached' after a group from Unite The Kingdom attempted to force their way through police lines towards counter protesters.

The men made the comments as they stood among the 110,000 activists who had taken to the streets to protest immigration. Pictured: Overhead footage shared by the Met Police showed groups of protesters attempting to force their way through police barriers

A man with a bloody eye is pushed back by police officers during the Unite The Kingdom march

A Met Police infographic showing the locations of the protesters and counter-protesters and the sites of disorder

The force later added that 'a number of officers have been assaulted' and it was having to 'intervene in multiple locations' to stop Unite The Kingdom protesters from reaching 'sterile areas' and counter-activists.

Just before 5pm, the Met said it had made nine arrests. A spokesperson said: 'The turnout for the 'Unite the Kingdom' protest was too big to fit into Whitehall.

'Protesters left the route onto Victoria Embankment and sought to access Whitehall from multiple directions.

'When officers moved in to stop them they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown.

'Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences. We will find them and they will face police action, even if it is not possible to do so today.

'Officers are continuing to face aggression in multiple locations, in particular at the north of Whitehall as they work to create a safe exit route for those who have been taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.'

A Met spokesperson said: 'We're aware of a video circulating on social media from the 'Unite the Kingdom' protest on Saturday, 13 September in central London.

'Officers are investigating and enquiries are ongoing to identify a man.

'No arrests have been made so far.

'Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
The militant union baron behind the tube strike that ground London to a halt has said that train drivers could walk out again - despite receiving a 3.4 per cent pay rise.

Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers' union (RMT), told BBC's Politics London that his union is prepared to strike again if TFL doesn't 'make serious progress' on 'fatigue and shift work'.

Mr Dempsey, who took over as the general secretary from Mick Lynch this year, said: 'We're always prepared to negotiate, and we're always prepared to strike.'

Pressed on when a potential further strike would take place, he added: 'Londoners can rest assured we will go to the negotiating table, and we will make every effort to find a reasonable solution to this dispute.

'And if we can't, our members will have to come through their democratic structures and decide what steps we take next.'

As part of their list of demands, the RMT is calling for a 32-hour working week for staff on the London Underground.

The RMT is calling for a move towards a 32-hour working week for staff on the London Underground.

A meeting between the RMT and TfL is scheduled for Wednesday.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey (above) said workers are 'always prepared to strike'

Passengers wait to enter London Liverpool Street station for Elizabeth line services this week

It comes after nearly all tube lines were shut down and tens of thousands of commuters were forced to taxi, walk or cycle around the capital between September 7 and 12.

During the first few days of the strike, bike collisions went up by a third, according to the London Ambulance Service.

Elsewhere, businesses in Canary Wharf and Westminster were hardest hit with footfall plummeting by 31 per cent in comparison to the previous week.

The travel mayhem also led to Post Malone and Coldplay rescheduling their concerts in the capital.

The industrial action is estimated to have cost the economy 230million.

When confronted with this staggering number, Mr Dempsey said: 'Well, look, we don't take any pleasure in causing disruption.

'I'm a Londoner. I love the city. But at the same time, we're unapologetic about fighting for our members.

'We're a democratic organisation. My members decide what they want, and then I'm supposed to go out and deliver that. It is tough on people and l get that.'

Cyclists pictured making their way to work in London this week during the Tube strike

Collisions involving bicycles saw a 44 per cent spike this week after an RMT union walkout from Sunday evening to Friday morning

Swarms of commuters were seen walking over London Bridge amid travel chaos

People queue for buses in Central London as the Tube strike caused travel misery

Citing an independent study by the University of Greenwich, Mr Dempsey said the shift work that tube drivers carry out has a 'very bad impact' on their health.

'You can lose up to ten years on your life,' he said. 'It leads to cardiovascular problems, and a lot of our members now are going into ill health before they get to retirement.

'How we can get better shifts is through reducing the working week. We work round the clock, 24/7, 364, days a year. So that's really important to our members, and we want to make some progress in that direction.

'We're not asking for an immediate drop. We're asking for a move towards us.

'We're prepared to negotiate reasonably. We're prepared to compromise. As I said, we've been discussing this since 2018.'

As negotiations rumble on, academics have been making a renewed case for driverless trains on all lines, mirroring the Docklands Light Railway which launched without drivers in 1987.

The Conservatives have backed driverless Tubes for years but the idea has faced staunch opposition from the powerful railway unions amid safety concerns.

Boris Johnson said back in 2020 when he was prime minister that driverless trains should be a condition of any future funding for Transport for London (TfL).

Passengers inside London Liverpool Street station as the Underground strike brought transport to a halt

Hundreds of people were seen queuing for the one bus near Euston due to the London Underground closure

Crowds queue for taxis outside King's Cross station following the closure of the Underground

Despairing commuters packing onto buses into the city which are extremely busy with workers

The picket line outside the closed gates at one of the entrances for the King's Cross St Pancras Underground station

Grant Shapps also told TfL to look into the feasibility of driverless trains in 2022 after the Department for Transport bailed out TfL during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But TfL believes such a project would cost billions of pounds to implement  including 20billion on just three of the oldest lines. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said last December that work to introduce driverless trains would 'not be progressed any further'.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research estimates the strike had a direct impact on the London economy of 230million and cost millions more indirectly.

Jawad Iqbal, former visiting senior fellow in the Institute of Global Affairs at the London School of Economics, told The Times: 'This reckless industrial action can only hasten public demands for driverless trains.'

He added: 'Automation would do wonders for economic productivity and would help bring an end to damaging disputes of this nature. No modern capital city should be held to ransom in this way.

'The RMT, a union dinosaur unable to adapt to a changing world, has only itself to blame. Its members will unfortunately pay the price in terms of their jobs in the long run. The public won't mourn their demise.'

The full interview with Mr Dempsey will air at 10am on BBC One in London on Sunday, September 14.
A wild donkey herd is being targeted by a series of brutal bow and arrow attacks at the hands of an unknown archer.

At least six burros have been wounded since June in Los Angeles' Riverside County.

The latest victim of these cruel attacks was two-year-old Cupid, nicknamed by staff at DonkeyLand, who sustained an arrow puncture to her lung.

Cupid was spotted stumbling alongside her herd with the weapon stuck in the side of her stomach.

Moreno Valley Animal Services and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services responded and captured Cupid so she could receive emergency treatment.

The young burro was sedated and underwent surgery to remove the arrow. The surgery was mostly successful, but a second is required on Monday to remove the arrow tip.

'It seems like a sport, that they want to go hunting maybe. And it's not like they kill them instantly,' Chad Cheatham, vice president of the rescue organization DonkeyLand, told the Los Angeles Times.

'Most of the residents, I'd say 99 percent of them, love the burros. They're part of the community.'

The latest victim in a recent trend of cruel attacks was two-year-old Cupid, nicknamed by staff at DonleyLand, who had an arrow puncture her lung

'Most of the residents, I'd say 99 percent of them, love the burros. They're part of the community,' Chad Cheatham, vice president of the rescue organization DonkeyLand, said

The alarming trend has local activists up in arms after at least six burros have been wounded by arrows in Riverside County

'The arrow actually passed through a small portion of her right lung and is very close to puncturing her left lung,' the organization posted.

'It is very painful for her as it is scraping against the underside of her shoulder blade every time she moves. A chip of bone that was dislodged from the arrow is also endangering her left lung.

DonkeyLand has been asking for donations to help the young burro with the medical expenses.

The organization have also offered a reward to the identification, arrest and conviction of the archer or archers, 'responsible for this horrible act of animal cruelty by deliberately shooting these innocent free-roaming wild burros.'

DonkeyLand is one of the nation's largest facilities for wild burros and donkeys, according to its website.

While the area is no stranger to wounded animals, officials and activists are growing concerned by the intentional nature of the attacks.

'A lot of these animals are wounded and if we can't get them to the hospital, they could get infected and they could suffer,' Cheatham said. 'So it's even more horrific to think about.'

The first was on June 14 when a grazing in Moreno Valley was shot in the side.

A second was discovered impaled with the same kind of arrow color and size, but from a different herd.

A third and fourth attack on two baby burros, between two and four months old, were shot with arrows, as well as a fifth baby boy burro, around seven to eight months old, was shot with an arrow and taken to hospital for treatment

DonkeyLand is one of the nation's largest facilities for wild burros and donkeys and are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the archer/archers shooting the burro

'It's just heartbreaking,' one resident said. 'They're gentle animals. There was no reason for this, for some cheap thrill.'

A third and fourth attack on two baby burros, between two and four months old, followed, as well as a fifth male burro, around seven to eight months old.

'We were unable to find the little foals. And several of the other ones, we tried unsuccessfully to catch and treat. It's difficult because they live in the wild. It's possible that they died,' Cheatham told the outlet.

But DonkeyLand and local residents remain vigilant for the attackers.

'A lot of people that we know bought houses specifically in this area because the burros were here,' Cheatham said.

'Everybodys being watchful, because when you think of the mind of somebody who does that, if they could hurt an animal, they could hurt a human.'

'Theyve been here for over 70 years and they roam between the canyons and theyre just so sweet,' Cheatham said of the burros. 'It baffles all of us as animal lovers. Who could do this?'
The miracle sole survivor of the Air India disaster is unlikely to ever return home to Britain because he is too frightened to board a plane, his family said last night.

Relatives of Leicester businessman Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, said he remained deeply traumatised by June's crash, which killed 260 people, and is having counselling in India.

Mr Ramesh's brother-in-law said he did not expect him to return to his home in London or the family home in Leicester. 'I think he will stay over there because he would be too frightened to get on a plane again,' he added.

Of the 241 on board who died when the Boeing 787 lost power and crashed seconds after leaving Ahmedabad for Gatwick, 52 were Britons. Another 19 people on the ground were killed.

Mr Ramesh managed to crawl from his seat, 11A, and escape the wreckage with cuts to his face and chest injuries. His brother Ajay, 35, was killed.

Mr Ramesh's wife Hiral and four-year-old son flew to India to help him to recuperate but have returned to the UK. She said he was still having 'treatment'.

It comes as:

Relatives of British victims whose remains were mixed up or 'lost' said they have been 'abandoned' by the Foreign Office and Indian authorities.

Bereaved families have launched a High Court action against Air India to force the release of maintenance records and pilots' medical and training files.

A US law firm claims electrical failure following a water leak may have caused the crash, not pilot error.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the British sole survivor of the horrific Air India crash, pictured in hospital after the tragedy

This photo shared on X by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) shows debris of a plane that crashed in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad

In a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the families of victims Ashok Patel, 74, and his wife Shobhana, 71; and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, who died with his husband Jamie, 45, have urged her to probe how the remains of their loved ones were mixed up or, in the case of Mr Greenlaw-Meek, 'completely lost'.

Mrs Patel's remains were returned to her family in a casket along with the remains of another victim.

India sent the wrong remains to the family of Mr Greenlaw-Meek, from London, and there are fears that his body will never be returned.

The two families say they have not received any apology for the blunders and have accused the Indian authorities and Foreign Office of 'a severe lack of communication'.

Letters from the families to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Foreign Secretary David Lammy have allegedly gone unanswered.

In their letter to Ms Cooper, the families say: 'Silence and a severe lack of communication force us to bring this to your attention. We feel abandoned.'

India's Air Accidents Investigation Branch revealed in an interim report that seconds after take-off the plane's fuel-control switches were moved to the 'cut-off' position, starving the engines.

One pilot was heard on the aircraft's voice recorder asking his co-pilot why he had cut off the fuel supply  only for him to reply that he had not done so.

Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, who died with his husband Jamie, 45. Fiongal's family have been in touch with Yvette Cooper

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British

Moments later  with not enough time for one of the engines to restart  the plane crashed into a medical hostel.

Mike Andrews, of US-based Beasley Allen Law Firm, claimed the crash could have been caused by an electrical failure after a water leak.

He said a month before the disaster, the US Federal Aviation Administration highlighted reports of water leaks on 787s 'due to improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment bays from above the floor in the main cabin'.

Mr Andrews said Mr Ramesh told of lights flickering, indicating an electrical issue. Boeing declined to comment.
Labour was on Saturday night accused of presiding over an epidemic in youth unemployment as the number of under-30s claiming out-of-work benefits hit a record 1.08 million.

More than 2,000 young people are signing on every day under Labour, with 66,000 more on the dole than before Sir Keir Starmer moved into Downing Street in July 2024.

The analysis, in a report by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), raises the prospect of young people being locked out of the workforce and relying on Britains burgeoning benefits culture.

This is despite the Chancellor promising to fix the foundations of the economy when she took office last year, calling economic growth a national mission.

Tory MPs claim Labours tax hikes are drying up opportunities for young people and driving youth unemployment  which has shot up to over 14 per cent.

Young people are more likely to be on lower incomes and in sectors such as hospitality, which have been hit the hardest by Labours rise in employers national insurance. In total, 150,000 jobs have been lost in just one year under Labour.

The rise of artificial intelligence is also a factor  the number of new entry-level jobs has fallen by nearly a third since the launch of AI tool ChatGPT in November 2022.

But the CSJs report points to a greater dependence on benefits among young people.

Labour has been accused of presiding over an epidemic in youth unemployment as the number of under-30s claiming out-of-work benefits hit a record 1.08 million. Pictured: Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Entry-level jobs, once done by young Britons, are now filled by low-skill migrants flooding the job market.

It recommended bosses be required to advertise roles to British workers first before recruiting from abroad.

And former Work and Pensions Secretary Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned in the report that young people are resorting to benefits because of the disincentive to work growing massively.

He wrote: We cannot allow another wasted generation to be trapped in dependence rather than independence and achievement.

The most recent official figures showed the number of all adults claiming Universal Credit has hit a record eight million. The benefit helps with living costs and is available to employed people on low incomes, but also those who are jobless or unable to work.

The number of people on benefits with no work requirements also ballooned to 3.7 million  up a million in just a year. It came as the BBC yesterday promoted a report which claimed people were missing out on 24 billion worth of unclaimed benefits and government handouts every year.

Radio 4s flagship Today programme raised the awareness, complexity and stigma of claiming benefits as a barrier to people getting even more. It suggested seven million households were missing out on extra financial help.

It welcomed progress being made by the Government in raising awareness to help more people claim benefits, despite the welfare bill being expected to hit 100 billion by 2030  about double the UKs defence budget.

The Prime Minister (pictured in August) was forced to scrap most of his planned welfare reforms in the face of a backbench revolt by Labour MPs earlier this year

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The Prime Minister was forced to scrap most of his planned welfare reforms in the face of a backbench revolt by Labour MPs earlier this year. In a humiliating climbdown, he ditched his plans  set to save 5 billion a year  and passed measures which some critics warn will only increase costs.

Lee Anderson, Reform UKs welfare spokesman, said young people were being left to rot. He said: This country has a proud tradition of being a nation of workers, but this Government is turning us into a nation of shirkers.

Shadow welfare secretary Helen Whately, said: Thanks to Labour, this epidemic of worklessness risks condemning a whole generation to life on benefits.

Labour said they would help young people get into work but theyre doing the opposite. Opportunities for young people are drying up. Labours cocktail of waste, welfare and worklessness is a disaster for Britain.

CSJ policy director Joe Shalam added: The Prime Minister is right that having a million jobless young people is a moral and economic disaster. But unless ministers grasp the nettle of welfare reform, Britain risks writing off a generation.

A Government spokesman said: For too long, too many young people have been denied skills, support and opportunities needed to succeed in work. Thats why were investing 45 million in the Youth Guarantee trailblazer, ensuring every young person is earning or learning.

This is alongside reforms to the welfare system, which tackle the perverse incentives that trap people out of work by rebalancing Universal Credit, as well as 3.8 billion for employment support and the expansion of mental health services.
Palace officials have been 'dismayed' by the fact that the Lord Mandelson furore has blown up on the eve of Donald Trump's State visit  with King Charles himself said to have complained that it was a 'distraction'.

Sir Keir Starmer's sacking of the Labour peer over his links to Jeffrey Epstein has not only left Britain without an ambassador to Washington at the crucial time, but has also shone an unwelcome spotlight on Prince Andrew's connections with the convicted paedophile.

Ahead of the US President's arrival on Tuesday, a diplomatic source said: 'The Palace has been grumbling about how unhelpful it all is. Charles regards it as an unwelcome distraction.'

As the Government put the finishing touches to preparations for the visit, Downing Street sources claimed that Lord Mandelson was 'economical with the truth' when questioned by the Prime Minister about his relationship with Epstein.

Sir Keir was reported to have put three questions to the peer after reading a file about him prepared by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team before his appointment as ambassador to the US.

Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's chief of staff, is said to have asked Lord Mandelson, on behalf of the PM, why he had continued his friendship with Epstein after the financier was convicted; why he had stayed at one of Epstein's houses when he was in jail'; and if he was a 'founding citizen' of an charity Epstein had backed.

The BBC reported that the peer had replied in a manner that was 'economical with the truth'.

Palace officials have been 'dismayed' by the fact that the Lord Mandelson furore has blown up on the eve of Donald Trump 's State visit. Pictured: King Charles and US President Donald Trump in 2019

Lord Mandelson was sacked by Keir Starmer as Britain's ambassador to the US over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

The holiday snap that triggered his downfall: Lord Mandelson in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with 'best pal' Epstein

In other developments on Saturday:

Sir Keir was battling to contain growing unrest in the Labour Party over his premiership after it was reported that he defended Lord Mandelson in the Commons more than 24 hours after the Government became aware of the contents of incendiary emails from the peer to Epstein.

Speculation grew that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could re-enter the Commons in a by-election in preparation to succeed Sir Keir as Prime Minister, prompting Reform UK's Nigel Farage to warn that Mr Burnham risked an 'epic battle'.

Sources claimed that growing tensions between Sir Keir and under-fire Mr McSweeney had spilled over into a row about the adviser's failure to 'protect' him.

Lord Mandelson was described as 'a bomb waiting to go off' by Labour MPs because he feels 'hung out to dry' by the PM.

It was revealed that because the peer was sacked from the 200,000-a-year job, rather than tendering his resignation, he could be in line for a six-figure taxpayer-funded payout.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch yesterday stepped up the pressure on Sir Keir by accusing him of 'lying to the whole country' about his knowledge of Lord Mandelson's involvement with Epstein.

She said the PM had 'very serious questions to answer' about who knew what and when over the affair and accused Sir Keir of misleading the Commons  a charge which, if proven, usually results in a minister's dismissal.
Prince Andrew could be 'destroyed' by a cache of more than 100 secret emails contained in the Epstein Files, The Mail on Sunday has been told.

Multiple well-placed sources have revealed that potentially 'incriminating' emails between the Duke of York and the convicted paedophile are contained in hundreds of thousands of documents currently being reviewed by the US Congress before they are made public.

One source said: 'If you think what's happened to Peter Mandelson is bad then you have no idea what will happen when the Andrew emails are released. They are embarrassing and incriminating and he could be destroyed.'

Lord Mandelson was fired as British ambassador to Washington last week after a string of embarrassing emails between himself and Epstein were released.

In one, 'Petie' urged the billionaire to fight back against his conviction for soliciting a child for prostitution.

David Boies, the high-powered lawyer who represented Andrew's accuser Virginia Giuffre, says he believes there is enough evidence to open a criminal investigation into the prince.

Andrew vehemently and consistently denied Ms Giuffre's claims that she was sex-trafficked to him by Epstein.

In 2022, the duke reached a reported 12 million civil settlement with Ms Giuffre  who committed suicide earlier this year  with no admission of guilt.

The well-known photograph showing the Duke of York next to Virginia Giuffre in 2001

The Epstein files are currently being reviewed by the US Congress before they are made public

Several embarrassing emails between Andrew and Epstein have already been revealed in legal papers over the years, including one in which the prince said: 'Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!'

That email, from February 2011, was unearthed in court documents from a case brought by the Financial Conduct Authority against Epstein's personal banker Jes Staley.

Legal documents said the email was sent 'by a member of the British Royal Family', which the BBC and others widely reported was Prince Andrew.

When Ms Giuffre, previously known as Virginia Roberts, first made claims against the duke he fired off an email to his close friend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was subsequently jailed for her role as a child sex trafficker for Epstein.

In the message, sent on January 3, 2015, he said: 'Let me know when we can talk. Got some specific questions to ask you about Virginia Roberts.'

Maxwell replied: 'Have some info. Call me when you have a moment.'

The MoS understands that there are 'at least' 100 emails involving Andrew contained within the Epstein files.

Some come from an account with Pipex, one of the UK's first commercial internet providers. That email address is listed alongside multiple phone numbers for the duke found in Epstein's infamous 'little black book'.

The Duke of York photographed walking through New York's Central Park with Jeffrey Epstein

Epstein pictured in New York with disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell in March 2005

Lord Mandelson in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with Jeffrey Epstein

Mandelson and a friend enjoy a boat ride together as guests of Epstein

Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' said Epstein was 'my best pal!'

Another source said: 'There are potentially incriminating emails between Andrew, Epstein and Maxwell which haven't come out yet. Andrew was in regular contact with Maxwell by email and Epstein used email to coordinate trafficking of his victims.

'If I were Andrew I'd be very worried. Look what the emails did to Mandelson.'

Meanwhile, Giuffre's lawyer Mr Boies told Piers Morgan on his YouTube show that 'there are between ten and 20 men that we have enough information on that should entail a serious prosecutorial investigation.'

When Mr Morgan asked, 'Is one of them Prince Andrew?', the lawyer replied: 'Yes.'

Urging Andrew to 'come clean', Mr Boies added: 'One of the things that has frustrated us is that in both the UK and the United States he was basically given a pass.'

Both Lord Mandelson and the Duke of York may be 'invited' to testify before the House Oversight Committee, the Congressional committee which is reviewing hundreds of thousands of Epstein-related documents.

A source said: 'As UK citizens, they cannot be subpoenaed to testify but they can be invited, which is a polite word for Congress demanding they appear. They can refuse to appear but it wouldn't be a good look for either of them.'

The Oversight Committee last week released Epstein's 50th birthday book which contained a ten-page tribute from Mandelson describing Epstein as his 'best pal' and showing the disgraced diplomat enjoying holidays on the paedophile's private island.

Andrew vehemently and consistently denied Ms Giuffre's claims that she was sex-trafficked to him by Epstein

Giuffre's lawyer David Boies (pictured) said 'there are between ten and 20 men that we have enough information on that should entail a serious prosecutorial investigation'

Democrat congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, who sits on the committee, said: 'We are currently working on a list of additional documents, witnesses and others associated with these crimes that the committee intends to move a vote for subpoenaing.'

She said anyone who contributed to Epstein's birthday book  which includes Lord Mandelson and former President Bill Clinton  'are likely to be called to explain their actions.'

Donald Trump has claimed a cartoon of a naked woman with his 'signature' as the pubic hair in the book is 'fake'.

Former US Attorney General Alexander Acosta, who negotiated Epstein's 2008 'sweetheart deal' which saw him spend just 13 months in jail after pleading guilty to just two charges of prostitution involving a minor, will appear before the committee on Friday.

British socialite Maxwell, 63, is currently serving 20 years in jail after being found guilty on child sex trafficking charges. She is due to appear before the committee next month.

Another member of the committee, Democratic Californian congressman Ro Khanna said: 'Rich and powerful men who covered for Epstein must be held accountable. Mandelson is an example. He's on the Left, so it's not political.'

A source said: 'Andrew is mistaken if he thinks this matter is going away.'
From all corners of the land they came, bearing flags and banners and pride  or was it rage  in their hearts.

Hard-Right activist Tommy Robinson and his supporters are definitely not everyone's cup of tea but it was they who gave the most vivid expression yet to the despair felt by many over the migration issue.

Not all among the 110,000 protesters who brought London to a standstill in his 'free speech' march and rally on Saturday would call themselves his disciples, of course.

Many were there, said one man, because 'patience with the migrant crisis has reached breaking point' and this was an opportunity to vent frustration. Enough is enough came the simple, commonly expressed refrain.

This was also a chance to express outrage over the assassination of influential MAGA cheerleader Charlie Kirk at a Utah campus last week.

The day began with blue skies and optimism but ended with bruise-coloured clouds, rain and fighting.

Despite fears of bloody fights with anti-racism protesters, Robinson's supporters mainly just scrapped with the police  or among themselves.

As evening approached, more than 100 officers on foot, wearing protective gear and backed up by dozens of police horses, clashed with demonstrators as bottles and pieces of wood were thrown at them.

Members of the public cross Westminster Bridge bound for Whitehall during the Unite The Kingdom rally in Central London on Saturday

Protesters wave Union Jack and St George's England flags during the 'Unite The Kingdom' rally on Westminster Bride by the Houses of Parliament

A man with a bloody eye is pushed back by police officers during the Unite The Kingdom march

What did the unsuspecting tourists in the capital make of it all? At 11am, an open-top double-decker crammed with folk from all over the globe shuddered to a halt near Waterloo Station. Blocking its path, a sea of flags and what seemed like a forest of tattooed legs.

'Welcome to England, 2025,' laughed the tour guide mordantly. Then, from the top deck, the bemused tourists, on a sightseeing tour of the capital, found themselves taking in the extraordinary sights, sounds and smells of what Robinson called, with wild exaggeration, the 'biggest demonstration in Britain's history'.

'Wow! There must be tens of thousands,' said Jessie, 72, a retired radiologist from New Jersey. 'It looks like they're preparing for a battle, like in medieval times.' In a way, they were.

Earlier Raphael, 27, a roofing contractor from Derby said: 'There must a million of us. We've travelled from all over the country. We're brothers in arms!'

Certainly, this was a predominantly male crowd. And an abundance of broken noses and gold teeth suggested many were veterans of battles of old. Perhaps some of the tourists thought they had chanced upon some good old British pageantry when they had earlier spied the Union Flags in the distance.

Some in the crowd would have you believe they had done. Just not of the pomp and circumstance variety. 'Look at this! Look at the flags! This is amazing  Britain at its best,' exclaimed a man draped in a cross of St George banner. Then he let off flares of red, white and blue. Scents of sulphur and marijuana were now sharp and sickly on the late-morning air.

A man waved a 'send them home' placard and swigged from a can of beer. And there were banners bearing slogans such as 'We want our country back' and 'Save our kids'. Three women who said they 'follow Tommy Robinson wherever he goes' showed off their red 'Make Britain Great Again' caps.

What they said next was drowned by an obscene chant about Prime Minister Keir Starmer that soon found wider favour, whereupon the driver of the stranded double-decker gave up and started reversing. 'What a day to pick to go sightseeing,' shouted Jessie.

A man holds a photograph of Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was shot dead in the US this week, during the Unite The Kingdom march

The day began with blue skies and optimism but ended with bruise-coloured clouds, rain and fighting

Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was the organiser of the Unite the Kingdom march in central London

A person with blood pouring from a head wound is attended to by police at the intersection of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square during the Unite the Kingdom march

A demonstrator stands on the head of the South Bank lion that sits on the side of the Westminster Bridge, during a Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally in London on September 13

A protester in a gas mask holds a Union Jack flag in front of a row of police officers in combat helmets

And what an advertisement for Britain. The Met deployed 1,600 officers  including teams from as far afield as Nottinghamshire  which as one protester observed 'must have cost a bloody fortune'.

It was now two hours before the march was due to begin and thuggish-looking protesters were swarming along the South Bank, home to some of the country's most celebrated cultural institutions.

Outside the National Theatre, a 30-something man from Exeter sniffed cocaine off the back of his hand, tattooed with a mermaid. His friend said proudly that they'd started drinking on the train at 6am. 'Hopefully we'll be able to keep going.'

Back on the front line, the crowds were waiting restively for the signal to begin the march on Whitehall. A framed photograph of Charlie Kirk was held aloft to cries of 'Charlie, Charlie, Charlie'.

A woman clutching the hand of a small child peeled away from the front of the crowd and, as if she'd let her comrades down, said apologetically: 'He needs a wee.'

It was now 1pm and time to move off. As they marched, an elderly gent leaning on a stick looked on and said: 'I don't have much time for this lot but they're right about Starmer  he's ruining this country.'

Turning on to Westminster Bridge, the protesters were treated to Edward Elgar's stirring masterpiece Nimrod courtesy of a ghetto blaster. As if they weren't fired up already.

A Met Police infographic showing the locations of the protesters and counter-protesters and the sites of disorder

Actor and activist Laurence Fox (left) pictured in the crowd at the Unite The Kingdom' march next to Tommy Robinson (right)

Stand Up To Racism organised a counter-rally with speeches at Russell Square before marching on Whitehall

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (right) criticised the Government for a 'rapidly increasing erosion of Britain' via a video call to the event in central London with the protest's organiser Tommy Robinson

Tesla CEO Elon Musk reposted this AI-generated image of protesters, complete with Paris' Arc de Triomphe, on his X platform

Scuffles break out between protesters supporting Tommy Robinson's Unite The Kingdom march and police in Westminster

Surveying the crowd at the protest, media commentator Katie Hopkins said: 'This is how your capital city should look on a daily basis'

By 2pm Whitehall was overflowing in anticipation of the speeches. First, though, a rousing rendition of Land Of Hope And Glory.

Then former actor turned political activist Laurence Fox took the stage. He said: 'I live in hope, and pray for Charlie Kirk. I pray for America and you wonderful people who have come here to support our nation. This is our home. We have nowhere else to go.

'We will defend it. We will not be defeated. We will be proud. We will honour those who came before us. I believe in you, and I believe in Tommy Robinson. The next generation is a golden generation. We must be united against those that wish to destroy it We must unite the kingdom. Freedom.'

Others offered similar exhortations. Petr Bystron, who represents the Alternative for Germany party in the Bundestag, told the rally: 'Your enemies are our enemies, your fight is our fight. We do not want our daughters, our sisters, getting raped. We do not want our brothers, our friends, getting stabbed when they are defending them.'

And then came the star turn, Tommy Robinson, but not before bare-chested members of the Destiny Church in New Zealand performed a traditional haka. Their leader, Brian Tamaki, told the crowds that 'Christian ethics' had been 'traded for secular humanism' which he said was 'Satan's tool'.

Robinson told supporters: 'Feel your strength, you are part of a tidal wave of patriotism that is sweeping across this country... Today, is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our moment. The traitors in Westminster right now, they are cowering, they are trembling. Keir Starmer, the revolution has started.

'We are sending shockwaves through the corridors of power.' Courtney Wright, 13, whose decision to wear a Union Jack dress to a culture day at Bilton School in Warwickshire caused massive controversy, joined Robinson on stage. Wearing the same dress she told the crowd: 'I want to talk about my culture, British culture, and why it is important to me.'

She praised Britain's 'courage and sacrifice' and its long history of 'Kings and Queens and William Shakespeare' and added: 'It can feel like being British does not count like a culture just because it is a majority. I think culture should be for everyone.'

A shirtless protester attends the Unite The Kingdom protest on Saturday while brandishing an England flag and a crucifix

Unite The Kingdom protesters threw flares and missiles at police officers who struggled to contain thecrowd

A person confronts police officers during the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march

Clashes between police and protesters break out after a crush near Westminster Bridge, with British Transport Police responding

Mounted police officers were deployed to maintain distance between the two groups of protesters

Protesters taking part in the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally are held back by police officers in central London

The Met said its officers had been attacked, with footage showing them responding with riot shields

Speaking via videolink, X owner Elon Musk told the crowd that there was something 'beautiful' about being British.

He added: 'There's so much violence on the Left, with our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week and people on the Left celebrating it openly.

'The Left is the party of murder and celebrating murder. I mean, let that sink in for a minute, that's who we're dealing with here.'

He said the British public were 'scared to exercise their free speech' and claimed that the BBC was 'complicit in the destruction of Britain'.

Inevitably fighting broke out soon afterwards with police reporting that nine people had been arrested as officers tried to stop the protesters moving away from their designated area in Whitehall.

The Met said: 'When officers moved in to stop them they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown.

'Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences. We will find them and they will face action.'
A forensic psychologist has raised 'serious questions' about the handwritten notes used to convict Lucy Letby of murder.

A report by Professor Gisli H Gudjonsson, who was instrumental in the freeing of the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six and is one of the world's leading experts on false confessions, says the nurse's infamous 'I am evil' notes were 'unreliable as evidence of a 'confession' or criminal intent'.

Detectives found dozens of Post-it notes and scraps of paper, including one that read: 'I killed them on purpose because I am not good enough to care for them.'

Another note said, 'I haven't done anything wrong'  but the seemingly incriminating notes were relied on by the prosecution in her conviction for the murder of seven newborns and the attempted murder of seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, given the absence of any forensic or CCTV evidence and the lack of a convincing motive.

Other experts have warned 'therapy notes' are designed for traumatised people to put the 'noise in their head' onto paper, so should not have been used as evidence against her.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission is reviewing an application by Letby's legal team, including the report by Professor Gudjonsson, emeritus professor of forensic psychology at King's College London, who has interviewed Letby twice.

Letby, 38, is serving 15 whole life sentences for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven others

While searching Ms Letby's home, the police found scraps of paper, containing the word HATE ringed in black, and the apparent confession: I AM EVIL I DID THIS

Letby's lawyer Mark McDonald said: 'Professor Gudjonsson is the world's leading expert on confession evidence, he has worked for the prosecution, the police and the defence and has been involved in overturning some of the worst cases of miscarriage of justice in the last three decades.

'It is now clear this was not a confession, it is wholly unreliable evidence and as Professor Gudjonsson says should never have been allowed before the jury.

'This alone, without the other 25 expert reports, should be enough to return this case back to the Court of Appeal.'
Met Police chiefs have blasted anti-migrant protesters after 26 officers were injured during a Tommy Robinson-organised rally believed to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history.

In total 25 arrests have been made so far, for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage - with more expected to follow.

Officers were kicked, punched and faced hurled bottles, flares and other projectiles, leaving them with injuries including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury, Met Police said.

'Unite The Kingdom' saw an estimated 150,000 people march through central London on Saturday, with police reporting that they faced 'unacceptable violence' as they sought to control the vast crowds.

Attendees at the event, organised by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim activist Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, met at Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge before making their way to the southern end of Whitehall.

A counter-protest organised by group Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) formed at the other end of Whitehall with 5,000 in attendance, according to official Met Police figures.

However, with the number of Unite The Kingdom protesters 'significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers,' police said, crowds began to back-up onto Westminster Bridge.

'A number of people turned off onto Victoria Embankment to get out of the crowds which was understandable,' a Met spokesperson said.

Met Police officers are seen separating crowds of protesters on Saturday afternooon

Clashes between police and protesters broke out after a crush near Westminster Bridge, with British Transport Police responding

The Met Police said they were forced to use force after Unite The Kingdom protesters attempted to breach the cordon separating them from counter-protesters

A man in a grey and black tracksuit top confronts police officers during the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march

Police officers scuffle with protesters at the Unite The Kingdom march

'However, we then saw large crowds ignore police directions, turning left up Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Craven Street in an effort to get into Whitehall, including into sterile areas and areas occupied by those taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.

'When officers intervened to block their path they were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were also thrown and concerted attempts to get past barriers were made.'

Police were forced to surrounded the counter-protesters to stop Unite The Kingdom activists from breaching their lines and clashing with Stand Up To Racism members.

The Met spokesperson added: 'Officers had to put on full protective equipment and in a number of places had to use shields.

'Horses and dogs were also used to keep the Unite the Kingdom protesters away from opposing groups.

'In addition to the violence directed at officers, we saw people scale fencing and scaffolding around Whitehall, climbing to height putting themselves and others in danger.'

Initially small scuffles between protesters and police broke out, with activists pushing and shoving, with officers seen drawing batons in response, before projectiles were thrown and officers assaulted.

The force struggled to contain the violence and by 4.30pm had to send in urgent reinforcements to deal with Unite The Kingdom protesters, including mounted officers on horses.

A Met Police infographic showing the locations of the protesters and counter-protesters and some of the sites of disorder

The rival groups of protesters were just metres apart at points during the day

A man with a bloody eye is pushed back by police officers during the Unite The Kingdom march

Police officers hold the line between Unite The Kingdom protesters and the 'serile zone' which separates them from counter-protesters

Protesters taking part in the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally are held back by police officers in central London

Tommy Robinson (right) seen carrying a banner alongside Katie Hopkins (centre) and former actor Laurence Fox (left)

Overhead footage shared by the Met Police showed groups of protesters attempting to force their way through police barriers

In Whitehall protesters were seen pushing and shoving with officers as speeches continued on stage

'In addition to the violence directed at officers, we saw people scale fencing and scaffolding around Whitehall, climbing to height putting themselves and others in danger,' the Met Police said. Pictured: a demonstrator stands on the head of the South Bank lion that sits on the side of the Westminster Bridge

Violence confrontations continued into the evening between police and Unite The Kingdom marchers as they moved towards Whitehall.

Away from the main crowd, a line of officers stood beneath a tunnel outside Embankment station, while men wearing St George's flags shouted 'w*****s" and spat down at them from one of the Golden Jubilee footbridges at around 6pm.

Objects including a traffic cone, bottles and pieces of wood were thrown at the line of officers as they started to push a group back towards Trafalgar Square and Northumberland Avenue at around 5.25pm.

Elsewhere, protesters carrying flags faced off against more than a hundred helmeted officers on foot, backed up by dozens of police horses, as authorities sought to shepherd protesters towards Embankment station.

Speeches and music continued on the stage in Whitehall past the 6pm cut-off time imposed by police.

Away from the main crowd, a line of officers stood beneath a tunnel outside Embankment station, while men wearing St George's flags shouted 'w*****s" and spat down at them from one of the Golden Jubilee footbridges at around 6pm.

One man heckled through a megaphone and others could be heard shouting the same profanity at the police line below.

Met Police assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: 'Officers went into today's operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.

Police officers confront the supporters of British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on X that 'the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation' but that those who assaulted police officers or took part in criminal activity 'will face the full force of the law'

London mayor Sadiq Khan thanked Met officers for policing the protest and described the violence against them as 'completely unacceptable'

'There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.

'They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.

'The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously  among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury,

'The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun  we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.

'I am hugely grateful to the officers who were deployed in central London today, to those on duty in all 32 boroughs responding to 999 calls and to the more than 500 colleagues from forces across England and Wales who stood alongside us in some very challenging circumstances.'
According to the Whitehall grapevine, it was the moment that growing tensions between the two most senior men in the British Government finally exploded into the open.

'You are supposed to protect me from things like this!' a furious Sir Keir Starmer is said to have bellowed at Morgan McSweeney, the man dubbed The Real Deputy Prime Minister.

'That's exactly what I was trying to do!' Mr McSweeney roared back.

The extraordinary exchange  relayed to The Mail on Sunday by a highly placed source  came after Sir Keir returned to No10 on Wednesday following his Commons mauling over Peter Mandelson's links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

No 10 denies the encounter took place as described  and even tried to deny that chief of staff Mr McSweeney was in the country at the time, before backtracking.

But what is not in question is that the Mandelson scandal has turned into a full-blown political crisis which could lead to the end of Starmer's premiership.

Despairing Labour MPs are looking to Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for salvation, with Lucy Powell running as his 'proxy' in the deputy leadership election.

Supporters hope Mr Burnham will return to the Commons in a by-election, making him eligible for a leadership bid.

Morgan McSweeney (left) and Sir Keir Starmer (right) leave 10 Downing Street in May 2025

Sir Keir Starmer pictured with Britain's ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson in February

Lord Mandelson in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with Jeffrey Epstein

Even the previously loyal Guardian newspaper has turned on Sir Keir, writing yesterday that 'an operation to dethrone Starmer is now under way'.

In lines which will have sent a chill down the Prime Minister's spine, the Left-wing paper wrote: 'The question being asked in the tea rooms and bars and corridors of Westminster is whether Starmer is up to the task of finding the solutions the country needs.

'And, increasingly, the conclusion reached among MPs is: "No"... the doubt has set in. Not just that Starmer has shown a lack of political judgment, ideological vision, or  especially when compared with the charisma of Nigel Farage  personality. But that he never had it in the first place.'

The newspaper said Cabinet ministers were part of 'below-the-radar operations to oust the Prime Minister', with some doubting he will even survive until May's local elections.

The seeds of this disaster were sown in November when Donald Trump won the US presidential election.

Until then there had not been a consensus in No 10 over who should succeed Karen Pierce as our Ambassador in Washington  but Trump's victory ended the argument.

One minister says: 'Morgan was adamant at that moment it had to be Peter. He said our priority had to be securing a trade deal with the US, and that as a former EU trade commissioner, Mandelson was the man to do it.'

Lord Mandelson and Mr McSweeney have long been close.

Labour MPs are looking to Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (pictured) for salvation

Lucy Powell (pictured) is said to be running as Burnham's 'proxy' in the deputy leadership election

The peer once said: 'I don't know who and how and when [McSweeney] was invented. But whoever was responsible... they will find their place in heaven'.

Mr McSweeney assured Sir Keir he could manage any potential 'issues' with Lord Mandelson's appointment.

Crucially, he also insisted on taking direct control of the recruitment process.

According to senior diplomatic sources, the Foreign Office was 'largely cut out of it all' as Mr McSweeney pushed for the appointment.

This also extended to Lord Mandelson's security vetting. According to a senior source: 'Because Mandelson wasn't a career civil servant, he did not go through the traditional vetting processes.

'Normally an ambassador will have had been subject to a detailed security assessment at the time of their appointment, and additional regular vetting every four or five years. But this didn't apply in this case.'

Instead, sources say the security services produced a single report on any potential issues raised by Lord Mandelson's appointment. After sharing information with their opposite numbers in the US State Department, a number of 'red flags' were raised.

'Officers had a number of concerns,' a security source revealed. 'Epstein was one, but there were also issues relating to some of Mandelson's business links with Russia and China.'

Lord Mandelson, who was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's Ambassador to the US, is pictured here with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in May 2025

Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell said Epstein was 'my best pal!'

The incoming Trump administration had wanted Ms Pierce to stay in post for at least another year  and are now lobbying No 10 for her to be sent back across the Atlantic for a second stint.

The US officials argued that if Ms Pierce was not going to have her tenure extended then the job should go to MI6 boss Sir Richard Moore who, a source said pointedly, 'could actually be trusted with sensitive material'.

However, in an echo of the so-called Dodgy Dossier which paved the way to war in Iraq, sources claim that the objections were watered down.

'The concerns about Mandelson were quite strong in the original version,' a senior government official revealed. 'But then the report was rewritten. It was deemed politically inconvenient to present the original to the Prime Minister.'

No 10 denies that the advice was 'sexed down'.

Soon after Lord Mandelson's appointment, Mr McSweeney began leaning more heavily on him for broader advice on how to manage international and domestic policy.

Inside the Foreign Office people began to call him 'The Real Foreign Secretary'. One official said at the time: 'Morgan is relying on Peter more and more. They're on the phone to each other on a weekly basis. And their conversations are much wider than how to manage Trump.'

That is presumed to be the reason why Mr McSweeney was so keen to hang on to Lord Mandelson, even his when his adoring, ten-page note in Epstein's 'birthday book' was released by US congressional panel.

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It is also thought to be why Mr McSweeney allowed the Prime Minister to say he had 'full confidence' in the ambassador in the Commons on Wednesday, a day after the Foreign Office had alerted them to the imminent release of explosive emails.

The Foreign Office was soon in full 'I told you so mode' with Mr McSweeney. Sir Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant in the department, assembled an ad hoc group of Whitehall experts in ethics, who drew up a list of questions to ask Lord Mandelson, including details of his last contact with Epstein. When no answer was forthcoming, Sir Olly communicated this to No 10.

This is the point when Mr McSweeney finally accepted that Lord Mandelson's position was untenable and said this to the PM  which is understood to have triggered the exchange we report

Mr McSweeney then fled No 10 to attend meetings in Brussels.

Lord Mandelson left an immediate legacy in the form of the newly reshuffled Cabinet. On the morning Angela Rayner resigned over failing to pay the full stamp duty bill for her seaside flat, Lord Mandelson was spotted entering No 10.

The official line was that it was just a scheduled meeting. But in truth he had arrived to help Mr McSweeney to plan the reshuffle.

According to one minister, it was Lord Mandelson who advised Mr McSweeney to move respected Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to chief whip, and replace him with Science Secretary Peter Kyle, a move that bemused much of Westminster.

The minister said: 'Kyle is one of Peter's friends and Mandelson was obsessed with locking down the trade deal with Trump, so he wanted one of his allies in post.'

Angela Rayner (pictured) resigned over failing to pay the full stamp duty bill for her seaside flat

According to one minister, it was Lord Mandelson who advised Mr McSweeney to move respected Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds (pictured) to chief whip

Sir Keir acquiesced to the move. But by now he was privately starting to lose patience with Mr McSweeney.

According to allies, he had been angered by the publication of a book about Labour's inner workings called Get In.

Mr McSweeney's friends had briefed the authors that he was the true architect of the election victory, and that Sir Keir was merely the figurehead of the campaign.

Sir Keir also felt Mr McSweeney had 'bounced' him into delivering a speech claiming Britain was becoming 'an island of strangers'.

He later publicly disowned it. As he agreed to the latest Mandelson/McSweeney initiative, the Prime Minister had little idea a new set of problems were only just beginning.

A No 10 source said the exchange between Sir Keir and Mr McSweeney had been 'fabricated' and that Mr McSweeney had not been in the country, before conceding that he had been in No 10 until he caught the 5pm Eurostar to Brussels.

The source added: 'They had one conversation about this and it was nothing like that. They don't talk to each other in that way.'
A memorial service for Charlie Kirk has been scheduled for next week at the home of the Arizona Cardinals, with President Donald Trump set to attend.

Turning Point USA, his organization, announced that his supporters will be able to pay their final respects on Sunday September 21 inside State Farm Stadium.

In a post to their social media pages, they invited his supporters to join in 'celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy' of the conservative activist.

The stadium, located in Glendale, has a fixed seating capacity of 63,400 which can be expanded to as much as 73,000 for larger events.

It has hosted three Super Bowls, the College National Championship, WrestleMania and is the annual host of the Fiesta Bowl.

It remains unclear at this time what private family funeral services will follow the largescale event.

President Trump said earlier this week that he was going to attend the service after addressing the nation following the death of Kirk.

Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking at a university event in Utah, after a single bullet struck him in the neck.

Supporters of Kirk, seen here, will be able to pay their final respects inside State Farm Stadium next weekend

In a post to their social media pages, they invited his supporters to join in 'celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy'

His wife Erika shared a series of images on Friday as she wept beside his casket in an intimate farewell to her late husband, who she shares two children with.

'Oh I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. God bless you,' she whispers through muffled sobs, her voice cracking as she weeps over his body.

The raw moment came after she delivered a defiant public speech from Kirk's own studio, vowing to continue his mission.

Erika promised to continue the political movement her husband started as she stood next to the empty chair once used by Kirk.

'Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,' she said. 'I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.'

Her comments came just hours after the man alleged to have shot and killed her husband was identified and arrested.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was turned over to officials in Utah after a 33-hour manhunt for the suspect in the assassination.

He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice.

His wife Erika shared a series of images on Friday as she wept beside his casket in an intimate farewell to her late husband, who she shares two children with

Robinson was turned into police overnight by his father and a minister in southern Utah

Authorities said he inscribed messages on bullets referring to internet culture and anti-fascist sentiments before firing the shot that killed Kirk on Wednesday.

Robinson was turned in to police by his father and a minister in southern Utah after images of a person of interest were shared by authorities.

Officials said he had become more political in recent years, and mentioned Kirk going to Utah Valley University.

Governor Spencer Cox added: 'In the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU.

'They talked about why they didnt like [Kirk] and the viewpoints that he had.'

Robinson is alleged to have said at dinner with family that 'Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate'.

FBI Director Kash Patel claimed the capture of the suspect was 'historic' - patting the bureau on the back for bringing the manhunt to an end.

Questions have started to arise however over Patel's leadership and the lack of leads they had before Robinson was luckily handed over.

Robinson lives in a $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah - about 260 miles south of Kirk's assassination site in Orem.

His family's social media show Robinson with his brothers enjoying vacations and sharing selfies, including some celebrating the alleged killer getting into college.

President Donald Trump said he now wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of Kirk, whom he described as the 'finest person'.
President Donald Trump issued his most explosive remarks yet following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, blaming the 'radical left' for obstructing national healing and explicitly calling for billionaire Democratic donor George Soros to be jailed under racketeering laws.

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he hopes the country can recover from the shock of Kirk's killing but swiftly shifted blame to political opponents.

'I'd like to see it [the nation] heal. But we're dealing with a radical left group of lunatics, and they don't play fair and they never did.'

The remarks come just days after 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly opened fire during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, killing the 31-year-old Kirk in what authorities are investigating as a politically motivated attack.

According to investigators, bullet casings found at the scene were etched with obscure fascist memes, video game references, and online slang deepening fears that political discourse online is turning deadly.

Officials say Robinson had no prior criminal history and was previously unaffiliated with any political party.

Public records indicate his last voter registration was in July 2021 with no party declared. But according to a relative, he had voiced strong criticism of Kirk at a family dinner shortly before the Utah Valley event.

Robinson now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.

President Donald Trump issued his most explosive remarks yet following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Trump blamed the 'radical left' for obstructing national healing and explicitly called for billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and 'radical left son' Alex to be jailed

Prosecutors have not announced whether they will pursue the death penalty despite Trump's insistence.

While the investigation into Robinson's motives remains ongoing, Trump wasted no time casting blame far beyond the shooter.

During a Friday appearance on Fox & Friends, Trump accused George Soros, the 95-year-old Hungarian-American philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations, of playing an indirect role in Kirk's death.

'We're going to look into Soros,' Trump said, suggesting he could face prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) - a law typically used to go after organized crime.

Pressed again on Saturday by NBC, Trump doubled down: 'He should be put in jail. He's a bad guy.'

His remarks echoed those posted on his Truth Social platform last month.

'George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America. We're not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to 'BREATHE,' and be FREE,' Trump wrote.

'Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we're watching you!'

The remarks come just days after 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly opened fire during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, killing 31-year-old Kirk

Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University, greeted by supporters and security personnel. This moment occurred minutes before the fatal shooting that ended his life

The incendiary rhetoric prompted a swift and firm rebuttal from Soros's organization, the Open Society Foundations.

'The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros and chaired by Alex Soros, do not support or fund violent protests. Allegations to the contrary are false, and the threats against our founder and chair are outrageous.

'Our mission is to advance human rights, justice, and democratic principles in the United States and around the world. We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest that are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy.'

Kirk's killing has sent shockwaves through conservative circles, with tributes pouring in from right-wing lawmakers and influencers.

But the aftermath has also sparked renewed debate about the dangerous temperature of political rhetoric on all sides.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, issued a plea for unity and restraint.

'Now is not the time for more finger-pointing. We need to ask ourselves what kind of political culture we are fostering and whether we're doing enough to prevent tragedy.'

But Trump showed no interest in dialing down his rhetoric.

Republicans have long accused Soros of funding violent demonstrations and riots

In 2023, Soros, 95, handed control over the philanthropic organization to his youngest son Alex. During the 2024 election, Alex supported and raised money for Trumps opponent Kamala Harris. The younger Soros is married to Hillary Clintons close aide Huma Abedin

Trump shared his throughts on George Soros late last month

Trump accused George Soros, the 95-year-old Hungarian-American philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations, of playing an indirect role in Kirk's death

People run after shots were fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

People attend a vigil in Provo, Utah after right-wing activist and commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of President Trump, was fatally shot

'They [the left] don't like what's been happening,' he told NBC. 'We've been winning very big.'

On Wednesday, in a somber video recorded from the Oval Office, Trump promised to hold not just the killer accountable, but 'each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity including the organizations that fund and support it.'

Trump's remarks also reflect a broader strategy duing his 2024 campaign when he painted a picture of a nation under siege by liberal elites, shadowy donors, and violent activists.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Tyler Robinsons alleged attack is continuing.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive, but sources familiar with the probe say digital evidence, including online posts, gaming chat logs, and Discord messages are being reviewed for signs of ideological radicalization.

So far, no evidence has emerged linking Robinson to any group funded by Soros or affiliated with the Open Society Foundations.
Romania became the latest NATO member state to report a drone incursion into its airspace Saturday, as Poland scrambled aircraft in response to fresh Russian drone strikes just over the border in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was deliberately expanding its drone operations and that the West needed to respond with tougher sanctions and closer defence cooperation.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said he was ready to impose major sanctions on Russia - just as soon as all NATO nations did the same thing and stopped buying Russian oil.

Romania's defence ministry said Saturday that the country's airspace had been breached by a drone during a Russian attack on infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine.

The country scrambled two F-16 fighter jets late on Saturday to monitor the situation following the strikes, said a defence ministry statement.

The jets 'detected a drone in national airspace' and tracked it until 'it disappeared from the radar' near the Romanian village of Chilia Veche, it added.

Also Saturday, Poland said it and its NATO allies had deployed helicopters and aircraft as Russian drones struck Ukraine not far from its border.

Romania became the latest NATO member state to report a drone incursion into its airspace Saturday, as Poland scrambled aircraft in response to fresh Russian drone strikes just over the border in Ukraine. Pictured: Pilots of the Romanian Air Force flying F-16 fighter jets in August

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was deliberately expanding its drone operations and that the West needed to respond with tougher sanctions and closer defence cooperation

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said he was ready to impose major sanctions on Russia - just as soon as all NATO nations did the same thing and stopped buying Russian oil

An auto repair shop building remains destroyed after a Russian drone attack on September 12, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine

Because of the drone threat, 'Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached their highest level of alert,' the country's military command posted in a statement on X.

Later Saturday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the high alert had been lifted, while cautioning: 'We remain vigilant.'

Poland and its fellow NATO countries have been on their guard since Warsaw said nearly 20 Russian drones entered its airspace overnight Tuesday to Wednesday.

While Russia denies targeting Poland, several European countries including France, Germany and Sweden have stepped up their support for defending Polish airspace in response.

'Today, Romania scrambled combat aircraft because of a Russian drone in its airspace,' said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

'Also today, Poland responded militarily to the threat of Russian attack drones,' which had also been active in different regions of Ukraine all day, he added.

The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air,' said Zelensky.

Later Saturday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the high alert had been lifted, while cautioning: 'We remain vigilant'

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike on September 12, 2025 in Sumy, Ukraine

The latest drone incursions were 'an obvious expansion of the war by Russia', he added.

What was required in response were fresh sanctions against Russia and a collective defence system, Zelensky argued.

'Do not wait for dozens of 'shaheds' and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions,' he warned, referring to the Iranian-designed Shahed drones Russia is using.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday expressed concern at the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace earlier in the week.

If it turned out to have been deliberate, 'then obviously it will be... highly escalatory,' he told reporters in Washington.

Trump's suggestion on Thursday that the incident might have happened by 'mistake', was quickly dismissed by Tusk.

On Saturday, Trump returned to the issue of sanctions against Russia, putting the ball back in the court of his NATO allies.

'I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,' he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Trump has repeatedly threatened sanctions against Russia without following through.

In Russia, an official reported that a Ukrainian drone had hit one of its largest oil refining complexes, 1,400 kilometres (870 miles) from the front line in Ukraine.

The drone had sparked a fire and caused minor damage at the complex, which belongs to Russian oil company Bashneft, and lies on the outskirts of the central Russian city of Ufa.

A source in Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency claimed responsibility for the attack.

Since Moscow launched its full-scale military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has responded with attacks on Russian refineries in an attempt to curb the Kremlin's ability to fund the conflict through its fossil fuel industry.
Nigel Farage has warned Andy Burnham that he risks humiliation if he tries to return to the Commons in a 'leadership by-election'  because Reform would turn it into an 'epic battle'.

The Manchester mayor is at the centre of increasing speculation that a local Labour MP could quit to allow Mr Burnham to fight the seat.

He could then return to Parliament in time for a leadership contest to succeed Sir Keir Starmer if the Peter Mandelson scandal proves to be the final straw for despairing Labour MPs.

But with Reform polling in second or first place in local seats, Mr Farage told The Mail on Sunday: 'It would be an epic battle that could leave Burnham humiliated. We would give it everything that we have.'

His remarks come after reports that Mr Burnham was laying the groundwork for a leadership bid. The mayor has launched a campaign group calling on Downing Street to introduce wealth taxes, the nationalisation of utility companies and an end to the two-child benefit cap.

Mr Burnham is also backing Lucy Powell in the deputy leadership race. Labour MPs say that if she beats Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the Starmerite candidate, then Mr Burnham would already have 'one foot in Downing Street'.

However, the threat posed by Reform is highlighted by the fact that Ms Powell's own seat, Manchester Central, would fall to Reform on current polling. Mr Burnham, who has been dubbed 'The King of the North', is the only Labour politician with a net positive approval rating  but is not a sitting MP.

Labour sources have said that one of Manchester's MPs, who is in ill health, is ready to step down to pave the way for him.

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is at the centre of increasing speculation that a local Labour MP could quit to allow him to fight the seat

But Nigel Farage has warned Andy Burnham that he risks humiliation if he tries to return to the Commons in a 'leadership by-election'

Local sources in the city say that they are sceptical the mayor would risk the move, given the local strength of Reform and the fact that he would have to surrender his plum job before entering the contest.

Mr Burnham, who is expected to criticise Sir Keir at Labour's annual party conference this month, has launched Mainstream, a network of members who are critical of the Prime Minister.

A spokesman for the group did not deny that it could become a leadership vessel for Mr Burnham modelled on Labour Together, a think-tank that helped win Sir Keir the leadership five years ago.

No 10 is becoming increasingly worried about Ms Powell winning the Deputy PM contest, and have been phoning Labour MPs to claim that 'Lucy would hand victory to Reform' and 'Lucy is Reform's dream target'.

Other MPs, including ministers, have told colleagues that they nominated Ms Phillipson only because they were told to  and that they now regret the decision.

Mr Burnham, who has already run to be leader of the party twice, has previously said he intends to see out his term as Manchester mayor until 2028.

He has launched several high-profile attacks on the Government in recent months, including on Sir Keir's welfare reforms, which were abandoned after a backlash from MPs. He has also called for a more 'pluralistic' approach by No 10 and a reset of relations with backbenchers.

His support of Ms Powell in the deputy leadership race, which was triggered by the resignation of Angela Rayner over an underpaid stamp duty bill, has led to speculation among MPs that she could swap jobs with Mr Burnham, running to replace him as mayor while he campaigns for her seat.

When Sir Keir was first elected, he promised to hold regular meetings with England's mayors, including Mr Burnham

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is also backing Lucy Powell (pictured) in the deputy leadership race

Ms Powell has used the same language as her mentor, calling for a 'change of culture' at No 10 to make it more inclusive, and said ministers have made too many 'unforced errors' that have driven MPs away from the leadership.

When Sir Keir was first elected, he promised to hold regular meetings with England's mayors, including Mr Burnham.

In their first meeting in Downing Street, four days after the General Election, the Prime Minister promised the new 'council of regions and nations' that they would meet 'regularly'. At the 'historic' meeting, Mr Burnham suggested that it would 'change the way the UK is run and give the North of England more of a say than ever'.

However, there have been no meetings since  adding to the perception that Sir Keir wants to keep Mr Burnham as far away from Westminster as possible.

One Labour source described the mayor as a 'political chameleon par excellence'.

He said: 'It's hard to pin Andy down  first he was a Blairite, then he was a Brownite, then he went to the Left in the 2010 leadership election, and then he went back the other way when he stood for leader against Jeremy Corbyn.

'I think he styles himself now as 'populist Left'. But when it comes to his position in leadership contests, the only consistent thing is that he hasn't won.'
A second misconduct investigation has been launched into the British chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Karim Khan KC, who is pursuing a war crimes case against Israel and is already under investigation over sexual misconduct claims, is now facing a separate probe into allegations he had inappropriate discussions with a judge in an earlier war crimes case.

The MoS understands that at least five officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been interviewed over the last two months by court investigators in The Hague.

Sources have said the investigation is examining claims that Mr Khan held secretive meetings with a judge about a case he was prosecuting before he unexpectedly withdrew the war crimes charges against the defendant. Last night Mr Khan strenuously denied these claims and he stated that the proceedings were dropped only on the recommendation of independent legal advice and was made with regard to his professional responsibilities to the court.

It comes after this newspaper revealed last year that a female colleague had accused Mr Khan of sexual misconduct, which he also denies.

The 55-year-old prosecutor controversially sought the arrests of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant in May 2024 - just two weeks after the woman made allegations against him.

An external investigation by a UN watchdog was launched six months later and is understood to be examining multiple allegations of sexual assault, including that Mr Khan performed non-consensual sex acts with her over an 11-month period during official trips to New York, Colombia, Chad and Paris.

Last month it emerged that a second woman had come forward to investigators accusing Mr Khan of sexual misconduct.

A second misconduct investigation has been launched into British chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan (pictured)

The 55-year-old prosecutor controversially sought the arrests of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) and former defence minister Yoav Gallant in May 2024

She told The Guardian that he subjected her to a 'constant onslaught' of sexual advances and repeatedly sought to pressure her into sexual activity.

Mr Khan, through his lawyers, has said it was 'categorically untrue that he has engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind'.

Now sources have told this newspaper that a second misconduct investigation into the barrister is underway and is being run by the court's investigatory body, the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM).

It centres on Mr Khan's alleged misconduct in the war crimes case brought in against Maxime Mokom, a former militia leader in the Central African Republic.

It is claimed that Mr Khan held talks about the evidence with one of the judges on the case, Rosario Aitala, and went to his office several times to have prohibited discussions.

It is alleged that this was done without the knowledge of the other judges and that it led to Mr Khan's surprise decision to withdraw the raft of war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Mokom in October 2023.

Lawyers for Mr Khan said that any suggestion that the prosecutor had unauthorised discussions with the judge was 'baseless' and that any allegation that the decision to withdraw the charges was based on these discussions was false. They also denied any suggestion that Mr Khan had had inappropriate or impermissible conversations with the Judge Aitala, and that no collusion had taken place.

Last night a source close to the investigation said: 'Khan withdrew the charges against Mokom after having several discussions with the judge.

Karim Khan KC, who is pursuing a war crimes case against Israel and is already under investigation over sexual misconduct claims, is now facing a separate probe into allegations he had inappropriate discussions with a judge in an earlier war crimes case

These discussions were not allowed and the other judges didn't know they were happening.

'Following these discussions, Khan withdrew the Mokom charges despite this being against the advice of many lawyers around him. The impact of that decision remains an issue for the court.' Mr Khan, however, has stated that it is false that the charges were dropped against the advice of other lawyers.

Another source at the court said: 'The IOM has spoken to a lot of people on this, and I think it's more of a challenge to the court than even the sexual misconduct allegations, because it's much broader and goes to the integrity of cases at the court.'

In 2018 the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Mokom, a former National Coordinator of Operations for the Anti-Balaka militia, over charges including murder, rape, extermination, deportation, torture, persecution, enforced disappearance and other inhumane acts.

After he was surrendered by Chad and brought to The Hague in March 2022, his charges were confirmed in January 2023 before being withdrawn by Mr Khan in October 2023.

At the time, Mr Khan cited a lack of evidence and admitted it would be 'unwelcome to many survivors and their families'.

Asked to comment on the new investigation, a spokesman for the court said: 'The Court cannot comment on an external independent investigation that has been decided by the Assembly [of State Parties] and this matter is under the authority of the Assembly.'

The court's current investigation into Mr Khan's alleged misconduct in the case came as the barrister has faced mounting scrutiny on another case.

The ICC's Appeals Chamber last month ordered him to step aside from the ongoing Venezuela investigation due to a conflict of interest. This is because a member of the legal team representing Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, is Mr Khan's sister-in-law.

Last night Mr Khan, through his lawyers, denied any wrongdoing and added that attempts have been made 'by various parties wrongly to discredit him and destroy his personal reputation through the media, as a direct consequence of his role in the issuing of the arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and in an attempt to interfere with those legal due processes'.

Neither investigation into the allegations made against Mr Khan has yet reached any conclusions.

Since this article was published, Mr Khan's representatives have contacted "The Mail on Sunday" and wish to state that:
The alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk 'lived with a transgender partner', it was claimed last night.

Father-of-two Kirk, 31, was gunned down on Wednesday as he answered a question about transgender gun violence in front of a 3,000-strong crowd at Utah Valley University.

Last night, multiple media outlets in the US claimed Tyler Robinson, 22, the student who was arrested over Kirk's murder, was living with a partner who was 'transitioning from male to female'.

The partner  who shared a three-bedroom apartment with Robinson in Utah  is said to be 'fully co-operating' with the FBI.

The room-mate is understood to have handed over text messages allegedly sent by Robinson after the killing, apparently saying where to retrieve the rifle used in the assassination after it was left in a wooded area.

A source told Fox News: 'The shooter was living with a transgender man who was transitioning from male to female.

'The status of their relationship isn't known. They were friends who enjoyed playing video games together.

'The transgender individual is co-operating fully with police and is not considered a suspect.'

The suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination has been identified as Tyler Robinson (pictured)

Kirk was fatally shot in the neck at his event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

The Daily Mail exclusively reported earlier on Saturday that Robinson was living with Lance Twiggs, 22, in a three-bedroom apartment.

It is unclear if Twiggs is the same person referenced in the reports and he has not been named in the affidavit.

His grandfather, Jerry Twiggs, told Daily Mail that he was unable to comment on rumors that he is trans and that there was a transgender motive to Kirk's murder.

'I dont want to comment on that. Im not sure what his situation is exactly right now,' he said, adding that he had never met Robinson.

Friends told Daily Mail that Robinson and Twiggs were part of a large group chat of gamer friends mostly from Robinsons alma mater, Pine View High School, hosted on online chat network Discord.

Robinsons alleged incriminating texts to Twiggs were also sent on Discord, according to the affidavit filed Friday.

Last night's developments came after Kirk's widow Erika, 36, delivered a tearful speech honoring him as 'the perfect husband and father'

The Daily Mail exclusively reported earlier on Saturday that Robinson was living with Lance Twiggs, seen here, in a three-bedroom apartment

Robinson was arrested late Thursday evening and is currently being held in custody

She addressed millions of people across the US in a live TV address on Friday night, saying: 'My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children.

'The evildoers responsible for my husband's assassination have no idea what they have done.

'You have no idea the fire you have ignited within his wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.'

In the UK, the Oxford Union said its incoming president, George Abaraonye, 20, will face disciplinary proceedings after he reportedly wrote in a WhatsApp chat with students: 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f***ing go.'
From the passionate preaching of Bishop Michael Curry, the lemon and elderflower wedding cake and the gospel choir's rendition of Stand By Me, Meghan and Harry's wedding flexed royal tradition in many ways.

And perhaps the most surprising departure from custom was the absence of Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, who was due to walk his daughter down the aisle.

In May 2018, shortly before Harry and Meghan tied the knot, the Daily Mail reported that Meghan pleaded with her father to walk her down the aisle after he apparently pulled out because of the fake photographs row.

Friends said the bride-to-be was distraught after troubled Thomas said he wanted to save her further embarrassment following reports that he colluded with a paparazzi photographer to stage a series of pictures in the run-up to the wedding.

The widely circulated paparazzi photographs showed him being measured for a wedding suit and looking at newspaper stories about his daughter.

In a last-minute change of plan, it was decided that Prince Charles would meet his future daughter-in-law halfway down the aisle as Meghan had always planned to walk in by herself.

It was reported that Meghan asked the Prince of Wales to take the place of her father after discussions with Harry.

Charles released a statement saying he was 'pleased to welcome her to the Royal Family in this way'.

Prince Harry looking at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for their wedding

Charles released a statement saying he was 'pleased to welcome her to the Royal Family in this way'. Pictured: The Prince of Wales walks Meghan Markle down the aisle for her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018

The Queen looks on at Meghan during the Sussexes's wedding at St George's Chapel

But not all members of the family were happy with this decision.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward wrote in her book, My Mother and I: 'The Queen was not comfortable with the Prince of Wales standing in for Meghan's father and was similarly concerned about 96-year-old Prince Philip walking down the aisle without a stick, having had a hip replacement only five weeks beforehand.'

Seward also claimed that Prince Philip regarded the Duchess of Sussex as 'the new Wallis Simpson', the American divorcee whom Edward VIII abdicated the throne for.

Charles, on the other hand, was reportedly more than happy to step in.

In a documentary, Harry described the moment he asked Charles to walk Meghan down the aisle.

He said that Charles told him: 'Yes, of course, Ill do whatever Meghan needs and Im here to support you.'

Writing in Queen of Our Times, author Robert Hardman said: 'Meghan's reply, according to one friend, was not quite what he was expecting.

'"Can we meet halfway?" Here was an indicator that this was no blushing bride, but a confident, independent woman determined to make a grand entrance on her own.'

In a documentary, Harry described the moment he asked Charles to walk Meghan down the aisle. He said that Charles told him: 'Yes, of course, Ill do whatever Meghan needs and Im here to support you'

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward wrote in her book, My Mother and I: 'The Queen was not comfortable with the Prince of Wales standing in for Meghan's father'

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward wrote in her book, My Mother and I:

According to royal expert and biographer, Duncan Larcombe, the possibility of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, walking her daughter down the aisle was 'discussed,' but ultimately they decided that Charles would be a better option.

'Doria and Meghan discussed it, but she just didn't feel she could go through with it.

'According to the guidance I've been given, Meghan felt that it would be too much to expect her mother to perform such an important role when more than one billion people are expected to be watching,' Larcombe told Harper's Bazaar UK.

Meghan wouldn't have been the first royal to be walked down the aisle by her mother.

Queen Victoria walked her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, down the aisle in 1885 and gave her daughter away at St Mildreds Church, Whippingham, on the Isle of Wight.

Doria was the only member of Meghan's family to attend the nuptials, with Thomas withdrawing due to 'health issues'. Meghan had a distant relationship with her half-siblings and they were not invited to the wedding.

Meghan was not the only young woman Charles walked down the aisle.

Two years before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding, he gave away Princess Diana's goddaughter, Alexandra Knatchbull.

According to royal expert and biographer, Duncan Larcombe, the possibility of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, walking her daughter down the aisle was 'discussed,' but ultimately they decided that Charles would be a better option

Charles and Camilla are pictured during the Sussexes's wedding

Doria Ragland and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle following the wedding of Harry and Meghan

Lady Alexandra is the daughter of the 3rd Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma and great-granddaughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, whom Charles later referred to as the 'grandfather I never had'.

At the time, there was much speculation as to why Alexandra's father, Earl Norton Louis Knatchbull, who is a cousin and close friend of Charles, could not walk her down the aisle at Romsey Abbey.

The answer given by Reverend Canon Tim Sledge was a straightforward one: 'he was simply not well enough', the vicar declared.

He added, referring to Prince Charles' offer to take on the role: 'What better than to have a family member give her away'.

Alexandra's family and the royal family have been intertwined for decades. So it was not, perhaps, such a surprise that Charles, who was best man at her father's wedding, would take on the role.

And it seems this wasn't the only thing the Queen was unhappy with on her grandson's wedding day.

Seward wrote that the Queen never voiced her true opinion - except to her very closest confidantes, such as Lady Elizabeth Anson.

The royal biography wrote: 'She told me that the Queen had made only one remark to her about Meghan and Harrys wedding, which was that the brides Givenchy wedding gown was "too white".

Doria was the only member of Meghan's family to attend the nuptials, with Thomas withdrawing due to 'health issues'

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave after attending the wedding ceremony

Meghan was apparently 'full of charm' and appeared 'natural, intelligent, and thoughtful' after she became engaged to Harry in 2017

'Those two words embraced everything she felt about the dramas in the run-up to the marriage and the Disneyesque spectacle of the day itself.

'Meghan had been married before and there she was, complete with the old-fashioned symbol of purity: the veil.

'Like everyone else, she was startled by the impassioned spoutings of the American Archbishop Michael Curry, who spoke for over fourteen minutes.

'Both the Queen and Prince Philip hate long sermons and were desperate for him to finish.'

Further details of the conflict between the Sussexes and the Firm were recently shared by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith in her Substack newsletter, Royals Extra.

Based on her conversations with Lady Elizabeth Anson, Bedell Smith claimed that the late Queen had her reservations about Meghan and was upset about how Harry spoke to her in the run-up to the royal wedding in 2018.

Meghan was apparently 'full of charm' and appeared 'natural, intelligent, and thoughtful' after she became engaged to Harry in 2017.

But as the wedding approached, Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried'.

According to Anson, Harry was rude to his grandmother during a meeting before the wedding, and the 'jury was out' as to whether Queen Elizabeth liked Harrys fiancee.

As the wedding approached, Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried'

Most recently, Bedell Smith shared in a podcast that the monarch was 'upset' at not being fully involved in Harry and Meghan's wedding plans in the months and weeks beforehand

Bedell Smith also shared that Harry 'blew' his relationship with his grandmother.

Most recently, Bedell Smith shared in a podcast that the monarch was 'upset' at not being fully involved in Harry and Meghan's wedding plans in the months and weeks beforehand.

This comes as Meghan said she 'couldn't be as vocal' while a working royal and wore clothes that were 'not very myself'.

While speaking to Bloomberg's Emily Chang over smashed burgers and pints of beer, Meghan is asked if there is an 'inherent tension' between 'trying to be relatable' while also being a Duchess.

Meghan and her father have reportedly not spoken since their relationship fractured around May 2018, shortly before her wedding to Harry.

Many observers hold onto a hope that the wounded relationship between the father and daughter will one day heal, despite the fact that he has never met his son-in-law or grandchildren.

It seems that the chain of events preceding the royal wedding put an irreparable dent in the relationship between Meghan and Thomas.
Before becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine were university sweethearts.

Prince William and Kate Middleton met while studying at St Andrew's University in Scotland in 2001.

After dating for five years, the couple split up briefly in 2007 amid rumours that Kate disapproved of William's party lifestyle and his reluctance to propose.

But it seems cupid's arrow was aquiver as Kate watched William graduate from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in April 2008.

Commenting on a video from the event, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail: 'Kates body language here is very relatable for any woman who has been young and in love.

'She displays all the non-verbal symptoms of a girl with something of a crush here and her very telling and spontaneous responses are a very long way from the more restrained and more regal, less openly emotional behaviours she adopted when she first joined the Royal Family officially.

'The gestures from her here are rewarding viewing because they provide a big hint and confirmation of the mutual and very deep levels of attraction between herself and William.

'They then waited more than a decade before relaxing enough to allow the public to see the depth of their feelings for each other in more recent appearances and especially in Kates cancer update video, which was like a visual love story encapsulation.

Kate Middleton, sat next to Lady Sarah Spencer, glances across to Prince William at his RAF graduation

It seems cupid's arrow was aquiver as Kate watched William graduate from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in April 2008

Commenting on a video from the event, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail: 'Kates body language here is very relatable for any woman who has been young and in love'

'The narrative that backs up Kates displays here is also fascinating because it would suggest that, as well as her obvious "crush" stage of love, she might well have also been experiencing some anxiety.'

This was not the first graduation that Kate had watched William take part in.

Kate was seen commenting on William's uniform during his passing out parade at Sandhurst in December 2006.

She attended the event with her parents, marking her first official public appearance at a Royal Family event.

Judi said: 'After their very painful but temporary split in 2007, Kate might have been worried about history repeating itself.

'Graduations are a time of change and reassessment in terms of the future and Kate, who is so obviously in love, might have been quietly hoping that William would be seeing a future with her in it now.

'This could be partly why Kates body language responses and behaviours here look so very much from the teenage playbook.

'Having gone through the split she must have felt less assured about taking their future together for granted and, thanks to the make-up, more like someone in the early and intense stages of a relationship again, despite having met William back in 2001.

'Her non-verbal rituals suggest a desire to act cool here but she fails massively and amusingly.

'Graduations are a time of change and reassessment in terms of the future and Kate, who is so obviously in love, might have been quietly hoping that William would be seeing a future with her in it now,' Judi said

The body language expert commented: 'Having gone through the split Kate must have felt less assured about taking their future together for granted and, thanks to the make-up, more like someone in the early and intense stages of a relationship again, despite having met William back in 2001'

William is pictured in his RAF uniform with his fellow servicemen

'With William sitting across the aisle with his fellow graduates Kate seems utterly unable to avoid trying to see him and to catch his eye.

'There are some subtle moves when she throws general glances around the room that would catch William in their sweep, and initially we can see her turning her head at a full 45-degree angle to try to catch Williams eye.

'But here Kate finally throws subtlety to the wind, making one defining move by leaning back and arching her back to look around behind Dianas sister in the next chair.

'This "Meercat" action is so similar to the behaviour of a young teenager spotting a boy she fancies at a party and Kate even follows the gesture up by turning to comment to her friend before flicking her hair about in a female "peacocking" display to get noticed and adding a perfectly flirty-looking smile aimed into mid-air.

'There is a small sigh from her and she raises her chin, again in what looks like an attempt to get Williams attention.

'There are some subtler glances around behind and in front of Dianas sister but then the classic teen behaviour of giggling and whispering with her friend, with both falling apart laughing at one point.

'Giggling and whispering are often excited teen responses to get attention from a guy they fancy and there is even some hand-to-mouth covering to add to the sense of secret comments.

'When Kate turns her face back though her expression is more the kind of demure look she adopted for so long as wife of the future king.

Kate stands with Diana's sister, Lady Sarah Spencer

Pictured: The guestlist for William's RAF Cranwell graduation which includes 'Miss K Middleton'

William is pictured in his RAF uniform in April 2008

William graduates from RAF Cranwell receiving his 'wings' from his father Prince Charles

'There was another huge "tell" in terms of her feelings though as she walked out of the ceremony side-by-side with William.

'While his smile looked like a very tempered version of "the look of love", in keeping with his understandable desire to suppress emotions in public, Kate is beaming so hard, with fully rounded cheeks and an intense eye and mouth smile, that she turns her head to her left, away from William and brings her hand up to her noticeably ring-less hand to her face to act as a cut-off or shield.

'This coy behaviour from both of them managed to make them look like a bride and groom here, seeming to pave the way for their engagement announcement in 2010.'

In September 2008, Buckingham Palace announced that William would begin train in to become a full-time pilot with the Royal Air Forces Search and Rescue Force (SARF).

Before ending his active service in 2013, he conducted 156 search and rescue operations, which resulted in 149 people being rescued.

In a full circle moment, William attended the Sovereigns Parade at RAF Cranwell last September, wearing his Wing Commanders Uniform for an officers graduation ceremony.

He delivered an address to the new officers on the parade ground, saying: 'We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.'

Charles and Camilla are pictured at the graduation

The Prince of Wales attends the Sovereign's Parade on behalf of Charles at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell on September 12, 2024

Speaking about his time at the RAF training base, he said: 'I am delighted to see so many family and friends here  I know their love and support will have been instrumental in getting you to this point.

'Whilst I didnt graduate on this exact Parade Ground, I did graduate from flying training here so I know something about the celebrations that will come later.'

Just as William followed in Charles' footsteps, Prince George, the Waleses' eldest child, has reportedly taken flying lessons, becoming the youngest member of the Royal Family to learn to fly.

William once described George as a 'potential pilot in the making,' meaning there may be a future in the RAF for the young prince.
Prince Harry's explosive memoir, Spare, laid bare a series of shocking accusations against the Royal Family, including a claim that he and Prince William urged their father not to marry Camilla.

One of the many shocking revelations involved an altercation between William, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle just weeks after the royal wedding.

William reportedly tore into Meghan after she insulted his wife during a meeting meant to 'relax the atmosphere' between them after the Sussexes' returned from their African honeymoon.

The Prince and Princess of Wales invited Harry and Meghan to their flat at Kensington Palace after a series of rows, including one where Kate Middleton was reportedly reduced to tears during a bridesmaid dress fitting for Princess Charlotte.

But the chat over tea and biscuits in June 2018 descended into another conflict because the Duchess of Sussex told Kate that she must have 'baby brain because of her hormones', according to Harry's bombshell memoir.

William then called Meghan 'rude' to her face and 'pointed a finger at her' and explained: 'These things are not done here'.

In an excerpt, Meghan then told William: 'If you don't mind, keep your finger out of my face'.

Defending his wife, Harry writes in his new book: 'Meg said that she had never intentionally done anything to offend Kate and that if she had, she begged her to let her know so she could avoid a reoccurrence'.

One of the many shocking revelations involved an altercation between Prince William, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle just weeks after the royal wedding

William reportedly tore into Meghan after she insulted his wife during a meeting meant to 'relax the atmosphere' between them, according to Harry

Harry's explosive memoir, Spare, laid bare a series of shocking accusations against the Royal Family, including a claim that he and William urged their father not to marry Camilla

In Spare, Harry describes arriving at their Kensington Palace flat and said that Meghans mouth was open because of the decor, priceless art on the walls, books and furniture, saying Wow repeatedly.

Harry said that they had been thinking to themselves that their neighbouring flat had Ikea lamps and furniture we'd recently bought on sale with Meg's credit card on sofa.com.

They then sat down for a cup of tea and biscuits where they asked after the Wales children, and they in turn they had asked about the Sussexes honeymoon.

Meghan decided to raise the question of their relationship and tensions going back to when she started dating Harry, suggesting there had been crossed wires when Kate thought Meghan wanted to use her connections in the fashion industry, when in fact she already had her own.

Meghan suggested that these problems had been magnified by the wedding preparations and the discussions over bridesmaid dresses.

Harry then claims that Kate became upset and demanded an apology from Meghan for offending her when she mentioned her hormones after giving birth and suggested it had affected her memory.

Meghan initially said she couldnt remember but then added: 'I remember: you had forgotten something and I said that it didnt matter, that it was because of pregnancy. Because you just had a child. Because of the hormones.'

Harry said Kate replied: We are not close enough for you to talk about my hormones'.

In Spare, Harry describes arriving at their Kensington Palace flat and said that Meghans mouth was open because of the decor, priceless art on the walls, books and furniture, saying Wow repeatedly

Meghan decided to raise the question of their relationship and tensions going back to when she started dating Harry, suggesting there had been crossed wires when Kate thought Meghan wanted to use her connections in the fashion industry, when in fact she already had her own

The Duchess of Sussex is then said to have declared that she had not wanted to offend Kate

Meghan then said she spoke to all her friends that way and then William weighed in, pointing at Meghan and saying it was rude and she was wrong to say it.

Meghan then told him to stop pointing in her face.

The Duchess of Sussex is then said to have declared that she had not wanted to offend Kate.

They all hugged and left, Harry said, because they thought it best to head home rather than row further.

One unnamed friend claimed Kate wanted to follow 'protocol', with the bridesmaids, including Charlotte, then three, wearing tights  but Meghan disagreed.

In his book Revenge, Tom Bower claimed unnamed sources told him Kate and Meghan disagreed over the length of Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress.

He also claimed Meghan's 'insistence' was 'supported' by bridesmaid Jessica Mulroney, adding: 'Some would say that Meghan compared Ivy [Mulroney's daughter] favourably against Charlotte'.

Early reports in 2018 claimed Meghan had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids' dresses.

Kate and Canadian fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney hold bridesmaids hands as they arrive for the wedding ceremony of Harry and Meghan at St George's Chapel

One unnamed friend claimed Kate wanted to follow 'protocol', with the bridesmaids, including Charlotte, then three, wearing tights  but Meghan disagreed

Bridesmaid dress-gate! How reports of Kate and Meghan arguing ahead of wedding unfolded May 2018 - Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot in St George's Chapel in Windsor The bridesmaids, including Jessica Mulroney's daughter Ivy and Princess Charlotte, have bare legs November 2018 - The Telegraph's royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote she had 'spoken to two separate sources who claim Kate was left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte'. May 2020 - Tatler reports the two argued over protocol around young bridesmaids' tights March 2021 - Meghan confirms there was a disagreement in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview but says the Duchess of Cambridge actually made her cry. Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Kate 'never wanted' reports of a rift to come out in the press and has found the situation 'mortifying' January 2023: Harry's memoirs reveals new rifts between the Sussexes and the Wales' Advertisement

The Duchess of Sussex later disagreed in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, claiming it was the other way around and adding: 'She (Kate) was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers'.

Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised.

'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me.

'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: "I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened".'

Using language in the book that appears designed to shock, Harry describes his brother as 'my Archnemesis'.

The detail about the fight between the women, however, gives the fullest account yet about how the bitter rift extended to their wives.

Meghan first discussed the row with Kate during her interview with Oprah Winfrey.

When Oprah asked if reports were true that she had made Kate cry, Meghan replied saying 'the reverse happened', adding: 'It made me cry and it really hurt my feelings. It was a really hard week of the wedding and she was upset about something but she owned it and she apologised.'

Harry revealed that the brothers had countless physical fights from childhood upwards.

One of the worst in recent years was over the way in which William shared his views on Meghan.

A source said: 'Harry doesn't hold back on William. He writes that William told him: "Meg is difficult, she's rude, she's abrasive. She's been rude to the staff."

'Harry says that William called him names, that he wanted Harry to agree with him but that he became enraged when Harry "had the audacity not to follow the script". William grabbed him by the collar, ripping his necklace and pushed him to the floor.'

Harry revealed that the brothers had countless physical fights from childhood upwards. One of the worst in recent years was over the way in which William shared his views on Meghan

A source said: 'Harry doesn't hold back on William. He writes that William told him: "Meg is difficult, she's rude, she's abrasive. She's been rude to the staff"'

After the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in 2021, Harry described a confrontation involving him and his brother.

Harry said that Charles stood between him and William and told them: 'Please, boys... don't make my final years a misery.'

In recent years, the rift between the brothers has appeared to grow stronger.

William is said to have rejected the invitation to meet Harry on his visit to London 'out of hand' earlier this month.

Last month Harry and Meghans new chief of communications, Meredith Maines, met with Tobyn Andreae, the Kings communications secretary, at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) a three-minute walk from Clarence House, the monarchs London residence.

It was not known whether it had been Charles or Harry who extended the olive branch, but insiders said the summit was the strongest sign yet of the determination on both sides to resolve the bitter House of Windsor feud.

In May, Harry had said he 'would love a reconciliation' as he did not know 'how much longer my father has'.

Despite the anticipated meeting, relations between Harry and the Prince of Wales are thought to remain frosty.

In a televised sit-down chat, Oprah Winfrey asked Meghan if reports were true that she had made Kate cry. Meghan replied saying 'the reverse happened'

The newspaper front pages on March 9, 2021, following Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview

A source said William felt his brother had 'repeatedly chosen public exposure over private resolution'

A separate source said William felt his brother had 'repeatedly chosen public exposure over private resolution' and expressed a determination not to be 'dragged into the headlines every time there's a new contract to promote'.

There was said to be an 'issue of trust' and perceived inability for Harry and Meghan to 'keep things private'.

In 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals, hopes were high within the firm that a halfway point could be found.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex claimed their decision to 'step back as "senior" members' was to become more financially independent and to enjoy more privacy from the prying eyes of the media.

But what followed was a slew of allegations against the monarchy.

In their March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the pair claimed they had suffered racism and that Meghan had even been left suicidal.

In 2022, they went on to accuse the palace of 'unconscious bias' before Harry's memoir Spare in early 2023 made a number of new claims.

King Charles is said to have been 'deeply saddened' by the allegations but has left the door open to reconciliation.
When Prince Harry flew into Britain on Monday from California, he came with two aims, but no promises.

One was to reset his relationship with his father, the other  which has received far less attention but is equally significant  to win back the hearts of the British public.

The smile on his face as he left suggests the prodigal prince, for one, believes he has made headway on both.

While there has been a strict omerta over what was discussed, it has been possible to glean some insight into what transpired. And, of course, what it may mean for the future of our Royal Family.

And although Harry's PR offensive this week has been months in the planning, it was never certain the meeting between father and son would even take place, I have been told.

Harry tends to come to the UK at this time each year for the WellChild Awards, a friend tells me. However, there is little doubt it would have been a PR disaster for him to return to Montecito without securing a fatherly face-to-face.

Notably the prince of petulance has dialled down his anti-Windsor rhetoric. I am also told word got back to Harry, 40, about how poorly his recent remarks to the BBC over his father's health had gone down at Buckingham Palace.

'Ironically I think it was a way of reaching out to his father, but in his frustration it was inelegantly said,' a friend concedes. 'The message was received and understood.' As a result it was battle-weary Harry who opened up his diary to the King's team.

Prince Harry arrives at the WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London

A time on Wednesday evening was eventually suggested, in between pre-arranged audiences and meetings at Clarence House while the King was back in London for cancer treatment.

Such was the level of secrecy around the meeting that, to minimise leaks, only a handful of people were told it was going ahead.

For many families, Harry's calculated betrayals  not to mention the weaponisation of race  would be unforgivable.

Indeed, many in royal circles remain adamant that regardless of what transpires, they will never welcome him back. One impeccably placed source goes so far as to tell me that Queen Elizabeth 'was left deeply hurt and confused by her beloved grandson's actions'. But the King is a Christian who can compartmentalise his feelings.

And while talk of reconciliation is still a long way off, I am told Wednesday's meeting has served as an 'icebreaker'.

What that means for Harry's relationship with his brother is more complex. Those I speak to are adamant William should not be criticised for cutting Harry loose, having borne the brunt of some of his most vitriolic attacks.

'It [the subject of Harry] isn't even something he discusses now,' says one source. Clearly this puts the King in a delicate position, not least because it is his relationship with his eldest son that has typically been on shakier ground.

But a source who knows them well tells me: 'The King knows better than to interfere between his sons. He will accept that William knows his own mind on this matter.'

So could we be witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in royal history? And is the idea of one even viable without William's support?

Insiders tell me it all depends on what Harry's endgame is. Does he want to build bridges with his family after being exhausted by anger or even remorse, or are his overtures motivated by money? Could he even be seeking a return to a hybrid royal role?

There's no doubt that Harry wants to be in a position to come back to the UK more, and to bring his children. He's said as much.

But sources tell me much of the talk about 'royal returns' has been 'wide of the mark' and few believe he will ever be offered the chance to serve again.

'His life is in California,' says a friend. What Harry does fervently hope, though, is that this week's charm offensive might encourage the British public to see him in a more 'positive' light.

His arrival in the UK was, unusually, trumpeted in advance. Harry duly smiled for the cameras, waving balloon swords, as well as (metaphorically) fistfuls of charity cash. Notably, there was no hint of his wife, who still can't quite resist regular digs at her in-laws.

Yesterday, Harry also made a surprise visit to Ukraine to highlight his work with injured servicemen. He visited the Superhumans Centre, a clinic in Lviv, which treats and rehabilitates wounded military personnel and civilians.

The jury's still out on whether all this will be enough to rescue him from popularity polls that see him barely hovering above Prince Andrew. But those close to him are convinced it's a start.

'What you have seen is a prince doing things he does well, things that he enjoys and that have some real substance to them. Combined with the opportunity to see his father, he's feeling pretty positive, all in all.'

Only time will tell whether that will ever translate into family harmony.
With its winding country lanes, small fishing boats and frequent rain showers, Salcombe feels a million miles from the Middle East.

But the sleepy Devon seaside town has undergone a property boom unprecedented outside the sunbaked Emirate, according to experts.

The town - nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea - experienced a perfect storm during Covid as thousands flocked out of cities and took the opportunity to work from home, putting pressure on an already expensive housing market.

During that time, local estate agents told the Daily Mail the town experienced a goldrush with some properties doubling in price in just a couple of years and buyers spending millions on homes without even viewing them while others arrived by helicopter to discreetly tour homes away from prying eyes.

In recent months the second home market has declined prompting some to claim the bubble has burst in Salcombe.

Blair Stewart from Strutt and Parker specialises in Prime Property Sales in Salcombe and South Hams says that isn't the case and describes what's happening as a 'market correction'.

He said: When Covid hit it turned everything on its head.

It was a feeding frenzy. I was doing 50% of my sales before the property ever hit the market.

Is the Salcombe property bubble finally popping?

For years, the sleepy Devon seaside town has undergone a property boom unprecedented outside the sunbaked Emirate, according to experts

It was a surge, a massive influx of new buyers and it became like a goldrush.

Everybody was trying to bail out of London and they came down here on holiday and woke up to how beautiful it is.

The market was already really strong for second homes and we saw a 25% price jump in 2020.

We had well-known people coming down by helicopter. I'd pick them up and drive them around to view places and nobody ever spotted them walking along the street.

I dont know anywhere else in the UK that experienced a situation like this, the nearest thing I can compare it to is the property buzz in Dubai when I worked there.

At one point Blair was selling properties for 2,000 per square foot - equivalent to prices in Knightsbridge.

He first noticed a slowdown in the market in 2023 when many businesses started asking their employees to return to the office.

Additional stamp duty, a double council tax levy introduced by the local council in April and a new rule in Salcombe that newly built homes must be sold as main residences also contributed to the slowdown.

At one point Blair Stewart was selling properties for 2,000 per square foot - equivalent to prices in Knightsbridge

He says the town - nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea - experienced a perfect storm during Covid

He said: I sold a 2million home because the owner had been told they have to go back to the office in London.

Some people came down with a Kirsty and Phil dream of living in the country but struggled with a 30 minute drive to the supermarket.

What we are getting here is a little bit of a return to normal.

Salcombe is still beautiful and popular. Buyers still pay a real premium for those amazing views as well as convenience and privacy.

The market is still going, there are just challenges. If there was a crash in the market none of these houses would have sold.

In 2023 and 2024 Salcombe was named the UKs most expensive seaside town, overtaking Sandbanks in Dorset, but lost the crown again in 2025.

In 2022 average house prices in the town were around 1.2million.

But visiting the Devon town this week, it was hard to miss the number of for sale signs currently posted.

Now though, it is a different story almost entirely

It is no longer rare to see a for sale sign outside one of the resorts' plush properties - but it is rare to see one sold

Charlie Heath, associate director at Marchant Pettit who is based in Salcombe, added: We had an extraordinary uplift in prices from 2020 to 2023, the equivalent normally wouldve been spread out over five to six years.

The vast majority of properties during Covid were going to sealed bids or best and final.

One property I valued in late 2019 was around 800k, I said put it on for 1m and sold for 1.4 in 2021.

Another went 1m over the guide price, theres lots of examples of the sheer madness of the time.

A new development of townhouses were all sold between 600,000 and 700,000, three years later they were sold for between 1.25m and 1.275m.

The current situation is certainly not a market crash, we had a very good start to the year.

It is primarily the additional property stamp duty surcharge - people accepted three per cent but five per cent is making people adjust what is offered.

The reality of Salcombe now is theres a gap between sellers and buyers - sellers are motivated to sell and will have the limit of what they can drop to and buyers have what they want to come up to and there is a gap at the minute. If theyre not selling to buy something else many are happy just to hold out for the price they want.

But we are getting good prices and are where we would probably expect to be if the last five years hadnt happened.

The holiday rentals sector was another area that benefited from the huge demand from families during Covid.

And while bookings have slowed to more normal levels, bosses insist Salcombe remains one of the countrys top holiday destinations.

James Spencer founded Pebbles, a holiday lettings company, in 2004 and is the largest employer in Salcombe.

He said: During Covid money was moving so quickly. As soon as lockdowns were lifted, bookings exploded.

We have never experienced anything like those two years when winters were as busy as the summers.

It has slowed and last year was tough for a lot of businesses here but this year has been much better.

The character of the place hasnt changed and this year Salcombe has this feel of a seaside family holiday destination as it did back in the 90s.

But locals insist the town is still thriving - especially during the summer - although now operating at its pre-Covid levels.

Tamsin Lafferty-Hall, 41, who owns Bojangles Gift shop and Salcombe Cruises said: The period around Covid was great for businesses here.

Our boat cruises were booked up three weeks in advance and we got some bad reviews because people were frustrated that everything was fully booked.

It was I think everybody did very well but there was always going to be a time when people could go abroad again.

You just had to make the most of it while it was happening.

I see a lot of properties on the market at the moment but I think thats due to the double council tax for second homes.

Salcombe gets a lot of bad press for being expensive but its one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Pam Williams, 72, who has lived in the area for 17 years, said: It has certainly been quieter the last couple of years.

I know a lot of second home owners who have been hit by double council tax and put their houses up for sale.

Things are still selling but not as quickly as a few years ago

The summers were always busy as well as Christmas and New Year when people come back.

I preferred the buzz when it was busy, people would come down on a Friday evening and go back on a Sunday.

But the parking situation was absolutely atrocious which makes it very difficult to just nip to the shops and get something.
That's a wrap on weekend trips out to New York's stunning East End.

Southampton has banned short-term rentals in a move meant to calm down the party scene in the village  where $20 sandwiches and goat yoga reign supreme.

The Hamptons are a hotspot for city professionals who often pool their money for a raucous weekend getaway to the ocean.

The tiny village took action after pampered locals complained that weekend ragers, especially an influx of wild bachelorette parties, were ruining the elevated, classy vibe. But, not everyone is happy.

The measure was passed 4-1 by the village board of trustees on August 19.

Now, there is a new two-week minimum for home rentals across the beachside locale.

That is meant to prevent weekend trips for anyone who cannot afford to rent a house for two weeks  which can run upwards of $10,000 a week.

Southampton mayor Bill Manger told the Daily Mail he saw the problem himself.

Southampton has banned short-term rentals in a move meant to calm down the party scene

Now, there is a new two-week minimum for home rentals across the beachside locale

While campaigning over the summer, Manger would door knock constituents only to be met with bachelorettes renting out the house.

'It's every weekend, it's a lot of bachelorette parties,' he said.

'These are people coming in and out, they have no interest in the community.'

Manger says village locals are thrilled to have the disruption removed, and he believes the summer of 2026 will see a much less intense party scene.

'It went into effect after Labor Day this year, so we haven't really seen the results of the law yet,' he told the Daily Mail.

Southampton is actually the last town in the area of neighboring communities on Long Island's South Fork to make the move.

Most of the Hamptons had already banned weekend rentals over similar complaints.

'It made sense,' said Manger.

Southampton mayor Bill Manger said he saw the problem himself over the summer

The Hamptons are a hotspot for city professionals who often pool their money for a weekend

Scarlett Johansson and her husband Colin Jost (left) own a summer estate in the area, as does Kelly Ripa (right)

Homeowners who try to skirt the law will be fined, and realtors can no longer search for weekend rentals for clients.

The new law covers the Southampton beach community, but not the wider township's other villages.

Paul Brennan, a Hamptons real estate broker with Douglas Elliman, said the lack of weekenders will finally free up traffic in the area.

'Because of the crowds it takes an hour to get from Bridgehampton to Southampton and that should be a 15 minute trip at most,' he said.

'You can't use the beaches, you can't go to the stores, you can't drive around. You become a prisoner of the house that you rented or own.

'After a while you start thinking to yourself: "Am I crazy that this is not enjoyable?"'

But local realtor Nate Grome says he has many clients who are upset because they are losing the chunk of income that comes from weekend rentals.

'I have clients and I know there are small businesses who feel differently than full-time locals,' he told the Daily Mail.

Southampton at dusk in the fall empties of vacationers and partiers who rent summer homes

Homeowners who try to skirt the law will face a fine

The Hamptons are known for their pristine beaches

Local realtor Nate Grome

'Restaurants, shops, farm stands, and some inns and cafes in the villages have told me they worry fewer short weekend visits in the off-season could mean slower foot traffic around events like the Hampton Film Festival.

'Its a balancing act  and I think the town should continue to listen to both sides to protect our quality of life while keeping the local economy vibrant year-round.'

This summer, rentals in the Hamptons were down 30 percent from one year before, William Raveis Real Estate reported in May.

Brokers said at the beginning of the summer that while some people may have been waiting for the best rental deals to come along, others were holding back due to wider concerns about economic stability.

Despite a potential hit to tourism in the area, Mayor Manger insists the ban is a good thing.

'It will contribute to the peace of the area,' he said.
The mystery of The Great Sphinx of Giza has puzzled Egyptologists for centuries.

Experts remain split over when the colossal limestone guardian, stretching 240ft in length and rising 66ft high, was built.

Mainstream Egyptology dates it back to Pharaoh Khafre's reign - known as the Old Kingdom - 4,500 years ago, around 2500 BCE.

But now a renowned American geologist has weighed in, suggesting it might be much, much older than previously thought.

Dr Robert Schoch, a Yale-trained academic, told the Daily Mail the towering structure could actually be as old as 10,000 BCE.

He claims the Sphinx and its weathered enclosure shows signs of heavy rainfall inconsistent with the dry climate the Sahara has known for 5,000 years.

He said: 'It's basically Geology 101, the Sphinx enclosure shows a rolling, undulating profile with deep vertical fissures at its base.

'Such erosion can only result from water coming from above, precipitation and flash floods flowing down from the plateau into the enclosure.'

The Great Sphinx is a colossal limestone statue of a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head, located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. Mainstream Egyptologists date it to Pharaoh Khafre's reign 4,500 years ago

Dr Schoch links the Sphinx's weathering to a cataclysm around 9700 BCE, when he believes a massive solar outburst ended the Ice Age, triggered global floods.

But he didn't always think that way.

In 1990, he joined independent Egyptologist John Anthony West on a trip to the site, which sits besides the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre.

There, he planned to debunk West's theories that the Sphinx is much older than previously believed.

'I thought that I was going to basically tell him that he was all wrong,' Dr Schoch said.

'That there was a simple explanation for what he was seeing, that the weathering and erosion he was attributing to water was not accurate.'

The rounded contours and deep vertical cracks Schoch found in the Mokattam Formation limestone surrounding the Great Sphinx

Instead, 'within 90 seconds' of inspecting the site, he said that he was convinced otherwise.

Now, he believes the cataclysmic event wiped out a forgotten civilization - one that first constructed the Sphinx.

He said: 'The ancient dynastic Egyptians talked about an earlier cycle of civilization that went back thousands of years.'

This primordial epoch - dubbed Zep Tepi or 'First Time' - is mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and dates between 2400 and 2300 BCE.

The forgotten civilization is also found in the Turin King List, a papyrus cataloging mythical pre-dynastic rulers that dates back to 1279 BCE, and describes a golden age when 'gods walked among men.'

Dr Schoch's original position was one of many mainstream scholars: the erosion was caused by wind or moving water that would have come from the Nile river flooding.

But now, he cites two points that made him reconsider his own position while on that trip to Egypt.

Dr Robert Schoch, a Yale-trained geologist, has been studying the Sphinx for more than 30 years, concluding it was built more than 12,000 years ago

First, he said: 'The Sphinx's erosion and weathering did not match the Sahara's arid conditions. They point to a much earlier, wetter climate.'

The second was the enclosure itself. It was a quarry-like depression carved from the Mokattam Formation limestone, which exhibited rounded contours and deep vertical cracks.

Both characteristics are hallmarks of precipitation, he said, not of horizontal abrasion.

Schoch explained that the flooding Nile 'would give a different type of erosional profile' than the one seen on the structure today.

His findings align more closely with the African Humid Period, between 14,500 and 5,000 years ago (around 12,000 to 3000 BCE).

At that time, the Sahara was a lush grassland nourished by monsoons, as shown by pollen found deep in the sediment of Chad's Lake Yoa and traces of ancient riverbeds throughout the region.

He believes the evidence lies in the erosion along the base, which he said was from excessive amounts of water that stemmed from a cataclysmic event that caused the ice age more than 11,000 years ago

This led Dr Schoch to believe the civilization under Khafre's reign actually repaired the Sphinx instead of building it.

He noted the Sphinx's head is currently much smaller than its body, suggesting the structure was re-carved at some point.

'The original head would have been very weathered and eroded, as is the body. And in dynastic times, circa 2500 BCE, the body of the Sphinx was heavily repaired by the dynastic Egyptians.

'I believe this ancient structure was considered highly sacred and important.

Dr Robert Schoch believes that the civilization during Khafre's reign repaired the Sphinx, noting that the head is much smaller than the body

'Evidence of repairs is still visible on the Sphinx's body, with blocks dating from the Old Kingdom, New Kingdom, Greco-Roman periods and even more recent times.

'The oldest repair blocks date to the Old Kingdom... which makes absolutely no sense [for the supposed 2500 BCE construction date].'

He explained that if the mainstream dating of the Sphinx is accurate, that would mean ancient Egyptians conducted repairs for even the smallest amount of erosion on the massive monument. Something he said was unlikely.

While Schoch's theory remains controversial, it has reignited interest in the Sphinx's true origins.

Mainstream Egyptologists, including Dr Zahi Hawass and Mark Lehner, continue to argue that the monument dates only as far back as Pharaoh Khafre's reign.

They contend that observed erosion can be explained by salt exfoliation and other natural processes, rather than rainfall.

Yet the debate underscores how much remains unknown about the Sphinx, its construction and the environment of ancient Egypt.

If Schoch's dating is correct, it could suggest that an advanced civilization existed thousands of years before Egypt's known pharaohs, potentially reshaping our understanding of human history.
Bizarre flying objects are usually considered a stateside phenomena.

But a remarkable shot shows one brazenly flying though the hills in the north of England  and experts are baffled.

The mysterious aerial entity was snapped outside of Shipton in Yorkshire by photographer and local man John Tunnah.

Eerily, the Yorkshire resident took about 10 or 12 photographs from his vantage point but the object only appeared in one of them.

Mr Tunnah said they were the 'first photos on an unfamiliar camera' that he had only just purchased.

He described the phenomenon as a probable 'UFO'  an unidentified flying object.

And it's remarkably similar to the classic UFO saucer shape depicted in popular culture, with a distinctive round and elongated shape.

'Why it was manoeuvring at low level over West Yorkshire was a mystery,' Mr Tunnah told the Daily Mail.

The bizarre saucer-shaped object was snapped with a Pentax Optio SVi camera by Yorkshire photographer John Tunnah

The photo, shared exclusively with the Daily Mail, was taken with a Pentax Optio SVi camera one Saturday morning, according to Mr Tunnah.

'I was travelling home with it when I noticed, behind the hills beyond Silsden, a perfectly formed arch of cloud  like a cloudy rainbow,' he said.

'I pulled in, intending to take photos. By the time I'd sorted the camera out the arch had broken up as per the photo, but I took a few shots anyway.

'That evening, I was playing with the camera and deleting shots I'd taken when I came across this one showing something on the far left.

'It didn't appear on any of the other photos I'd taken at the time.

'I'm not a "flying-saucer", or "alien visitation" freak, but whatever it was deserves the term UFO.'

Mr Tunnah, originally from Scotland, then showed the perplexing snap to some of his friends 'just out of interest'.

'They all tended to agree that it was "real", "solid" and appeared to be travelling at speed from the dissipating "arch" on the horizon,' he said.

The Yorkshireman's attention was drawn by a perfectly formed arch of cloud over the trees (centre) - and only later did he notice the saucer-shaped object on the left

What is the mystery object? The object is remarkably similar to the classic UFO saucer shape depicted in popular culture, with a distinctive round and elongated shape. John Tunnah, who took the picture, speculated that it could be a Skunk Works-type aircraft close to the horizon. Alternatively, it could be a fast-moving animal nearer the camera lens. Advertisement

'Various theories were put forward  such as "flying saucer" and very short lived cloud.'

The resident speculated that it could also be be a 'Skunk Works-type aircraft of previously unknown design'.

Skunk Works is the official pseudonym for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs (ADP), responsible for developing highly classified experimental aircraft.

Scott C. Waring, an author who runs the UFO Sightings Daily website, said many UFOs are captured on camera by accident like this.

[This is] mostly due to the digital camera eye being more perfect, seeing things we often don't notice, he told the Daily Mail.

The UFO is blurred because its moving so fast, but also because of its propulsion system creating a visual haze around it.

It may have come from the location in the trees in the distance where the clouds are rising from.

Nick Pope, a UFO expert formerly with the UK's Ministry of Defence, offered a number of explanations for Mr Tunnah's photo.

Most UFOs have been described as orb, round or sphere, but other reported shapes include polygon, triangle and 'Tic Tac', says the Pentagon

'When photos show an anomaly that wasn't seen at the time, I suspect either a glitch with the camera, or a fast-moving object like a bird or an insect, close to the lens,' Mr Pope told the Daily Mail.

But the US Department of Defense  otherwise known as the Pentagon  declined to comment on the image.

UFO stands for 'unidentified flying object' and so the term doesn't necessarily describe an object with an extraterrestrial origin.

But some of its characteristics adhere to common descriptions of what UFOs look like.

A Pentagon document published in 2023 revealed that the typical UFO has a round shape, usually spherical or an orb, with a white or silver colour.

Based on what it knows from reported sightings between 1996 and 2023, other UFO shapes include rectangle, oval, triangle, disk, cylinder, square and even polygon.

Meanwhile, 16 per cent have been described as having lights, although in many cases this may have been due to their reflective qualities.

The Pentagon also released a hotspot map that reveals the location of reported UFO sightings, including Japan and the Middle East.
Whether you're making a comforting stew or a mouthwatering curry, they are often the first ingredient you reach for.

But scientists say that you might have been cooking your onions wrong.

To get the truly deep, caramelised onions needed for many dishes, some recipes require upwards of 30 to 40 minutes of cooking.

But with a little scientific knowledge and one simple ingredient, you can more than half that time.

The secret comes down to controlling the speed of a chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for making food brown and delicious.

Since this reaction is dependent on pH, chefs can speed up or slow down the reaction as they need.

So in order to make onions brown faster, we need to increase their pH by adding something alkaline to the mix.

That's why just a pinch of baking soda is the key to unlocking delicious flavours in just a fraction of the time.

Browning onions is the first step of many great recipes, but scientists say you could be wasting time. With one unusual ingredient, you could make onions cook twice as fast (stock image)

Why does baking soda make onions brown faster?

When you drop onions into a hot pan, a whole range of chemical and physical reactions start happening all at once.

First, the water inside the onion's cells boils and vaporises, tearing the cells apart and releasing a burst of sugars, proteins, and other volatile chemicals.

As the heat rises, that mixture of chemicals starts to react and combine in a complex set of processes we recognise as cooking.

However, when chefs talk about caramelising onions, this is actually a bit misleading.

Caramelising happens when the long chains of carbohydrates in starch and complex sugars break down into shorter molecules like glucose and fructose.

Those simple sugars then combine into hundreds of different molecules to create the bitter-sweet flavours we find in cooked or burned sugars.

But the kind of browning chefs are interested in is actually another set of extremely complex interactions.

Adding one eighth to one quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda for every three onions will ensure that they become deeply browned in as little as 10 minutes (stock image)

How to brown onions twice as fast To speed up how fast onions brown, you need to control a series of chemical changes called the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction happens faster when the pH of food is higher. Since onions are naturally acidic, you need to add an alkaline ingredient. The best way to do this is to add a small amount of baking soda. Don't add too much, just an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon for every three onions will do. This should make your onions become deeply brown in around 10 minutes. Advertisement

While the sugars are breaking down into smaller pieces, heat from the pan is also breaking up complex proteins into amino acids - the basic building blocks of biology.

Professor Marianne Lund, a food chemist from the University of Copenhagen, told Daily Mail: 'This initiates a cascade of reactions called the Maillard reaction, which eventually leads to brown pigments, called melanoidins.'

In addition to making onions brown, this reaction also produces a host of volatile compounds which give roasted foods their distinct smell and taste.

This is the exact same reaction we find in the browning on a perfectly cooked steak or in the hearty crust on a loaf of bread.

Controlling how and when this reaction occurs is something that any cook does without realising, but we can get even more control using science.

Professor Lund says: 'The reactivity of the reactive sites on proteins is increased under alkaline conditions.'

That means the higher we make the pH, the faster the Maillard reaction will occur and the quicker onions will brown.

Since onions naturally have a slightly acidic pH of around five, adding something alkaline will drastically improve cooking speeds.

The Maillard reaction is the same process that makes the crust on a loaf of bread brown and delicious. It happens when proteins and sugars react in the presence of heat (stock image)

How to perfectly chop an onion Chop the onion in half as normal, peeling away the outer layers. Place one onion half on the chopping board, flat side down. Imagine a point below the centre of the onion, as far down as the onion half is tall. Angle your knife so that all your cuts aim at this point, rather than at the centre of the onion. That means tilting your knife slightly towards the chopping board on either side. The resulting pieces will be as consistent as mathematically possible. Advertisement

You don't want to add too much baking soda, but around an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon for every three onions will yield dramatic results.

With the pH adjusted, you should be able to achieve levels of browning that would normally take half an hour in around 10 minutes.

You'll also need to make sure there are plenty of raw materials for the Maillard reaction to use, including both proteins and sugars.

That's why adding some dairy protein-rich butter not only makes your food taste great but also helps it cook faster.

Why you shouldn't always add baking soda to your onions

Although adding baking soda will reduce the cook time, there is an important caveat to remember.

That is because the Maillard reaction isn't the only chemical process that is affected by increasing the pH.

Alkaline conditions also weaken pectin, the natural starch which gives stability to the cell walls of plants.

The only catch is that a higher pH will also break down the cell walls of the onions faster than normal. That won't be good if you want robust pieces of onion for recipes like French onion soup (stock image)

That means adding baking soda will lead to your onions breaking down a lot faster than normal.

If you're not careful, this can result in a deeply browned onion paste, more like an onion jam than the solid strands of caramelised onions you might find in French onion soup.

It may be perfect if you want your onions to dissolve into a sauce or spread evenly through a dish, but not great if you want onions with some bite.

So, you will still need to think about whether the time-saving benefits are worthwhile for the dish you have in mind.
Stephen King apologized for making critical comments and 'false claims' about Charlie Kirk on Friday.

The author, 77, sparked a backlash for making a comment on X, suggesting the late activist 'advocated stoning gays to death'.

Many social media users were horrified by King's post, which got 13 million views before he deleted it.

Apology: Stephen King has apologized for making critical comments and false claims about Charlie Kirk

Killed: The activist, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University

Apology: King deleted his post and apologized

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was among those who responding, writing: 'You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar. No, he did not.'

In response, King deleted his initial post and apologized for 'reading something on Twitter without fact-checking'.

'I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays,' King tweeted in response to the backlash before going on to add: 'What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages.'

The conservative political activist was fatally shot on Wednesday during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31.

Defense: Many rushed to Kirk's defense following King's post

Figures, including Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Dave Rubin, and Utah Senator Mike Lee, were also quick to rush to Kirk's defense in response to King's tweet.

'Stephen King is a sad, bitter man,' wrote Ingraham.

'Hey @StephenKing, you are more monstrous than any of the characters you ever came up with. Charlie was never anything but kind to me and my husband,' added the openly gay host of The Rubin Report.

Lee, a senator in the state where Kirk was killed, told his 600,000 followers: 'Please share if you agree that the estate of Charlie Kirk should sue Stephen King for defamation over this heinously false accusation. He's crossed a line. It will prove costly.'

Critical: Figures like Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Dave Rubin, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and Ted Cruz were quick to rush to Kirk's defense in response to King's tweet

'Evil': Cruz slammed the author for being a 'horrible, evil, twisted liar'

King, an outspoken Donald Trump critic, took. back his comments, framing them as a poor attempt at referencing Kirk and others' tendency to 'cherry-pick Biblical passages'.

'I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages,' he wrote on Friday morning.

King also responded to Cruz directly.

'The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes. This is what I get for reading something on Twitter w/o fact-checking. Won't happen again,' he wrote.

King claimed it was a demonstration of how some people 'cherry-pick' Bible passages

Outrage: Many social media users were outraged at the author's post

His initial tweet came in reply to a post from Ingraham's colleague Jesse Watters praising Kirk's legacy.

Following his first post and the controversy, King also shared a post by former President Barack Obama, who said of the shooting: 'This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.'

King concurred and commented: 'All correct.'

Among his tweets from Thursday, King also likened the shooter to the murderers convicted of the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

He said all three killers were 'cowards who shot from ambush'.

Violence: King also shared a post by former President Barack Obama, who said of the shooting: 'This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.' King concurred and commented: 'All correct'

Assassins: King also likened the shooter to the murderers convicted of the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr

Kirk, the influential founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was talking to a crowd at Utah Valley University amid his college speaking tour when he was shot and killed by a gunman.

Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, was taken into custody and is believed to be the shooter.
Anna Wintour has revealed what she really thought of The Devil Wears Prada, the iconic 2006 movie about the terrifying boss of a glossy magazine, which is widely believed to have been inspired by her.

The outgoing editor-in-chief of Vogue, who has presided over the publication for 37 years, described the movie, which centers on the editorial team at a fictional publication called Runway, as 'a fair shot'.

She told New Yorker editor David Remnick: 'Listen, it had a lot of humor to it. It had a lot of wit. They were all amazing. And, in the end, I thought it was a fair shot.'

Approved: Anna Wintour gave her verdict on the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada

Filming is now underway for the sequel, which will also reprise Meryl Streep - revered in the original movie as the intimidating fashion powerhouse Miranda Priestley.

It also stars Anne Hathaway in the role of meek but mighty Andy Sachs and Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton.

The hit flick is an adaption of a novel of the same name, penned by Anna's real-life former assistant Lauren Weisberger.

Throwback: Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway are pictured in the 2006 first movie as Emily Charlton and Andrea Sachs, employees of Meryl Streep's fearsome fashion editor Miranda Priestley

Speaking on the Radio Hour podcast, Anna, 75, recalled going to the premiere back in 2006.

She said: 'I went to the premiere wearing Prada, completely having no idea what the film was going to be about. And I think that the fashion industry was very sweetly concerned for me about the film, that it was going to paint me in some kind of difficult light'.

She agreed with the podcast host when he said the portrayal was 'cartoonish', adding that she saw it as 'a caricature' but found the film 'highly enjoyable'.

She also recalled a conversation with Prada boss Miuccia Prada - in which she acknowledged that the movie would do a lot of good for the high-end label - but didn't reveal what the designer said in return.

'And you can imagine what she said back,' Anna joked.

The fashion journalist has previously dodged answering questions about her view of the flick, which has now been made into a musical starring Vanessa Williams.

Passing the torch: It was announced earlier this year that Chloe Malle (pictured) will take over from Anna, who has been editor-in-chief since 1988.

Previously, Chloe, who is the daughter of Candice Bergen and the late director Louis Malle, was the head of Vogue.com.

A graduate of Brown University, she first joined the publication in 2011 and has steadily risen through the ranks.

In 2023, she was named an editor at the magazine, and she also co-hosts The Run-Through with Vogue podcast.

Her editorial portfolio includes high-profile interviews with a range of public figures.

The appointment comes just a few months after Anna announced in June that she would be stepping down from her longstanding role as head of editorial content at the famed fashion magazine.

Anna will continue to hold her position as Conde Nast's global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, and the new head of editorial content will report to her.

As chief content officer, Anna oversees every brand globally, including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appetit, Tatler, World of Interiors and Allure - among others.
WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES WHICH MAY UPSET SOME READERS.

A shhh! ripples through the crowd as the boy wonder comes to a halt and raises his sword to eye level.

His rhinestone-encrusted costume shimmers under the Spanish sun as he points the blade towards the exhausted bull standing just a few yards away.

For the thousands of bloodthirsty fans who have packed out this bullring in Andalucia, the birthplace of modern bullfighting, this is the moment theyve been waiting for.

You can almost hear a pin drop before finally, after taunting his prey for over 15 minutes, the baby-faced teen lets out a roar and charges forward, stabbing the panicked animal square between the shoulders, aiming for his heart.

The spectators gasp and erupt in cheers before waving their white handkerchiefs in approval of his kill shot (escotada), in scenes that wouldnt look out of place at Rome's ancient Colosseum.

Then the teen waves the bulls ear to the crowds during a bizarre victory lap.

When he is finally satiated with his adoration, he gives the crowd what they are lusting for and tosses the piece of flesh into the sea of people, who cause a crush to capture it.

Daring: The goal is to be as daring as possible, with extra points awarded for danger and bravery, but also performance

Competition: Meet the Spanish teens competing to be the best bull killers in the world

'Winner': This is Manuel Real Realito, a rapidly rising star who was declared the winner of this years Grand Final, held in Lucena, Cordoba

This is the Circuit of the Becerredas, where teenage matadors-in-training, aka 'becerristas', fight to make a name for themselves in the hopes of reaching the big leagues of bullfighting.

The aforementioned apprentice is Manuel Real Realito, a rapidly rising star who was declared the winner of this years Grand Final, held in Lucena, Cordoba, on September 7.

The boy, reported to be just 16, was awarded two ears and a tail - a rare honour reserved for the finest of performances.

Fight: Manuel and his friends compete on the Circuit of the Becerredas, where teenage matadors-in-training, aka 'becerristas', fight to make a name for themselves

Exclusive video footage taken by the Daily Mail shows the youngster parading the body parts around the ring, while fans throw scarves and other trinkets for him to kiss and launch back up.

During his victory lap, a young female fan serenaded him from the pews with a flamenco song about the love of bullfighting, while followers unfurled banners bearing his name and photo.

There was no doubt that the teen, donning a baby blue trajes de luces (suit of lights), with gold embroidered detail, performed the most daring of maneuvers.

He began his fight by sitting on a wooden chair while goading the bull, increasing his chances of being hit, but proving a massive crowdpleaser.

While performing his passes (when the bull runs into his cape), he came the closest to the horns without being struck - unlike two of his competitors, who were bucked into the air and trampled, although fortunately, sustained no serious injuries.

Danger: The risk of getting into the ring with these dangerous animals is of course great

Rewards: But the potential rewards including lucrative paydays and international as well as local acclaim are greater

Manuel, who was awarded a total of 47 points by the judges, told the crowd ahead of the prize ceremony: I am euphoric Im without words, I cant describe what Im feeling.

As is tradition for winning two ears, he was carried out of the bullring on the shoulders of spectators, before being mobbed by adoring fans.

He would wow crowds again just days later at an event in Toledo, where he was also awarded two ears and carried out of the big gate (Puerta Grande) on shoulders.

Popular: Despite its international reputation as a callous bloodsport, bullfighting continues to thrive in Spain

He produced a performance unbecoming of his age - of sublime artistry and exceptional bullfighting, one local newspaper gushed over his win in Cordoba, branding him explosive, and praising his accurate sword thrust on the second attempt'.

The rising star trains at a bullfighting school (Escuela Taurina) in Camas, on the outskirts of the city of Sevilla.

He was followed on the podium by Pablo Sanchez, from the Almeria bullfighting school, on 34.5 points (one ear), and Rojeli Pajuelo, from the Ubrique bullfighting school, on 33 points (no ears).

Manuel later said in an Instagram post that showed him gleefully holding the bulls tail: Lucena, I will never forget you, you were very special.

The six finalists had been whittled down from 30 competitors over a series of previous rounds.

They each came from different bullfighting academies across the southernmost region of Andalucia, where this bloodsport remains popular - and where it is finding new young fans.

That, locals told the Daily Mail, is thanks to the charismatic up-and-coming fighters, who have won over supporters on social media.

Additionally, among the right-wing youth, it is becoming increasingly popular to associate oneself with symbols of traditional Spain.

Its making a bit of a comeback with young people because there are some inspiring fighters, Juan Ruiz, 74, said.

Asked what he thought of activists calling for the end of the blood sport, he added: If I told you what I really think, you wouldnt be able to print it.

Ive been coming to bullfights since I was a kid and I turned out fine, this industry brings hundreds of millions of euros to the economy, a lot of jobs rely on it.

And if there was no bullfighting, this breed of bull would simply cease to exist.

Tradition: Among the right-wing youth, it is becoming increasingly popular to associate oneself with symbols of traditional Spain

Divisive: However, the sport attracts a lot of criticism

Their 'moment': But this matters little to the teenage boys who enter the ring as they have trained for years for their moment to 'shine'

He added: If you dont like something, dont go, no one is forcing you, but respect the culture and traditions of the people that do.

Sharing his view is the Mayor of Lucena, Aurelio Garcia, who vowed to hold the Becerradas event next year.

Were very happy to have enjoyed another year of this event, he told the crowd, and we WILL hold it again next year!

Age groups: Most becerristas are typically aged between 16 and 18 which is considered old enough to kill an animal in Spain

Fearless: They must climb the ranks and prove themselves fearless performers, adept at killing bulls while entertaining a crowd

Most becerristas, who are typically aged between 16 and 18, dream of following in the footsteps of legendary matadors like Andres Roca Rey, who has become a multi-millionaire by raking in up to $469,000 per fight.

The 28-year-old travels the world as a professional fighter, staying at five-star hotels and taking out yachts while rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities.

Matadors can also become influential figures, often meeting high-ranking politicians while performing at dozens of ferias throughout Spain and the world each year.

But the becerristas have a long way to go. They must climb the ranks and prove themselves fearless performers, adept at killing bulls while entertaining a crowd.

The youngsters will never be paid for fights, in fact, many will pay to compete for the exposure and experience.

If they are good enough, they will become novilleros and fight slightly bigger bulls in the league of the Novilladas.

Still, they will very rarely be paid, unless they are exceptionally gifted and achieve a high level of notoriety.

No payment: The youngsters will never be paid for fights, in fact, many will pay to compete for the exposure and experience

Dream: Many dream of following in the footsteps of legendary matadors like Andres Roca Rey (pictured), who has become a multi-millionaire by raking in up to $469,000 per fight

It is only when they take part in the alternativa ceremony and are ordained as professional matadors that they can start demanding fees for bookings.

It means, for several years at least, they must take substantial personal risk for little to no financial reward.

Just this month, a 22-year-old matador was gored to death during a bullfight in neighbouring Portugal, in a sobering reminder of the sports danger.

Manuel Maria Trindade was making his debut performance in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno bullring when the show ended in tragedy.

Footage from the event shows the young 'forcado' run towards the enormous bull to provoke the animal into charging.

The beast then ran at high speed towards Trindade, who attempted to grab onto the animal's horns and gain control.

But in a matter of seconds Trindade was hoisted up into the air by the storming bull and thrown against the wall of the arena.

Spectators in the 6,848-seat ring shouted in horror as the victim was left sprawled on the ground.

The animal was finally subdued by a bullfighter pulling its tail and others holding up bright capes in its eyeline. Paramedics rushed to treat Trindade in the ring but the injuries to his head were too severe.

Death: Manuel Maria Trindade was killed by a bull earlier this month

Horror: Paramedics rushed to treat Trindade in the ring but the injuries to his head were severe

And this week, more terror struck in the ring. Disturbing footage from the 25th Golden Potter competition in Villaseca de la Sagra on Thursday showed Joao D'Alva thrown into the air on the bull's right horn.

It is no surprise that a very small number - some estimates put it at one to two per cent - of students at academies go on to become professional fighters.

But for some, the risk is worth it for the fame, glory and riches that can come once they are fully-fledged matadors on a par with their idols.

Charge: This week, disturbing footage from the 25th Golden Potter competition in Villaseca de la Sagra on Thursday showed another incident

Gored: D'Alva was thrown up into the air and gored through the back, requiring surgery

Before achieving that dream, they first cut their teeth on the Becerradas circuit, fighting bull calves (becerros), who are only up to two years old.

Due to the inexperience of the fighters, it often means a slower and more painful death for the animals - a fact that is regularly criticized by animal rights groups like PACMA.

PACMA national secretary Javier Sanabria told the Daily Mail: Becerradas are even more controversial because they are performed on animals that are babies, typically ranging from six months to one year old It's the ultimate cruelty.

Novillos are animals between two and four years old. The Spanish Animal Protection Law condemns the use of animals of that age for any type of work, but that same law makes an incomprehensible exception for bulls. As if bulls weren't animals and didn't suffer.

There are people with a lot of power who enjoy watching a spectacle that tries to torture an animal to death they try to indoctrinate children to believe that this is normal, that torturing animals, if their elders say so, is okay.'

Sanabria said very small segments of the population are dedicated to promoting and indoctrinating young people into becoming bullfighting fans, adding that polls show up to 89 per cent of the population is against it.

He said: Within that small percentage that does support it, they promote it among their children and groups, inducing them to become figures, gain fame and money.

Typically, bullfighters are people who, for various reasons, lack education or training and see the opportunity to become famous, rich, and rub shoulders with high society.

Pain: Due to the inexperience of the fighters, it often means a slower and more painful death for the animals

Sanabria said the involvement of right-wing governments is essential for the sport to continue.

Bullfighting thrives on subsidies; without public money, bullfighting wouldn't exist in Spain, he said.

Ranches, bullring owners, bullfighters... they all receive subsidies, and these shows are maintained thanks to that money. When it became clear a few years ago that bullfighting would end without these subsidies, the right-wing politicians of the time protected it and required by law to maintain it by investing public money in it.

Right-wing parties, in general, are bullfighting supporters and believe that animals don't matter and are there to entertain us at the expense of their suffering.

Culture: For many in Andalucia, this is simply a part of their culture, and has been for generations

However, he also blasted left-wing parties, who he said 'arent doing anything to end this suffering either'.

They look the other way because their voters are bullfighting and hunting enthusiasts, and taking a stand against it could cause them to lose votes, he said.

They talk about it, they insinuate it, but they do nothing to prevent it.

Indeed, while the tradition may seem barbaric to most, for many in Andalucia, this is simply a part of their culture, and has been for generations.

'Right-wing sport': Javier Sanabria said the involvement of right-wing governments is essential for the sport to continue

The 'becerradas' final in Cordoba was free to enter and it was a full house, with toddlers, teens, and pensioners filling the seats.

The six finalists, dressed in their traditional trajes de luces (suits of lights), which can cost upwards of $3,500, are each given one bull to fight - but its hardly a fair battle.

Once the animal is released into the ring, it is first made to run around by five assistants, who distract it - and tire it out - with pink and yellow capes.

Heartbreaking clips show one confused bull repeatedly bashing his horns against the edge of the ring, while spectators can be heard laughing.

After tiring the bull, two Banderilleros enter, each carrying two spears decorated with the colors of the Spanish and Andalusian flags.

Their sole job, considered an art form in itself, is to run towards the bull, jump into the air and plunge the spears into its back or body.

Then, the apprentice matador, clutching his iconic red cape (capote), begins the third and final act, known as the faena.

Host: The mayor of Lucena has alreay vowed to host the controversial event next year in the town

The goal is to be as daring as possible, with extra points awarded for danger and bravery, but also performance, including puffing out the chest and showing off to the crowd.

Each time a bull collapses from exhaustion or from bleeding out - and especially when it is killed - the spectators erupt into cheers of ole! while applause fills the air.

After the final blow is delivered, the bull is stabbed in the head to ensure it is dead. Then, its ear, ears or tail are cut off for the matador to parade around the ring during his victory lap - depending on how well he performed.

That is decided by a panel of judges, made up of teachers and pros, who give scores on a variety of criteria, including artistry, performance, style, and crucially, the cleanliness of the kill.

The crowd also have their say by standing and waving white handkerchiefs if they think a fighter has performed particularly well.

After each fight, the bulls corpse is dragged out of the arena by horses, as the crowd cheers again amid shouts of fuera! (Get out!).

The pool of blood left by the slaughter is quickly swept away before the next bull is released.

In extremely rare occasions, a bull may be given a pardon (indulto), if it shows exceptional bravery, strength, and nobility, and a request by the crowd and fighter is accepted by the bullrings president.

The saved animal is then sent back to the ranch to live as a breeding bull.

However, this almost never happens and is considered one of the highest honors - both for the bull and the matador.

Heartbreaking: After the kill, the ear, ears or tail are cut off for the matador to parade around the ring during his victory lap

Clean up: The pool of blood left by the slaughter is quickly swept away before the next bull is released

Serenaded: Some young champions are serenaded by the crowd for their bravery in the ring

Some bulls become legends themselves, especially if they have killed people.

Raton (Mouse) was a Spanish bull who killed at least three people between 2006 and 2011, and gored dozens more, turning him into a box-office attraction.

He was never used for traditional bullfights, meaning he was not ritually killed, and was instead paid thousands to attend bull-running festivals, which sees the animals released into streets while fans attempt to run alongside them.

Bullfighting is certainly not for the fainthearted, and most children across Spain would never dream of taking up the sport - but many hundreds do.

They start by attending bullfighting school (Escuela Taurina), of which there are 31 in Andalucia, with the latest opening just this year on the Costa del Sol.

There are thought to be up to 400 students currently enrolled across the region, and more in other bullfighting regions such as Madrid.

Legends: Some bulls become legends themselves, especially if they have killed people (Pictured Raton the Bull)

Ages typically range from 12 and up, although there are strict limits on children under 16 fighting live bulls.

Most students have a family history of bullfighting, with their fathers having been matadors or involved with the sport in some way.

Pupils are taught the basics, including the correct posture and how to use the cape, while battling their peers acting as bulls, or devices that mirror the animal, before moving onto cows.

They are also taught traditional values such as respect, discipline, bravery and etiquette - as well as being physically prepared via agility, strength, and stamina training.

Aside from the physical, they learn the history of the sport and its strong links to Spanish culture.

Increasingly, they are trained on how to respond to critics, and are given prepared responses to challenging questions.

There are no rules on gender, with girls and women allowed to pursue bullfighting just as much as their male counterparts. However, there are far fewer female fighters operating in Spain.

Once young students are deemed ready, they begin attending Becerradas, the most amateur of bullfighting events, which sometimes dont involve killing the bull and are focused on training.

Family ties: Most students have a family history of bullfighting, with their fathers having been matadors or involved with the sport in some way

Education: Pupils are taught the basics, including the correct posture and how to use the cape, while battling their peers acting as bulls

Training: The young fighters are trained and looked after by the best matadors in the area

Safety: During the tournament, these men work to keep the teenagers as safe as possible

They then upgrade to Novilladas, where they must always kill the bull and a strict point scoring system involving ears and tails is in place.

While on the Novilladas circuit, a league table keeps track of the top fighters by counting how many ears and tails they have won per season (March to October), and how many fights they have competed in.

Fans are kept up to date with the latest league table by fan accounts on Instagram.

Once fighters have performed consistently well in a large number of novilladas, they can take part in the sacred alternativa ceremony, which sees them officially anointed as a matador (bullfighter), with the support of a bullfighting godfather (padrino) and another professional fighter as a witness.

This moment marks the beginning of their professional career and means they will only fight in professional bullfights (corridas) where they face the biggest bulls, known as toros bravos, who are aged four and up.

But they are not guaranteed the fame and fortune of big time stars like Andres Roca Rey or Jose Tomas.

At the start of their career, they can expect to be paid between $1,100 and $3,500 per fight.

However the fight fees, called honorarios, can rise dramatically if they become popular or a household name.

Making money: A matador can expect to make money by traveling around Spain, Portugal, France, and Latin America to perform in local fairs

Sponsors: These days, sponsorships are usually private and do not involve big name brands, who fear being canceled

Some rising stars can expect to be paid between $10,000 and $35,000 per event for example, while icons like Enrique Ponce, El Juli, or Roca Rey could charge up to $469,000.

A matador can expect to make money by traveling around Spain, Portugal, France, and Latin America to perform in local fairs, with significant ones like Sevilla and Madrid offering the biggest bucks.

Sponsorship and endorsements are rare and reserved for the most elite of matadors.

Cayetano Rivera Ordonez, for example, was gifted a bespoke costume by the now-late Giorgio Armani back in 2006.

He also served as a brand ambassador for the luxury Spanish brand Loewe.

However, these days, sponsorships are usually private and do not involve big name brands, who fear being canceled.

Just last year, Spain abolished a $35,000 annual national bullfighting award, citing the nations changing social and cultural climate and growing concern for animal welfare.

Indeed, criticism against the blood sport has been around for some years, but there seems to be a lack of will to get rid of the tradition.

A poll by Sigma Dos for the El Mundo newspaper in April, for example, found that 78 per cent of Spaniards are not fans of bullfighting.

However, the same survey found only 48 per cent would remove the sports protected cultural heritage status.

Unpopular: A poll found that 78 per cent of Spaniards are not fans of bullfighting

Andalucia is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting and the region in Spain with the most bullrings, totalling 70.

While bullfighting is traced back to the Roman times, it wasnt until the 1700s that it became what it is today.

That was thanks to Pedro Romero, from Ronda (inland Malaga), who revolutionized the practise by introducing the cape and fighting bulls on foot.

This established the prototype for the matador, transforming bullfighting into an art form that placed individual bravery and technique at its core.

It then transitioned from improvised village contests to structured events held in purpose-built arenas, which are still held to this day.
Satuday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt was left red-faced after a chaotic blunder during the latest episode of the show on Saturday morning.

The fan-favourite presenter, 51, was back cooking as he was joined by chefs Karan Gokani and Melanie Brown.

He also hosted special guest Clare Balding as she discussed her broadcasting career and new book.

Olly Smith paired the studio dishes with wines while, Helen Goh baked a Bombe Alaska cake.

While she got to work, Matt helped her by whipping up a meringue to go with the cake.

However, during the segment, Matt interrupted to simply say: 'I've messed up!' as everyone's attention turned to the presenter.

Satuday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt was left red-faced after a chaotic blunder during the latest episode of the show on Saturday morning

The fan-favourite presenter, 51, was back cooking as he was joined live in studio by chefs Karan Gokani and Melanie Brown

While confessing something had gone wrong in the kitchen, he then tried to distract by asking Claire if she had any 'tips' for him.

Matt then admitted he had accidentally added the egg yolk to the bowl as he asked the crew: 'Can I have an egg, please?'

As his guests including Helen asked what had happened, Matt reminded everyone 'this is live,' before adding: 'It happens. Let's go over it.

'Basically, if you're making meringue, you don't want any of the egg yolk in there because it's not going to wick, right?'

Helen then told him: 'So this is the thing about baking. People say it's really therapeutic because you have to kind of focus.'

Matt jokingly replied: 'Yeah, that's my issue!'

Thankfully the meringue was added to the delicious-looking cake that the guests were able to enjoy.

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed how Matt would replace Gregg Wallace as a judge on the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Helen Goh baked a Bombe Alaska cake and while she got to work, Matt helped her by whipping up a meringue to go with the creation

During the segment, Matt interrupted to simply say: 'I've messed up!' as everyone's attention turned to the presenter

Matt admitted he had accidentally added the egg yolk to the bowl as he asked the crew: 'Can I have an egg, please?'

He will appear alongside chefs Marcus Wareing, 55, and Monica Galetti, 50, for the 18th series of the cooking competition.

The trio will also be joined by a range of guest judges on the programme who will appear in the first stage of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming series, Matt said it was 'an absolute honour' to be working alongside Marcus and Monica, who he described as 'titans of the food world'.

He added: 'Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing, and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition.'

Meanwhile, Marcus said: 'I'm really looking forward to working with Matt and his experience, both on screen and in the industry, speaks for itself.

As his guests including Helen asked what had happened, Matt reminded everyone 'this is live,' before adding: 'It happens. Let's go over it'

Thankfully the meringue was added to the delicious-looking cake that the guests were able to enjoy

'This show is all about showcasing and celebrating the best up-and-coming talent emerging from our country's professional kitchens,

'And Matt, Monica and I will be expecting the highest standards from our chefs this year. I can't wait for what will be a fantastic next series.'

Monica added: 'To have Matt join us is really exciting. Seeing what skills our contestants showcase and tasting their culinary creations is always a delight.

She concluded: 'Marcus and I look forward to welcoming Matt to the MasterChef studios and discovering our next champion.'
A beloved actor from two of the most memorable film franchises of the 1980s was spotted out in Los Angeles this week, aged 78.

He first broke through in Hollywood in the 1970s, starring with Goldie Hawn in a movie that marked the theatrical feature-length debut of Steven Spielberg.

But it was during the following decade that he played the two roles for which he remains most fondly remembered by cinemagoers today.

In the mid-1980s he landed a part in a sci-fi movie that spawned a string of sequels, a couple of reboots and more than one television program.

Four years later, he also held a supporting role in an action picture that has gone down in history as possibly Bruce Willis' most beloved project.

Can you guess who he is?

A beloved actor from two of the most memorable film franchises of the 1980s was spotted out in Los Angeles this week, aged 78

He is none other than William Atherton, who played the stuffy bureaucrat Walter Peck in Ghostbusters and the shady TV reporter Dick Thornburg in Die Hard.

Atherton cut a sprightly figure when he was glimpsed in Los Angeles this week, wearing a sky-blue shirt untucked over loose-fitted black trousers.

The Connecticut-born actor accessorized with a burnt-orange set of shades for his outing, which included a stop at the dry cleaner's to pick up a few of his clothes.

He has retained the dark blonde hair that fans will remember him sporting in the 1980s classics that cemented his place in Hollywood history.

Atherton's breakthrough was as escaped convict Clovis in the 1974 movie The Sugarland Express - the feature theatrical debut of Steven Spielberg.

Clovis and his wife Lou Jean, played by Goldie Hawn, embark on a madcap mission to rescue their child from foster care, kidnapping a policeman in the process.

Exactly 10 years later, he appeared in one of his career-defining movies, Ghostbusters, amid the legendary original cast of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis and Annie Potts.

Atherton played the pompous, meddling Environmental Protection Agency inspector Walter 'D***less' Peck who often butts up against the Ghostbusters, rendering him both an antagonist of sorts and a comic foil to the leads.

He is none other than William Atherton (left), who played the stuffy bureaucrat Walter Peck in Ghostbusters, in which he is pictured with Annie Potts, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis

In 1988 Atherton held another memorably unsympathetic role in Die Hard - TV reporter Dick Thornburg, who will stoop to any level to get a story

He first broke through in Hollywood in the 1970s, featuring in a Goldie Hawn-led movie that marked the theatrical feature-length debut of Steven Spielberg

The Connecticut-born actor accessorized with a burnt-orange set of shades for his outing, which included a stop at the dry cleaner's to pick up a few of his clothes

He has retained the dark blonde hair that fans will remember him sporting in the 1980s classics that cemented his place in Hollywood history

Atherton's breakthrough was as escaped convict Clovis in the 1974 movie The Sugarland Express - the feature theatrical debut of Steven Spielberg

Exactly 10 years later, he appeared in one of his career-defining movies, Ghostbusters, amid the legendary original cast led by Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd

Atherton played the pompous, meddling Environmental Protection Agency inspector Walter 'D***less' Peck who often butts up against the Ghostbusters

He portrayed the role so well that the public began identifying him with Walter Peck, to the point of nagging inconvenience in his private life

Harold Ramis once recalled: 'Atherton told me that he was walking down the street in New York and a busload of teenagers yelled at him,' shouting a line from the film: 'Yo, d***less!'

He returned to both franchises, featuring in the 1990 picture Die Hard 2 and acting in last year's release Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

He could be seen in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire with a few of his old co-stars from the original as well as younger names like Paul Rudd and McKenna Grace

Atherton's filmography has included the 1975 dark Hollywood satire The Day of the Locust and the 1977 crime drama Looking for Mr. Goodbar

He was also in the 2003 Tom Cruise starrer The Last Samurai and the 1974 film of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford

On television, he has guested on hit shows ranging from Law & Order and Murder, She Wrote to Desperate Housewives and Monk

On television, he has guested on hit shows ranging from Law & Order and Murder, She Wrote to Desperate Housewives and Monk

He portrayed the role so well that the public began identifying him with Walter Peck, to the point of nagging inconvenience in his private life.

A year after the film's release, he complained to its director Ivan Reitman: 'You know, I can't walk into a bar without people wanting to pick a fight with me.'

Harold Ramis once recalled: 'Atherton told me that he was walking down the street in New York and a busload of teenagers yelled at him. And he turned and smiled and waved, and they all went: "Yo, d***less!"'

In 1988 Atherton held another memorably unsympathetic role in Die Hard - TV reporter Dick Thornburg, who will stoop to any level to get a story.

He returned to both franchises, featuring in the 1990 picture Die Hard 2 and acting in last year's release Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, with a few of his old co-stars from the original as well as younger names like Paul Rudd and McKenna Grace.

Atherton's filmography has included the 1975 dark Hollywood satire The Day of the Locust, the 1977 crime drama Looking for Mr. Goodbar, the 2003 Tom Cruise starrer The Last Samurai and the 1974 film of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford.

On television, he has guested on hit shows ranging from Law & Order and Murder, She Wrote to Desperate Housewives and Monk.

More recently he featured in this year's independent movie Where Did the Adults Go?, written and directed by Courtney Marsh.
Like many Hollywood types, Nathalie Kelley's dating history is peppered with high-profile romances, including actors, musicians and even a British politician.

So you could imagine our surprise when we heard a rumour around Sydney that the 40-year-old Peruvian-Australian actress was dating a little-known Miami hairdresser.

The star of Dynasty, The Vampire Diaries and Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift was last romantically linked to Sean Penn - who, at 65, is a quarter-century her senior.

These days she looks to be keeping more age-appropriate company, stepping out for a romantic stroll in North Bondi, Sydney, last week with her new beau, Tomer Kelner.

An understated gold ring on her wedding finger caught our eye, suggesting that things may already be serious for the couple - who in July celebrated their one-year anniversary of dating with a trip to Ibiza.

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.

Australian actress Nathalie Kelley has found love with Miami hairdresser Tomer Kelner, with the couple stepping out for a romantic stroll in North Bondi last week

An understated gold ring on her wedding finger caught our eye, suggesting that things may already be serious for the couple

Nathalie was pictured with actor Sean Penn in December 2023

She is famous for her role as Neela in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

She also played Cristal Flores Carrington in The CW's Dynasty

Tomer documented the romantic getaway on social media, sharing photos of the couple marvelling at a summer sunrise, dining with friends and partying on the beach.

At one stage during their outing in Sydney, Nathalie handed her phone to Tomer so he could film her posing by the water.

The video now appears on her feed, with no mention of the man behind the camera.

Tomer, on the other hand, is more than keen to show off his girlfriend.

In May, he uploaded a photo of Nathalie at the Motorheads premiere in California after lending his hairdressing services for her red carpet moment.

'My most demanding client is also my favorite. Cut and color on @NatKelley by me,' he captioned the post.

Tomer is Nathalie's first confirmed boyfriend since she was linked to Sean Penn almost two years ago. In December 2023, the two actors sent the rumour mill into overdrive after they were spotted getting cosy at the beach in Miami.

Sean was pictured wrapping his arm around Nathalie's back as they strolled along the sand, while she was seen affectionately putting her hand on his bicep.

The couple celebrated their one-year anniversary of dating with a trip to Ibiza in July

Tomer waited patiently while the Dynasty star - who was dressed in double denim and clutching a woven tote bag - took selfies for her 1.4million Instagram followers

The couple looked at ease as they enjoyed the picturesque sunset

At one stage, she handed her phone to Tomer and directed him to take a video of her relaxing by the water

Nathalie, an environmental activist, filmed herself as the pair walked down the footpath

But the two never publicly confirmed they were an item and things evidently fizzled between them.

She dated American music producer Dallas Austin from 2007 to 2013.

In 2016, she started dating Zach Roerig, her co-star from The Vampire Diaries, but the pair split up in 2017.

In 2018, Nathalie broke from tradition by proposing to boyfriend Jordan 'Jordy' Burrows, after dating for just a few months.

She told Harper's BAZAAR at the time: 'I ended up proposing to him one night in our hotel. It wasn't planned and there was no ring.'

The couple wed in Potts Point, Sydney, later the same year. They quietly separated in June 2020.

Nathalie has not posted about her new boyfriend online, although he has shared posts featuring her

It's Nathalie's first confirmed relationship since she was linked to Sean Penn, 65, in late 2023

In 2018, Nathalie broke from tradition by proposing to boyfriend Jordan 'Jordy' Burrows, after dating for just a few months. (They are seen together at the Melbourne Cup in November 2018)

Nathalie eventually confirmed her marriage was over in August 2021 when she went public with a new boyfriend, Andres Alonso (left)

Before being pictured with Sean Penn, she was linked to Zac Goldsmith, a member of the UK House of Lords, when the two were spotted together at London's Heathrow Airport in 2023

Nathalie eventually confirmed her marriage was over in August 2021 when she went public with a new boyfriend, Andres Alonso.

She was later linked to Zac Goldsmith, a member of the UK House of Lords, when the two were spotted together in London in 2023.

At the time, the former Tory minister was newly separated from his second wife, the banking heiress Alice Rothschild, with whom he has three children.

In recent years, Nathalie has pivoted from Hollywood to focus on her passion for climate and indigenous activism, with a focus on her Peruvian homeland.
Madeline and Simone Holtznagel were very much in doting mother mode this week as they enjoyed a day out in Sydney.

The model sisters were spotted making a stylish arrival by seaplane at Madeline's partner Justin Hemmes' $100million Vaucluse mansion.

Madeline, 28, who shares baby Jaeger with billionaire pub baron Justin, 53, was fully embracing motherhood as she tenderly carried Jaeger off the plane.

She cut a casual figure for her flight, stepping out in a loose-fitting striped boat neck top.

Madeline also wore a skimpy pair of matching shorts that flaunted her enviably trim pins.

Tying her flaxen locks back, Madeline finished her look with a pair of black sunglasses and a pair of $70 Telic Energy Arch Support white thongs.

Madeline and Simone Holtznagel were very much in doting mother mode this week as they were spotted arriving via seaplane at Justin Hemmes' $100million Vaucluse mansion. Pictured: Madeline Holtznagel with baby Jaeger

Meanwhile, baby Jaeger looked cute-as-a-button in a green and white striped playsuit.

Madeline's partner, Justin, was also along for the ride, and he appeared happy to play the role of doting dad.

Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and a pair of light grey pants, Justin was spotted dutifully carrying bags across the sand.

Simone, too, went casual for the trip, wearing a plain, loose-fitting top and a pair of $140 animal print Adidas Bermuda shorts.

Wearing her hair much like her sisters', Simone, 32, finished her look with a pair of almond-shaped sunglasses.

As she disembarked the plane, a beaming Simone held her cherubic one-year-old Gia, who was happy to survey the scene from the safety of mum's arms.

Like her cousin, Gia also looked adorable in a pink and white striped top and matching shorts.

In November, an insider confirmed the exciting news of Madeline's pregnancy to Daily Mail.

As she disembarked the plane, a beaming Simone held her cherubic one year old Gia, who was happy to survey the scene from the safety of mum's arms

Madeline's partner Justin was also along for the ride and he appeared happy to play the role of doting dad. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and a pair of light grey pants, Justin was spotted dutifully carrying bags across the sand

Madeline, 28, who shares baby Jaeger with billionaire pub baron Justin, was a picture of doting motherhood as she tenderly carried Jaeger off the plane

They revealed a friend of Justin's had recently moved out of his Vaucluse mansion to make room for their growing family.

The business mogul, who has a net worth of $1.39 billion, began dating Madeline in 2019.

Justin and Madeline have gone from strength to strength since going public, and even sparked engagement rumours in June 2023.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed Madeline was wearing a ring on her wedding finger as they questioned whether Justin had popped the question.

A picture showed her sporting the jewellery as she cuddled up to Justin while enjoying a bowl of udon noodles together at an upmarket restaurant in Japan.

But the bling appeared to be an emerald and diamond promise ring.

Another photograph showed her wearing a different ring on the same finger as she posed for a selfie.

Meanwhile, Simone split from her former beau, celebrity trainer Jono Castano, 33, on Easter Sunday last year, just nine weeks after they welcomed their baby daughter Gia into the world.

In November, an insider confirmed the exciting news of Madeline's pregnancy to Daily Mail

Meanwhile, Simone split from her former beau, celebrity trainer Jono Castano, 33, on Easter Sunday last year, just nine weeks after they welcomed their baby daughter Gia into the world

In December, Simone hinted she is well and truly over her ex as she shared a very pointed post to her Instagram.

The blonde beauty shared a photo that showed two cards from a deck of Beyond Words cards.

The deck contains 52 cards featuring inspirational aphorisms, accompanied by illustrations by artist See Aiche.

Simone's photo showed one card face down, and another bearing a quote from an unknown source.

The quote read: 'The best revenge is no revenge. Move on, be happy.'

The post appeared to be a pointed comment about her relationship with Jono, several months after their split.

Jono confirmed news of their split to Daily Mail Australia in July, and Simone has since said she is now raising Gia on her own.
It's been more than four decades since Leigh Lawson and Twiggy first laid eyes on each other.

Yet after 42 years of marriage, the couple are stronger than ever, and there's a very surprising reason.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Leigh, 82, revealed the fact that he and his supermodel wife, 75, are still working to this day has ensured their love story continues.

'I think it's quite important to keep busy, I think that helps in your relationships,' Leigh explained. 'We get on really well and we spend almost all of our time together.

'We enjoy each other's company and work on on projects together. We've just had a wonderful success with the musical based on Twiggy's life, Close-Up.'

Leigh has just released a book of autobiographical poetry, Now and Then, and revealed that his wife is also keen to keep working.

Twiggy's husband Leigh Lawson, 83, has revealed the secret to his enduring marriage with the model, 75, and why refusing to retire has brought them closer than ever

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Leigh revealed the fact that he and his supermodel wife are still working to this day has ensured their love story continues (pictured in 2024)

Leigh has just released a book of autobiographical poetry, Now and Then

'I can't see her retiring', he shared. She's a ball of energy. In January she was offered the cover of Vogue twice - for Vogue Portugal and Vogue Greece.

'I'm just so proud of her. She's 75 and still getting booked by Vogue and she's just come back from doing Germany's Next Top Model.

'The last 42 years of marriage have gone so quickly. When you're happy, time goes quickly.'

While the pair's love story is one for the ages, they were both previously married before.

Leigh split from his wife Mondy in 1976 while Twiggy was widowed in 1983 when her husband, Michael Witney died from a heart attack.

'I think luck plays a big part' Leigh said of their marriage working out. 'I wonder if we would have lasted as long if we'd met when we were younger.

'I was in my 40s when we met so I must have done something right to get a second chance. I also think there's more respect and you're much more prepared to make a compromise when you're a bit older as well.

'You're more prepared to make compliments and I think probably the glue that holds it all together is humour. We make each other laugh a lot.'

Leigh shared: 'We enjoy each other's company and work on on projects together. We've just just had a wonderful success with the musical based on Twiggy's life, Close-Up'

He said of his wife: 'I'm just so proud of her. She's 75 and still getting booked by Vogue and she's just come back from doing Germany's Next Top Model'

Twiggy and Leigh met in the eighties after being introduced by mutual friend, actor Robert Powell, who took them out for dinner.

'I went along and we met and got on fine over dinner,' Leigh recalls. 'But she now ribs me by saying "you didn't ask for my phone number though, did you?" I didn't because I knew I could get it from Robert!'

Yet Twiggy was determined and Leigh revealed that two days later, the supermodel showed up at his house.

'I went out to get my morning paper and a big beautiful blonde in a big blue Jaguar drew up and said "hello, do you want a cup of tea?"' Leigh laughed.

'So that was that. Who would've thought in the whole of London that she lived around the corner. So she pulled me off the streets basically!

'I'm happy to say that we didn't need a dating app. My heart goes out to young people today. How do you flirt? Everything's politically incorrect.

'I still make blunders now and my kids say "you can't say that anymore". You can't tell somebody that they look attractive or they're beautiful and I just don't know how you do it!'

As one of the leading models of the sixties, Twiggy has had countless men tell her she's beautiful, with Leigh one of them.

He shared: 'I found my wife really attractive and very desirable when I met her. You wouldn't want to marry someone that you didn't fancy!

'But when I first met her. I just thought what a really nice lady. And I still feel that way. She's just a really nice person and kind.

'And I do truly realise now, after 40 years of marriage, how important it was that you get on as friends and are with somebody that you enjoy being with.'

Twiggy and Leigh met in the eighties after being introduced by mutual friend, actor Robert Powell, who took them out for dinner

Leigh made his name as an actor in the seventies, starring in shows such as Travelling Man and Silent Witness as well as films Sister Moon and Tess.

Yet over the years Leigh was also a keen poet and he has now compiled his favourite poems into a new book, Now and Then.

'I love what words can do,' he explained. 'The power of the written word and the spoken word has always appealed to me and was a big influence on why I became an actor.

'I'm not very keen on you know when you need a dictionary to understand what's being said or a degree in Greek mythology to understand the references and stuff.

'But to say certain things, I find poetry very expressive and it's a sort of therapy. It's good for your soul.

'I think that there have been times in my life when I've turned to poetry and it has been extremely good and helped me through crisis and problems.'

On why he decided to release the book now, he revealed he had been inspired by an old friend, the late composer, lyricist and author, Leslie Bricusse.

Leigh explained that after Leslie's death he read one of his books in which there was an anecdote about meeting director Billy Wilder who on his 92nd birthday, when asked if he had any regrets said: 'I think I wasted my eighties.'

'I'm happy to say that we didn't need a dating app. My heart goes out to young people today. How do you flirt? Everything's politically incorrect', Leigh mused

'I know it sounds a little bit theatrical but I took it as a message from Leslie to me,' Leigh explained.

'We're all living longer and it's a time when you can fulfil your dreams and do things that you maybe didn't have a chance to do before or have the confidence to do.

'Because one of the nice things about getting older is you don't really care as much what other people think!'

Leigh Lawsons book of autobiographical poetry, Now and Then, is available from Waterstones and other good books stores.
It's the 5million doer-upper purchased by Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty after they returned to the UK from Los Angeles five years ago, hoping to bring a touch of Hollywood to their new lives.

Discreetly tucked away on a private road in the north London suburb of Hampstead  an area beloved by A-listers such as Harry Styles, Ricky Gervais and Daniel Craig  it was intended to be the couples forever home.

Next to the sprawling Heath, the dilapidated house had so much of what estate agents love to call potential. And both Cat and Patrick believed the tranquil spot was perfect for bringing up their two young sons.

So they happily set to work back in 2023 to make the gloomy 1950s five-bedroom house into something their architect later described as inspired by... houses of the west coast of America which are familiar to the clients who spent many years living there.

He added: Materials have also been introduced that connect the clients to their previous home in LA and to places that have significant memories for them.

Natural light was to flood the house, and ambitious plans submitted showed a new grand entrance, the demolition of a living-room mezzanine floor and a 4ft extension of bedrooms and a terrace.

Celebrity touches came, too, with a planned nanny suite, his-and-her dressing rooms, a bar and a snug. In short, it was to be a slice of high-end California in London.

Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley in LA in 2015. Those who know the couple expect that it will be Cat, 48, who will remain in situ, along with their sons, aged nine and seven. Meanwhile, Patrick, 54, spends the majority of the week in Ireland

And, despite the significant renovation required  the construction work suggested, Im told, was equal to any house seen on Grand Designs  both Cat and Patrick were energised by the prospect, taking the view that the hard work and financial investment would be worth it.

Now, though, the house that once held so much hope looks to be the centre of an impending battle between them, after the couple announced in the summer that they were to split after 12 years. Both Cat and Patrick have put an awful lot of time and effort into this house, said one source. It has been at the centre of their lives for two years and means a lot to them both.

But a divorce is now expected and they simply cant both live there. It is not like a couple selling a normal house. Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this. One of them is likely to stay there, while the other will walk away having put so much into it.

Those who know the couple describe it as a hardcore passion project which at times has been very trying.

Cat often shares updates with her This Morning colleagues and has documented the process on her social media. One video from February last year saw her admitting: Im not going to lie, I got a bit of a shock today. Not much house, lots of air, and showed the home looking more like a shell.

Patrick, too, has regaled the Saturday morning listeners of his Radio 5 Live programme with tales of building woes. Sadly, he may not get to enjoy the finished product.

Those who know the couple expect that it will be Cat, 48, who will remain in situ, along with their sons aged nine and seven. Its just five miles from This Mornings headquarters in White City, west London, where she hosts the programme Monday to Thursday alongside Ben Shephard.

Meanwhile, Im told that Patrick, 54, spends the majority of the week in Ireland, where he presents the high-profile Late Late Show.

His working pattern sees him fly to Dublin on a Tuesday to work on the programme for its Friday night recording, before jetting back to London on a Saturday after hosting his BBC radio show at the Corporations Belfast studios at 9am.

Essentially, Patrick isnt really at the family home much, said one source. The Late Late Show pays him very well, but its a huge commitment so he has to be in Ireland to write it and work on its content. Its Cat who is at home with the kids. Thats how it will stay. It all feels a bit sad for Patrick after the work he has put into the house, but his priority is the children.

The couple happily set to work back in 2023 to make the gloomy 1950s five-bedroom house into something their architect later described as inspired by... houses of the west coast of America which are familiar to the clients who spent many years living there

While the breakdown of any marriage is difficult, Cat and Patricks split has emphasised how comparatively rootless his life now is. Im told: His life has changed so much in the space of just a few years. It wasnt long ago he was living in Los Angeles, which he liked  and now hes back in the UK and facing an existence in some kind of bachelor pad.

He has a big, supportive family in Ireland, and thats where he lived before he moved to LA to be with Cat, so of course its tempting for him to move back there.

But his children have settled in London so he wont want to do anything to upset that. London wasnt where he really ever wanted to settle  but thats how his life has worked out.

The couples separation was announced in July, just days after Cat went off on her six-week break from This Morning.

They originally met in the early noughties while hosting the BBC show Fame Academy together, and were initially friends.

Then, Patrick surprised Cat by flying from Belfast to Los Angeles for a celebratory brunch to mark her birthday, after realising he had fallen in love with her. Several months later, in September 2012, the pair wed at St Isidores College church in Rome in September.

Later, Patrick described the path to their relationship as first find a woman out of your league and then convince her she isnt.

Beyond asking for privacy, and saying no other party was involved, neither have commented further on the split. But some who are familiar with the pair suggest all is not as amicable as they would like the public to believe.

On Wednesday night, Cat and her co-host Ben Shephard appeared at the National Television Awards, where they received the award for best daytime programme

They were friends before they were husband and wife. They know one another so well, says one friend.

However, in recent years their lives have changed and gone in directions they wouldnt have necessarily chosen, and thats added some pressures.

Both hope they can keep this all friendly but its very hard.

Im told that some in Patricks camp are rather pleased at the negative press Cat received for not attending the funeral of his beloved mother Mary in March  an act which, the Daily Mail revealed at the time, left members of his close-knit family seething.

Patrick was pictured looking bereft as he helped carry Marys coffin through his home village of Dundrum, Co Down. A spokesperson for Cat told the Daily Mail: Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.

But its hard to understate the significance of attending funerals in Ireland, and the disrespect which could be inferred from not paying ones respects. Cats no-show understandably prompted much chatter that relations between the couple were strained for some time before their split.

Worse for her was that her non-attendance was dragged up again after the announcement that she and Patrick had split.

Lets just say some of his friends were happy that Cats squeaky clean reputation was questioned, said one source.

Cat has her reasons for not going to the funeral, which shes not going to discuss, but his family were very happy to speak out on it after they split and say how dreadful it was that she wasnt there. It has been very upsetting for Cat. She knows she had a good reason not to go.

Others who know Patrick are keen to point out to me the sacrifices he made for Cat so she could pursue her successful career in the US.

Despite the backbiting, Cat has continued on serenely  in public at least. This week she hit the town twice, confirming her status as the queen of British daytime television.

On Wednesday night, she and her co-host Ben Shephard appeared at the National Television Awards, where they received the trophy for best daytime programme.

Cat, who was wearing her wedding ring, appeared nervous as she took to the stage.

Im told the award was more than just a garland for her, but confirmation that her decision to move back to the UK after more than a decade in LA was the right one.

It has solidified her confidence in doing This Morning, said one show insider. Its the first full year she has been hosting the show, and they won. Maybe its a case of that old thing in life that when one thing is going well, something else isnt.

Two days earlier, Cat  this time without her wedding ring  and Ben stepped out to join celebrations for ITVs 70th birthday at Londons Guildhall.

Im told she very much enjoyed herself at the event on Monday, though she barely left Bens side.

My sources at ITV say happily married Ben is a source of great strength for her, a comfort blanket as she navigates single life.

One almost pities Shephard, however, because he has unexpectedly become a rather awkward go-between.

Those who know him point out to me the irony that he is a long-standing friend of Patricks and didnt meet Cat until the night before they began hosting This Morning together in March last year. In the event, Im told, sitting alongside her husbands friend felt right and safe for her British TV return.

Ben, meanwhile, is now certainly effusive about Cat, telling one interviewer recently that she has no airs and graces and you get the sense of this extraordinary, elegant, gorgeous, sophisticated, beautiful young woman'.

'Honestly, shes just like your mate down the pub. Its brilliant.'

Such adoration is just what she needs at the moment. Despite Cat being super successful and strong, she has had wobbles, said one source who knows her. While she had over a month away from This Morning after the split was announced, its still hard.

But Ben has been there to look after her. He has been the best friend a woman could ask for. Look how supportive he was to Kate Garraway [his former GMB co-presenter who nursed her late husband, Derek Draper, through terrible illness]. For Cat, to have Ben at work daily to cheer her up has been amazing.

Cat has got some lovely friends in London and her family are not far away but her life was in LA for so long and she doesnt have that support network around her now.

You have to wonder, though, just what Patrick makes of all of that because Ben was his friend.

Indeed, one can only imagine the turmoil of emotions Patrick feels. And while that forever home is now said to be worth 1.5million more than the couple paid for it  and thats before the renovations are completed  even the most amiable of ex-husbands, surveying the wreckage of their marriage, would find it all rather sticks in the craw.
They are the king and queen of hospitality and home improvement. But beneath the surface of their business empire there are mumblings of marital strife, business disagreements, and questions over their public persona as God-fearing Christians.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are worth an estimated $50 million, and built their massive fortune as the stars of Fixer Upper on the popular home network HGTV.

Since then, the couple, who have been married for more than two decades and share five children, have gone from home renovation experts to real estate developers and best-selling authors plus creators of a line of home decor goods for major retailers like Target and Anthropologie - all under their lifestyle brand Magnolia.

However, the entrepreneurs came under fire in July for their latest Magnolia Network series Back to the Frontier, which tasks contestants to live on the frontier as 1880s homesteaders in an eight-week social experiment.

The reality series featured same-sex couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, and their 10-year-old twin sons, as one of the three families on Back to the Frontier.

The casting has sparked fury among some conservative Christian viewers, who accused the show of being sinful and 'promoting homosexuality.

Chip (left) and Joanna Gaines (right) are the stars of HGTV's Fixer Upper and co-owners of Magnolia Network

The couple faced backlash in July when they featured same-sex couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, and their twin 10-year-old sons, as one of the three families on Magnolia Network's Back to the Frontier

The inclusion of a same-sex couple appeared at odds with the couple's vocal Christianity, and their membership of the traditionally conservative Antioch Community Church in their hometown of Waco, Texas.

While some called the casting of a same sex couple a 'PR nightmare', others blasted Chip and Joanna as 'sell outs' who had abandoned their Christian faith to cater to the demands of the 'woke' network that co-owns Magnolia Network.

Now, an inside source has revealed to the Daily Mail the truth about the Gaines continuing struggles to navigate the outrage of some of their loyal fanbase and offered insight into their working relationship.

'They have always struggled with the line between business and personal relationship,' the insider told the Daily Mail.

While Chip and Joanna, who first appeared on HGTV's Fixer Upper in 2013, have 'a lot of chemistry' on screen, the source maintained its also obvious 'when the chemistry is a bit off'.

'They wear on each others nerves, and sometimes that bubbles over,' the source said.

'They get very cold towards each other. They don't have poker faces. I've seen that firsthand.'

Chip and Joanna met in 2001. Joanna, who was born in Wichita, Kansas, and moved to Texas when she was 12, was working at her father's tire store in Waco when Chip came in looking to get his brakes fixed.

Chip and Joanna, who have been open about their Christian faith, faced backlash from some conservative viewers calling them 'sell outs' over their decision to feature a same-sex couple

A source has revealed to the Daily Mail that Chip and Joanna 'have always struggled with the line between business and personal relationship'

The couple, who were married in 2003, are parents to five children: sons Drake, Duke and Crew, and daughters Ella and Emmie

At the time, Chip, originally from New Mexico, owned his own lawn business and was buying and flipping houses on the side in Waco.

After tying the knot in 2003, Joanna became a decorator, and they joined forces as a house flipping duo. Their first joint business venture was a home goods retail store in Waco called Magnolia Market, which opened the same year they married.

In between growing their business, the couple welcomed five children in quick succession: son Drake, born in 2005; daughter Ella, born in 2006; son Duke, born in 2008; daughter Emmie, born in 2010; and son Crew, born in 2018.

HGTV aired the pilot episode of Fixer Upper in 2013, and it was an instant hit with nearly two million viewers.

The first full season aired the following year, and Chip and Joanna went on to star in Fixer Upper for five more seasons until its finale in 2018.

Chip and Joanna's signature modern farmhouse style  complete with shiplap walls, barn doors, and clawfoot tubs  certainly attracted viewers, but their relatable dynamic that made them seem like every other couple was a winning draw too.

Chips frequent playful and impulsive design decisions were balanced out by Joanna's level-headedness and practicality.

And as Fixer Upper took off, so did their businesses.

The pair created a bustling retail center in 2015 out of a pair of abandoned cotton silos in Wacos downtown, which would come to serve as the epicenter of their Magnolia operation.

Today, Magnolia Market at the Silos encompasses two city blocks including a 12,000 square foot retail store, a green lawn, a whiffle ball field, and six boutique-style shops each with a specific theme.

There's also Magnolia's signature bakery Silos Baking Co, Magnolia Press coffee shop, and their sit-down restaurant Magnolia Table  about an eight-minute drive from the Silos.

In the year since its opening, the retail center attracted an estimated 1.2 million visitors. Today, the property has an estimated 30,000 customers flocking there each week.

Chip and Joanna have since opened three vacation rental properties: Hillcrest Estate and Hillcrest Cottage on Airbnb, and their latest boutique hotel venture, Hotel 1928, in downtown Waco.

Then there's three bestselling Magnolia Table cookbooks, and an entire range of furniture and home decor available to shop on their Magnolia website and their Hearth & Hand collaboration at Target.

Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco, Texas, serves as the headquarters of the couple's $50 million Magnolia empire

One year after its opening in 2015, Magnolia Market attracted an estimated 1.2 million visitors

Following the series finale of Fixer Upper in 2018, Chip and Joanna announced the launch of their own lifestyle network - Magnolia Network.

The network, which launched in 2021, serves as the home base of programming for their Magnolia umbrella, including all seasons of Fixer Upper and Joanna's cooking show Magnolia Table, as well as new home renovation and cooking-style shows.

Surely, such a busy work schedule and demanding business portfolio would present challenges in any relationship and leave little time for any couple to be well, a couple?

In August, Chip and Joanna appeared on the Stronger Podcast with Don Saladino where they discussed the difficulties of navigating fame and fortune while prioritizing family.

'As I think about fame and success and money in comparison to my marriage and my family [If] all of this would instantly go away, and my wife and my kids would be back on the farm, raising animals,' Chip said on the podcast.

'But Jo and I, we believe we can have our cake and eat it too in the sense that I can be successful and I can have a healthy marriage and family.'

Meanwhile, Joanna revealed that the pair 'were struggling for the first 12 years' of their 22-year marriage as they built their business and became HGTV stars.

The interview marked a rare candid moment for the couple, who  according to the insider  keep much of their interpersonal struggles away from the public eye.

The couple made a rare comment about their marriage during a podcast appearance in August, in which Joanna said they 'were struggling for the first 12 years' of their 22-year marriage

'They don't share with anyone because they don't want it to be in the tabloids,' the source told the Daily Mail.

'They have a very tight circle. They don't sit around with their friends and complain about each other.'

While Chip and Joanna have a stake in Magnolia Network, the channel is co-owned by mega media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery, which facilitates its shows to be streamed on HBO Max and Discovery Plus.

As such, their decision to cast a same sex couple last July on Back to the Frontier sparked speculation among fans that it was due to pressure from executives at Warner Bros.

Some conservative viewers claimed the couple have given up their 'traditional/biblical values' and blasted them as 'sell outs'.

Most notably, conservative leader Reverend Franklin Graham  the son of the late televangelist Billy Graham  made a public post criticizing Chip and Joanna for featuring a gay couple on their show.

'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series,' he wrote.

'If it is true, it is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth.

'God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.'

Conservative leader Reverend Franklin Graham criticized Chip and Joanna for featuring a gay couple on their show

Chip doubled-down on their decision to feature a same-sex couple, as he appeared to chastise conservative Christians for their outrage over the casting

In a surprising move, Chip  who largely keeps his personal views to himself  appeared to hit back at critics for their outrage over the casting.

'Talk, ask [questions], listen maybe even learn,' he wrote on X on July 13.

'Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never. It's a sad Sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.'

Chips apparent doubling-down on the decision to feature an LGBTQ+ couple on their show, caught many members of their conservative fanbase off guard. It marked the first time Chip and Joanna have publicly presented any progressive stance of their Christian faith.

From the start of their rise to fame, the couple have always been open about their Christianity. It is in effect part of their brand.

In 2016, Chip and Joanna sat down with a pastor of a local church, Jimmy Seibert, to talk about 'their faith, family, and how God is fulfilling His purposes in their lives.

In a Buzzfeed report published that November, Seibert was accused of openly opposing LGBTQ+ rights.

The article cited a sermon from Seibert, in which he claimed that 'homosexuality is a sin' and that 'God is able to give us power over every sin, including homosexuality'.

Antioch Community Church, which is led by Seibert and attended by Chip and Joanna, was also called out for its stance on gay marriage.

On its website, the congregation states it 'has consistently upheld a stance of clarity and compassion' that the 'practice of homosexuality is sinful, and compassion toward those who sin sexually, experience sexual confusion or deal with unwanted sexual desires'.

However, Seibert later denied accusations he's anti-gay, telling Fox News that Antioch is 'not only not anti-gay, but we are pro-helping people in their journey to find out who God is and who He has made them to be'.

Chip and Joanna did not issue a response until 2021, when they appeared to address the allegations in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

'Sometimes I'm like, "Can I just make a statement?"' Joanna told the outlet.

'The accusations that get thrown at you, like you're a racist or you don't like people in the LGBTQ community, that's the stuff that really eats my lunch  because it's so far from who we really are. That's the stuff that keeps me up.'

Chip and Joanna addressed anti-gay backlash in 2021, with the mother of five telling the Hollywood Reporter: 'It's so far from who we really are'

Joanna, whose mother is a Korean immigrant, has recently opened up about her experience growing up half-Korean in a predominantly white town

Joanna  whose mother, Nan Stevens, is a Korean immigrant  has also been open about her experience growing up half-Korean in a predominantly white town in Kansas, where she recalled being bullied in school.

She's since spoken about her journey to embrace her Korean heritage and has featured traditional Asian recipes in her cookbooks and on the Magnolia Network.

These days, it seems Chip and Joanna have come a long way from featuring no openly LGBTQ+ clients on Fixer Upper, to including a same-sex couple with two children born via surrogacy on Back to the Frontier.

But the question remains: will the backlash from their loyal conservative fan base damage the $50 million empire theyve worked so hard to build? Or is it simply a one-season scandal that they will ride out and swiftly move on from? Time will tell.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Chip and Joanna for comment.
Hollywood visionary David Lynchs one-of-a-kind California compound - a surreal, seven-structure estate - has hit the market for $15 million.

The legendary filmmaker - known for works like Mulholland Drive and the cult series Twin Peaks - passed away in January at the age of 78, following a heartbreaking battle with emphysema that left him 'barely able to walk across a room.'

Nearly eight months after his passing, the stars secluded 2.5-acre compound tucked into the winding roads of Hollywood Hills has been listed for sale, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The home reflects Lynchs deliberate vision: a space where the lines between living and creating are purposefully blurred, grounded in his belief that environment is essential to inspiration.

Spanning multiple buildings - from private residences to specialized artistic studios - Lynchs estate is a creative sanctuary where some of his most iconic works took shape.

You'll find an impressive total of 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms spread across the various structures, blending functionality with artistic flair.

But the iconic compound began as a three-bedroom 1960s house designed by architect Lloyd Wright, which he purchased in 1987 for $560,000.

The Wright-designed home, spanning approximately 2,000 square feet, showcases striking cement chevron patterns on its facade, balanced by expansive windows and skylights that flood the interior with natural light.

Hollywood visionary David Lynchs (pictured) one-of-a-kind California compound - a surreal, seven-structure estate - has hit the market for $15 million

The home (pictured in part) reflects Lynchs deliberate vision: a space where the lines between living and creating are purposefully blurred, grounded in his belief that environment is essential to inspiration

Also known as the Beverly Johnson House, it has been designated by Historic Places Los Angeles as a prime example of mid-century modern and organic residential design, according to Variety.

The home 'embodies the drama of hillside modernism with bold geometry, walls of glass and a seamless flow between indoors and out.'

In his own words, Lynch said in a 1997 interview that the Wright house 'affects my whole life to live inside of it,' as reported by the WSJ.

'And then sometimes I see things, shapes or something, that would go inside of it and that leads to furniture or film,' he added.

Yet that humble home was only the centerpiece - over the next few decades, Lynch expanded and assembled the sprawling compound that stands today.

Two years later, in 1989, Lynch acquired a two-bedroom Brutalist-style house next to the Wright residence for $542,300.

In 1991, he brought in Eric Lloyd Wright - Lloyd Wrights son - to create a pool and pool house for the estate.

Lynch expanded further in 1995 by acquiring a nearby studio building for $346,500, which later housed his production company, Asymmetrical Productions.

Over the course of his career, cigarettes became a visual fixture in Lynch's (pictured) movies, as well as a part of his own persona as an avant-garde filmmaker

He undertook major transformations of the two properties, designing many features himself - most notably converting the Brutalist-style home into a creative studio where he immersed himself in editing films, sound design, painting and sculpture.

The reimagined studio included an expansive library, screening room and state-of-the-art production facilities, complete with a fully equipped editing suite.

It was inside this building that Lynch brought to life some of his most celebrated creations, including Mulholland Drive.

Later, he acquired a two-story guest house and an additional one-bedroom living space - and together, these residences formed the expansive estate where he lived for over 35 years.

While the Wright-designed property retained its original architecture, the other structures shared an industrial-type aesthetic, each finished in smooth Venetian-style plaster with a dark, muted gray tone.

He created multiple workshop spaces where he experimented with new ideas - including the frequent weather reports he shared from the property during the pandemic.

Inside the compound, metalwork and wooden elements - all designed by Lynch himself - thoughtfully line the home.

The incorporation of these elements ultimately mirrored the emotional contrasts in his own films.

The incorporation of metalwork and wooden elements mirrored the emotional contrasts in his own films - including Blue Velvet (pictured) - which used sound and silence to build tension while delving into duality, such as good versus evil

Several of Lynchs films - including Eraserhead, Blue Velvet and Lost Highway - use sound and silence to build tension, while delving into obsessions with duality, such as good versus evil and appearance versus reality.

Rather than providing clear explanations, his films unfold like dreams - hinting at uncanny moments and unsettling mysteries, all deeply influenced by the unique atmosphere of his living environment.

The outdoor spaces - featuring hiking trails, enclosed courtyards, and layered architecture - provided him with tranquil retreats amid the bustle of the dense city.

Though the property just recently hit the market, listing agent Mark Silver and his colleague Barry Sloane hope it will sell quickly - ideally to a fan, foundation, or museum eager to preserve it exactly as it is, according to the WSJ.

While theres always a chance the new owner might want to build a new home on the site, Silver warned that 'there would be a strong response from the public' if anyone tried to demolish or alter the Wright-designed structure.

But he believes the property 'would be a very strong candidate for historical designation.'

Lynchs tragic passing followed a harrowing decline in the final months of 2024, during which his health rapidly deteriorated.

He began smoking at the age of eight and was diagnosed emphysema in 2020 before finally giving up cigarettes in 2022.

Lynch's films unfold like dreams - hinting at uncanny moments and unsettling mysteries, all deeply influenced by the unique atmosphere of his living environment (pictured: Twin Peaks series)

In August of last year, he insisted he would 'never retire' but acknowledged he could only direct remotely, as making movies in person put him at risk COVID-19.

By that November, he revealed he was reliant on supplemental oxygen and struggled to breathe, describing the sensation as if he had 'a plastic bag' over his head, he told People.

Over the course of his career, cigarettes became a visual fixture in his movies, as well as a part of his own persona as an avant-garde filmmaker.

He attempted to stop smoking 'many, many times' over the years 'but when it got tough, Id have that first cigarette, and it was a one-way trip to heaven,' he reflected. 'Then youre back smoking again.'

News of his death was greeted by an outpouring of praise from Hollywood figures, including fellow directors James Gunn, Harmony Korine and Ron Howard.
Lauren Sanchez and Anna Wintour have silenced Vogue cover haters for good as the pair posed for friendly snaps at the the star-studded Kering event in NYC on Thursday.

The 55-year-old former journalist - who tied the knot with Jeff Bezos back in June during a lavish Venice wedding - jumped to her main Instagram page on Friday to share special moments from the evening.

In a few images, fans were quick to notice that Sanchez crossed paths with Wintour during the festivities and both paused to take pictures together.

It comes following backlash when Sanchez appeared on the digital cover for Vogue at the time of her nuptials - as well as rumors which previously circulated that the Amazon CEO could possibly buy Vogue's parent company Conde Nast.

Wintour notably stepped down as Vogue Editor-in-Chief in late June - just one day before Sanchez and Bezos said 'I do.'

In one photo, Sanchez could be seen standing next to Wintour as they mingled with other celebrity guests such as director Baz Luhrmann.

Lauren Sanchez, 55, and Anna Wintour have silenced Vogue cover haters for good as the pair posed for friendly snaps at the the star-studded Kering event in NYC on Thursday

Another was taken as the wife of Bezos made her way up a staircase with the former Vogue editor by her side.

Sanchez was a busty bombshell wearing a gold satin dress with a lowcut neckline which also contained black material on the back for a fashionable flare.

Wintour also dressed for the glamorous occasion in a black dress with light gray floral details on the fabric.

The post also captured Sanchez posing with Georgina Rodriguez - who is engaged to Cristiano Ronaldo - as well as Luhrmann.

In the caption, the star penned: 'Fun pics of a beautiful evening that raised millions to support women and protect survivors. @keringfoundation.'

Social media users jumped to the comment section to offer their thoughts over Sanchez and Wintour's friendly encounter.

'The queens,' one fan typed out, while another wrote, 'Beautiful ladies,' followed by an array of emojis such as red hearts and clapping hands.

One Instagram user also shared, 'You and Anna!!! What a duo love u Lauren you look stunning.'

Social media users jumped to the comment section to offer their thoughts over Sanchez and Wintour's friendly encounter; Sanchez seen with Wintour and Bezos in 2020

In late June, Sanchez appeared on the Vogue digital cover while wearing her custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress that she wore for her romantic Venice nuptials to Bezos (seen above)

In late June, Sanchez appeared on the Vogue digital cover while wearing her custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress that she wore for her romantic Venice nuptials to Bezos.

The three-day extravaganza drew in a number of A-list guests including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian and Orlando Bloom.

Wintour had also scored an invite to the wedding, but notably did not attend due to previous travel plans, Page Six reported.

However, according to the outlet, Wintour still had a major role when it came to helping Sanchez choose her wedding gown.

Earlier last year, the former Vogue editor's opinion on Sanchez's sense of fashion was revealed.

It was reported that ahead of Sanchez making an appearance at the Met Gala, Wintour needed to have a say in the outfit choice.

A source informed Wintour's biographer Amy Odell that the media executive felt that Sanchez had 'poor taste' and would assist in choosing a dress.

Odell had notably written, 'Anna doesn't always get personally involved in what guests wear.'

Wintour had also scored an invite to the wedding, but notably did not attend due to previous travel plans, Page Six reported; seen earlier this month in NYC

It was reported that ahead of Sanchez making an appearance at the Met Gala, Wintour needed to have a say in the outfit choice; Sanchez seen at 2024 Met Gala in NYC

And in July, speculation began to swirl that Bezos could possibly buy Vogue's parent company Conde Nast as a wedding gift to Sanchez.

A source told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'The rumor that Jeff is going to buy Conde Nast is all anyone's talking about in the fashion industry and inside Vogue.'

They added, 'Lauren Sanchez is such an unlikely cover star, and the word is that she landed the July issue partly because the Newhouse family want to butter up Bezos.

'In New York they're slimming down the business which is exactly what companies do before a sale.

'Anna is said to be the one brokering the deal so that's why Lauren was put on the cover. Anna has equity in the business so has a lot to gain from a sale,' the insider further added.

A separate source explained that Bezos is 'one of the very few people with deep enough pockets. And Lauren is no airhead. She's a sharp cookie. There have been conversations.'

Over 10 years earlier, the Amazon CEO purchased the Washington Post in cash for $250 million in 2013.

After Wintour stepped down as Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Chloe Malle took her place at U.S. Vogue.

On Thursday, Sanchez stunned with Bezos as the couple attended the Kering Foundation 4th Annual Caring For Women Dinner during New York Fashion Week.

On Thursday, Sanchez stunned with Bezos as the couple attended the Kering Foundation 4th Annual Caring For Women Dinner during New York Fashion Week (seen above)

She donned a strapless, gold satin dress with a lowcut neckline and a train that was made of black material for a fashionable flare.

The star accessorized her look for the evening with a sparkling diamond necklace as well as flashy earrings.

Bezos also dressed for the occasion in a classic black tuxedo which was paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie.

Other celebrities in attendance for the event included Dakota Johnson, Salma Hayek, Demi Moore, Kirsten Dunst and Julianne Moore.
Rose Byrne was positively glowing this week, when she stepped out for a film premiere in Canada.

The Bridesmaids star, 46, was attending a screening of her latest film, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Australian actress turned more than a few heads in a stunning pink sleeveless gown that clung perfectly to her slender frame.

The striking garment featured dramatic pleating and accentuated Rose's enviably toned arms and shoulders.

Her elegant look was accentuated with a pair of silver peep-toe heels, while she chose to wear her hair back in a classic style for the occasion.

Preferring to let her striking dress do the talking, Rose dialled back on the accessories, save for a pair of eye-catching diamond earrings that fell to the actress's shoulders.

Rose Byrne was positively glowing this week, when she stepped out for a film premiere in Canada

Rose finished her red carpet look with a subtle application of blush to accentuate her cheekbones, a dramatic smoky eye and a light shade on her lips.

The Platonic star looked very much in her element, happily posing for photographers as she made her way along the red carpet.

She was also seen happily posing with co-stars, including Ivy Wolk, who made a sunny impression in a frilly, bright yellow mini-dress cut just above the knee.

It comes after Rose recently revealed the 'desperate lengths' she went to for Hollywood fame.

Rose appeared on Nova's Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie Show in July alongside her Platonic co-star Seth Rogen, to chat about the anticipated new season of the hit Apple TV+ series.

It wasn't long before the conversation turned to some of the Bridesmaids star's earliest attempts at stardom.

Rose admitted that she wasn't shy about trying her luck in all manner of TV fare before nabbing her first small-screen role.

'Did you ever try out for Neighbours or Home and Away when you were younger?' host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald asked the actress.

The Bridesmaids star, 45, was attending a screening of her latest film, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, at the Toronto International Film Festival

The Australian actress turned more than a few heads in a stunning pink sleeveless gown that clung perfectly to her slender frame

The striking garment featured dramatic pleating, and accentuated Rose's enviably toned arms and shoulders

'Oh yeah, I did an ill-fated soap called Echo Point that I'm sure you're familiar with  with some wonderful actors, actually, in all seriousness, that was not....' she said before trailing off.

Seth then diplomatically interjected with: 'It did not have the legs.'

Continuing, Rose admitted that she did, indeed, audition for both iconic soaps, and was rejected.

'Oh yeah, I auditioned for Neighbours and Home and Away... all of them,' she said.

Billed as a Home and Away 'killer', Echo Point was a short-lived soap that aired on Network Ten from June to December 1995.

Rose starred as 'good girl' Belinda O'Connor in the soap, alongside Tom Long, Jessica Napier, Martin Henderson and Diarmid Heidenreich.

Originally airing at 7pm to combat the iconic Seven soap, Echo Point failed to resonate with audiences, finishing its one-season run in the 11.30pm graveyard slot.

It comes after it was announced that Rose's breakthrough 1999 Australian movie Two Hands is set to receive a sequel 25 years later.

Preferring to let her striking dress do the talking, Rose dialled back on the accessories, save for a pair of eye-catching diamond earrings that fell to the actress's shoulders

The Platonic star looked very much in her element, happily posing for photographers as she made her way along the red carpet

She was also seen happily posing with co-stars including Ivy Wolk, who cut a sunny figure in a frilly bright yellow mini-dress that finished just above her knee

The film starred a 19-year-old Heath Ledger and Rose in a hilarious and gritty gangster story which has since developed a cult following.

It was written and directed by Australian filmmaker Gregor Jordan, who recently told The Sydney Morning Herald he had finished writing a sequel.

'We have a script that I think is really good. It brings it into the modern day,' Jordan said.

'If wed tried to do a sequel five years later, it probably wouldnt have worked, but 25 years later is the right time.'
Nadia Bartel has fuelled rumours she is planning to secretly wed boyfriend Peter Dugmore after being spotted leaving an upmarket bridal store.

The glamorous Australian influencer and owner of popular fashion label Henne was seen leaving the high-end boutique Alin Le'Kal on Saturday.

The designer store, located in leafy Toorak in Melbourne's south-east, is known for its intricate, custom-made bridal gowns and evening wear.

The mother-of-two, 40, appeared relaxed as she held a giant Alin Le'Kal garment bag in one hand and a pair of silver high heels in the other.

She was dressed casually in a pair of black exercise pants and a denim jacket for the outing, but had her hair neatly styled in effortless waves.

The social media star was seen weaving her way through the busy high street before she safely deposited the garment bag in the boot of her car.

Daily Mail has reached out to Nadia Bartel for comment.

Speculation over whether Nadia could be planning to secretly wed comes after she previously told Daily Mail she 'wants to marry' Peter.

Nadia Bartel was spotted leaving a high-end Toorak bridal shop on Saturday with a dress in hand

Nadia looked casual chic in a pair of black exercise pants and a denim jacket

Nadia was seen leaving high-end bridal boutique Alin Le'Kal, which is known for its intricate, custom-made bridal gowns and evening wear.

At the time, she said marriage was currently not on the cards for the couple.

'You know when you've done that then you're like I don't know if I'd do that again. But when you meet someone that you feel like you want to marry it's a good feeling. We are so happy. He's a good boy,' she said.

The former WAG also said Peter was 'The One'.

'My love life is going well. It's good. I'm happy,' she told this publication.

'I think he's The One. I do think he is and I think that he's got so many amazing attributes. He's just such a good person. I think the way he makes me feel...'

The pair went on a date after Peter slid into the fashionista's Instagram DMs.

'I don't usually respond to Instagram messages, and I don't know if it was because I was feeling lonely, but I responded,' she previously told her Instagram followers.

'I looked at his profile and we had some mutual friends and he looked like a nice guy. He also didn't have a lot of posts  and I liked that,' she said.

Nadia Bartel has been with Peter Dugmore (pictured together) for three years

The former AFL WAG has fuelled speculation she could walking down the aisle a second time

The mother-of-two held a giant Alin Le'Kal garment bag in one hand

'I really enjoyed the chats but I never thought I'd ever see this person  it was just nice to chat. I was in a good place with my mental health and I didn't want to put myself in a position where I could be hurt again.'

The designer eventually met up with Peter at The Tan, a popular running route in Melbourne, and said they have been together ever since.

After going public in late 2022, Nadia and Peter have often been seen cuddling up at exclusive events and on sweet dates around Melbourne.

The loved-up couple were pictured sharing a passionate kiss at the Australian Open in Melbourne last year.

If the speculation is true, it would be Bartel's second time walking down the aisle.

The social media star was seen weaving her way through the busy high street in Tookrak on Saturday

Nadia held a dress bag in one hand and a pair of silver heels in the other

Nadia announced her split from retired AFL Geelong Cats star Jimmy Bartel in August 2019, five years after they tied the knot on the Bellarine Peninsula.

She shares her sons Aston, eight, and Henley, six, with her AFL star ex-husband Jimmy Bartel, who she was married to from 2014 to 2021.

Jimmy welcomed daughter Paloma with Amelia Sheppard in April last year.
Lauren Sanchez and her billionaire husband Jeff Bezos were spotted enjoying the New York Fashion Week festivities on Friday night.

The couple  who tied the knot in a $50million wedding attended by a slew of A-list stars in June  attended the 72 Magazine event at the Four Seasons Hotel, which was hosted by British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.

For the invite-only function, Sanchez showed off ample cleavage and her toned legs in a tiny white satin dress.

The former news anchor, 55, layered up with a chic brown leather jacket and slipped on a pair of strappy nude heels.

She kept her wedding ring, which reportedly cost Bezos a whopping $5million, hidden from view as she and her new husband left the event holding hands.

Sanchez's hair was styled in a voluminous blowout and she rocked her go-to smokey eyeshadow and nude lip combo.

Lauren Sanchez and her billionaire husband Jeff Bezos were spotted enjoying the New York Fashion Week festivities on Friday night

The couple attended the 72 Magazine event at the Four Seasons Hotel, which was hosted by British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful

As for Bezos, the Amazon founder looked sharp in a black suit and dress shirt.

Rocking light stubble, the 61-year-old accessorized with silver aviator sunglasses and beaded bracelets.

The couple's sighting in NYC comes one day after Sanchez and Bezos joined A-listers like Salma Hayek and Dakota Johnson at the Kering Foundation's fourth annual 'Caring for Women' Dinner.

During the event, Sanchez silenced haters by posing for photos with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

It comes following backlash when Sanchez appeared on the digital cover for Vogue at the time of her nuptials - as well as rumors which previously circulated that the Amazon CEO could possibly buy Vogue's parent company Conde Nast.

Wintour notably stepped down as Vogue Editor-in-Chief in late June - just one day before Sanchez and Bezos said 'I do'.

But the duo looked to be on excellent terms in photos shared to Sanchez's Instagram page on Friday.

In one photo, Sanchez could be seen standing next to Wintour as they mingled with other celebrity guests such as director Baz Luhrmann.

For the invite-only function, Sanchez showed off ample cleavage and her toned legs in a tiny white satin dress

The former news anchor, 55, layered up with a chic brown leather jacket and slipped on a pair of strappy nude heels

As for Bezos, the Amazon founder looked sharp in a black suit and dress shirt

Another was taken as the wife of Bezos made her way up a staircase with the former Vogue editor by her side.

Sanchez was a busty bombshell wearing a gold satin dress with a lowcut neckline which also contained black material on the back for a fashionable flare.

Wintour also dressed for the glamorous occasion in a black dress with light gray floral details on the fabric.

The post also captured Sanchez posing with Georgina Rodriguez - who is engaged to Cristiano Ronaldo - as well as Luhrmann.

In the caption, the star penned: 'Fun pics of a beautiful evening that raised millions to support women and protect survivors. @keringfoundation.'

Social media users jumped to the comment section to offer their thoughts over Sanchez and Wintour's friendly encounter.

'The queens,' one fan typed out, while another wrote, 'Beautiful ladies,' followed by an array of emojis such as red hearts and clapping hands.

One Instagram user also shared, 'You and Anna!!! What a duo love u Lauren you look stunning.'

The couple's sighting in NYC comes one day after Sanchez and Bezos joined A-listers like Salma Hayek and Dakota Johnson at the Kering Foundation's fourth annual 'Caring for Women' Dinner

During the event, Sanchez silenced haters by posing for photos with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour

In late June, Sanchez appeared on the Vogue digital cover while wearing her custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress that she wore for her romantic Venice nuptials to Bezos.

The three-day extravaganza drew in a number of A-list guests including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian and Orlando Bloom.

Wintour had also scored an invite to the wedding, but notably did not attend due to previous travel plans, Page Six reported.

However, according to the outlet, Wintour still had a major role when it came to helping Sanchez choose her wedding gown.

Earlier last year, the former Vogue editor's opinion on Sanchez's sense of fashion was revealed.

It was reported that ahead of Sanchez making an appearance at the Met Gala, Wintour needed to have a say in the outfit choice.

A source informed Wintour's biographer Amy Odell that the media executive felt that Sanchez had 'poor taste' and would assist in choosing a dress.

Odell had notably written, 'Anna doesn't always get personally involved in what guests wear.'

And in July, speculation began to swirl that Bezos could possibly buy Vogue's parent company Conde Nast as a wedding gift to Sanchez.

Social media users jumped to the comment section to offer their thoughts over Sanchez and Wintour's friendly encounter; Sanchez seen with Wintour and Bezos in 2020

In late June, Sanchez appeared on the Vogue digital cover while wearing her custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress that she wore for her romantic Venice nuptials to Bezos (seen above)

Wintour had also scored an invite to the wedding, but notably did not attend due to previous travel plans, Page Six reported; seen earlier this month in NYC

A source told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'The rumor that Jeff is going to buy Conde Nast is all anyone's talking about in the fashion industry and inside Vogue.'

They added, 'Lauren Sanchez is such an unlikely cover star, and the word is that she landed the July issue partly because the Newhouse family want to butter up Bezos.

'In New York they're slimming down the business which is exactly what companies do before a sale.

'Anna is said to be the one brokering the deal so that's why Lauren was put on the cover. Anna has equity in the business so has a lot to gain from a sale,' the insider further added.

A separate source explained that Bezos is 'one of the very few people with deep enough pockets. And Lauren is no airhead. She's a sharp cookie. There have been conversations'.

Over 10 years earlier, the Amazon CEO purchased the Washington Post in cash for $250million in 2013.

After Wintour stepped down as Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Chloe Malle took her place at U.S. Vogue.
Patrick Kielty has thanked fans for their 'love and support' as he addressed his split from Cat Deeley in his first TV appearance since the announcement.

Patrick, 54, and Cat, 48, who have two sons together, announced the end of their 12-year marriage in July in a joint statement - insisting 'no other party' was involved.

While Cat has not addressed the breakdown of their marriage since returning to This Morning following her summer break, Patrick has now broken his silence.

During the opening of the new series of his RTE chat show, The Late Late Show, he thanked viewers for their support - with his wedding ring noticeably removed.

Patrick said: 'Honestly, it is so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all of the love and support that you guys have sent my way.

'One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you're never alone.

Patrick Kielty has thanked fans for their 'love and support' as he addressed his split from Cat Deeley in his first TV appearance since the announcement

Patrick, 54, and Cat, 48, who have two sons together, announced the end of their 12-year marriage in July in a joint statement - insisting 'no other party' was involved

'So to all of you who have been so kind to me and my family these past few months, can I just say a huge go raibh mile maith agat [thank you very much].

'It's one of the many reasons why walking out here is always a privilege, why being back here tonight truly puts flesh on my bones and why it never gets old to say these words: Welcome to The Late Late Show!'

His emotional speech ended as viewers in the studio erupted into applause for the County Down native.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Cat mysteriously wore a ring on her wedding finger, just weeks after being spotted with her wedding band off.

Walking the NTA carpet, Cat channeled her Irish links with a 5,160 emerald green floor-length gown from Oscar de la Renta gown.

Announcing their separation in July, Cat and Patrick said: 'We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.

'We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment.'

Daily Mail previously revealed how Patrick's family are still seething with Cat over her failure to attend his beloved mother's funeral  and say they knew at that moment their marriage was over for good.

Patrick's emotional speech on his first show of the new series ended as viewers in the studio erupted into applause for the County Down native

Her 'no show' back in March has left deep emotional scars within the Kielty family who say it confirmed for them that there was little chance of a reconciliation between the two.

Clearly still upset at the anger and embarrassment it caused the family, one relative told the Daily Mail: 'Whatever rockiness was going on in the marriage, something as momentous as his mother's funeral, you would make up even temporarily and just put your 'best face' on as we say in Northern Ireland.

'Cat obviously knew how close Patrick was to Mary and she should have come to be by his side, a hand on his shoulder as he buried his mother. The fact that she stayed in London and presented This Morning on the day, it's not been forgotten.'

The source added: 'In a very tight knit community in Northern Ireland, people always turn out. It's the done thing. His family remain very upset by this. They still can't believe it. It was the point when we all realised that that marriage had ended.'

Wednesday, Cat mysteriously wore a ring on her wedding finger, just weeks after being spotted with her wedding band off

Walking the NTA carpet, Cat channeled her Irish links with a 5,160 emerald green floor-length gown from Oscar de la Renta gown

Patrick looked bereft as he carried Mary's coffin through his home village, where he was joined by close family and friends at the Church of the Sacred Heart.

A spokesperson for Cat told the Daily Mail at the time: 'Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.'

Friends of the former couple recently told Daily Mail how they fear the divorce will get tricky over the contentious issue of a 5million 'doer-upper' house they purchased together.

They set to work back in 2023 to make the gloomy 1950s five-bedroom and it means 'a lot' to both of them, after being the centre of their lives in the past two years.
Iconic 60s rockstar Viv Prince has died aged 84.

The legendary drummer played in a variety of bands during the 1960s, including The Who, The Kinds, and Pretty Things.

White Stripes star Jack White led the tributes on Friday with a snap of the 'incredible drummer' on his page.

'I was lucky enough to meet Viv some years ago who was working on his farm in Portugal at the time.

'He was an inspired and eccentric rock and roller and maybe I'll have to put together a team to work on a documentary about this man one day.

'Safe travels into the sweet beyond Viv, you were one of the real ones. -III'

Iconic 1960s rockstar Viv Prince has died aged 84

The legendary drummer played in a variety of bands during the 1960s, including The Who, The Kinds, and Pretty Things

White Stripes star Jack White led the tributes on Friday with a snap of the 'incredible drummer' on his page

The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Fans flocked to the comments with their tributes.

The penned: 'So sad to hear, Viv was pretty much the only musician of my formative era that I had any personal connections with. Wonderful to hear you were familiar with his work';

'Those early Pretty Things records were something else. Dude was a trendsetter for sure. He will be missed';

'RIP thank you for your talent';

'The Pretty Things, what a band. Rest easy Viv';

'Such an amazing drummer';

'Cheers to a legend.

Fans flocked to the comments with their tributes

Prince was born in Loughborough in 1941 and found his way into the music scene during the 1960

Prince was born in Loughborough in 1941 and found his way into the music scene during the 1960s.

He joined Pretty Thing in 1964 and quickly became famous for his off-the-wall stage antics as he was for his drumming.

Prince left the group a year later, with guitarist Dick Taylor telling Classic Rock of his exit: The final straw with Viv came at The Twisted Wheel in Manchester. He refused to play because the pub across the road wouldnt serve him.

What he hadnt twigged was that it was attached to the hotel hed been in the night before, causing mayhem with The Kinks.

'In the end, Phil [May, vocals] said: Youd better just go home. He was a wonderful drummer, but

The band is probably best known for their UK top 20 hits Dont Bring Me Down and Honey I Need.

Viv played on their first two albums - The Pretty Things and Get the Picture? - before parting ways with the group.

After that, he kept busy, playing with a range of other acts including The Honeycombs, and Hawkwind.
Hollyoaks legends have been pictured on set as they make their return to screens as the soap celebrates its 30th anniversary.

New snaps show stars as they filmed scenes for the Channel 4 show on location in Liverpool on Friday.

James Redmond, 53, was pictured as he reprises his role as Finn and could be seen filming a pub scene as part of the anniversary special.

The actor initially starred in the soap from 1998 until his exit in 2002, before returning briefly in 2015 and then for another stint between 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, John Pickard was also seen on the shoot as Dom alongside his real-life brother Nick Pickard who plays Tony Hutchinson.

He joined Hollyoaks in 2005 and remained in the village until his exit in 2010.

Hollyoaks legends have been pictured on set as they make their return to screens as the soap celebrates its 30th anniversary (Pictured: Natalie Casey)

James Redmond returns as Finn while John Pickard reprises his role as Dom in pictures from Friday's filming on location

While the exact storyline surrounding their return has been kept under wraps, they could be seen filming pub scenes for the soap

Natalie Casey, who played Carol Groves, was also seen shooting scenes with Ruby O'Donnell and Ellis Hollins.

She first joined Hollyoaks in 1996 and completed a five-year stint before bowing out in 2000, moving onto sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

The cast appeared to be in good spirits for the reunion scenes as they boasted big smiles in between takes.

The exact storyline surrounding their return is being kept under wraps by Hollyoaks bosses and it's unclear when fans will see their return.

It comes after it was revealed how Hollyoaks will air a special crossover episode with Brookside to celebrate its milestone anniversary.

Last week it was confirmed Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins would return for the episode, reprising their roles as as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary and Nikki Shadwick.

Suzanne paid tribute to her late co-star Dean Sullivan, who played Brookside's longest-serving character Jimmy Corkhill.

He passed away in 2023 aged 68 following a battle with prostate cancer.

John Pickard joined Hollyoaks in 2005 and remained in the village until his exit in 2010

James Redmond, 53, was pictured as he reprises his role as Finn and could be seen filming a pub scene as part of the anniversary special

Current Hollyoaks stars Nick Pickard and Jimmy McKenna boasted big smiles during a break from filming while clutching their scripts tightly

Earlier this month it was revealed that Sue Johnston will be back as matriarch Sheila Grant, a part she played from 1982 until 1990.

She said: 'It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life.'

Paul Usher will be reprising his role as Sheila's bad-boy son Barry Grant, and John McArdle is returning as her second husband, Billy Corkhill.

And it has been revealed that Billy will later appear in more episodes of Hollyoaks as the character heads to the village, but the reasons why have been kept secret.

Hollyoaks Executive Producer Hannah Cheers previously described the episode as a 'love letter' to both soaps and expressed her gratitude to Sir Phil Redmond, who created both Hollyoaks and Brookside.

James Redmond, who plays Rory 'Finn' Finnigan in Hollyoaks

Natalie Casey, who played Carol Groves, was seen shooting scenes with Ruby O'Donnell (pictured) and Ellis Hollins

The new images come after it was revealed how Hollyoaks will air a special crossover episode with Brookside to celebrate its milestone anniversary

Actor Ellis Hollins gave a thumbs up to the camera during filming for the reunion scenes

She said: 'This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.

'Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks  it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.

'For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.

'This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside

'These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.'
When Molly-Mae Hague won a National Television Award for her documentary Behind It All on Wednesday night, no one was more shocked to scoop the gong than the former Love Island star herself.

After all, the six-part series, which followed the influencer as she navigated her break-up from boxer Tommy Fury and became a single mother to two-year-old Bambi, had beaten films featuring English rugby league star Rob Burrows struggle with motor neurone disease, Strictly pro-dancer Amy Dowdens breast cancer battle and Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoffs recovery from a near-fatal car crash.

Viewers watching the NTAs at home, along with the teams involved in making the other films, were  perhaps understandably  baffled. And the surprise win got others in the industry wondering (tongue firmly in cheek) if they should plan their own break-up documentaries to win an award.

Because as those who have followed Molly-Maes story will know  and there are an astonishing 8.5million of them on her Instagram page, alone  there have been questions over how honest and raw the Amazon Prime show actually was.

Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague met on Love Island in 2019, and have since had a child, Bambi, together

The shows hook was a promise to grant fans a look behind the scenes of Molly-Mae and Tommy Furys split, which was dubbed Gen Zs version of the divorce between the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It was claimed that Tommys alcohol addiction was behind their decision to call time on the relationship, which began when the pair met on ITVs Love Island in 2019.

Doubts about the truth of it all emerged when a video was released online showing Molly-Mae kissing the boxer at a New Years Eve party while filming.

Following much speculation, the couple are now officially back together.

There were accusations that the break-up was little more than a PR wheeze for the documentary, which was also designed to help promote the launch of Molly-Maes fashion brand Maebe. She denied the claims, insisting her relationship was very, very real. I wish it was a publicity stunt, she added, because it would be a lot easier.

Still, when BBC Radio 5 presenter Nicky Campbell announced the winner of the Authored Documentary category earlier this week, which was voted for by the British public, he could perhaps be forgiven for flinching.

Stunned, the influencer stood on stage, the production team behind her, and  to her credit  was quick to dedicate the award to Burrow, who died last year.

Clutching the gong in a silk custom Laura Carmel dress, she said: And finally, to Lindsey, Rob Burrows wife, and his children. His story was more inspirational than mine could ever be and I think it was just incredible and it touched me in more ways than I can explain. So this ones for you, Rob, and the other inspirational people who are in this category.

With little irony, she also thanked Tommy, who was watching at home.

I couldnt have done this without you, she beamed.

And that part is certainly true.

Molly-Mae poses with her Authored Doc Award, which has been the subject of controversy

Speaking after the NTAs on ITV's Lorraine, Vogue Williams joked about orchestrating her own break-up to gain an award

Speaking after the NTAs on ITV's Lorraine, Vogue Williams joked about orchestrating a break-up of her own with husband Spencer Matthews to gain an award

As an insider told me: A lot of people in the industry are really angry about the win but its only because its shone a light on what the British people want, and they [TV producers] have to play catch up.

On the face of it, its shocking that Molly-Maes show won. But its also not surprising - she has millions of social media followers who voted for her.

It says more about the public than Molly-Mae  these are the next generation of television viewers, and this is what they want.

They dont care that what they are watching might not be completely true. They are the reality TV generation  they want more drama and more relationship turmoil.

Public figures are going to have to do more drastic things in their personal lives to get the attention they desire.

The outcome of the category certainly struck a chord with Irish presenter Vogue Williams. Sitting on Lorraine Kellys sofa for a live debrief following the awards ceremony, she said what many were thinking.

I think... well, first of all, Im going to plan a break-up because then Im going to win an NTA myself, she said.

The clip of Vogues comments went viral.

But whether Molly-Mae orchestrated the split, or whether she was simply canny enough to capitalise on her relationship problems, no one can deny she has found a winning formula.

So was Vogue  who, of course, is also in a high-profile relationship, married to Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews  joking, or might there be an ounce of truth in her words? My sources tell me there have, in fact, been some shifts to the way Vogue and Spencer run their successful business enterprises of late.

For years, they shared the same management team and engaged in joint ventures, such as their podcast, Spencer & Vogue. But he stepped down as co-host in January, and last month it was revealed that he has switched management to YMU.

The insider explained: Its common for media personalities co-ordinating a strategic move  an orchestrated break-up, for example  to distance themselves from their partner so it doesnt appear to have been pushed by one company for capital gain.

Though this is not a sinister move from them, it wouldnt be a surprise if there are plans being laid out either.

Vogue, who has three children with Spencer, has built up her own empire as the face of detergent brand Fairy, has several ITV presenting gigs and is host to two successful podcasts.

But in the world of showbusiness, a publicity boost is never unwelcome  however that might be achieved.

It remains to be seen who will successfully take the trophy at next years NTAs. But the lesson this year has taught us is that it might be worth taking the winning subject matter with a hefty pinch of salt.
Myleene Klass set pulses racing as she arrived at Smooth Radio Studios in London on Saturday morning.

The TV and radio presenter, 47, looked sensational in a sleek black fitted unitard that showed off her toned legs and enviable figure.

Injecting a pop of colour into the sporty ensemble, she teamed the look with eye-catching neon orange chunky trainers and toted her essentials in a black handbag.

Myleene further accessorised her look with oversized black sunglasses, a gold pendant necklace, and a stylish stack of rings.

Beaming for the cameras, the former Hear'Say star appeared in high spirits as she made her way into the studio clutching a coffee.

Myleene's outing comes days after she and Holly Willoughby, 44, enjoyed a boozy afternoon as they celebrated a mutual friend's milestone birthday.

Myleene Klass set pulses racing as she arrived at Smooth Radio Studios in London on Saturday morning

The TV and radio presenter, 47, looked sensational in a sleek black fitted unitard that showed off her toned legs and enviable figure

The stars were seen letting their hair down as they knocked back glasses of champagne during the all-girls party.

Myleene and Holly drank and ate at Ce La Vi in London - an exclusive new luxury restaurant that opened their doors to them a day before the grand opening.

In a video posted to social media, former This Morning presenter Holly wore a chic burgundy leather skirt paired with an M&S alpaca blend textured jumper.

Myleene dazzled in an all-red look, wearing a daringly short black miniskirt with tights, paired with a red jumper.

Other stars in attendance included Spice Girl Emma Bunton, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, presenter Christine Lampard and Kate Thornton.

The women could all be seen getting merrier as the day progressed, as they gathered around a long table for their meal.

Among the dishes on the lavish, though carb-light menu were a refreshing watermelon and feta salad and shrimp tempura.

For dessert, the women could choose from a matcha and mandarine choux and a dark chocolate and shiitake cremeux.

Injecting a pop of colour into the sporty ensemble, she teamed the look with eye-catching neon orange chunky trainers and toted her essentials in a large black quilted handbag

Myleene further accessorised her look with oversized black sunglasses, a gold pendant necklace, and a stylish stack of rings

Flashing a glimpse of a smile for the cameras, the former Hear'Say star appeared in good spirits as she made her way into the studio clutching a coffee

Girl power was evident during the day as the women all posed for a group snap, boasting big smiles.

Paying tribute to her friend, Myleene penned alongside her video: 'Celebrating our girl @shishib. 50 years on this planet and every one of them used to spread love. Were lucky to have you in our lives.'

Holly, who skipped this year's National Television Awards, came to the party straight after she joined a host of other stars taking donations on the phone for the annual BGC Group Charity Day.

Earlier this week, Myleene snapped at her Loose Women co-star Coleen Nolan in an awkward spat live on air on Wednesday - as tensions rise at ITV amid cuts at the channel.

Tensions were high as the pair discussed US ambassador Peter Mandelson's confession to carrying on his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein 'for far longer than he should have'.

As they touched on the topic, Coleen said she was 'bored' with constant stories about scandals involving people in power.

She said: 'I think it's really depressing, I have lost faith in all of them - I can't believe a word any of them say!'

Myleene then abruptly interrupted Coleen with her thoughts as she snapped back: 'That's terrible though!'

Myleene's outing comes days after she and Holly Willoughby, 44, enjoyed a boozy afternoon as they celebrated a mutual friend's milestone birthday

The stars were seen letting their hair down as they knocked back glasses of champagne during the all-girls party at Ce La Vi in London (Holly Willoughby pictured)

Coleen then instantly looked shocked at her harsh comment as she said: 'Oh, oh, alright!'

Coleen then rolled her eyes and added: 'It was just my opinion!'

Myleene then quickly tried to rectify things as she said: 'No, no, your opinion is correct, but the feeling you described is really worrying!'

Coleen then sarcastically quipped: 'Thanks!'
Love Island finalists Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes have reportedly split despite attending the National Television Awards 2025 together.

The couple, who came in third place on the ITV dating show, walked the red carpet at London's O2 Arena together on Wednesday but Yas was later said to be seen 'getting cosy' with Traitors star Freddie Fraser.

Just a few weeks ago, she said she felt 'really bonded' to Jamie and there had been 'no rush to be intimate.'

But it would seen the couple are no more with Yas and Freddie seen 'holding hands' at the award show on Wednesday.

Freddie, 20, appeared on the iconic BBC show earlier this year, and quickly won an army of fans as the heartthrob of the series.

One attendee told The Sun: 'Yasmin and Jamie werent together at the party a lot at all, compared to Harry and Shakira and Cach and Toni, who were glued to each other's sides.'

Love Island finalists Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes have reportedly split despite attending the National Television Awards 2025 together

The couple walked the red carpet at London's O2 Arena together on Wednesday but Yas was later said to be seen 'getting cosy' with Traitors star Freddie Fraser (pictured)

They added: 'Then I saw her holding hands with Freddie and pulling him away. She said, "We need to go somewhere private, no one can see."'

Daily Mail has contacted Yasmin's representative for comment.

Last week, Daily Mail exclusively revealed Yas was set to follow in the footsteps of fashion icons Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne by signing with an elite management company, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The ITV2 show is no stranger to churning out household names, with many going on to carve out careers as influencers or reality TV stars.

But in a historic first for the series, Yasmin is set to capitalise on the posture that made her a social media favourite, by signing with the well-respected fashion agency Storm Management.

The company has boasted names such as Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Alexa Chung and Emma Watson as clients, and its founder Sarah Doukas is responsible for launching Kate Moss's career after spotting her at an airport when she was just 14.

ITV have already hinted there are huge plans to cash in on the success of this year's series, lining up this year's finalists, including Shakira Khan and winner Toni Laites, to appear on more shows, or land big-money fashion deals.

Yasmin is the first Love Island star in its history to sign with Storm Management, and she excitedly shared her hopes of launching her fashion career after finishing in third place in the villa.

Just a few weeks ago, she said she felt 'really bonded' to Jamie and there had been 'no rush to be intimate' (pictured on Love Island)

But it would seen the couple are no more with Yas and Freddie seen 'holding hands' at the award show on Wednesday

Speaking about her exciting career move she said: 'I've always loved high fashion, and everything bold and unique. That's why signing with Storm feels like the perfect synergy for me.

'Not only are they the creme de la creme of the fashion world, but they are a 360 management company, with the expertise to create opportunities for me to explore many different avenues of my career, whilst retaining my individuality.

'From TV projects and advertising, branding and licensing - as well as the most prestigious editorial and fashion collaborations, I am excited to be starting my next chapter with the team at Storm.'

Storm's founder Sarah also told the Daily Mail: 'We are very excited to be formally representing Yasmin.

'Her style, charisma and personality really stood out on this year's Love Island. At Storm, we have always broken the mould with our choice of talent, and the incredible reception to the show this yearalongside attention from iconic publications such as i-Dreally caught our eye.

'Yasmin's personal style is edgy and perfectly aligned with where fashion sits right now. We are already working with the likes of Marc Jacobs on her, and we see a very bright future across fashion, beauty, branding and licensingbeyond the trajectory often associated with similar talent.

'For us, it's thrilling to embrace pop culture in the wonderfully eclectic and inclusive world we work in.'
Americans might like to believe that Britain is a society obsessed with inviolable class divisions.

But Downton Abbey insiders have accused US audiences of showing some snobbishness of their own  complaining that viewers across the Atlantic 'don't give a damn' about the downstairs characters on the show.

Actors who play servants were notable by their absence at the New York premiere of the period drama's final film outing last week, apparently because they thought they would be treated very differently from those who play the aristocratic Crawleys.

A source said: 'The high-ups knew American viewers don't give a damn about the servant characters, so when the New York premiere came along, the hair, make-up and costume people were told not to bother too much with those actors.

'Some were even told they had to do their own glam. But for the actors who play the Crawleys, they were told to really make them shine.'

The source said the discrepancy made the downstairs cast feel 'left out in the cold,' which is why so many decided to snub the premiere, despite coming out in force for the earlier UK gala.

Many of the best-loved cast members did not make the US trip, including Lesley Nicol, 72, who plays cook Mrs Patmore and Jim Carter, 77, who plays butler Mr Carson.

Sophie McShera, 40, aka scullery maid Daisy, also stayed home after complaining there was 'no point, the Americans all think we're servants'.

From left to right: Joanne Froggatt, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Elizabeth McGovern attend the New York Premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 8

Many of Downton Abbey's best-loved cast members decided to snub the New York premiere, including Lesley Nicol (left) who plays cook Mrs Patmore and Sophie McShera (right) aka scullery maid Daisy

The US premiere was in stark contract to the earlier UK gala (pictured) where much of the cast came out in force

The only male star from the downstairs cast to attend was Allen Leech, who plays Branson, the ex-chauffeur who moved up the social ladder by marrying Lady Sybil, while Joanne Froggatt and Raquel Cassidy, Downton's ladies' maids, also made an appearance.

But actors playing the Crawleys were out in force, including Hugh Bonneville, 61, who plays Lord Grantham, and his on-screen wife Elizabeth McGovern, 64, who wore a pink-and-orange sequined gown.

A pregnant Michelle Dockery, 43, dazzled in a black off-the-shoulder Dolce & Gabbana frock, while Laura Carmichael, 39, wore a beige wrap dress.

ITV and NBC Universal were asked for comment.
More than 57,000 burrito meals sold at Target have been recalled after consumers noticed it contained undeclared shrimp.

The meals manufacturer One Frozen have voluntarily recalled the effected Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend over concerns the undeclared shellfish could be an allergy risk.

Although shellfish allergies are common, some can produce life-threatening reactions.

These include anaphylaxis within seconds of contact, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Less severe reactions including facial swelling, diarrhea, hives and dizziness.

The affected burrito bowls were sold at Target stores in all 50 states, according to a recall announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The mislabeled products were distributed from April 17th but no related illness has yet been reported.

Consumers have been urged to check their freezers for the products and instead dispose of them.

One Frozen, the manufacturer, said it is voluntarily recalling its Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend after the mistake was flagged

The affected 12-ounce products come in red steam in a bag packaging, stamped with a Best Used By date of August 24, 2026

Those who do find the products with the following lot codes - 5055-1, L5055-2, L5055-3, L5055-4, L5055-5, and L5055-6 - can contact Target guest relations for a full refund.

The red 'steam in a bag' packages weigh 12 ounces with a 'Best Used By' date of August 24 2026.

It is the latest recall nightmare for Target after more than 12,000 cookies were recalled last month over fears they could contain pieces of wood.

The Favorite Day Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies made by Give and Go were shipped to three distribution centers in Ohio, Connecticut and Maryland.

The products, sold in 10-packs with Lot number 251915, were then sent to Target stores in 21 states, including New York, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia.

Prior to that Target saw embroiled in the recall of a kitchen step stools sold at its stores.
You cant say the French arent doing anything about the rubber dinghies full of fake asylum seekers crossing the Channel. The French have now come up with a genius plan to stop the small boats by banning the sale of all balloons that are over the 2-inch limit.

We were paid 850 million by the Rosbifs to stop the boats. Well, we took the money and did nothing  ah, that is until now mes amis. We are going to ban the balloons which are larger than 2-inches in size. This should stop the boats, dont you think? French minister for Channel crossings, Pierre Balon told the BBC.

Well, that solves it, then. If you go to France, you cannot buy big balloons any more, but you can still purchase a massive fucking rubber dinghy to stuff loads of economic migrants into.
Chinese military tracks, monitors U.S., British warships transiting through Taiwan Strait: spokesperson

Xinhua) 09:02, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has sent navy and air force troops to track and monitor the U.S. destroyer Higgins and the British frigate HMS Richmond, which transited through the Taiwan Strait and made provocative actions on Friday.

Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command, noted in a written statement that the situation has been responded to and handled effectively.

"The actions of the United States and the UK have sent out wrong signals and undermined peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," said Shi.

The troops of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command always remain on high alert and stand ready to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability, he added.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
A Derry City and Strabane District counciller has said, Soldier F on trial for Bloody Sunday is the British state on trial.

Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) added: "The British state has done everything in its power to stop Parachute Regiment members responsible for murder on Bloody Sunday from going on trial.

"The trial of Soldier F, charged with the murder of William McKinney and James Wray, is commencing at the Royal Courts of Justice because of the tireless efforts of families and campaigners for truth and justice.

"Many other members of the Parachute Regiment should be on trial, as should the top brass of the British Army who planned the slaughter along with the government officials who greenlighted it.

"Those who planned the murder of Civil Rights marchers and covered it up were rewarded with accolade after accolade and promoted to the highest positions of power in the British military," said Cllr Harkin.

He added: "Government leaders and military top brass view the lower ranks as cannon fodder who can be sacrificed if necessary.

"Nevertheless, Soldier F on trial is the British state on trial.

"Holding the British army and state accountable for atrocities it has committed is crucial, while it assists Israel with genocide of the Palestinian people. They lied then and they lie now.

"We salute the decades-long effort to hold the British state to account for Bloody Sunday. Now is the time for truth and justice."
US financial firms have announced investments in the UK worth 1.25 billion before Donald Trumps state visit next week.

Citi Group has confirmed it will invest 1.1 billion across its UK operations, while S&P Global will put 4 million into their Manchester offices.

PayPal has confirmed a 150 million investment in product innovations and growth and Bank of America will create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast in its first operation in Northern Ireland.

Alongside the new investment announcements, companies are committing to ramp up commercial activity between the US and UK in the coming years.

Blackrock is allocating 7 billion to the UK market over five years, while Rothesay is planning to double its investment in the US with another 7 billion in the coming years.

The investment and capital commitments line up some 20 billion trade between the two countries  with some 8 billion to come to the UK and 12 billion to go to the US, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: These investments reflect the strength of our enduring golden corridor with one of our closest trading partners, ahead of the US presidential state visit.

Tech giants OpenAI and Nvidia are reportedly planning to unveil billions of dollars of investment into UK data centres during the visit next week.

Sam Altman, the boss of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and chipmaker Nvidias chief executive Jensen Huang are understood to be part of a delegation of US executives to join Mr Trump.

The US presidents two-day trip begins on Wednesday and includes an overnight stay at Windsor Castle.

It comes as the future of tariffs on British steel is still unclear.

When the UK and US signed a trade deal in June, it reduced tariffs on car and aerospace imports to the US.

But no agreement on a similar arrangement for Britains steel imports was reached, leaving tariffs on steel at 25%.

A Government spokesperson said: Our special relationship with the US remains strong.

Thanks to our trade deal, the UK is still the only country to have avoided 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, and we continue to partner on technologies such as AI, Quantum, and cyber security in our trillion-dollar tech sectors.

We will work with the US to implement this landmark deal as soon as possible to give industry the security they need, protect vital jobs, and put more money in peoples pockets through the plan for change, as well as welcoming the president on this historic state visit.
Recently, as you may recall, I wrote about the significant overlap between music and royalty when I spoke to Prince Regent. This week, Im speaking to another member of the musical monarchy, Ryan Harling of Little Kings.

Little Kings have been releasing music for a few years now, with their EP Vignettes 2020-2022 coming out in 2023. The past few months have seen a re-emergence of sorts, playing Electric Picnic a few weeks ago and now taking part in Glor Ar Linne, a program run by Raidio Ri-Ra, Irelands national Irish language youth and pop station in partnership with Creative Ireland and Dublin City Council.

The scheme aims to foster a new generation of Irish language bands and artists with mentorship and creative spaces and the final showcase will be taking place in The Grand Social in Dublin this Wednesday (17th September).

I caught up with Ryan in Hang Ten to talk about Glor Ar Linne, Electric Picnic and Chappell Roan: Back in May, I took up with the Raidio Ri-Ra scheme Glor Ar Linne. Ive been non-stop since then, playing a couple of gigs in Dublin, we played at Electric Picnic then we had a gig in Derry last week in Hang Ten and this week well be playing the closing gig for the scheme in The Grand Social. Its been a busy few months and I look forward to releasing some new music bi-lingually in the next few months.

Between studying a diploma in Irish, a part time Masters and working full time Ive put the music on hiatus but now things are quieting up on that end and were so back baby, were so back!

I asked about Electric Picnic: The festival are big supporters of the Irish language and theyve got a site set up just for that and a stage where theres plenty of Irish language acts, including ourselves, Lisa Murray, John Spillane, whos a big inspiration, as well as some other participants from the scheme.

It was non-stop. It was dryer than Stendhal, and I love Stendhal but by God it was touch and go sometimes, but we survived, nobody drowned in the amount of rain that came in and it was lovely.

I was able to sing along with all three songs I knew from Chappell Roan. I got plenty of practice last year with George Houston for Not Really 3 on Halloween. Five Chappell Roans on stage in Bennigans, it couldnt top that but it was close.

Naturally, I had to ask who did it better, George or Chappell: George Houston alone, easy. I saw a bit of him at Electric Picnic. I saw his last two minutes.

I arrived half an hour in expecting another half an hour but it ended immediately afterwards, but still. Bennigans had five Chappell Roans so its simple maths.

Back to Glor Ar Linne and the showcase this Wednesday: The scheme has been going on since May and this gig will be a way to wrap it all up and invite the Irish language community together and have a little party so its going to be very fun.

The scheme consisted of me travelling down to Dublin on numerous 5am buses so Im keen to celebrate it and have some lovely memories of meeting all the facilitators that were there showing us the ropes of how they got to be performing at the level theyre at, which is a fantastic inspiration. Its a gig with five acts and Im really looking forward to it. Itll be myself, Aoife Mullan on cello and vocals and Leah Bell on violin, vocals and synth.

And thats it from Ryan and Little Kings. Theyll be playing The Grand Social in Dublin this Wednesday. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at 17.07.

Now, onto other business. This Friday will see the release of the first single from Polar Boleros upcoming EP. The Bride will be available on September 19th on all good streaming platforms.

READ MORE: MacD on Music

Also, last week saw Sister Ghost begin her Ireland and UK tour in the Union Bar in Belfast.

The tour will be continuing this Saturday (20th September) in Dublin with a gig in BelloBar before moving over to Scotland and England. Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite and Dice.

Another gig this week, this one a bit closer to home. As seen in last weeks column, Cora Harkin will be playing a headline gig in the Nerve Centre this Friday (19th September) with support from Reflect. Tickets are 5 plus booking fee and are selling fast so get them while you still can.

Also, last Friday saw the release of the new album from Louise DaCosta. Ad Astra features mainly breakbeat and experimental electronica with vocals from some of the finest spoken word artists and vocalists on this island, including Frank Rafferty, Abby Oliveira, Mairead Carroll, George Hutton, Grace Day and Gavin McFadden. The album is available now on all good streaming services.

Finally, time for the socials. Louise DaCosta can be found on Instagram @thelouisedacosta, Cora Harkin @coraharkinmusic, Sister Ghost @sisterghostofficial, Polar Bolero @polarbolero and Little Kings @littlekings.
An elderly cyclist has died following an early-morning hit-and-run in Meath.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses amid the fatal road traffic collision, which occurred at Batterstown, Ballivor in the county on Friday morning, September 12.

Shortly after 9.59am, Gardai and emergency services responded to a collision on the R156. This incident involved a cyclist and a vehicle that failed to remain at the scene.

The male cyclist, aged in his 80s, was discovered unresponsive and removed to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where he was pronounced dead.

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Gardai are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area of Batterstown, Ballivor between 9:30am and 10am on Friday, September 12, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

The authorities are particularly interested in the movements of heavy goods vehicles (rigid or articulated trucks) in the area at the time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Trim Garda Station on (046) 948 1540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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.

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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.

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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.
The case of missing Dundalk schoolboy Kyran Durnin, who is presumed dead, is set to be raised at a private meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality later this month as questions remain around the circumstances of the childs disappearance.

Kyran, who was reported missing in September 2024, had been known to Tusla prior to his disappearance, prompting serious concerns about the role of State agencies in safeguarding vulnerable children.

Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu, who is a member of the committee, said the cases of Kyran Durnin and the Dublin child, who is currently the subject of a Garda search in Donabate, have raised huge questions about the role that State agencies have played in the early lives of these children.

He said it was likely that Tusla will attend the meeting.

The Sinn Fein TD said the committee will meet in private session the week after the Dail returns on September 17 and it will decide which agencies will be called before the committee. He said it was almost certain that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, will be asked to attend.

Deputy O Murchu said the latest Garda investigation into a missing child in Dublin is deeply worrying and disturbing, particularly as it was revealed almost a year to the day that the Kyran Durnin probe was launched.

He said: Similarly to Kyrans case, the Donabate child was known to Tusla but his case was closed by the agency during Covid 19.

Deputy O Murchu said he had raised the Kyran Durnin case at the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality before the summer recess and had questioned Tusla CEO Kate Duggan about earlier interventions that could be put in place for vulnerable families, including specialist Public Health Nurses to visit families in the very early stages of a childs life.

He said: Not only do we need to know what happened to the two missing children, not only do we need to ensure that there are no more children who have fallen through the cracks at Tusla, we also urgently need to ensure that better checks are put in place so that vulnerable children are protected.

Last week Gardai in Louth renewed their appeal for information on the disappearance and suspected murder of Kyran. Kyran was last seen in June 2022, when he was six. Since then, over 570 investigative actions have been carried out, including two arrests, multiple property searches, forensic examinations and the review of more than 29,500 hours of CCTV. Gardai continue to liaise with Tusla and stress that any detail, no matter how small, could assist the investigation.

Kyran was reported missing in August 2024 along with his mother, who was later found safe in the UK without him. Gardai declared him missing presumed dead the following month, leading to major searches in Dundalk and Drogheda.

Two arrests were made last December, but no charges followed. Tusla has said no concerns were raised about Kyran between 2022 and 2024, though a significant concern emerged last August. Gardai continue to appeal for information through Drogheda Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.

Deputy O Murchu said he welcomed the news last week, following a call from his party colleague Claire Kerrane, that Tusla is to conduct welfare checks on the 38,000 children it had contact with during the Covid 19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

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Deputy O Murchu said: We need to know for certain that no other child has fallen through the system. I think the public needs that certainty.

Tusla clearly needs to have a look-back mechanism to ensure that, where a case is closed, it can be checked back on at least once  a welfare check to ensure the child concerned is doing well and is being looked after. This should be in place.

These two cases have shocked the country and we are no closer to knowing in detail what happened and what more could have been done by agencies who were involved with the families. While the priority is the locating both children, which the Gardai are attempting to do, there cannot be a situation where reviews and learnings remain unpublished while Garda work continues.

We also need to look at better protocols to ensure children under school going age are accounted for. There is a gap here that needs to be addressed.
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.

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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.
The recent accident at Sextons junction on the R132 in Dundalk in which a man and woman were taken to hospital was highlighted by Fianna Fail councillor Shane McGuinness at this months meeting of Dundalk Municipal District.

Councillor McGuinness expressed frustration with the lack of traffic calming measures on the stretch of road.

That was the second serious accident in ten days, and I met with the Gardai and theyre telling me that theres now two accidents there a week, so its possibly one of the most dangerous junctions in Louth, he told the meeting.

Theres a number of things we have to look at. We have to look at how we prioritise [the installation of] traffic lights. We should be prioritising it based on risk, certainly based on risk more so than whatever other reason we would base it on.

I know there is an Active Travel Programme, I just dont know whether were going to be able to wait two or three years. Again, how do we prioritise which Active Travel Programme should go first? Thats a question I would like to ask.

I have spoken to David Jones [Director of Major Capital Projects & Infrastructure Delivery at the council] and he is meeting me this week and the Gardai also want to meet with us to discussbut its a serious situation and the question on everybodys lips in a massively built up area is why do we keep building houses when were not building infrastructure alongside? Its a simple question; its just very difficult to get an answer.

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I wish the people who were involved in the accident a speedy recovery and I hope we can get something in place to put the traffic lights into the Active Travel Program which were not in the first draft, and it was a bit of a fight to get them into the second draft and I believe there in there now but Ive let to see a drawing and it would be great if I could get a look at that.

Executive Engineer with the council Patrick Callan said that the junction fell under the Active Travel Programme and there is an upgrade of the junction planned in the drawings.

He said he would have to confirm timelines and see when it was proposed to start work.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has announced that Dr. Ronan Bree has been appointed to the Management Board of EDEN Digital Learning Europe  Europes leading network for advancing digital education.

Senior Lecturer in Education Development and Digital Practice in the Centre of Excellence for Learning and Teaching, Ronan has played a transformative role in enhancing digital teaching and learning in recent years.

This includes serving as an Education Developer with the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, where he worked on the design and development of the National Resource Hub for open educational resources.

More recently, Ronan was DkITs Institute Lead for the N-TUTORR project  a 40m initiative which sought to empower learners, develop staff capabilities, and embed digital ecosystems to transform learning across Irelands Technological Higher Education sector.

EDEN Digital Learning Europe is an international educational association and not-for-profit organisation focused on the development and exchange of research, policy and practice in open, distance, and digital education.

As a professional community for learning, EDEN fosters knowledge exchange and enhances understanding among professionals in these fields, while promoting best practices and policies throughout Europe and beyond.

As part of his new role, Ronan attended EDENs Annual Conference, which included a role as a panel member in the events PhD Symposium  a supportive platform for those completing PhD programmes in this field.

This years conference focused on Shaping the Future of Education in the Age of AI: Empowering Inclusion, Innovation and Ethical Growth. The conference welcomed over 300 delegates to the University of Bologna where they collectively explored the transformative potential of generative AI in education.

Topics included personalised learning, micro-credentials, global learning networks, AI literacy, and the ethical implications of AI in teaching, learning and assessment.

The conference also explored shaping digital and AI-driven education policy across Europe, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, societal well-being, and upskilling for the future of work.

Speaking about his new appointment, Ronan said: It is a great privilege to join the EDEN Management Board and I look forward to contributing to the strategic dialogue on the future of digital learning across Europe. As an educational community, we stand at a pivotal moment where AI has the potential to redefine how we teach, assess, and support our students. Following on from the conference, Im excited to contribute to the conversation on harnessing AI responsibly and creatively, ensuring that educational innovation remains grounded in equity, quality, and human-centred values.

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DkITs Head of Learning and Teaching, Dr. Gerry Gallagher added: We are delighted to congratulate Ronan on his appointment to this very prestigious role on the Management Board of EDEN Digital Learning Europe. Over a period of almost 35 years, EDEN has developed as a network which seeks to lead in the advancement of digital education in Europe.

Ronans position on its Management Board means that DkIT will be able to contribute to ongoing its dialogue on the integration of educational technology into learning and teaching, while being able to capitalise on valuable insights and support from our European colleagues. This will be particularly important as all our institutions grapple with the possibilities and implications of AI in higher education.
Six injured in Kharkiv region as result of enemy shelling during day

Over the past day, the Russian Armed Forces have struck 12 settlements in Kharkiv region, said head of the regional military administration Oleh Synehubov.

"A 76-year-old man, an 88-year-old woman and a 66-year-old woman were injured in the village of Spodobivka, Kupiansk community; a 63-year-old woman was injured in the village of Balka, Velyky Burluk community; a 61-year-old and a 67-year-old woman were injured in the village of Kalynove, Zolochiv community," Synehubov wrote on his Telegram channel.

As a result of shelling in Kharkiv district of the region, the buildings of a children's camp and a garage were damaged, in Kupiansk district - private houses, a car and an outbuilding, in Bohodukhiv district - a culture house, apartment and private houses, a shop, outbuildings, a passenger car, and in Lozova district - three trucks and a car.
Up to 70 people attended a peaceful protest this week at Cork County Hall to highlight opposition to the proposed Cork to Kinsale Greenway route.

The protest, attended by local farmers, homeowners, and campaign supporters, saw protesters carrying placards and banners to emphasise their call for respectful engagement, fair consultation, and protection of rural communities.

On the same day, Independent Ireland councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area, John Collins, formally raised a motion to the council opposing the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) in relation to the greenway project.

Growing concern

The motion reflects growing concern from landowners, farmers, and local residents over the potential impact of CPOs on private property and farmland.

Mr Collins said that his motion stressed the need to find a collaborative solution for everyone impacted by the proposed scheme.

This community is not against greenways or tourism development, said Mr Collins.

We are against the forced removal of land through CPOs when alternatives exist. Genuine dialogue with landowners must be at the heart of this process.

Protesters also highlighted wider concerns including farm severance, loss of privacy, threats to biosecurity and wildlife displacement, as well as increased risks of littering and rural security issues.

Organisers of the protest reiterated that they are open to working constructively with Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to find a route that benefits all stakeholders without undermining farm viability or property rights.

No objections to motion

There were no objections put forward against Mr Collins motion, which will now be considered within the councils ongoing discussions on the greenway project.

In addition to Mr Collins motion, Fianna Fail councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area, Gillian Coughlan, will put forward a motion on September 22, asking: That Cork County Council would commit to reviewing the route in consultation with landowners so as to minimise the material impact on agricultural and private holdings.

Landowners and residents are continuing to stand firmly against compulsory land takes, with an online petition still active and seeking signatures at https://tinyurl.com/mw6cd9wb.
More than 4,000 people are on a waiting list for a first-time cardiology appointment in Cork, with referrals up by 10.4%, new data shows.

The figures were provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), showing that there are approximately 4,088 people in Cork waiting on a first-time cardiology appointment across Cork University Hospital (CUH), Mercy University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, and Mallow General Hospital.

Of the 4,088 people waiting for a cardiology appointment, approximately 4,068 are outpatients and 20 are in-patients.

Among those out-patients, 2,538 are waiting for appointments at CUH; 798 at Mercy University Hospital; 37 at Bantry General Hospital; and 695 at Mallow General Hospital.

At CUH, 896 people have been waiting for between zero and three months; 694 have been waiting for between three and six months; 489 have been waiting for between six and nine months; 356 have been waiting for between nine and 12 months; and 103 have been waiting for between 12 and 15 months.

At Mercy University Hospital, 326 people have been waiting for between zero and three months; 287 have been waiting for between three and six months; 110 have been waiting for between six and nine months; and five have been waiting for between nine and 12 months.

At Bantry General Hospital, 24 people have been waiting for between zero and three months, and 13 have been waiting for between three and six months.

MALLOW GENERAL

At Mallow General Hospital, 210 people have been waiting for between zero and three months, 168 have been waiting for between three and six months, 144 have been waiting for between six and nine months, 139 have been waiting for between nine and 12 months, and 34 have been waiting for between 12 and 15 months.

These figures represent the number of public patients waiting on their first outpatient appointment, inclusive of those who have a date for an appointment and those who are waiting on a date for an appointment.

In terms of inpatients waiting for a first-time cardiology appointment, 19 have been waiting at CUH for between zero and three months and one has been waiting at Mercy University Hospital for between zero and three months.

Speaking to The Echo, Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke, who is a Minister of State at the Department of Health, said that a resolution must be found to alleviate this substantial waitlist.

We need to identify why this list is so big, and why people are waiting beyond six months [for an appointment], said Mr Burke.

I would be concerned about anyone with a cardiology issue  time is so important with regards to people being assessed and what treatment is required.

My view in relation to any substantial waiting list is that it needs to be identified why the waiting list is that big; what plan is being put in place to deal with it, and what is the time factor that were going to put in as a target for people to be seen.

Social Democrats Cork South Central TD, Padraig Rice said that it is "unacceptable to force anyone to wait so long for such a crucial service.

The longer people wait for a cardiology appointment, the higher the chance is that their health deteriorates," said Mr Rice.

These figures are just another example of the deepening crisis in our health system that must be urgently addressed.

According to a spokesperson for the HSE South West branch, outpatient referrals for cardiology have increased by 10.4% in Cork, as there were 4,457 referrals made between January and July in 2025, versus 4,037 for the same time frame in 2024.

The spokesperson additionally stated that there were 8,204 patients seen in the first seven months of 2025, versus 7,711 patients in the same time period in 2024, representing a 6.4% increase in overall activity.
Blackpool Credit Union has warned members to be careful of financial scams after a recent cyberattack.

A spokesperson from Blackpool Credit Union confirmed to The Echo that a forensic investigation identified that records containing the personal information of its members and former members were compromised in the attack.

The investigation also identified a risk that the information may be disclosed by cyber criminals on the dark web.

The spokesperson from Blackpool Credit Union said:

We very recently became aware that our IT systems were subject to a cyber attack. We immediately engaged external technical and forensic experts to investigate this and to securely restore our systems.

We reported the incident to the Central Bank of Ireland, the Data Protection Commission and An Garda Siochana and are co-operating with their enquiries.

Our member funds have not been affected in the attack and access to member accounts remains secure. The spokesperson added:

Potentially affected individuals should exercise increased vigilance in relation to phishing emails or SMS messages or any other unsolicited or suspicious communications including any that purport to be by or on behalf of Blackpool Credit Union.

"When in doubt, affected individuals can call us on 021 450 1757 to verify any communication received from us.

"Further tips and guidance on fraud prevention are available at www.fraudsmart.ie.

"We remain open for business and are contactable by phone and by email or in person by visiting the branch during our usual opening hours.

"We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and it is a matter of great regret to us that this has happened. We will also be directly contacting affected individuals where necessary following this incident.

A spokesperson from the Central Bank of Ireland confirmed to The Echo that they had been informed of the cyberattack and that they are engaging with Blackpool Credit Union.

The Central Bank is aware that Blackpool Credit Union is engaging with its members in respect of a cyber attack.

The Central Bank is continuing to engage with Blackpool Credit Union in relation to the matter.

If members have any queries in the first instance, they can call Blackpool Credit Union on 021 450 1757.

Meanwhile the Data Protection Commission (DPC) also confirmed that they have "received a breach notification from Blackpool Credit Union and it is currently under assessment.

Blackpool Credit Union is one of the largest in Cork city, serving around 6,500 members.

Cork North Central Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said he was concerned that similar cyber attacks are on the rise.

To be fair to the Blackpool Credit Union, they are doing everything they can to protect their customers, working with the Central Bank and the Data Protection Commission.

But we have seen this happening with the HSE, we have seen it happening with other banks and financial institutions.

Unfortunately, we live in a society now where cyber attacks are always a risk and they are on the increase.
Culture Night 2025 takes place on Friday September 19 across Cork city with a packed programme of events all free of charge.

Celebrating creativity and the arts, there will be a wide range of events across Cork city from music to visual arts, to literature and dance.

Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy said that the city will come alive on Culture Night, which he describes as one of the highlights of the autumn season.

What makes this year particularly exciting is the vibrant programme unfolding in the communities that circle the city island. Each neighbourhood has its own unique story to tell, its own traditions and talents to share and I am delighted to see them celebrated so fully.

Culture Night reminds us of the power of creativity to bring us together, to connect us with our roots, and to showcase the extraordinary cultural life of our city.

Cork City Library will host a wide ranging programme which will feature exhibitions, live music, theatre, readings, childrens storytelling, and creative workshops. Among the events also taking place include the Rory Gallagher inspired Kickback City exhibition, a performance of The Ancient Mariner, music from Aine OGorman and fun interactive events for families.

Irish musician Cian Sweeney will be performing at City Hall. Meanwhile, Kaught at the Karpark, a celebration of Corks late 70s/early 80s punk and post punk scene, will take place at North Main Street carpark. Inspired by bands like Nun Attax, Microdisney and Stump, the night will highlight work from current local musicians on the scene.

Community hubs across Cork will be alive with activity. From Blackpool hosting cultural talks, global food tastings and ceili, to Togher and Ballyphehanes music, dance and craft demos.

Mayfield will host an outdoor celebration of food, music, and games, while Churchfield will display international song and dance from Bolivia, Mexico, Ukraine and Ireland. Artwork from the Mahon Community Art project will be displayed at City Hall.
THE Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival is alive and thriving across Cork City this weekend, as the festival celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary edition.

Running until tomorrow, this years programme is a rich tapestry of music, visual art, language, ritual, food, theatre and conversation, continuing the festivals tradition of bringing together artists and audiences in unexpected and transformative ways.

Curated by festival director Mary Hickson, in collaboration with actor Cillian Murphy, Bryce Dessner of The National, writer Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhloinn, Sounds from a Safe Harbour has grown over the past decade into one of Irelands most distinctive cultural gatherings.

It is a festival that blends the epic with the intimate, the poetic with the political, and it has earned a reputation for its spirit of collaboration, surprise and creative risk-taking.

This 10th anniversary edition opened on Thursday evening with two special sold-out events: Remembering Talos at Cork Opera House, followed by a riotous Opening Ceremony at Elizabeth Fort - a pagan rave that set the tone for the days ahead.

Over the course of the weekend, audiences can expect a city alive with sound and creativity, from surprise pop-up shows and the much-loved free music trail, to culinary collaborations, late-night happenings and new work that sits at the crossroads of art forms.

While most of the programme has already sold out, there are still some opportunities to join the celebrations.

As well as an abundance of free music trail shows and surprise pop ups, and a highlight features Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi at Cork Opera House this evening.

SERENGETI AT NUDES

The night will continue with Serengeti at Nudes, Daithi at Cyprus Avenue, and Vanishing Arcs - the new project from Conor OBrien of Villagers - at Kino Event House, keeping the music flowing well into the early hours.

Tomorrow, the festival closes with an extraordinary line-up that captures the spirit of Sounds from a Safe Harbour at its finest.

Jon Hopkins brings his powerful Embodiment Breathwork to Cork Opera House, while Donnacha Dennehy joins forces with Crash Ensemble for a major performance.

Audiences can also look forward to Sounds from a Honky Tonk, a live country music club hosted by Amanda Bergman, alongside appearances from Dakhabrakha, Mina Tindle with Kate Stables, and a closing celebration led by Efterklang at Cork Opera House.

The festival encourages audiences to stay tuned to its website and social media channels, where details of surprise performances and hidden gems will be revealed across the weekend. Full timetable and remaining tickets can be found at soundsfromasafeharbour.com/festival-timetable.
Three men were seen fighting each other at Daunt Square and now at Cork District Court one of the has been fined for his part in the row.

Jorge Abreu, aged 25, of Fourwinds Mews, Featherbed Lane, Kinsale, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a danger to himself or others.

The incident dated back to January 28 2023.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a 350 fine on the threatening behaviour charge and took the drunkenness into consideration at Cork District Court.
The defeat of Billy Kelleher in the vote for Fianna Fails nominee as President this week has left just a handful of potential Cork candidates standing with 11 days left before the deadline for entrants.

Former lord mayor and Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy has my full backing if he gets on the ticket - an outstanding public servant, historian, and patriot, and - crucially - a proud Leesider, in a race for the Aras that is taking on a distinctly Dublin/Up The Country hue.

But there is another person in the frame to become the first ever Cork President who I reckon would be a popular candidate - none other than punk provocateur and Live Aid legend Bob Geldof.

The former Boomtown Rat sounded out Taoiseach Micheal Martin for a nomination last week, and has made no secret of his desire to run for the presidency over the years.

He ticks plenty of boxes too - Saint Bob has rubbed shoulders with world leaders ever since his Live Aid days, but, at 73, is mellow enough to have reined in the outspoken side that regularly proved a thorn in the side of the establishment.

Geldof is also a shining example of how the Irish diaspora has spread out and influenced events around the world for centuries.

Now he wants the ultimate establishment role - and will need to embark down the county council route to earn a place on the roster when the election takes place on October 24 - the Friday of the Jazz Weekend.

But how does Geldof qualify as a Corkonian, you may ask? Through his Irish mammy, thats how...

Evelyn Weller - known as Eve - was born on February 28, 1915, and her family home was at 10, Princes Street, Cork city.

Evelyn Weller (right), the mother of Bob Geldof, with five other competitors who were selected Dawn Beauty contest winners at the Savoy Cinema in Cork - where Evelyn worked as a cashier - in 1940. The other ladies are, from left, V Hayes, G Gabriel, M Hegarty, G Sandler, Mrs Morris. The national competition was sponsored by Dawn Beauty products

As a teenager, she got a job in the thriving Savoy Cinema a short walk away, and by all accounts was what Cork folk refer to as a lasher!

In 1940, Eve was among six Munster ladies selected after a heat in the Savoy to participate in the final of the Dawn Beauty contest at the Metropole Ballroom, Dublin.

Around that time, she got engaged, but one evening when working as a cashier at the cinema, Eve fell for the charms of a cinema-goer, Robert Geldof - a travelling towel salesman.

In Throwback Thursday last year, reader Rom Hyde described this fateful meeting as told to him by his mother, Gladys Leach, who was also working in the Savoy at the time.

Rom said: One of the cashiers, Evelyn Weller, whom Gladys described as very beautiful and engaged to be married, was swept off her feet by a handsome young gentleman who attended the cinema one evening. Not only was he charming but also, it seems, had a good singing voice.

She broke her engagement, took off, and married the new man in her life whose name was Robert Geldof. Evelyn and Robert were to become the parents of Irelands most famous rock star, Bob Geldof!

The singer himself once described his mothers job in the Savoy as a glamour girl, and in his familys version of events, his dad won a boxing match with Eves fiance to win her over!

Eve and Robert wed in 1941, and had three children. There is a strong family connection to the former Grand Hotel in Crosshaven.

Roberts father, a Belgian immigrant called Zenon Geldof, was chef and manager there from 1919 to 1921 - and also worked at the Hydro in Blarney - and Eve and Robert also worked at the seafront hotel for a period - Robert did a stint working at Fords as well.

Eventually, the family moved to Dun Laoghaire, where Bob was born in 1951.

However, the Leeside pull was strong, and he used to spend summers in Cork with his mothers relatives. A photo of him on the beach with his cousins, the Notte family, at Youghal in 1960, when he was nine, appeared on the Old Photos of Cork City & County Facebook page a few years ago.

Tragically, Bobs mother had passed away by then, aged just 45, from a brain haemorrhage, after complaining of a headache one day.

Bob went on to be a superstar in the 1970s as lead singer of punk band The Boomtown Rats, and became a global icon in 1984 when he organised the Band Aid single, and Live Aid a year later for famine victims in Africa.

The Notte branch of his family in Cork took great pride in his achieve-ments - Geldofs uncle Tommy Notte was a night foreman at the Echo and Examiner in Academy Street for 46 years.

After Live Aid in 1985, Bobs aunt, Pansy Notte, of Loreto Park, Douglas, told the Examiner: Anyone else might have shied away from such a daunting task. I mean, to organise such a thing as Live Aid and on such a scale takes a lot of neck... but then that is one thing Bob has.

She added that her nephew should receive a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Although rock music was not really her scene, Mrs Notte said she had watched Live Aid.

She also recalled the times Bob and his family came to Youghal on holidays and said that even then the young boy had a certain charisma.

But she said that at school, he had not done well and left without getting his Leaving Cert. They said Bob was a bad influence on the other boys. She wondered what they were saying about him that day in 1985!

Bob is a tremendous example for other young people, said Mrs Notte in 1985.

Geldof has retained a love for Cork. In 2006, delivering a trademark powerful address at the annual Thomas Crosbie Holdings Ltd Dinner at 97, South Mall, he won the attendance over straight away with his declaration: Its nice to be home!

The rock rebel added: I feel a special connection with Cork.

In 2022, speaking to The Echo at UCC before being presented with an award by its Law Society, he again spoke of his bond with Leeside.

My mum is from Cork. My sister is Cork, he said. When told that counted for Cork citizenship, he replied: Half-and-half, anyway.

Thats good enough for us Leesiders, Bob!

Geldofs father died in 2010, and at his burial service in Dublin, he said: He was absolutely secure in the knowledge that he was going to meet the towering, exuberant love of his life - my mum.

Will Geldof pursue his dream to be President? And will he gain enough votes to take his place in the Aras? Perhaps his Cork mammy will give him some pull down here in the land of his ancestors.

There was an unconfirmed report this week that Geldof had opted not to run for the Aras. My message to him is: Go ahead, punk, make our day!
Photo: Unsplash

The USA will propose to the countries of the Group of Seven (G7) to develop a legal mechanism for confiscation of frozen Russian assets, Bloomberg reports with reference to a document with the American proposal, which came into the possession of the publication.

It is proposed to use these funds to finance the defense of Ukraine. This is about $300 billion, most of which is frozen in Europe.

According to the publication's sources, American officials discussed with their European colleagues the idea of gradual withdrawal of frozen assets to increase pressure on Moscow in order to force it to continue negotiations to end the war.

The United States also proposes that the G7 impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on China and India for buying Russian oil, impose sanctions on the Russian "shadow fleet," ban maritime insurance, and impose sanctions on organizations that support the Russian military industry, as well as regional banks. It is also proposed to ban the provision of artificial intelligence and financial technology services in special economic zones of the Russian Federation.
xAI has laid off at least 500 workers from its data annotation team, the company's largest, according to Business Insider. The annotation team is in charge of categorizing and contextualizing raw data used to train Grok so that it can understand the world better. Business Insider says the laid off employees were informed via email on the evening of September 12, Friday, that it was going to downsize its team of general AI tutors. They were reportedly told that they would be paid their salaries until the end of their contracts on November 30, but their access to xAI's systems had been cut off after they received the notice.

When Reuters asked the company for a comment, it referred to a post on X wherein it posted a call for specialist AI tutors instead. xAI said that it will "immediately surge [its] Specialist AI tutor team by 10x" and that it's hiring across STEM fields. As specialist tutors, the new hires will be "enhancing [the company's] AI technologies through high-quality inputs, labels and annotations using specialized software." They'll gather data and provide their own, not only in text format, but also through audio recordings and video sessions.

As Reuters has noted, the layoffs come after several high-profile departures from xAI, including the company's chief financial officer Mike Liberatore. The company launched Grok 4 in July, calling it the "smartest AI in the world." Elon Musk claimed during the model's reveal that if you make Grok 4 take the SATs and the GREs, it would get near perfect results every time and can answer questions it's never seen before. He also proclaimed that Grok is going to invent new tech maybe later this year, and that he would be shocked if it doesn't happen next year.
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Presidential Plenipotentiary Adviser for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation Daria Herasymchuk and a delegation visited Mexico, Peru and Ecuador to inform about the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

I propose that your countries become friends of Ukraine and partners in building a global child protection system. After all, this is not only about Ukrainian children. Today, it is our Ukrainian children, but tomorrow it could be children from any country, she emphasized.

According to the press service of the head of state, meetings were held with parliamentarians, representatives of the governments of these countries, ombudsmen, public activists and journalists. Representatives of Ukraine spoke about the facts of the killings and injuries of Ukrainian children during the Russian aggression, sexual violence, deportation and forced displacement of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation.

The delegation also included two Ukrainians who told their stories. One of them survived the blockade of Mariupol in 2022 as a child, was kidnapped by the Russians and forcibly relocated to temporarily occupied territories. The second grew up and studied in occupied Luhansk.

In addition, during the meeting with representatives of relevant institutions in Mexico, they agreed on areas of cooperation and exchange of experience on issues of child-friendly justice, protection of rights and investigation of crimes against children.

Peruvian lawmakers emphasized solidarity with Ukraine, commitment to peace and protection of the most vulnerable categories of Ukrainians.

Also in Ecuador, the Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of the country's National Assembly, heads of the UN mission and UNICEF. A meeting was also held with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Maria Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero. She noted that her country shares Ukraine's concern for the fate of the world's children.

"Following the visit, Ukraine expects Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children," the press service summarized.
1933-2025

At 92 years old, this self made man was still tough as nails. More comfortable in a flannel shirt than his Sunday duds, he lived the life that suited him best.

Independent on strong, Dons path in life began back East. He blazed his own trail, self-educating along the way; sharing both technical and primitive skills with others. He was industrious and a perfectionist, welding in his fathers garage at the age of 9. He ended his professional occupation as a precision millwright in 1997.

Avid hunter, fisherman, and family provider, Don had a passion for the great outdoors and never passed up an opportunity to explore. He took his family camping on weekends to places no man had ever seen beforeor so we thought. To him there was nothing better than a campfire roasted hotdog washed bone with an ice cold bottle of orange Crush that had been cooled in a nearby creek.

His greatest love of all was his lovely wife, Sandra, followed up by three ornery kids.

We hope dad catches the Big One as he walks through another heaven. Pole in one hand, rifle slung over the opposite shoulder, and possibly a beagle by his heels.

Don was proceeded in death by his wife Sandra. He is survived by his children: Sharron Pennetta, Terrie Nyland (Steve), Timothy McGhee (Linda). Grandchildren: Tiffany, Sarah, Carly, Jamie and Adam.

Great Grandchildren: Amaya, Raelynn, Kaleigh, Brayden, Greyson, Berkleigh, Willow, and Ember. Sisters: Janie and Judy. Brother: Bill

At Dons request there will be no service.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com
Farmers have submitted a record 9,500 applications to the latest Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), with successful applicants now beginning to receive grant agreements.

According to Defra, this round  launched in May  has attracted the highest number of applications in the funds history.

The scheme is designed to support investment in equipment, technology and infrastructure to boost productivity, improve slurry management and strengthen animal health and welfare.

Grant funding agreements are now being issued under the productivity and slurry themes. Farmers who are awarded funding will be notified by email and asked to confirm acceptance of the terms.

Responses to applications under the animal health and welfare theme will follow later, as officials continue to process the large volume of submissions.

In an online update, Defra said: Were pleased with the high level of interest. Since it opened in May, we received approximately 9,500 applications across those three themes.

"This is the highest number recorded in any FETF round. We want to thank everyone who applied.

The department has reminded applicants that FETF grants are competitive, meaning not all submissions will be successful. Farmers who do not secure funding will be contacted and given an explanation of the decision.

Successful recipients are being urged to read their agreements carefully, paying close attention to the terms, conditions and claim deadlines.

They must also accept or withdraw offers through the Farming Investment Fund Service link provided in the agreement. Any questions should be directed to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

A Defra spokesperson said the department looks forward to seeing the benefits of the successful projects for farming businesses across England, adding that the record level of interest highlights strong appetite among farmers to invest in new technology and practices.

Farmers are encouraged to subscribe to Defras online blog for the latest updates from the Farming and Countryside Programme.
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Born to a Sikh father and an English mother, Kabir Bedi became a fusion of ideologies and creativity. Before venturing into films and television, he explored radio, advertising, and theatre, his career eventually spanning over five decades and multiple mediums. In Bollywood, his brandy eyes and ginger mane earned him the label of exotic, while in the West, his appearance felt familiar, almost native. But nothing matched the charisma of his pirate hero in the Italian TV series Sandokan, which shattered viewership records across Europe in the mid-70s. Women clamoured for his autograph, some on their thighs, others eager to bear his children. Now touching eighty, Kabir s international repertoire includes projects in Canada, Italy and the US. Highlights include Prince Omar Rashid in The Bold and the Beautiful, the villainous Gobinda in James Bonds Octopussy, as well as roles in Ashanti with Michael Caine, Thief of Baghdad with Roddy McDowell, The Black Pirate (Il Corsaro Nero), and American series like Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, and Highlander: The Series. He aligned with the flower power movement in the 60s, embracing a bohemian, free-spirited lifestyle akin to Western counterparts. He defied convention, living with then-girlfriend Protima Gauri and later entering an open marriage with her. His passionate romance with the stunning Parveen Babi ended in heartbreak, as her beauty faded into the shadows of mental illness. Years later, he endured the devastating loss of his gifted son, Siddharth. Kabir Bedi has lived through emotional extremes. His relationships were far from fleeting. He was married to his second wife, Ixchel (Susan Humphreys), for nine years, and to Nikki Bedi for 12. When Parveen Babi, once a media darling, passed away in solitude, Kabir , alongside her other former partners, ensured she received a dignified farewell. A favourite quote of his by Rumi goes, Youre not a drop in the ocean. Youre the entire ocean in a drop. It reflects the depth he brought to life, and the grace he maintained through love, loss and reinvention.

Early inroads to spirituality



As a child, I was surrounded with the idealistic philosophies of my parents, Baba Pyare Lal Singh Bedi, who was a Punjabi Sikh author/philosopher and mother Freda Bedi, who was a Buddhist nun. Initially, they were freedom fighters. People who were part of the freedom struggle would visit our home. So, intellectually and culturally it was a rich atmosphere even though economically we didnt have much, I grew up valuing the fundamental human truths imparted by my parents  tolerance for different beliefs and a desire to uphold justice. The biggest lesson from my mother has been compassion and respect towards all. When she went to Burma to study meditation, I accompanied her. I was around 12 when I learnt meditation. The experience remained with me forever. It makes you aware of how your mind works, of being watchful of your emotions.



Off the beaten track





I completed my education at Sherwood College, Nainital and later at St. Stephens College, Delhi. I always wanted to do things my own way. After my stint at All India Radio in Delhi, I set out to be a film director in Mumbai. I worked for five years in advertising. I learnt the craft of filmmaking and made over a hundred commercials. But things changed after I did the Girish Karnad written and Alyque Padamsee directed play, Tughlaq, in the mid 60s. It led to a career in films.



O.P.Ralhans Hulchul, Raj Khoslas Kuchhe Dhaage, Mahesh Bhatts Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain, Dev Anands Ishk Ishk Ishk, Rajkumar Kohlis Nagin brought me popularity through the 70s. Just as Rakesh Roshans Khoon Bhari Maang, Feroz Khans Yalgaar, Akbar Khans Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Farah Khans Main Hoon Na, Hrithik Roshans Kites, Ashutosh Gowarikers Mohenjo Daro stretched my career over the decades.

Conquering the West





Sandokan (1976)  the saga of a romantic Southeast Asian pirate during British colonialism. The buccaneer Sandokan became a craze in Italy and across Europe. It continues to this day. Sandokan has made me a part of their consciousness. For my recent Italian film, Questione di Stoffa (meaning a question of fabric), the love I received on the streets of Italy, at the theatre in Turin is unbelievable. The Italians knighted me twice. First I was honoured with the title of Cavaliere (meaning Knight in 2010). The second was the Order of Merit (Merito della Repubblica Italiana in 2023). Its considered even higher than Cavaliere. What kept me grounded through the hysteria was what my parents instilled in me, that its all transitory. Enjoy the highs and face the lows. But, always remember your humanity. The respect towards all has been part of my friendships and relationships.

But nothing can match the insane popularity of my mini-series  Sergio Sollimas(1976)  the saga of a romantic Southeast Asian pirate during British colonialism. The buccaneer Sandokan became a craze in Italy and across Europe. It continues to this day.has made me a part of their consciousness. For my recent Italian film,(meaning a question of fabric), the love I received on the streets of Italy, at the theatre in Turin is unbelievable. The Italians knighted me twice. First I was honoured with the title of Cavaliere (meaning Knight in 2010). The second was the Order of Merit (Merito della Repubblica Italiana in 2023). Its considered even higher than Cavaliere. What kept me grounded through the hysteria was what my parents instilled in me, that its all transitory. Enjoy the highs and face the lows. But, always remember your humanity. The respect towards all has been part of my friendships and relationships.

Remembering Protima





Coming to my relationships, I met my ex-wife Protima, a model then, in the mid 60s. Protima was individualistic. She dressed unconventionally. She wasnt afraid to speak her mind. That was an attribute we shared. We were both rebels in temperament. It was also a time when the world was changing. Flower power came to India in the late 60s. The revolution was a social, sexual, political one. The pill had been invented, which gave people a kind of freedom. Protima and I wanted to be part of that revolution. It shocked a lot of people that we lived-in. That got us a lot of headlines. Ours was a relationship that evolved over time. We got married in 1969. We had two children, daughter Pooja (Bedi) and son Siddharth (Bedi). We entered the open marriage phase towards the end of our marriage. We were trying to keep it together in spite of conflicting desires, pulls and pressures. Eventually, it didnt work and we had to go our own ways (1974). It was an experiment we tried but failed. Ours was a tumultuous marriage. But we shared two beautiful children and maintained respect for each other. Our friendship endured till the end.

Perilous Parveen Babi





My association with Parveen began in the early 70s, when my marriage with Protima was breaking. With Parveen it was an intense relationship. She arrived like a balm to a wounded man. We didnt marry but it was almost like a marriage. Since Mahesh Bhatt has made it clear that Parveen had already been married and had a husband in Pakistan, I feel easier about confirming the reason she could not marry. Parveen accompanied me to Italy during the Sandokan whirlwind. Its easy to telescope things in time and say that she brought turmoil. Rather it was her mental problem that snowballed into something much bigger. On the one hand there was glory and on the other hand was the gloom that had set in Parveen. It was a turbulent phase of emotional upheaval and a desire to keep something together that was either exploding or imploding. The forces were such within her that she refused to take treatment for her condition. That became the breaking point. I remember meeting her at the old Holiday Inn a year before she passed away. She was happy to see me. So was I. Those days shed made all kinds of allegations against Amitabh Bachchan and other people in the industry. She said, People think Im mad.



I said, Everyone has their opinion of what madness is. Her mind took it negatively because I wasnt saying what she wanted me to say. She retorted, Youre also one of them. I dont want to see you again. And that was the end of our friendship. It was tragic to see her in that state. There was nothing I could do. But I was happy to know that she was economically secure. That she had a house. That she was looked after and not in want of anything. It was sad that

I couldnt meet her again. But I did go to pay my last respects when Parveen passed away. In fact, we all three, Danny Denzongpa, Mahesh Bhatt and I were present. Parveen certainly deserved that dignity. She was a sensitive and an intelligent woman. Thats what wed loved and admired about her. Her tragic end affected all of us because wed shared so much with her. Being present at her funeral was the obvious thing for us to do.

Im often asked how Ive maintained congenial relationships with the women in my life including my ex-wives Ixchel and Nikki. We respected each other. Nikki stood by me through the time my son Siddharth was diagnosed with schizophrenia; I brought him over to live with us to get him treated. Nikki was a huge support at the time.





Farewell, Siddharth





Siddharth was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, the foremost computer university in the world. He was a genius. His mind not serving him was the most painful thing to realise. Its tragic enough for any parent to lose a child, but to lose such a brilliant one at the prime of his career when the whole world was at his feet is gut-wrenching. Ive always maintained that caretakers of people with mental problems suffer more than those with the problem. The afflicted live in their own world. Their delusional mind is a zone of comfort, even though its uncomfortable for everyone else around them. It must have been the saddest moment in Protimas life when Siddharth died by suicide at the age of 26. She flew to Los Angeles for the funeral. We mourned the terrible tragedy together. The grief never leaves you. But it should never cripple you.

Protima was a resilient person. From being a model to learning Odissi dance at the age of 26, setting up the dance institution Nrityagram (Bangalore) to renouncing it and setting out on a spiritual journey is worth admiration. She literally died on a spiritual path during a trip to Mount Kailash. A landslide in the Himalayas wiped out her camp. Only her passport was found. Uncannily, Protima met Pooja and gave her all her jewellery before she left. It was like wrapping up everything.

P is for Parveen Dusanj



As you say, P is indeed a significant alphabet in my life. My current wife, Parveen (Dusanj) has given me great happiness and support. Shes been a wonderful companion to me. Its not as though all the Ps in my life ended in pain. Parveen has brought a great sense of peace and contentment, love and togetherness. Its difficult to define love because every human being is different and no one knows what happens between a man and a woman. But I do believe that beyond love lies companionship, which is as important as mutual respect for a lasting relationship.

Class act





My autobiography, Stories I Must Tell, won the most popular biography award. Its been translated into Italian and Spanish and in Hindi and Marathi as well. Im planning to bring out another edition, which relates more to my interactions and experiences with people in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand the English speaking world. As Shakespeare said, All the worlds a stage. Truly, the world has been my stage, having performed in Shakespeares Othello and plays including The Vultures, The Far Pavilions, Canadian playwright John Murrells Taj...

Recently, Ive been doing a show on the mystic journey of 13th-century Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi and the philosophy of the Sufis. I performed the same at the NCPA and at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai. Ive travelled with it to Calcutta and Dhaka, Abu Dhabi Im also doing a travelling show on the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Yogi Sri Aurobindo and scholar A.K. Ramanujan.

My recent shows on OTT include Berlin, Life Hill Gayi, Tanaav 2 and the film Aachari Baa with Neena Gupta. Theres a Canadian film, Promises, about Sikh soldiers fighting the world wars and the film Detective Shantaram. Im fortunate that people still value my work.





Yes, Ive seen incredible highs and lows. Yeah, my life has been a roller coaster. I learnt to survive and rise above adversity. Your mindset, positive or negative, creates its reality. Its important to believe in yourself, carry on and overcome difficulties. Remembering all that you achieved and knowing you can achieve more is the way forward.



Also Read: #KabirBedi attends the premiere of #UmraoJaan.


When Sanjana Sanghi thinks of travel today, its no longer about checking off landmarks or rushing through tourist hotspots. That chapter is behind her. Now, travel is about rebalancing, resetting, and rediscovering herself. And if theres one place that consistently helps her do just that, its New York. The city has become something of an annual pilgrimage, sometimes even drawing her back more than once a year. Her elder brother Sumer lives in Chelsea, Manhattan, and staying with him transforms each visit into something deeply personal. Their time together, filled with easy conversations, shared silences, and spontaneous city adventures, adds layers of warmth and familiarity to the otherwise buzzing metropolis. Theyre each others unofficial life guides, and New York is one of their happiest shared spaces.



A City That Fuels My Soul



New York, for me, is more than just a city. Its a creative playground. This year alone, I took a couple of short acting and leadership courses while I was here. As an artiste, it fuels me like no other place. I also work closely with the United Nations, whose headquarters is based here, so I usually end up doing campaign shoots and meetings with them during my visit. Its the perfect mix of productivity and pleasure. And when I say pleasure, I mean Broadway shows, jazz nights, food crawls and late-night bagel runs. This trip, I watched The Great Gatsby on Broadway, what a legendary show! I also spent an evening at the Comedy Cellar in the West Village, which was absolutely hilarious. Its one of those underground comedy clubs where you dont know which comic will show up. The surprise element makes it even more exciting.

The Food Scene (And a Few Food Fails)



Now lets talk about food, because no New York trip of mine is complete without indulging in the citys culinary landscape. Im non-vegetarian, so I eat everything and trust me, NYC has everything. One of my go-to places is Kanyakumari, which serves coastal Indian food. I get my Hyderabadi biryani and all the curries I crave. Kebab aur Sharab is another favourite. Honestly, every four days, I need my desi fix. But my top meal this time? Hands down the Carbonara at Bottino in the West Village. I have this habit of trying Carbonara at every Italian place I go to, and Bottino has officially stolen my heart. Of course, not everything was a hit. Those halal carts on the streets? Ive had a few burrito disasters there. You win some, you lose some. I also had the cutest little moment at Chote Miyaan in Chelsea Market, imagine this: Im having paani puri, and suddenly, they start playing music from Rockstar. It was so unexpected, so sweet, my heart was full. Another favourite is Via Carota at West Village.

Lazy Sundays and Wholesome Moments



One of my favourite memories from this trip was a sunny Sunday spent at Greenacre Park. We packed food, carried our picnic sheets, and gathered in a big group, friends from school, college and work. There was a flea market, someone played the guitar and by evening, a concert started nearby. It was one of those days that fills your soul in quiet, joyful ways. Another thing I absolutely love doing is vintage shopping in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Its this creative, artsy neighbourhood with coffee shops, old bookstores, vintage stores and a brilliant view of the skyline. I can spend hours just walking around there. I also love collecting boots and denim from thrift stores, my mothers forever scolding me for adding more stuff to my already bursting Mumbai wardrobe.

Moving Through Manhattan



If you ever visit New York, heres something youll thank me for: walk everywhere. I clocked over 10,000 steps a day, its the best way to feel the citys pulse. The other lifesaver? The subway. Taxis are ridiculously expensive, so unless absolutely necessary, I stick to walking and hopping on trains. One walk I highly recommend is along the Chelsea High Line, an elevated park built on old railway tracks that runs between buildings. Its pocket-friendly and picture-perfect.

Big City Kindness and Little Moments





People often ask if New Yorkers are cold or intimidating. My experience has been the opposite. The kindness here is subtle but steady. Ive had strangers offer to click my photos when I was struggling with angles or help me navigate the subway. Theres a rhythm to the chaos, it might look overwhelming at first, but once you tune into it, its almost comforting.

That said, New York can be an expensive city. Even a coffee can cost you seven-eight dollars. I joke with my brother that we basically spend a thousand rupees every time we get a latte. So yes, budgeting is key, especially if you love shopping as much as I do.

My Kind of Travel



People think I plan my travels down to the last detail but honestly, I dont. I love being spontaneous. I dont do Excel sheets or day-by-day itineraries. I let the mood lead me. I follow my cravings, whether its for ramen or a riverside walk. My most unforgettable trip so far?

Last September, when I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly. It was surreal standing at that podium, where Priyanka Chopra and Emma Watson once stood, representing global youth. That memory is etched in my heart.

Wishlist and Wanderlust





My travel wish list is ever-evolving but right now, I really want to explore the North East of India more deeply. And internationally, Greece and Portugal are calling my name. One destination that I think deserves way more attention? Colombia. Its affordable, vibrant, full of flavour, be it food, music, or people. Its a hidden gem for Indian travellers.

New York, like Mumbai, is one of those cities that doesnt ask you to fit in. You show up exactly as you are, and it wraps you in its energy, its madness, and its strange, comforting familiarity. That, to me, is the real luxury.

Until next time, New York. You always leave me a little more inspired



Also Read: Sanjana Sanghi leads a class for underprivileged kids on Teachers Day


VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 12, 2025 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra") (CSE:XBRA)(FSE:9YC), an international cannabis company, announces that, its previously announced (August 15, 2025) consolidation of its issued and outstanding share capital on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation common share for each ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares (the "Consolidation") will become effective on September 19, 2025.

Further to the Company's press release dated August 22, 2025, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") issued a failure to file cease trade order ("CTO") on September 3, 2025 for the Company's failure to file its annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended February 28, 2025 and its unaudited interim financial statements, related management's discussion and analysis and officer certifications for the three months ended May 31, 2025 (the "Interim Filings", and together with the Annual Filings, the "Required Documents"). Notwithstanding that the Consolidation will become effective on September 19, 2025, the Company's common shares will remain cease trade until such time that it files the Required Documents and the CTO is revoked by the BCSC.

Xebra will not be changing its name or trading symbol in connection with the Consolidation. As a result of the Consolidation, the outstanding common shares of Xebra will be reduced to approximately 8,065,442. No fractional common shares will be issued upon the Consolidation. In the event a holder of common shares would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional common share in connection with the Consolidation, the number of common shares to be received by such shareholder will be rounded down to the next whole number if that fractional common share is less than one half (1/2) of a common share, and will be rounded up to the next whole number of common shares if that fractional common share is equal to or greater than one half (1/2) of a common share. The new CUSIP number will be 98402E305 and the new ISIN number will be CA98402E3059.

A letter of transmittal will be sent to registered shareholders advising that the Consolidation has taken effect. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how registered shareholders can exchange their share certificates evidencing their pre-Consolidation common shares for new share certificates representing the number of post-Consolidation common shares to which they are entitled. No action is required by non-registered shareholders (shareholders who hold their shares through an intermediary) to affect the Consolidation. The exercise or conversion price of, and the number of common shares issuable under, any convertible securities of Xebra will be proportionately adjusted upon the completion of the Consolidation.

The Consolidation is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approval, including acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

New CUSIP: 98402E305

New ISIN: CA98402E3059

Effective Date of Consolidation: September 19, 2025.

Record Date: September 22, 2025.

On behalf of the Board

Rodrigo Gallardo

Interim CEO

For more information, contact:

+52 (55) 6387-2293

ir@xebrabrands.com

www.xebrabrands.com

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Consolidation, the timing of the Consolidation and the Consolidation ratio, statements with respect to the filing of the Required Filings, the expectation that the Annual Financial Filings will be filed by the Filing Deadline, the expected number of issued and outstanding common shares on a post-Consolidation basis, the mailing of letters of transmittal, Xebra's ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type, in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS) and the timing of such permits or authorizations; its ability to successfully apply for and obtain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell cannabis-infused beverages, wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; financial projections including expected revenues, gross profits, and EBITDA (which is a non-GAAP financial measure); plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that XEBRA expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the prospectus of the Company dated September 30, 2021. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XEBRA as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability to complete the audit on the Annual Filings due to a requirement for additional funds, the inability of XEBRA to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete a potential acquisition for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; and the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approval for license applications. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and XEBRA undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect XEBRA's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, XEBRA. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements.

SOURCE: Xebra Brands Ltd

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/xebra-brands-announces-update-on-share-consolidation-1072814
Trump says he is ready to impose major sanctions against Russia, if NATO countries do same

US President Donald Trump said he was ready to impose "major sanctions" against Russia, provided that all NATO countries agree and start doing the same.

"I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA," he wrote on the social network Truth Social.

"I believe that this, as well as NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly but RIDICULOUS, WAR. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip," he added.
POST FALLS, IDAHO / ACCESS Newswire / September 13, 2025 / Trustpoint Xposure is rewriting the rules of public relations and SEO with a bold, AI-powered approach that is setting new industry standards. Under the visionary leadership of CEO David Wilder , the company has emerged as a trailblazer, combining a client-focused ethos with cutting-edge technology to deliver guaranteed media placements and measurable digital authority for its clients.

Unlike traditional PR firms that rely on outdated methods and uncertain outcomes, Trustpoint Xposure has streamlined its operations to be more effective, agile, and results-driven. This transformation is not accidental but the product of a deliberate strategy that places clients at the center of every decision, supported by forward-thinking adoption of artificial intelligence and data analytics.

A Client-Centric Revolution in PR

David Wilder, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, has been instrumental in reshaping how PR is practiced. "Our growth is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: clients deserve real results, not vague promises," Wilder explains. "We've built a system that leverages AI to identify the best media opportunities and secure placements that truly move the needle for our clients."

This client-first approach contrasts sharply with the traditional "pitch-and-wait" model that dominates much of the PR industry. Instead of hoping for coverage, Trustpoint Xposure guarantees it, providing clients with transparency and accountability rarely seen in the field. This has led to remarkable outcomes, including a reported 168% increase in inbound leads within 30 days of major media placements and a 245% boost in Google search authority scores for clients.

Technology as a Differentiator

At the heart of Trustpoint Xposure's success is its proprietary AI technology, which scans the media landscape in real time to identify optimal placement opportunities. This technology not only increases the likelihood of securing features in top-tier outlets like Forbes, USA Today, and Bloomberg but also optimizes content for search engines, ensuring clients build lasting digital authority.

This integration of AI with PR is a significant departure from the manual, relationship-based outreach that many firms still rely on. It allows Trustpoint Xposure to operate with greater speed, precision, and scalability, delivering consistent, measurable results for a diverse client base spanning fintech, legal, technology, and finance sectors.

Streamlined and Effective: A New Benchmark

Industry observers have noted that Trustpoint Xposure's model is more streamlined and effective than the vast majority of PR firms worldwide. By automating the identification and targeting of media opportunities, the company reduces the inefficiencies and guesswork that plague traditional agencies.

David Wilder emphasizes, "We don't chase coverage; we engineer authority. Our process is designed to integrate PR directly into our clients' revenue strategies, making every placement count toward business growth."

This approach has earned the firm a reputation as a pioneer in the space. Christopher Penn, Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist at TrustInsights.ai, underscores the importance of this shift: "If you care about AI understanding your business and recommending you, then your biggest investment should be in public relations. PR professionals excel at getting media placements that help your brand appear everywhere AI looks for trusted information."1

Changing the PR Landscape

Trustpoint Xposure's impact extends beyond client success stories. The company is redefining industry standards by demonstrating that PR can be both an art and a science-creative storytelling backed by data-driven strategy and technology.

Wilder reflects, "We're not just adapting to the future of PR; we're shaping it. Our clients don't have to settle for uncertainty anymore. With AI and a client-first mindset, we're delivering guaranteed authority and visibility."

This philosophy has resonated strongly in a market where over 1.3 million attorneys and countless fintech and tech firms compete fiercely for attention. Trustpoint Xposure's ability to guarantee placements in prestigious outlets and optimize digital presence has made it a trusted partner for businesses that demand accountability and measurable ROI.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to transform search engines and digital media, the importance of authoritative, AI-optimized content will only grow. Trustpoint Xposure is well-positioned to lead this evolution, helping clients navigate the complexities of AI-driven SEO and digital authority.

For businesses seeking to break through the noise and establish lasting credibility, Trustpoint Xposure offers a proven path forward. As David Wilder puts it, "In today's digital-first world, visibility is fleeting unless it's backed by authority. We ensure our clients don't just get seen-they get trusted."

About Trustpoint Xposure

Trustpoint Xposure is a leading AI-powered public relations firm specializing in guaranteed media placements and digital authority building for clients in fintech, legal, technology, and finance. The company's innovative approach combines proprietary AI technology with a client-focused strategy to deliver measurable business impact and sustained visibility. Learn more at www.Trustpointxposure.com .

Connect with David Wilder

David Wilder is the CEO of Trustpoint Xposure and a recognized pioneer in AI-driven PR and digital authority. Follow his insights and professional journey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicrelationsexpert/ .

1 Christopher Penn, Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist at TrustInsights.ai, quoted in industry analysis on AI and PR, 2025.

Contact Information

Jack Smith

Marketing Manager

contact@trustpointxposure.com

+1442-220-3131

SOURCE: Trustpoint Xposure

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/ai-driven-seo-shakes-up-digital-authority-trustpoint-xposure-sets-the-new-stan-1072824
Not for dissemination in the United States of America

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aja Health and Wellness Inc. ("Aja" or the "Company") (TSXV:Aja) announces that it is getting closer to filing its annual audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, including the related management's discussion and analysis and certifications from the CEO and CFO (the "Annual Filings") and the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of the interim filings (the "Interim Filings"). On August 1, 2025, the Alberta Securities Commission issued a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") because the Company was unable to file the Annual Filings and Interim Filings in time to meet the April 30, 2025 and May 30, 2025 deadlines, respectively.

Aja previously announced that the delay in filing the Annual Filings was due to the determination that the previously announced reverse takeover transaction, which closed on September 17, 2024, will be characterized as a series of acquisitions for accounting purposes. This characterization requires a valuation of the purchase price allocation to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The valuator continues to work on valuing the purchase price allocation and anticipates having the valuation finalized on or before September 22, 2025. Following receipt of the valuation, the auditors will continue working with the Company to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The Company is working to complete the Annual Filings as soon as possible and expects the Annual Filings to be filed on or before September 30, 2025.

Aja is working to complete the Interim Filings as soon as possible and expects the Interim Filings to be filed on or before September 30, 2025.

The Company anticipates that the FFCTO will remain in place until such time as the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings are filed.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Sanjeev Parsad"

Sanjeev Parsad

President, CEO and Director

The above may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this address, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date of publication of this information and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, contact:

Sanjeev Parsad, President and CEO

Phone: (604) 678.9115

Fax: (604) 678.9279

E-mail: sparsad@ajahw.com

Web: www.ajahw.com
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sylogist Ltd. (TSX: SYZ) ("Sylogist" or the "Company"), a leading public sector SaaS company, today acknowledged the news release issued by OneMove Capital Ltd. ("OneMove") in which it announced that it plans to requisition a shareholder meeting to nominate three directors.

The Company's board of directors has formed a special committee of three independent directors, Tracy Edkins, Andrea Ward and Kim Fennell to consider, among other things, any requisition received, the conduct of any resulting meeting and the Company's engagement with its shareholders.

The Company had previously engaged with OneMove in June and August, 2025. On September 2, 2025, OneMove sent a letter to the Company requesting a board seat and a response by September 8, 2025. As requested, the Company responded on September 8, 2025 reiterating what it had previously advised OneMove, namely, that the Company's immediate priority is its upcoming board strategy meetings and that it expected to provide a response to the request during the last week of September or the first week of October following those meetings to allow the Company to consider the issues raised comprehensively. It is unfortunate that OneMove has chosen to escalate rather than engage in constructive dialogue with the Company in a reasonable timeframe.

As it has in the past, the Company welcomes the perspectives of its shareholders and looks forward to an ongoing dialogue through the special committee. The special committee, board and management team will continue to prioritize good governance and perform their duties in the best interest of the Company.

About Sylogist

Sylogist provides mission-critical SaaS solutions to over 2,000 public sector customers globally across the government, nonprofit, and education verticals. The Company's stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist, inclusive of full financial statements together with Management's Discussion and Analysis, can be found at www.sedarplus.ca or at www.sylogist.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, foresee, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements made, if any, with respect to good governance and the performance of duties by Sylogist's board of directors and management. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found in the Company's Annual Information Form for year ended December 31, 2024, and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . Although Sylogist believes that the material assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur. Sylogist 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.

For further information contact:

Sujeet Kini, Chief Financial Officer

Sylogist Ltd.

(403) 266-4808

ir@sylogist.com
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Acrylic Resins Market by Chemistry, Property, Solvency, Application, End-use Industry (Building & Construction, Industrial, Paper & Paperboard, Consumer Goods, Electrical & Electronics, and Packaging), and Region - Global Forecast to 2030", acrylic resins market is expected to reach USD 28.55 billion by 2030 from USD 21.89 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 5.8 % during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Acrylic Resins Market"

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The acrylic resins market across industrial and commercial applications has experienced substantial growth, primarily because performance demands are rising in sectors such as automotive, construction, packaging, and electronics. The increasing global need for durable, visually versatile, and weather-resistant materials, along with the move toward lightweight and energy-efficient designs, calls for advanced resin formulas that improve product durability, surface quality, and functional performance while meeting regulatory standards. Commonly used products like solvent-based resins, waterborne dispersions, UV-curable systems, and high-performance copolymers are designed to deliver key technical features including superior adhesion, chemical resistance, gloss retention, and flexibility in tough environmental conditions. A major market driver is the focus on low-VOC, bio-based, or recyclable resin systems, driven by stricter environmental regulations and goals related to the circular economy. Additionally, advancements in technologies such as digital color-matching, automated dispensing, and control systems enhance formulation accuracy, reduce material waste, and shorten product development cycles. These innovations also demonstrate how acrylic resins are providing high performance, innovative product design, and sustainable solutions across many end-use markets.

Acrylates are expected to be the second-fastest-growing chemistry during the forecast period.

Acrylates are expected to be the second fastest-growing chemistry segment in the global acrylic resins market during the forecast period. This growth in acrylate resins has occurred because of the versatility and wide variety of applications in many different industries. Acrylic resins exhibit excellent weatherability, UV resistance, and adhesive properties for both waterborne and solvent-based systems. Overall, demand for acrylates is growing rapidly in some key areas, like architectural and automotive coatings, where long dry times, durability, and gloss retention are very important. Additional demand for acrylate resins is stemming from increased interest in low-VOC and environmentally friendly formulations, where acrylate resins can be made to meet rigid environmental standards. Given that manufacturers are continuously looking for high-performance, environmentally friendly materials to stay competitive, acrylates are likely to remain a rather strong segment through the next 5-10 years in both developed and emerging economies.

Elastomers are expected to be the second-fastest-growing application during the forecast period.

Elastomers are projected to be the second-fastest-growing application segment in the acrylic resins market during the forecast period due to their exceptional flexibility, resilience, and weather resistance. Acrylic-based elastomers are increasingly used in sealants, adhesives, and flexible coatings, particularly in construction and automotive applications where long-term durability is essential. In addition, infrastructure development projects and increased transport sector activity in developing countries are also supporting growth. Resin modification technologies are advancing elastomers with higher thermal and chemical resistance, allowing new options in stringent industrial settings. End users' demand for materials is focused on performance and longevity, and complying with safety and sustainability requirements that are changing on a daily basis.

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Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing acrylic resins market during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region for the acrylic resins market during the forecast period, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding infrastructure projects, and surging automotive production across major economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The region's booming construction sector, supported by large-scale residential and commercial developments, is significantly increasing the demand for architectural and protective coatings. Rising consumer spending and a growing middle class are further propelling demand for high-quality paints, adhesives, and sealants based on acrylic resins. Additionally, favorable government initiatives promoting sustainable and low-VOC coating technologies are accelerating the shift toward waterborne and eco-friendly acrylic systems. With a combination of strong manufacturing capabilities, increasing foreign investments, and continuous product innovations, Asia Pacific is solidifying its position as the primary growth engine in the global acrylic resins market.

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Key Players

The report profiles key companies, including BASF (Germany), Dow (US), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Japan), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Arkema (France), DIC CORPORATION (Japan), Covestro AG (Germany), Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan), Trinseo (US), and Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan).

Get access to the latest updates on Acrylic Resins Companies and Acrylic Resins Market Size

Browse Adjacent Market: Resins & Polymers Market Research Reports & Consulting

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Ammonia Market - Global Forecast to 2029

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After a recent local tragedy, Massachusetts personal injury firm Ballin Law announced an expansion into Worcester at a pivotal time for the city's safety efforts. The area recently adopted the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2035.

Foxborough, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2025) - Worcester personal injury lawyers Ballin & Associates LLC have expanded operations into the city to provide legal resources and guidance for accident victims. This expansion coincides with the city's enactment of the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan via executive order in June 2025.





Ballin & Associates, LLC Expands to Worcester with Pledge to Protect Communities Through Road and Transit Safety Initiatives



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The law firm's expansion comes in the wake of a tragic local commuter rail accident, which highlighted the urgent need for legal advocacy and safety awareness in the region. Ballin & Associates plans to align its efforts with Worcester's roadway and transit safety initiatives. The firm is actively exploring partnerships to provide enhanced legal resources to accident victims and offers 24/7 free consultations.

"Our legal team has over 40 years of experience fighting for Massachusetts injury victims," said Ballin Law Founder Steven Ballin. "We know the Worcester area and the Massachusetts laws that affect your case. We'll make sure your voice is heard loud and clear."

In addition to offering free case evaluations, Ballin Law's Worcester, MA, personal injury attorneys published a Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Guide. The comprehensive overview covers the state's personal injury law as of 2025, so residents can understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and protect their interests with the law on their side.

The city's Vision Zero plan was built on the foundational idea that traffic deaths and severe injuries are preventable and unacceptable. Ballin Law will work with Worcester's residents to ensure they understand city policy changes and how to exercise their rights. The firm's attorneys will also work with city officials to help create a human-centric transportation system that allows for mistakes and vulnerability while sharing responsibility and adopting a proactive safety approach.

"The work we do for our clients not only provides justice for their harms and losses, but it also makes our communities safer for everyone," Steven Ballin said.

While the city of Worcester plans to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries within the next 10 years, people who've experienced accidents will always need legal guidance and support. The attorneys at Ballin Law will be ready to provide legal aid to the people of Worcester.

Contact Ballin Law's Worcester office 24/7 at 508-205-8925 or visit the firm's website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation or to learn more about Vision Zero's legal implications.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266326

SOURCE: Plentisoft
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2025) - Omega Partners Ltd, a London-based education consultancy, has announced its largest intake of students to date, marking a major milestone in its mission to widen access to higher education across England. The company is now turning its focus to the October and November intakes, with support for applicants targeting universities in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and London.

Founded in 2021, Omega Partners specialises in helping students navigate the often complex UK admissions system. The company has built a reputation for working with learners who may not follow the traditional A-Level route but who have the motivation, skills and potential to succeed in higher education.

Omega's model stands out for its comprehensive, end-to-end service. The consultancy guides students through every step of the application process, from advising on documentation and preparing personal statements to assisting with Student Finance England applications. Once offers are secured, the company also ensures that students are fully prepared to begin their courses, supporting them through enrolment and attendance requirements.

The record-breaking intake highlights both the scale of demand from students seeking guidance and the company's ability to deliver practical, results-driven support. "Our mission has always been to open the doors of higher education to those who might otherwise struggle to navigate the system," said Aza Miah, a company spokesperson. "This intake reflects the trust that students place in us and the strength of our approach in making university a reality for so many people."

Looking ahead, Omega Partners is investing heavily in its infrastructure to meet the rising demand. The company has launched a major marketing campaign designed to reach more prospective students through community networks, digital platforms and referral partners. This visibility is expected to drive continued growth over the coming intakes and beyond.

In tandem with its marketing push, Omega is expanding its team. The consultancy is currently recruiting experienced admissions managers to join its London headquarters and regional hubs. These roles are central to the company's commitment to delivering what it calls "world-class admissions expertise." Admissions managers are responsible for helping students identify the courses that best match their goals, providing tailored advice on academic and financial options, and ensuring applicants are set up for long-term success.

"Our admissions managers are the backbone of what we do," Aza Miah added. "They combine deep knowledge of the UK university landscape with the empathy and professionalism required to support students at a critical point in their lives. By expanding this team, we can ensure every applicant receives the highest standard of service."

The dual strategy-strengthening both marketing reach and professional expertise-is designed to keep Omega ahead in a competitive sector where universities and consultancies are increasingly competing to attract and support non-traditional applicants. Analysts note that Omega's inclusive ethos, coupled with its scale of personalised service, sets it apart from more transactional recruitment models.

With the October and November university intakes approaching, Omega Partners appears well-positioned to exceed its own benchmarks once again. For students, the company represents a pathway not only to higher education, but also to a structured, supportive process that maximises their chances of success. For the sector, Omega's growth signals a broader trend toward more accessible and professionalised admissions support in the UK.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266185

SOURCE: GYT
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat signed the famous Oslo Peace Treaty on September 13, 1993. The signing occurred in the presence of then-US President Bill Clinton at the White House. On this day, in 2004, Oprah Winfrey gave away nearly 300 new cars to the audience present at The Oprah Winfrey Show

PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat (right) shake hands with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (left), as US President Bill Clinton stands between them, after the signing of the Israeli-PLO peace accord. File image/Reuters

Israel and Palestine have been at odds with each other since the 1940s, with several wars having erupted over time. Even today, they are at loggerheads with more than 66,000 casualties in the Gaza war region. Did you know that the two entities had once signed a peace treaty in Washington? The Oslo Peace Accord was formally signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat on September 13, 1993.

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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.

Oprah Winfrey shocked her studio audience by giving away nearly 300 brand-new cars at her show on September 13, 2004. She gave the gifts during the premiere of the 19th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Here is all that happened on this day.

Israel and Palestine signed a peace accord

One of the most historic feats was achieved on September 13, 1993, when the Oslo Peace Accord was signed between Israel and Palestine in Washington, DC. The signing of the treaty by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat was witnessed by US President Bill Clinton. This marked the first face-to-face agreement between the two sides after decades of conflict.

The accord emerged from secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway, and aimed to establish a framework for peace by granting Palestinians limited self-rule in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho. It called for the creation of the Palestinian Authority, elections for a governing council, and gradual transfer of power from Israel to Palestinian representatives. Importantly, both sides recognised each other officially - Israel acknowledged the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people, while the PLO recognised Israels right to exist in peace and security.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres signs the Israeli-PLO peace accord as then PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat (right), then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (left) and then US President Bill Clinton stand behind him during the signing at the White House. File image/Reuters

The signing ceremony became iconic, particularly the handshake between Rabin and Arafat, symbolising the hope of reconciliation after years of bloodshed. Clinton described the moment as a brave gamble in the name of peace, reflecting the optimism that a lasting settlement might be within reach.

While the Oslo Peace Accord did not resolve contentious issues such as Jerusalems status, refugees, borders, and Israeli settlements, it created a roadmap for future negotiations. However, the peace process faced significant challenges in the years that followed. Violence, political opposition, and lack of trust undermined progress, and subsequent agreements often stalled or collapsed.

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Oprah Winfrey gave away nearly 300 new cars

In a historic moment for television on 2004, Oprah Winfrey shocked her studio audience by giving away nearly 300 brand-new cars during the premiere of the 19th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The segment began with Oprah announcing that she had a special surprise for the audience of 276 people, many of whom were chosen because they were in need of a new vehicle.

After handing out gift boxes containing keys, she revealed that everyone present would be driving home in a Pontiac G6 sedan, then General Motors latest model. The scene erupted in cheers, tears, and hugs, culminating in Oprahs now-legendary declaration: You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!

The giveaway generated enormous publicity both for The Oprah Winfrey Show and for Pontiac, boosting awareness of the G6. It also cemented Oprahs reputation for generosity and flair for creating television spectacles that captured the public imagination. The phrase You get a car! quickly became a cultural catchphrase, often parodied and referenced in media.

While the gift was thrilling, it came with complexities. The cars, donated by General Motors, were valued at around $28,500 each. Recipients were responsible for paying federal and state taxes, which could total up to $7,000 (Rs 5.84 lakh)  creating financial burdens for some winners. Nevertheless, for many, the gift was life-changing.

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This Day, That Year

In 1857, Milton Snavely Hershey, who was the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company was born in Pennsylvania.

British forces defeated the French in the Battle of Quebec in 1759.
Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away last week at the age of 91, has mentioned gradually selling off the luxury fashion brand that he built 50 years ago. The will states that priority should be given to French luxury giant LVMH, French cosmetics group LOreal, and Italian eyewear company EssilorLuxottica. This has come as a surprise to many in the industry

Italian designer Giorgio Armanis will has shocked many in the business world. The luxury fashion giant, who died last week at the age of 91, instructed his heirs to sell off the brand he built 50 years ago or seek a market listing.

His will, published by Italian media on Friday (September 12), was drafted in March. The decision to sell off his vast fashion empire is a major shift from Armanis previous stance of protecting the brands independence and Italian roots.

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Heres what we know about Giorgio Armanis will.

Giorgio Armanis will says

Giorgio Armanis will divides the Armani Group between his close family and the Armani Foundation, which was set up in 2016 to preserve the designers legacy.

He said in the document that he wants his heirs to sell a 15 per cent stake in the business within 18 months of his death. An additional 30 per cent to 54.9 per cent stake should be sold to the same buyer in three to five years, according to a copy of the will seen by the Financial Times (FT).

It says priority should be given to luxury giant LVMH, cosmetics group LOreal and eyewear company EssilorLuxottica. Two of these are French companies, which have come as a surprise to many in the Italian fashion industry.

If a deal with these companies, or another of equal standing, fails, Armani, in his will, raised the possibility of a public stock market listing as an alternative.

A person takes a photo of a billboard with an image of Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani on the day of his funeral, in Milan, Italy, September 8, 2025. Reuters

The Armani Foundation would retain 30.1 per cent of the shares in a listing and in a sale.

In a statement, the executive committee of Giorgio Armani asserted that the foundation would have a strong influence, whatever happened.

The foundation shall never hold less than 30 per cent of the capital, thereby acting as a permanent guarantor of compliance with the founding principles, it said, reported AFP.

These include an ethical approach with moral integrity and fairness, the global development of the Armani name, and a focus on innovation, excellence, quality, refinement of the product and the pursuit of an essential, modern, elegant, and understated style.

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Is LVMH most likely to buy Armani?

All three companies mentioned by Armani in his will have welcomed the possibility of buying the Italian luxury giant.

LVMH, controlled by French billionaire Bernard Arnault, said it was honoured to be named as a potential partner.

Giorgio Armani honours us by naming us as a potential partner for the exceptional fashion house he has built, Arnault said in a statement. If we were to work together in the future, LVMH would be committed to further strengthening its presence and leadership around the world.

Italian eyewear firm EssilorLuxottica said in a statement that it would consider a possible deal. Were proud of the consideration our group and its management received from Mr Armani, a spokesperson said, as per a Sky News report.

French cosmetics giant LOreal, which has produced Armanis popular beauty line for nearly 40 years, said it was touched and honoured to be considered.

The Armani group also has a commercial partnership with EssilorLuxottica.

Armanis fashion empire is estimated to be worth 5 billion and 12 billion euros ($5.9 billion-$14 billion), Reuters reported, citing industry analysts.

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Analysts believe LVMH, which has a market value of 240 billion euros, is likely to purchase the Italian luxury fashion brand.

As per FT, industry executives in Milan and Paris said that Armani could be a welcome addition to Arnaults vast collection of brands. The French billionaire has been interested in the Italian fashion brand for some time, according to people close to LVMH.

We think that LVMH would likely be the most interested, of the three, in a stake, were it to become available, given the strategic fit, analysts at Berenberg said in a note to Reuters.

A luxury executive in Milan expressed surprise that Armani named LVMH in his will. The person referred to the 2023 documentary Milano: The Inside Story of Italian Fashion, which features Armani, who dismissed the sale of his group to the French. Its just unthinkable that only a few years later, out of all people he mentioned Arnault as his preferred buyer, the person told FT.

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What will Armanis heirs get?

Armanis net worth was estimated at $11.8 billion when he died on September 4, according to Forbes magazine.

Known in the industry as King Giorgio, Armani did not have any children who could inherit his fashion empire. He was the major shareholder of the company he established with his late partner Sergio Galeotti in the 1970s.

The heirs to Armanis fashion house are considered to be his sister, Rosanna, and nieces Silvana and Roberta and nephew Andrea Camerana, as well as his partner and right-hand man, Leo DellOrco.

Armanis will mentions that all short- and medium-term strategic decisions will rest with Mr DellOrco and the family, supported by the foundation, the company said in a statement.

The largest share of the company, 30 per cent, will go to Armanis longtime partner DellOrco. He will also control 40 per cent of the voting rights and chair the Armani Foundation, as per Sky News.

Armanis sister Rosanna, her son Andrea, and his nieces Silvana and Roberta will get a 15 per cent stake each. However, Rosanna and Roberta will not have voting rights.

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The Armani Foundation will receive only 10 per cent of shares, but will control 30 per cent of the voting rights.

In the will, Armani wrote that DellOrcos shares should be sold twice as quickly as other family members.

Mr Armanis intention to safeguard strategic continuity, corporate cohesion and financial stability for long-term development is confirmed at every stage, the company statement said.

The designers real estate empire was bequeathed to his sister Rosanna and his nieces and nephew, reported AFP.

DellOrco will retain the use of properties in Saint Tropez in France, St Moritz in Switzerland and on the islands of Antigua and Pantelleria.

With inputs from agencies
Mossad reportedly refused to use its agents on the ground to assassinate Hamas leaders in Qatar. The head of the Israeli external intelligence agency is said to have rejected the plan, leaving PM Benjamin Netanyahu with the alternative option to order an airstrike in Doha. But why was the spy agency not in favour of the attack, which has been widely condemned across the world?

A damaged building, following an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders, according to an Israeli official, in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025. Reuters

The Israeli external intelligence agency, Mossad, was not in favour of the countrys strike on senior Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday (September 9). According to a Washington Post report, the agency refused to carry out a planned ground operation to kill Hamas leaders.

Israels airstrike on Qatari soil was widely condemned, with Doha publicly calling it state terrorism and a betrayal of the mediation process. The timing of the attacks was questioned as they came during the ongoing talks in Qatar to free Israeli hostages from Gaza.

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Lets take a closer look.

Why Mossad did not carry out attack in Qatar

The Mossad spy agency was opposed to killing Hamas leaders in Qatar. Israels intelligence agency had rejected the plan it had prepared in recent weeks to send its agents on the ground to assassinate Hamas leaders, who were gathering in Doha, two Israelis familiar with the matter told Washington Post on condition of anonymity.

David Barnea, Mossads director, was against the killing partly due to concerns that such an operation would strain the relationship he and his agency had developed with the Qataris. Besides him, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Eyal Zamir and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi also opposed the plan.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer supported the attack ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Nitzan Alon, the senior IDF officer in charge of hostage negotiations, was not invited to a meeting on Monday to discuss the attack on Qatari soil as senior political leaders assumed he would not be in favour of a strike that might endanger hostages lives.

This time, Mossad was unwilling to do it on the ground, said one of the Israeli sources, adding that the agency saw Qatar as an important intermediary in talks with Hamas.

Another Israeli familiar with the spy agencys refusal said it questioned Netanyahus timing. We can get them in one, two, or four years from now, and the Mossad knows how to do it, the Israeli said. Why do it now?

(L-R) Israels domestic security agency Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, Mossad Director David Barnea, and army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi talk as they arrive for a ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance Day for the six million Jews killed during World War II, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on May 5, 2024. File Photo/AFP

A senior official in the know of talks on the hostage release-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas told Channel 12 that most of the defence establishment wanted the attack to be postponed. The position was clear  there is a deal for the return of the hostages on the table, and the negotiations should be exhausted. Everyone understood the consequences for the hostages and that an operation like this at the current time could harm this possibility, the official said.

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Israel failed to kill top Hamas leaders

With Mossad sitting this one out, Israel had to resort to an alternative option. It launched 15 fighter jets that fired 10 missiles in an attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas in Doha on Tuesday.

Israel said the attack was carried out by the Air Force, along with the Shin Bet security service.

The airstrike failed to kill senior officials, including its acting leader Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas announced on Friday that al-Hayya, who is the groups chief negotiator, performed funeral rites for his martyred son Hammam.

Hamas said a Qatari officer was among those killed. It identified the casualties as Jihad Labad, head of the office of top Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya; al-Hayyas son; and three others described as associates: Abdallah Abd al-Wahid, Muamen Hassouna and Ahmad Abd al-Malek, as per Times of Israel.

The Israeli security establishment is increasingly of the view that none of Hamass leadership was killed in the strike. It has been since examining whether the Palestinian militant groups top brass was even in the building that was targeted, Channel 12 reported Friday evening.

It also said that Israel is considering the possibility that the Hamas leaders were in a different part of the building than the section targeted.

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While there is no guarantee Mossads ground operation would have been a success, the agencys operatives planted a bomb in the bedroom of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which killed him, last year.

Netanyahu was getting impatient?

Israels strike in Qatar has been denounced by several countries, including India, the United States, France, Germany and Britain.

US President Donald Trump criticised Israels strikes, saying that unilaterally striking inside Qatar does not advance Israel or Americas goals.

However, he added that this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE, and that the elimination of Hamas was a worthy goal.

In a televised address, Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said the strike was not only an attempt to kill the negotiating delegation, but an intentional blow to the entire process and a clear message rejecting any ceasefire deal. The Hamas leaders had gathered to consider Trumps proposal to release hostages in Gaza for a ceasefire in the war.

Since the strikes in Doha, Qatari leaders have said they are reassessing their role in any future mediation talks.

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Analysts say Israeli PM Netanyahu may have lost patience with the ceasefire negotiations.

Barnea was known as someone who thought the Qatari mediation had value, and you dont burn the Qatari mediators or the mediation channel, David Makovsky, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, told Washington Post. But Netanyahu may have made up his mind that hes going into Gaza City, believing the very latest negotiating proposal of Trump on the hostage release was getting zero traction from Hamas, Makovsky added.

If this is the case, Netanyahu may have viewed the negotiating track as an unhelpful constraint on taking action on the ground.

With inputs from agencies
SBU drones hit two tankers of Russian shadow fleet in port of Primorsk  media

During a special operation of the SBU on September 11 in the Russian port of Primorsk, two Russian tankers were damaged at once - Kusto and Cai Yun, writes Reuters, citing industry sources and the Ukrainian military.

These vessels belong to the "shadow fleet" of the Russian Federation and sail under the flag of the Seychelles.

As noted, after the strike by the SBU drones, the largest Russian port for the export of oil products in the Baltic Sea suspended operations. The scale of damage to the pumping station, which, in addition to the tankers, was also attacked, is currently unknown.

According to experts, the trade turnover of Primorsk reaches $100 million daily.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur today (13 September). This will be his first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out in 2023, leaving over 250 dead and thousands displaced. The PM is expected to unveil projects worth Rs 8,500 crore and meet victims of the violence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur today (13 September). This will be his first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out between the Meiteis and the Kukis in 2023, leaving over 250 dead and thousands displaced.

Ahead of the prime ministers visit, security forces have been deployed in large numbers in Manipur. The state has been under Presidents Rule since February 2025, after the resignation of N Biren Singh as chief minister. The state assembly has also been suspended.

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But what do we know about the trip? And why does it matter?

Lets take a closer look.

What we know about trip

Modi is visiting Imphal and Churachandpur in the state. Preparations have been ongoing in the areas for the past few days. Banners and posters welcoming the prime minister were put up late on Thursday night across the capital, Imphal.

Modi will first head to Manipurs Churachandpur district from Mizorams Aizawl on Saturday. He is set to arrive in the Kuki-Zo-majority Churachandpur district around 12:30 pm. Modi will meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) and lay the foundation stone for several development projects valued at over Rs 7,300 crore.

This includes the Manipur urban roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and working womens hostels at nine locations.

He will also address the public at Churachandpurs Peace Ground. According to reports, tents have been set up at the venue to accommodate around 200 IDPs. Modi is likely to speak for half an hour. The venue is being prepared for an audience of between 8,000 and 10,000 people, including members of the Kuki-Zo community as well as at least nine MLAs.

At around 2:30 pm, Modi will address a public function at Imphals Kangla Fort  the traditional seat of power of former Manipuri rulers  and inaugurate several projects worth Rs 1,200 crore. These include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ building and the new police headquarters at Mantripukhri.

Security personnel have been deployed in force. Representational image. PTI

Billboards announcing the prime ministers programmes have been erected at Sanjenthong and near the Nupi Lan complex. Temporary wooden barricades have gone up along the seven-kilometre stretch from Imphal Airport to the fort. Workers have also been deployed on clean-up duty and to retouch the road medians.

A 20-foot gate with the inscription Welcome Shri Narendra Modi ji has been erected near the BJP headquarters in Manipur. Churachandpur authorities have urged citizens not to bring children under the age of 12 to the rally. They have also asked citizens not to bring items such as keys, pens, water bottles, bags, umbrellas, lighters, matchboxes, sharp objects, or arms and ammunition. The Churachandpur administration has also banned the use, carrying and brandishing of air guns within the district.

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Why it matters

Modis visit to Churachandpur and Imphal gains significance because these were among the worst-hit areas during the violence.

While Churachandpur is Kuki-dominated, Meiteis are in a majority in Imphal  thus the prime minister and the BJP are sending signals to both communities that they are valued. Violence in the state has slowly ebbed over the past few months.

The Centre also wants to ensure rapprochement between the two communities and to lay out a roadmap for peace. Currently, the borders between valley districts where Meiteis are the majority and the hill districts where Kuki-Zos are in the majority have hardened. Modis visit will bring many the hope that a lasting peace is on the horizon and could be an important first step in repairing relations between the two communities.

The choice of Kangla Fort is also significant, being the traditional seat of power of the former Manipuri rulers. The princely kingdom was annexed in 1891.

Retired Lieutenant General L. N. Singh of Imphal told News18: This is an excellent gesture by the Prime Minister. Whatever has happened in Manipur has caused a deep fracture, and it will take time to heal. His visit will lay the foundationthe first stonefor the rebuilding process. People are looking forward to it with hope, as they believe there could be important announcements for Manipur."

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Churachandpur leader Ginza Vualzong added: The Prime Ministers visit is historic, as the last time a leader from Delhi came here was nearly 40 years ago. We welcome Shri Narendra Modi and hope that under his leadership, our cries for justice and a secure future will be addressed by granting us a political solution."

Manipurs Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has called Modis visit very fortunate.

This will be PM Modis first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out between the Meiteis and the Kukis in 2023, leaving over 250 dead and thousands displaced. PTI

Its a great fortune that Modi will be listening to the hardships faced by the people Manipur has had a history of violent clashes in the past. However, no prime minister has visited the state during such times and listened to the people. Modi is the first PM to visit during such hard times," the MP said.

Meanwhile, leading Kuki-Zo groups have dubbed Modis trip a historic and rare occasion.

For years, we have been voicing our demand for complete separation from Manipur, seeking a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution. This demand arises not from convenience, but from necessityfor peace, security, and survival of our people. As the leader of our great nation, we are confident that the Prime Minister will give due recognition to our voice, our pain, and our aspirations, the statement read.

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The Opposition has dismissed the visit, with Congress leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh saying, This is merely symbolic. It will have no real significance. The people of Manipur have no expectations from this visit."

Ahead of Modis visit, over a dozen members of the Phungyar BJP Mandal and Morcha of Manipur Pradesh have resigned.

We members expressed our deep concern over the present state of affairs within the party and highlighted a lack of consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for grassroots leadership as major reasons, the members, led by Ngachonmi Ramshang, special invitee, BJP Manipur Pradesh, said in a statement.

However, state BJP leaders have dismissed this as a publicity stunt and an attempt to defame the party. The resignation is a publicity stunt, trying to defame the BJP during this crucial moment of Modis most likely visit to Manipur. Phungyar assembly constituency still has strong BJP executive members, state BJP leader Awung Shimray Hopingson said.

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The Opposition had earlier criticised Modi for not visiting Manipur since the outbreak of the violence.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, the top body of Nagas in Manipur, has suspended its trade embargo in all Naga-dominated areas at the request of the state government.

This came as the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of seven valley-based militant outfits, announced a boycott of Modis visit.

Security out in force

Both state and central forces personnel have been deployed in large numbers in and around the nearly 237-acre Kangla Fort in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur.

Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, general officer commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, has reviewed the security situation in Churachandpur, Imphal, Bishnupur and other locations. Ahead of the visit, Pendharkar met senior officials and troops of the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police and other security forces on duty across the state. He also visited units deployed along the India-Myanmar border to take stock of the situation.

Central security teams, accompanied by state personnel, are conducting round-the-clock inspections of Kangla Fort, and boats of the Manipur Disaster Management Force have been employed for patrolling the moats that surround the fort. Police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed, and bamboo barricades constructed along the route leading to the Peace Ground.

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Modi will next head to Assam, where he will inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore.

With inputs from agencies
As the GST reforms come into effect from September 22, food delivery through Zomato or Swiggy could cost more than ordering directly from restaurants and food outlets. This comes as these companies will have to pay 18 per cent GST on behalf of delivery workers. Heres all this and more in our weekly wrap

Gig workers prepare to deliver orders outside Swiggy's grocery warehouse at a market area in New Delhi, India, May 6, 2024. File Photo/Reuters

India is set to roll out Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms later this month. While the new rates have made the middle class happy, food delivery through online aggregators  which has become ubiquitous  could get costlier as GST 2.0 becomes effective.

India has got its new Vice-President. CP Radhakrishnan, the candidate proposed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has won the elections and taken the oath.

New Delhi is making efforts to extradite the fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was detained in Belgium in April. If he returns, what will his life look like in an Indian prison?

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Heres all this and more in our weekly wrap from India.

1. Most of us place orders through Zomato or Swiggy on a frequent basis. Now, food delivery via these giants could cost more. This comes as the GST Council has said that e-commerce and quick commerce platforms will have to pay 18 per cent GST on behalf of delivery workers as the new GST rates come into effect on September 22.

A delivery worker of Zomato rides her bicycle along a road in Kolkata. File image/Reuters

If Swiggy or Zomato decides to pass on this levy to the consumers, the rates of food delivery will see a spike. The GST reforms, however, would make restaurants and food outlets which have their own delivery network more attractive. We explain how.

2. CP Radhakrishnan has been sworn in as Indias Vice-President. While he bagged 452 votes in the Vice-Presidential election, the INDIA bloc candidate, B Sudershan Reddy, got 300 votes.

With all your blessings and wishes , I am blessed and honoured to be sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India.



Jai Hind !  pic.twitter.com/14ACsjTV4t  CP Radhakrishnan (@CPR_VP) September 12, 2025

The new VP is a two-time former Coimbatore MP and ex-president of Tamil Nadu BJP. He was serving as the Maharashtra Governor when his name was announced by BJP president JP Nadda after a meeting of the partys parliamentary board. Meet Indias new VP in this story.

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3. India has been trying to extradite Mehul Choksi since 2018. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has now sent a letter to Belgian authorities underlining the treatment he will receive in India. The ministry has assured that he will be treated fairly and humanely and will not be kept in solitary confinement.

This comes after Choksis lawyers argued that he suffers from serious health issues and should not be kept in custody. Belgian authorities had arrested the businessman, who is wanted in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, at the request of Indian agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), earlier this year. We take a look at how Choksis treatment in Indian jails could look.

4. After slapping 50 per cent tariffs on India, United States President Donald Trump has said that New Delhi and Washington will resume talks on a free trade deal. The thaw between India and the US came last week when Trump described the ties between the two nations as a very special relationship. He added that he would always be friends with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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There are reports that Modi and Trump could speak over the phone soon, possibly in relation to the upcoming Quad meeting, which will be held in India in November. Are the ties between the two countries, which developed cracks, returning on track? We take a look.

5. Nepal witnessed a deadly protest this week, which plunged Indias neighbour into a political crisis. While calm is slowly returning, signs of unease remain. The unrest in the Himalayan nation is having an impact on India.

Indian companies such as Hindustan Unilever, Britannia, Dabur, Marico, and Bikaji have reported various levels of disruption due to the protests led by Gen Z over corruption and nepotism, which were sparked by a ban on social media. The Indian states bordering Nepal are on high alert amid the chaos. Heres our report on how the Nepal crisis has affected India.

6. Sushila Karki, former chief justice of Nepal, is likely to become the countrys interim leader after anti-government protests led by Gen Z prompted PM KP Sharma Oli to resign. Karkis candidature has also brought her personal life into the picture.

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Nepals first woman chief justice has a connection to India. She studied at Banaras Hindu University and found her life partner here. We take a look.

7. Physiotherapists in India have lost the right to use the title Dr before their names. This was made clear in a letter by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

The regulatory body observed that physios cannot be considered medical doctors and should refrain from presenting themselves as such. But what happens if they use the prefix Dr now? Read our story to know more.

This is all we have for you this week. If you like how we explain the news, you can bookmark this page.
After Maga activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson at a university in Utah this week, police found a bolt-action rifle left in a wooded area near the campus. Bullet casings in the rifle were engraved with anti-fascist and taunting messages, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. What did they say?

A poster of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is displayed at a memorial following the fatal shooting of Kirk, at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, US, September 12, 2025. Reuters

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was arrested for allegedly killing American conservative activist Charlie Kirk this week. His arrest on Friday (September 12) came after a 33-hour manhunt.

Robinson is being held without bail in a Utah jail on several initial charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. While the investigation is on, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said that bullet casings recovered near the deadly shooting were engraved with anti-fascist and taunting messages.

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What do these casings reveal? We take a look.

Decoding engravings on bullet casings

After Charlie Kirks fatal shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, police recovered a bolt-action rifle left in a wooded area near the campus.

Bullet casings found from the fatal shooting of the close ally of United States President Donald Trump are said to be inscribed with anti-fascist messages and references to online meme culture and video games.

One shell casing read: Hey fascist! Catch!  the message that Governor Cox said Friday speaks for itself.

As per CNN, this could allude to the video game Helldivers 2, which is a satirical commentary on fascism, as what players say when they drop a bomb.

Cox did not provide a visual image of the inscriptions or describe the punctuation, spelling, or capitalisation within them.

Up arrow symbol, right arrow, and three down arrows on a casing could also refer to Helldivers 2, describing how the controller would be used by a player to drop a bomb.

The inscription on one fired casing said Notices bulges OwO whats this? This is an internet meme and iterative slang that spread in 2018 and 2019. It has links to animated videos and furries, with OwO referring to an emoticon, and whats this? signifying cuteness or curiosity. They are usually used by video game streamers, reported USA Today.

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One of the bullet casings was engraved with Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao ciao, an Italian song for resistance fighters opposing the Nazi troops occupying the country during WWII. A rallying cry for anti-fascists, the song has taken on meanings in video gaming and online culture.

Another engraving read: If you read this, you are gay LMAO.

LMAO stands for laughing my ass off.

What do these engravings say about the shooter?

The phrases on the casings are full of memes and jokes potentially meant for an online audience, Jamie Cohen, a professor at Queens College, City University of New York and an expert in memes and digital culture, told CNN.

He said the inscriptions could mean the suspect is an extremely online person and was likely trying to communicate with his inner circle.

In the case of mass shooters and extremist groups, memes are often designed to gain media attention and disseminate that groups message into the mainstream, Cohen added.

Memes are supposed to be read by meme audiences, the professor said. Theyre meant for in-group communication.

A lot of these memes are designed specifically as dog whistles, he said. You have to be fairly in tune with the idea that these are messages for that meaning.

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yler Robinson stands for a booking photo on September 12, 2025 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Photo by Handout/Getty Images via AFP

Authorities have pointed to the engravings on bullet casings as a potential evidence of a political motive.

A family member of the shooting suspect told investigators that Robinson had become more political in recent years, and had slammed Kirk at a recent family dinner, Cox said at the press conference.

ALSO READ: Who is Erika Kirk, widow of slain Trump ally and Maga activist Charlie Kirk?

Tyler was quiet, but fun

Tyler Robinson, the suspect arrested in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, grew up in a Utah suburb.

A video posted on social media in 2021 shows him reading a letter from Utah State University, which offered him a four-year merit scholarship. However, he left the school after just a semester, never to return.

An electrician who worked with Robinson on a job just a few weeks ago told CNN on the condition of anonymity that his colleague was shy and wasnt talkative unless he was spoken to.

Robinson didnt really talk political unless someone brought it up, the electrician said, adding that he wasnt too fond of Trump or Charlie (Kirk).

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Robinson, like his family, was politically conservative and backed Trump ahead of the 2020 presidential election, one of the suspects former classmates told the American broadcaster.

When I knew him and his family, they were like diehard Trump, the ex-classmate said. When this happened, I was like I dont know what changed.

The person recalled Robinson being very, very big into gaming and interested in video game design. Robinson and his friends would spend their lunches playing the card games and all that kind of stuff, he said.

Robinson was quiet all the time and a little goofy, the classmate said, adding he could not remember him making concerning statements or getting into trouble. He was fun to be around, fun to talk to. He just was kind of shy and didnt open up very often.

With inputs from agencies
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists in the Netherlands have identified a previously unknown organ in the human throat, a finding that could transform cancer care for patients with head and neck tumours. The new organ, termed the tubarial salivary glands, was found deep in the upper part of the throat behind the nose, an area known as the nasopharynx. The glands, measuring about 1.5 inches in length, appear to play a vital role in keeping the nasopharyngeal area well-lubricated.

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According to a report in the Daily Mail, until this revelation in 2020, medical science only recognised three major sets of salivary glands: parotid, submandibular and sublingual. While the nasopharynx was thought to contain only tiny, scattered mucous glands, researchers were astonished to find these larger, previously undocumented salivary glands. As far as we knew, the only salivary or mucous glands in the nasopharynx are microscopically small and up to 1,000 are evenly spread out throughout the mucosa. So, imagine our surprise when we found these, radiation oncologist Dr Wouter Vogel of the Netherlands Cancer Institute told Daily Mail.

Discovery happened by accident

The accidental discovery occurred while researchers were testing a novel prostate cancer imaging technique known as PSMA PET-CT, which combines computed tomography (CT) with positron emission tomography (PET). During the scan, a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient, allowing clinicians to track cancer activity. While reviewing these scans, doctors observed two unusual hotspots lighting up in the nasopharynx region, leading to the unexpected identification of the tubarial glands, Science Alert reported.

What made the finding even more compelling was its consistencythese glands appeared in all 100 patients who underwent the scan. Their similarity to other major salivary glands further confirmed that this was indeed a new organ system within the throat.

Implications for cancer treatment

The discovery of the tubarial salivary glands has significant implications for cancer treatment, especially for patients receiving radiation therapy. Standard radiation therapy for head and neck cancers often damages the known salivary glands, leading to long-term side effects such as difficulty in eating, swallowing and speaking. Damage to salivary glands can drastically reduce a patients quality of life, sometimes permanently.

Dr Vogel and his colleague, surgeon Matthijs H Valstar, analysed more than 700 cancer cases and found a direct correlation between radiation exposure to the newly identified glands and increased treatment complications. For most patients, it should technically be possible to avoid delivering radiation to this newly discovered location of the salivary gland system in the same way we try to spare known glands, Vogel explained.

A step toward improving quality of life

The next phase of research will focus on refining radiation therapy techniques to protect the tubarial glands. By adjusting treatment plans to spare these structures, doctors hope to reduce side effects and improve recovery outcomes. If successful, this approach could mark a turning point in supportive cancer care, offering patients not just longer survival but a better quality of life after treatment.

The discovery of the tubarial salivary glands is a reminder that even in the 21st century, the human body still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. For cancer patients worldwide, this hidden organ may soon become a key ally in the fight against one of the most challenging forms of the disease.

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At the handover ceremony of the CGGS Presidency, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard underscored the Summits importance as a key platform for international Coast Guard collaboration in tackling common maritime challenges

Director General Sivamani said that the fifth CGGS Summit will be held in Tamil Nadu's Chennai in 2027

India is set to host the fifth edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in 2027, the Indian Coast Guard announced on Saturday, marking a significant achievement in the global maritime domain.

The decision was taken unanimously by CGGS members at the fourth summit held yesterday in Rome, Italy. The one-day-long summit was attended by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, who led the Indian delegation. It saw the participation of delegates from 115 countries and international organisations.

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Historic moment! #India wins the bid to host 5th Coast Guard Global Summit #CGGS in 2027, marking a significant milestone in its growing maritime leadership. Announcement was made at 4th #CGGS in #Rome, #Italy on 12 Sep 25, where Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, pic.twitter.com/CDwyZZdEnf  Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 13, 2025

At the handover ceremony of the CGGS Presidency, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard underscored the Summits importance as a key platform for international Coast Guard collaboration in tackling common maritime challenges.

Where will the next CGGS Summit be hosted?

Director General Sivamani said that the fifth CGGS Summit will be held in Tamil Nadus Chennai in 2027. The event will coincide with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Coast Guard.

The summit will be held for three days and will feature an International Coast Guard Fleet Review and a World Coast Guard Seminar. The programs will give a platform to delegates to showcase maritime unity and encourage dialogue on emerging challenges.

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He emphasised that no single nation can address the full spectrum of maritime challenges alone, and that the 5th CGGS in Chennai will serve as an inclusive forum to foster interoperability, trust, and stronger global cooperation, a press release by the IGC said.

What happened at the 4th CGGS Summit?

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard met with the Commandant of the Italian Coast Guard to advance bilateral maritime cooperation. The discussions, held in line with the Defence Cooperation provisions of the IndiaItaly Joint Strategic Action Plan 20252029, reaffirmed both nations commitment to deepening collaboration in key areas.

These include Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), marine pollution response, environmental protection, and the prevention of transnational maritime crimes. The two sides also agreed to enhance information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and joint efforts in capacity building, training, and technical support.

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In the span of two days, the prime minister will be visiting three states in Indias northeast, one of them being Manipur. Heres what is on the cards for the prime ministers visit to the state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark on a three-day trip to six states in Indias northeast and east on Saturday. During his visits to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar, the prime minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs. 71,850 crore.

One of the stops in the prime ministers trip will be Manipur, where PM Modi plans to inaugurate and lay the foundation for over Rs 8,500 crore. The state has grappled with conflict for a while, and the prime ministers visit aims to shift focus towards development goals. PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in the Kuki heartland of Churachandpur by helicopter from Mizoram.

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This will be his first stop on the tour. In Mizoram, PM Modi will address a rally at the appropriately named Peace Ground and launch projects with a combined budget of Rs 7,300 crore. The itinerary would then shift to Imphals historic Kangla Fort, where he will inaugurate another Rs 1,200 crore worth of projects.

This will be PM Modis first trip to Manipur since the state witnessed the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. The conflict was triggered by a high court order asking the government to consider giving Meitei ST status. The ruling upset the Kukis, who feared that the numerically dominant Meiteis would take their share of resources, which ultimately resulted in violent protests and ethnic clashes.

PM Modi to visit relief camp in Manipur

According to The Times of India, the prime minister is expected to interact with people displaced by the Meitei-Kuki conflict, living in relief camps. An official statement said that PM Modis planned engagements were in line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur.

Over 260 people have been killed, and more than 60,000 civilians have been displaced in the cycle of violence since May 2023. The chaos in the state eventually led to CM N Biren Singhs resignation on February 9, 2025, which was followed by the imposition of presidential rule on February 13.

PM Modi is planning to inaugurate multiple projects in the state. This includes Manipur Urban Roads, drainage, and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, a unique all-womens market, in 4 districts, the government said in a statement.

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The weather continues to remain a major threat, with the administration keeping a wary eye on the skies amid IMDs forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms coinciding with the prime ministerial visit. Over 10,000 police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles and disaster management personnel have been deployed at both venues as part of the multi-layer security designed to ensure a hitch-free trip for the PM, TOI reported.

Meanwhile, in Mizoram, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi-Sairang rail route connecting the state capital Aizawl with the expansive Indian Railways network. He is also scheduled to flag off three new express trains, including a Rajdhani Express. From Manipur, PM Modi will travel to Assam to participate in events commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.
PM Modi visited Manipur on Saturday, his first trip since the 2023 ethnic violence, meeting displaced families in Churachandpur and launching development projects, even as the opposition criticised the trip as delayed and symbolic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Sept 13) met people displaced by the ethnic clashes in Manipurs Churachandpur, his first visit to the state since the violence broke out in May 2023.

PM Modi said Manipur, once torn by violence, is now showing signs of recovery and renewed hope.

 Manipur has always been a land of hope and promise, but it went through a difficult phase of violence. I met people staying in relief camps, and after speaking with them, I believe a new dawn of trust and hope is emerging in the state, he said.

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The conflict, mainly between the Meitei community of the valley and the hill-dominant Kuki-Zo tribes, has killed over 260 people and displaced nearly 60,000.

Braving heavy rain, the Prime Minister travelled 65 km by road from Imphal to Churachandpur, where he interacted with children and elderly staying in relief camps at Peace Ground. He was accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

#WATCH | Manipur: PM Modi being welcomed in Churachandpur as he arrives in the city. PM also interacts with the locals of the city.



PM will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur today. The projects include Manipur pic.twitter.com/wvDxi3P28i  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Churachandpur, largely inhabited by Kuki-Zo people, was the epicentre of the unrest that began after protests against the Meiteis demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Since then, violence has erupted in phases, forcing former Chief Minister N Biren Singh to resign and leading to Presidents Rule in February this year.

During the visit, Modi also laid foundation stones for 14 development projects worth over 7,300 crore, including drainage systems, womens hostels, schools and advanced healthcare facilities.

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Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Imphal, the Meitei-majority region, where he will meet displaced families and inaugurate projects worth 1,200 crore. He will also address a gathering at the historic Kangla Fort, once the seat of the Manipur kingdom.

Officials said the visit underscores Manipurs role as a key link in Indias Act East policy. Manipur is not just a border state but a gateway to Southeast Asia and a proud guardian of Indias diversity, Chief Secretary Puneet Goel said.

A dig from opposition

The opposition, however, slammed the trip as too little, too late. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the Prime Ministers arrival after more than two years was not a big deal. Party leader Jairam Ramesh called the three-hour stopover an insult to the people of Manipur, adding that it would do little to heal wounds.
The consequences of military capitalism have been devastating for Pakistans political economywith markets distorted by an army that acts as both referee and player

Pakistan is a state which has an army ruling over everything. Politics, economy, real estate, even the future of civilian governments  nothing escapes the shadow of khaki. In 2025, the question is: Who is Pakistans richest business house? It has only one honest answer. It is not Nishat. It is not Dawood Hercules. It is not Engro. It is the Pakistan Army.

The military is not just an institution of defence. It is the countrys largest landlord, its biggest industrialist, its most powerful banker, and its most influential developer. Through a web of foundationsFauji, Army Welfare Trust, Bahria, and Shaheenthe army runs an empire that penetrates every sector of the economy. Fertiliser, cement, oil, banks, housing, shipping, telecom, foodyou name it, and khaki has a stake in it.

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What began decades ago as welfare for soldiers has become the most sprawling corporate empire in Pakistan. Start with the numbers. The Fauji Foundation alone is a giant. Fauji Fertiliser remains the most profitable company on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Add in Fauji Cement, Fauji Foods, Mari Petroleum, and Fauji Oil Terminal, and the groups revenues touched nearly PKR 800 billion last year.

The Army Welfare Trust adds hundreds of billions more, with Askari Bank and Askari Insurance leading its portfolio. Bahria and Shaheen Foundations bring in billions through shipping, aviation, media, and education. Together, conservative estimates put the annual revenue of army-linked businesses at over PKR 1.1 trillion in 2025. That is more than the federal governments entire development budget for the year. Compare this with the countrys celebrated private conglomerates.

Nishat Group, with its banking, textiles, and power plants, brings in around PKR 400 billion annually. Bestways cement factories and overseas investments hover in the same league. Dawood Hercules and Engro, formidable in energy and fertiliser, remain in the mid-hundreds of billions. Impressive figures, but all fall short of the trillion-rupee juggernaut commanded by khaki.

Pakistans richest business house is not in Lahores Gulberg or Karachis Clifton. It is headquartered in Rawalpindi, behind the gates of General Headquarters. Yet revenue is only part of the story. The armys real treasure is land. And in Pakistan, land is power.

The Business Empire in Uniform

Over decades, the military has accumulated millions of acres through state allocations and welfare schemes. It runs Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs) across major cities, the most coveted brand in Pakistani real estate. From Karachi to Lahore and Islamabad to Multan, DHA plots sell at astronomical premiums. The model is simple: allot land cheaply to officers, then sell at market rates for enormous profits. Generations of generals have built fortunes from these schemes.

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Outside the cities, the army has swallowed agricultural land too. In 2024, nearly 4.8 million acres of state land were earmarked for military-run corporate farming. Independent estimates suggest the army now directly or indirectly controls 10 to 12 per cent of Pakistans land area. That makes it the single largest landholding institution in the countrybigger than provincial governments and far larger than any private group. The economic value of this land runs into trillions of rupees.

More importantly, it gives the army leverage over everything from agriculture policy to urban planning. And this concentration of wealth is not only institutional. It trickles down to the generals themselves. Look at the last three Chiefs of Army Staff, and the picture is telling.

Generals After Retirement

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who served from 2016 to 2022, retired under a storm of asset revelations. In six years, his familys declared wealth reportedly multiplied into billions, spread across properties and businesses at home and abroad. Post-retirement, Bajwa divides his time between Pakistan and overseas residences, a global footprint that reflects the scale of his familys financial rise.

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General Raheel Sharif, his predecessor, turned his khaki credentials into a global pay cheque. In 2017, he moved to Riyadh as commander of the Saudi-backed Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition. His package included a salary and perks that most prime ministers could only dream of. Raheels retirement is less about fading into private life and more about cashing in on international recognition.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who ruled the army from 2007 to 2013, chose a quieter domestic retirement but not without wealth. His familys stakes in real estate and housing ventures ensure his financial comfort. Unlike Raheel or Bajwa, he has not relocated abroad, but his land and business interests inside Pakistan tell their own story. These three examples show a pattern. Retirement from the army is not an exit. It is an entry into a new phase of wealth and privilege. Civilian leaders often leave office hounded by corruption cases. Generals leave office with bigger portfolios and safer futures.

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The consequences of this military capitalism are devastating for Pakistans political economy. Markets are distorted because the army is both referee and player. Army-linked firms enjoy contracts, tax breaks, and credit access that private competitors can only envy. Civil-military imbalance deepens when the richest business house is also the one holding the guns.

Civilian governments are constantly weak because their budgets, authority, and legitimacy are dwarfed by the resources of Rawalpindi. And there is no accountability. Private conglomerates are answerable to shareholders and regulators. The armys foundations hide behind the shield of national security, immune from parliamentary scrutiny or public audit.

There are social costs too. Urban DHAs displace communities and drive housing out of reach for the middle class. Agricultural land handed over to corporate farming marginalises small farmers and consolidates wealth further upward. The armys business decisions are not just about profit. They reshape cities, change rural economies, and entrench inequality. Defenders of this system argue that military businesses fund welfare for soldiers, widows, and orphans.

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Welfare matters, but the sheer scale of the armys business empire long ago outgrew any welfare justification. When annual revenues cross a trillion rupees and land banks expand into millions of acres, what we are witnessing is not welfare. It is a monopoly. Private business groups still matter.

Nishat, Bestway, Dawood, and Engro invest, employ, and innovate. They carry weight in the economy. But they cannot compete with khakis reach. They operate under market rules. The army writes the rules. They own factories. The army owns cities. They pay taxes. The army takes exemptions. In the contest of wealth and power, the private sector is permanently playing catch-up.

Conclusion

So in 2025, when we ask, Who is Pakistans richest business house? The evidence is overwhelming. It is the Pakistan Army. Annual revenues of more than one trillion rupees. A land bank larger than any institution in the country. Generals who retire not into obscurity but into global postings and billion-rupee fortunes. This is not a mere curiosity. It is the central fact of Pakistans economy and politics. Until that changes, Pakistan will not have a level playing field for business nor a balanced political system. Wealth in Pakistan does not wear Armani suits. It wears khaki uniforms. And as long as khaki monopolises both power and profit, the question of civilian supremacy will remain unanswered.

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Tehmeena Rizvi is a Policy Analyst and PhD scholar at Bennett University. Her areas of work include Women, Peace, and Security (South Asia), focusing on the intersection of gender, conflict, and religion, with a research emphasis on the Kashmir region, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Its nothing like anything that South Asia has known. Its more so in Nepal, where a palace coup led to an unsuspecting royal massacre first, leading to a system change not long thereafter. In a country where a decade-long, well-entrenched Maoist militancy could not succeed, a near-overnight street protest, purportedly triggered by the Communist-led government of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli banning all non-Chinese social media sites, has done it now. It was stated that Chinese TikTok accepted the governments social media regulations, which was the reason why it was not targeted.

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But targeted by the mob frenzy were the Prime Minister, his other ministers, the Parliament building and the Supreme Court. Many of them were beaten black and blue before the camera; the Parliament building and the Supreme Court were gutted by arsonists, and the wife of a former prime minister was burnt alive when their house was burnt down when she was still inside.

Compared to the gory street violence that took over neighbouring Bangladesh, and not just the capital Dhaka, around this time last year, the fire and fury in physical terms was much less in Nepal. But the real fire in the belly of the protestors, we are told, was as much. Gen Z, we are told, was getting increasingly frustrated by the elitist status quo that was still managing power politics and occupying power centres in every which way. The rest of them all had had enough, and as if the social media ban was a trigger, they reacted violently and unexpectedly.

Or, that is the narrative. But was it the only reason? From the days of the Arab Spring and Orange Revolution outside South Asia, such a narrative has been built around overnight mass protests that invariably turned unprecedentedly violent and toppled elected governments, but only after taking a heavy human toll, especially of men in power and other elite sections of socio-political leadership.

Algorithms and AI

The common refrain, before all that, used to be that leftist militants and protestors alone were capable of such ruthless violence and arson, and also brutal killings. But the Arab Spring changed all that, where the traditional left militancy got replaced by restless urban youth, all across. There was some truth in it, yes, but no one has ever sat down to find the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The required tools were unavailable outside the affected nation or region.

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But now after Nepal, social media discourse centers around algorithms evaluating the mood and setting the next target nationbut to what end other than spreading political instability? This has been followed up with references to AI tools for triggering mass protests of the kind, and not just as a communication tool. Translated, it means the public mood in any democracy can be manipulated, especially on election eve, just as it can be done in autocracies, real and perceived, for overthrowing them through mass movements.

Some such social media debates are confined to South Asia, where, one after the other, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and now Nepal have witnessed unpredictable mass unrest that has overthrown elected governments relatively effortlessly. What is to be noticed is the time span required to effect the same and the kind of violence involved.

It took Sri Lanka a few weeks, followed by Bangladesh a few less, and Nepal the least. The level of street violence was also relative, though the death toll in action by security forces was higher in Bangladesh, where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would not yield until the armed forces asked her to quit and made good her escape.

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Was President Gotabaya Rajapaksas fate of being forced to resign and flee to the Maldives and then Thailand a lesson for Sheikh Hasina, even if after a time? And was Sheikh Hasinas fate, all the more so, the number of cruel deaths, especially of her supporters and their family members all across the country, for days and weeks after her exit, a lesson for Nepals Sharma Oli and team? Or, was it also the inspiration for Nepals street protesters, who made street violence as much a part of their pent-up frustration and immediate demands?

Less violent but

Looking back, Sri Lankas power transition in 2022 was less violent and more predictable after a time, even if it was equally unconstitutional. More importantly, the present-day JVP rulers under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose hidden hand was seen behind the Aragalaya (Struggle) protests that led to leadership change and who was the ultimate beneficiary of the same, were more democratic than counterparts elsewhere.

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The pent-up feelings against the rulers of the day, and also the larger political elite since the nations independence in 1948, were genuine. So what began as a restricted display of urban middle-class disenchantment, with women, and also men, lining up on either side of their respective streets, post-breakfast or pre-lunch, was also real.

What was surreal at that time was the protestors first occupying the Galle Face Green beach space in the capital, Colombo, when they grew in numbers after laying a peaceful siege on the Presidents Old Secretariat at one end. Never once did this group of protestors try to violate the cordon laid by the security forces to curtail them.

At the same time, there were protestors, mainly those from outside the city, who occupied the Presidents official residence and made a mockery of it all. There was even a later-day attempt to take over the Parliament building, which was effectively thwarted by the security forces.

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Yet, to date, nothing has been done about the well-coordinated arson attacks on the private properties of at least 80 ruling party leaders, starting with President Gota, outgoing Prime Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and their family members, across the Sinhala South, all in less than two hours, beginning at sunset one evening.

To date, the police investigations into the arson attack have not been completed, or so it seems. Nor has the previous government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe released the findings of a three-member veterans probe into the reasons behind the then Chief of Army Staff, Gen Shavendra Silvas refusal to take orders from President Gota, the Supreme Commander, or even take his telephone calls.

Democratic coup

Now after Nepal, there is a needle of suspicion hanging over other South Asian nations. Of course, Pakistan has been a permanent case for a long time. The nations economic crisis, coupled with the post-Partition plight of externalising their domestic agenda, centred on India, has done enough damage to their nationhood. The debate has been ongoing for long, both within the country and outside, that Pakistans nationhood will not be diluted or compromised, come what may.

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As much as the armed forces strength and commitment to the Pakistani nation, there is also the inherent belief that ordinary Pakistanis would stand by the Pakistani nation even more than their defending the Pakistani state structure or select governments, or even the armed forces, which have been seen as manipulators all along.

That way only Bhutan and Maldives are on the list for a sudden spurt of Gen Z frustrations on their streets. Of the two, already Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is facing massive charges of being anti-democratic and taking the nation back to pre-2008 autocracy, but this time in a democratic garb. The credibility of the political Opposition is still tottering after their governmental behaviour since. They too are elitist, as elsewhere in South Asia, barring possibly India, where new generation leaders have been coming up over the past decades but have also created a new class of elites with self-proclaimed entitlements.

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Barring India, the economy is still tottering in the Maldives especially; there are no jobs for the youth. The latter, after an A-Level pass, would accept only a managerial position in the private sector or an equivalent position in the government of State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs). So, expat workers, who form nearly a fifth of the nations resident population, get the jobs and earn incomes that they repatriate to their homes, mainly in Bangladesh.

The question arises: if the urban middle-class moderate democrats are upset with the Muizzu leaderships democratic credentials and economic management and still may be reluctant to take to the streets, who could be in the forefront, especially if someone from outside is planning yet another democratic coup of the Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal kind? Any radical group or groups, as in Bangladesh last year, though for now, they are seen as supporting the current leadership?

Of course, it can be argued that the much-overlooked or equally ignored post-Covid economic crisis is the real cause for the sudden spurt of frustrated youth energy that is reportedly challenging the status quo in every one of the affected nations. If so, any backdated link to Arab Spring and Orange Revolution, for instance, should be discounted, as they came long before the global Covid lockdown. But the larger cause of youth frustration taking a violent turn on the streets was common to all.

Take, for instance, the ongoing street protests in France, which has already seen the forced resignation of the Prime Minister and is gunning for President Macron? Of course, the Japanese Prime Minister also quit. In both cases, too, the issues were the same as those in Nepal, all of it happening in a couple of days. The uncharitable one may see an external factor in France, as the nation is seen as looking at a multipolar world where Paris, too, would have its sphere of influence, building on its colonial possessions and reach from the past.

Deep state, who?

This takes us to a more pertinent question that has come back into geopolitical discourses after the Nixon era in the US  or so it seems. The talk of the American Deep State topping governments not through political or military coups of the traditional kind, but through democratic coups of the mass-protest kind has been gaining credence and credibility, especially over three years now.

Yes, the Americans were being blamed for the Arab Spring and Orange Revolution, but the shocking way protestors humiliated Libyas Col Gaddafi after killing him possibly silenced all sections, at least for a time, until Sri Lankas Aragalaya spurted out in 2022. Earlier, after losing the 2015 presidential poll, incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa went on record that Western agencies worked on regime change. During Aragalaya likewise, there were reports of present-day President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visiting the US Embassy in Colombo and staying in touch with American officialsa sure No for the ideologically left party until then.

Later, after the Bangladesh developments last year, there were open criticisms of the US being behind the toppling of Sheikh Hasina. Reports claimed how the present Chief Administrator, Nobel Laureate Mohammed Yunus, already an octogenarian, was an American puppet, foisted on the unsuspecting nation that was otherwise angry with the Hasina regime.

There is a pattern to it all, going beyond the telescoping of time from Sri Lanka to Bangladesh to Nepalsay, from two months to two weeks to two days. Next, will it be just two hours? If so, which South Asian nation could be the target, if you really believe in the American Deep State and all? If so, it has to be a military coup. If you happen to recall the US and President Trump getting chummy with Pakistans army chief, self-styled Field Marshal Asim Munir, your guess is as good as mine.

What now?

There are those who post facto claim that Anna Hazares anti-corruption movement in 2011 in the country and the explosion of youth power on Delhi streets over the Nirbhaya killing were all made of the same stuff, where students sort of took the lead in what was showcased as pro-democracy protests and voices.

Once the likes of Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi politically blossomed out of the Anna Hazare movement, leaving the old man dejected, despondent and being used, media columns openly spoke about an American involvement in democratic regime change in India.

Whatever that may be, barring Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and now Nepal, faceless student groups have become the final arbiter of the nations precarious future. In both countries, the armed forces stepped in to fill the political vacuum that was created by fast-tracked developments that ended in regime change of a non-democratic, if not outright anti-democratic, kind. Only in Sri Lanka, despite the fact that youth groups were in the forefront of the Aragalaya protests, whoever was behind it, the political class, despite all their faults, never gave up the initiative.

Maybe, it also had to do with the absence of outright violence against the political class, as in Bangladesh and Nepal. In Sri Lanka, much of the violence, or rather arson, was confined to a single evening, a single episode, followed by another when arsonists burnt down the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whom Parliament later elected as President, following relevant constitutional provisions. Does it mean that greater violence and greater participation of student groups in government formation in Bangladesh and Nepal were just not accidental or even inspirational, and there was more to them than the naked eye could see or visualise?

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst & political commentator. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
When pre-orders for the new models began on Friday (Sep 12), customers in China were unable to place orders through the companys local website

One of the biggest reveals of the event was the all-new iPhone Air. AFP

The launch of the new iPhone Air has been delayed in China, Apple has said, citing regulatory approval issues. Notably, the latest iPhone models are being made in India in a network of five factories, including Tatas new Hosur plant and Foxconns massive 300-acre hub near Bengaluru airport.

When pre-orders for the new models began on Friday (Sep 12), customers in China were unable to place orders through the companys local website. Instead, they were met with a message stating: Release information will be updated later. All models will be released after approval.

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Earlier, the tech giant had announced that it would launch the pre-order on September 12 and the general sale on September 19 in the US and other major markets worldwide.

Why is the launch in China delayed?

Launching the iPhone Air in China is significantly more complicated than in other markets. Unlike the US, where eSIM technology is widely used, China still primarily relies on physical SIM cards. This poses a challenge for the iPhone Air, which uses eSIM exclusively due to its slimmer design.

Apple had earlier said that its new model would only be available through a single Chinese carrier, China Unicom, and would require users to visit a store and activate their eSIMs to start their devices.

The companys website also notes that other carriers, including China Mobile and China Telecom, will eventually support the iPhone Air and its eSIM technology. Meanwhile, Apples other new models, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, launched as scheduled in the region and come equipped with physical SIM card slots for the local market.

Made-in-India iPhones

Indian facilities are now assembling the latest iPhone models at the Foxconn and Tata-run Pegatron units. A significant portion of the production is geared toward fulfilling rising demand in the US and Europe, while also serving Indias expanding smartphone market, sources told Moneycontrol.

Hon Hai, a Foxconn subsidiary, has ramped up operations at its newest plant in Bengaluru, which started trial runs of Apples latest model back in April. The facility has already become Indias largest iPhone factory by production capacity. Despite its scale far exceeding that of other local suppliers like Tata Electronics, Wistron (now under Tata), and Pegatron, sources emphasised that its output will ultimately be driven by global iPhone demand.
People visit Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon

Xinhua) 09:57, September 13, 2025

People visit the booth of Hongqi at the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the booth of BYD at the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Myanmar Auto &Parts Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 12, 2025. The expo kicked off here on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
Britains Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the deal includes Google Clouds latest technologies, like AI, data analytics, and cyber security, to be deployed by the military for intelligence and national security specialists

Google Cloud has secured a deal worth $543 million with the United Kingdom to strengthen secure communication lines between Britain and the US, ahead of President Donald Trumps visit to the country.

Britains Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the deal includes Google Clouds latest technologies, like AI, data analytics, and cyber security, to be deployed by the military for intelligence and national security specialists.

The department explained that the UK and US would now be able to deploy the same technology, at the same classification, strengthening allied missions and partnerships.

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However, it noted that data stored in the platform will not be shared with Washington via Google. The ministry touted millions of pounds of inward investment from Google Cloud, noting the US tech giant will recruit a specialist UK team to manage the programme.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the tech had strict data sovereignty and security controls which ensured critical data remains under direct UK control.

Tara Brady, Google Clouds EMEA President, said the contract would help the UK government develop a robust and resilient infrastructure and harness the latest technology innovations.

This partnership will enable the MoD to accelerate its digital modernisation efforts while maintaining the highest levels of security and data sovereignty, he added.

This initiative builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which calls for the UK Armed Forces to accelerate modernisation, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen cooperation with allies such as the United States.

The new capability will enhance our ability to outpace hostile actorsthose who seek to disrupt daily life, steal sensitive data, and carry out targeted cyber attacks against the UK and its people.

With inputs from agencies
Former Chief of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Herzi Halevi, confirmed that more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in the war in Gaza, rejecting the narratives propagated by Israel

Israeli soldiers stand on top of an Israeli armoured personnel carrier, on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, on August 20. Reuters

Former Chief of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Herzi Halevi, confirmed that more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in the war in Gaza, rejecting the narratives propagated by Israel. The retired general told a community meeting in southern Israel earlier this week that not once in the course of the conflict were military operations inhibited by legal advice.

Halevi stepped down as chief of staff in March after leading the IDF for 17 months of the war, which is approaching its second anniversary. In the community meeting, the retired general said that more than 10 per cent of Gazas 2.2 million population had been killed or injured  more than 200,000 people.

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What makes Halevis estimate notable is the fact that it is close to the current figure provided by Gazas health ministry, which Israeli officials have frequently dismissed as Hamas propaganda. The same ministry figures have also been deemed reliable by international humanitarian agencies.

According to the ministry, the current official death toll in Gaza is 64,718, with 163,859 Palestinians wounded since the start of the war on October 7, 2023. Thousands more are feared dead, with their bodies buried in the rubble. On Friday itself, at least 40 people were reported killed in Israeli strikes, mostly around Gaza City.

This isnt a gentle war. We took the gloves off from the first minute. Sadly, not earlier, Halevi said, suggesting Israel should have taken a tougher line in Gaza before the October 7 attack. The former commander was talking to the residents of Ein HaBesor moshav (agricultural cooperative), which succeeded in repelling the Hamas attackers two years ago. A recording of his remarks was later published by Ynet News.

No one is working gently: Halevi

While speaking to the gathering, the retired Israeli official made it clear that the IDF operated within the constraints of international humanitarian law. However, he insisted that No one is working gently.

That claim has been repeated throughout the war by Israeli officials, who have said that military lawyers are involved in operational decisions. Contrary to this, Halevi denied that legal advice had ever affected his or his immediate subordinates military decisions in Gaza or across the Middle East.

Not once has anyone restricted me. Not once. Not the military AG [advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi] who, by the way, doesnt have the authority to restrict me, he said. According to Ynet, Halevi also appeared to suggest that the main importance of Israels military lawyers was to convince the outside world of the legality of the IDFs actions.

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There are legal advisers who say: We will know how to defend this legally in the world, and this is very important for the state of Israel, he is quoted as saying. Halevis remarks on the matter garnered attention from several human rights activists.

Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said Halevis remarks confirm that the legal advisers serve as rubber stamps. The generals see them as regular advisers whose advice one can adopt or dismiss, not as professional lawyers whose legal positions present the boundaries of what is permissible and what is prohibited, Sfard said.

The remarks from the former IDF chief also came just days after Haaretz reported that Halevis successor as IDF chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, had ignored Tomer-Yerushalmis legal advice. As per the report, the advocate general had reportedly said that the displacement orders to an estimated 1 million Gaza City residents to leave before an IDF offensive should be postponed until there were facilities in southern Gaza to receive them.

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The prime suspect in the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, was arrested after he confessed his crimes to his father, who eventually turned him in to the authorities

The prime suspect in the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk was arrested after he confessed his crimes to his father, who eventually turned him in to the authorities. The 32-year-old Tyler Robinson was taken into custody at 10 pm (local time) on Thursday after a 33-hour-long manhunt.

We got him, the Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters. On the evening of 11 September, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County Sheriffs Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the shooting.

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According to CBS News, the family member reported to be his father had recognised him from photos released during the manhunt. During the interview with Fox News, earlier that day, US President Donald Trump was one of the first people to confirm that the suspect was turned in by someone very close.

Trump said that the person who recognised the suspect went to the father who then convinced the son.

Robinsons father encouraged him to hand himself in

Two law enforcement officials, who asked to remain anonymous, told CBS News that Robinson had confessed to his father, who had then urged him to turn himself in. Robinson told his father that he was the person in the photographs shared by the FBI, sources said.

Robinsons father encouraged his son to hand himself in, but Robinson said he would rather take his own life. The sources noted that the suspects father then reached out to a family friend, reported to a church minister, and the pair attempted to calm Robinson down.

The pastor eventually contacted the local County Sheriffs Office with the information. According to CNN, Robinsons father called a youth pastor, who then called the US Marshals, and Robinson was eventually arrested. The authorities noted that criminal charges are expected to be filed on Tuesday.

Who is Tyler Robinson

Robinson was a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College in south-west Utah, where he lived, a spokesperson for Utah Valley University (UVU) told the BBC. The spokesperson made it clear that the suspect did not attend Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

According to school records posted in 2020, Sky News reported that Robinson was a top student who achieved a 4.0 average. While speaking at a press conference, Cox said that authorities do not have information that would lead to further arrests but that the investigation is ongoing.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old rightwing activist, who is known to be an ardent supporter of Trump, was speaking at an event in UVU when the shooter shot him in the neck. Kirk was rushed to the hospital, and Trump eventually announced that he succumbed to the gunshot. Kirk was survived by his wife, Erika and two children.

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This policy shift aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations like Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya, which have taken steps to ease travel restrictions for visitors from across the continent

Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African travellers, a move aimed at boosting intra-African mobility and trade. The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana following a cabinet meeting led by military ruler Captain Ibrahim Traore.

From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees, Sana said. However, he clarified that travellers will still need to complete an online visa application, which will be subject to approval.

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This policy shift aligns Burkina Faso with other African nations like Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya, which have taken steps to ease travel restrictions for visitors from across the continent. The trend reflects growing efforts toward greater regional integration, supported by the African Unions calls to simplify movement within Africa.

How will the system change?

Although citizens of West African countries can currently enter Burkina Faso visa-free under existing regional agreements, that arrangement could change. Burkina Faso, along with fellow military-led neighbours Mali and Niger, recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), raising questions about future border policies.

The government said the elimination of visa fees is part of a broader commitment to Pan-Africanism. In a statement, the juntas communications office said the policy demonstrates Burkina Fasos dedication to African unity and regional cooperation, adding that it would also help promote tourism, Burkinabe culture, and the countrys visibility on the global stage.

Captain Traore, who took power in a 2022 coup, has styled himself as a champion of African solidarity and self-reliance, frequently voicing criticism of Western influence and colonial-era legacies.

His popularity has surged across parts of the continent, thanks in part to a strong social media presence. However, critics warn that his image is often shaped by misleading content and propaganda.

Despite his appeal in some quarters, Traore has faced growing scrutiny over his increasingly authoritarian approach, suppression of dissent, and failure to improve security amid a persistent Islamist insurgency. Although his government has sought new alliances, including closer ties with Russia, violent attacks remain frequent in many regions of the country.

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Still, the visa waiver for African travellers represents a concrete step toward fostering stronger continental ties. It also places Burkina Faso among a growing number of nations embracing the vision of a borderless Africa, at least for its own citizens.
Investigators have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in Utah after digital messages, engraved bullet casings and campus surveillance linked him to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

A police mugshot shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Reuters

A combination of online messages, unusual bullet casings and university surveillance footage enabled investigators to identify 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, authorities confirmed.

After several days of investigation and public appeals, Robinson was arrested late on Thursday night in Utahs Washington County.

Discord chats revealed plans

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinsons online activity provided the crucial breakthrough.

Investigators gained access to his Discord chats through his roommate, which allegedly contained discussions about retrieving and concealing a rifle.

The conversations referred to hiding the weapon in bushes, wrapping it in a towel, monitoring the area, and even engraving bullets. Officers photographed the incriminating messages directly from the device.

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Rifle and engraved bullets recovered

Police later discovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel near the scene. Alongside it were three unfired casings engraved with the chilling phrase, Hey, fascist! Catch! and arrow symbols. Cox confirmed the bullets matched details contained in the Discord exchanges.

CCTV from Utah Valley University (UVU) showed Robinson arriving in a Dodge Challenger on the morning of the attack. He was dressed in a maroon T-shirt, shorts, a black cap and light shoesthe same clothing investigators noted when they encountered him the following day.

Family concerns raised

Relatives told police that Robinson had spoken critically of Kirk in recent weeks. At a family dinner, he allegedly mentioned Kirks forthcoming UVU appearance and voiced strong disapproval of his views.

Cox said Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years and was openly hostile towards conservative figures.

A family friend later contacted authorities, claiming Robinson had either confessed or strongly implied his involvement in the shooting.

Cox added that his arrest was secured after investigators tied his clothing and movements to the surveillance evidence, alongside the Discord messages.

Kirk shot from rooftop

Kirk, 31, was killed by a single bullet fired from a rooftop while addressing a crowd of about 3,000 people at UVU in Orem. A co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, he was known for his polarising speeches and hardline stances on race, immigration, gender identity and gun rights.

Charges expected next week

Utah County Attorney Jeff Grays office said it is reviewing all evidence and intends to file charges on Tuesday. If formally charged, Robinson will make his first court appearance the same day via a virtual hearing. Gray is expected to announce the charges at a noon press conference.

Trump calls for death penalty

Earlier on Friday, Trump said he had just learnt of the arrest while preparing for a live Fox & Friends interview. I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody, Trump said, adding that Kirks killer should receive the death penalty.

During the manhunt, the FBI had released video footage showing the suspect running across a roof, climbing down and fleeing. A $100,000 reward was also offered for information leading to an arrest. Two other people were briefly detained as persons of interest but later released.

Bipartisan condemnation

The assassination has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum, with leaders warning of escalating political violence in the United States. Cox urged the public to ignore the tremendous disinformation circulating online.

Kirks body flown home

On Thursday evening, Kirks casket arrived in Arizona, his home state, aboard Air Force Two. Vice President JD Vances wife, Usha, accompanied Kirks widow, Erika, as the casket was received. Kirks family and Turning Point USA are both based in Arizona.

A divisive figure

Kirk was widely regarded as a divisive figure, credited with mobilising young conservatives through Trumps MAGA movement. He frequently courted controversy, calling for a ban on transgender healthcare, describing Muslim immigration as civilisational suicide, and spreading conspiracy theories about Trumps 2020 election defeat.
Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra discussed bilateral trade relations with several key American lawmakers and underlined Delhis support to efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra discussed bilateral trade relations with several key American lawmakers and underlined Delhis support to efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Took the opportunity to brief Representative James Moylan on recent developments in India-US trade partnership and energy cooperation.

We also shared views on mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific. Reiterated Indias support for resolution of Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, Kwatra said in a post on X on Friday(local time).

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Kwatra also spoke with Congressman Greg Steube, briefing him on issues of mutual interest including bilateral trade, especially in energy, and spoke about Indias support to all efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also held discussion with Representative Young Kim, Chairperson of East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Shared correct perspective of Indias relationship with China. Also spoke about issues that are our shared priority in the Indo-Pacific, and the opportunities of working together in the region, Kwatra said.

Kwatra has been meeting US lawmakers amid a strain in India-US relations after Trump imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India, including 25 per cent for its purchases of Russian oil.

Several of his administrations officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade advisor Peter Navarro, have said that Indias purchases of Russian oil is financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.

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FBI Director Kash Patel is facing criticism for posting live updates on the Charlie Kirk murder investigation on social media while reportedly dining at New Yorks exclusive Raos restaurant.

Kash Patel speaks after being sworn in as FBI Director by US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House campus in Washington, DC, US, February 21, 2025. (Reuters/Leah Millis/File Photo)

FBI Director Kash Patel is under fire after posting live updates on social media about the murder investigation of conservative activist Charlie Kirkwhile reportedly dining at the exclusive New York restaurant Raos.

The iconic Italian spot in East Harlem, considered one of the citys toughest reservations, opens at 7 pm. According to NBC News, Patel posted on X at 6:21 pm Thursday that the subject in Kirks killing was in custody. Just over an hour later, at 7:59 pm, he updated again, saying the suspect had been released after interrogation.

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The posts sparked swift backlash. Retired FBI agent Dan Brunner told Reuters, What he did yesterday has never been done by any FBI director before him, or any division leadership before.

The investigators need to sort through all the initial intelligence before putting out factual evidence. FBI does not run investigations on social media.

A law enforcement official quoted by NBC said the handling of the Kirk probe highlighted Patels public inability to meet the moment as a leader.

An anonymous White House source told Reuters the posts were unprofessional and unacceptable. But Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Patel, calling the criticism despicable and adding, Everyone is supporting him and trying to be as helpful as possible during this effort, including the president of the United States.

In a statement, the FBI said it worked with Utah authorities to apprehend the suspect, stressing, We will continue to be transparent with the American people with real-time updates as we are able.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, was shot dead in Utah on Wednesday.
At the start of his presidency Trump lashed out at his neighbors to both the north and south over illegal migration and drug trafficking into the United States, repeatedly threatening them with stiff tariffs

US President Donald Trump holds a chart next to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 2, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday she will host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for trade talks next week as the pair seek to protect their economies from Donald Trumps trade war.Mexico and Canada are, together with the United States, members of the USMCA North American free trade agreement.

US leader Trump wants to renegotiate the deal, which he considers unfavorable to his country.

At the start of his presidency Trump lashed out at his neighbors to both the north and south over illegal migration and drug trafficking into the United States, repeatedly threatening them with stiff tariffs.

He has so far mostly spared Mexico punishment but hit Canadian goods not compliant with the North American trade deal with blistering 35-percent duties.

Carney and Sheinbaum will hold talks on Thursday.

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Both of us trade a lot with the United States but there is also a lot of Mexico-Canada trade, Mexicos leftist leader said.

The pair will also discuss Canadian investment in sectors such as Mexican mining, gas and rail, she added.

Last month, Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited Mexico City to prepare for Carneys visit.

US tariffs are badly hurting Canadas crucial auto, steel and aluminum sectors, leading to job losses.

Canada retaliated with tariffs on billions of dollars of US imports but, in a gesture aimed at facilitating a deal, Carney has since exempted US goods that fall under USMCA.
Pakistan was once again humiliated at the international level, this time in just 4 seconds by the Executive Director of UN Watch, Hillel Neuer. Heres how it went down.

The state of Pakistan was once again humiliated in the United Nations, this time in just 4 seconds. The whole ordeal took place when the United Nations was discussing the recent Israeli strikes on Qatar, which the Jewish nation claimed were targeting the leadership of Hamas.

At the UNHRC meeting, Canadian human rights lawyer and UN Watchs Executive Director, Hillel Neuer, was accusing Qatar of harbouring terrorists. It is important to note that the Gulf nation has hosted the political office of Hamas, a US-designated terror organisation, since 2012.

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Today at the U.N. I asked Qatar: If you dont want targeted bombings on terrorists in your capital, why do you harbor terrorists in your capital? Why is your Al Jazeera serving as Hamas' non-stop propaganda arm? Why do you act as mediator by day, and a terror sponsor by night? https://t.co/xi2EZlC5B7 pic.twitter.com/tTghv5JK4U  Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) September 10, 2025

While sharing his assessment, Neuer also lashed out at the UN chief for condemning Israel. He reminded the gathering how the United States killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011, the then UN chief had said that justice has been done.

Pakistan left red-faced

After Neuer mentioned Bin Laden, a delegate from Pakistan interrupted him mid-speech and raised a point of order. The Pakistani delegation asked the UNHRC chairperson to ensure no speaker violated the principles of the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of sovereign member states.

We reject casting unfounded accusations and allegations, Pakistan said. The UNHRC chair noted the assertion was a procedural point of order and soon restored the mic to Neuer. The chair also reminded the UN Watch delegate that he has four seconds to complete his address.

Neuer used these 4 seconds to annihilate Pakistan, pointing to how Islamabad has a long history of aiding terrorists. Mr President, Pakistan is another state sponsor of terror, Neuer remarked as he ended his speech, leaving the Pakistani delegate embarrassed.

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Your presence on the U.N. Human Rights Council is intolerable. https://t.co/rVhyS3qHVS  UN Watch (@UNWatch) November 6, 2020

It is interesting to note that this is not the first time UN Watch, a human rights NGO based in Geneva, has called out Pakistan. In 2020, the body mocked Pakistan over its inclusion in the United Nations Human Rights Council. Your presence on the UN Human Rights Council is intolerable, UN Watch had tweeted.

The tweet was in response to a post on X, made by the government of Pakistan, that quoted the countrys then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Blasphemy in the garb of freedom of expression is intolerable, the post said. This was Pakistans response to the beheading of a French teacher in Paris by an Islamic terrorist.

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The group posted a statement saying that the junta launched an airstrike targeting two private schools in Kyauktaw township, in midnight attacks on Friday. The strikes killed 19 school students between the ages of 15 and 21 and wounded 22 others

(File) A Myanmar military soldier hoists a national flag during a ceremony to mark the 69th anniversary of Independence Day in Yangon, Myanmar on Jan. 4, 2017. AP

A junta airstrike in Myanmars Rakhine state has killed at least 19 school students, an ethnic minority group said on Saturday.

The Arakan Army (AA) is engaged in a fierce fight with Myanmars ruling military for control of Rakhine, where it has seized swaths of territory in the past year.

The group posted a statement saying that the junta launched an airstrike targeting two private schools in Kyauktaw township, in midnight attacks on Friday. The strikes killed 19 school students between the ages of 15 and 21 and wounded 22 others.

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We feel as sad as the victims families for the death of the innocent students, the statement said, blaming the military junta for the attacks. According to Myanmar Now, a warplane dropped two 500-pound bombs on a high school as students slept.

In a statement, UNICEF condemned the brutal attack, which it said adds to a pattern of increasingly devastating violence in Rakhine State, with children and families paying the ultimate price.

The Rakhine conflict is one element of the bloody chaos that has engulfed Myanmar since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyis civilian government in a 2021 coup, sparking a widespread armed uprising.

Meanwhile, a junta-appointed official from Myanmars election commission announced on Thursday that results from the countrys upcoming, highly contested national election are expected by the end of January next year.

Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, citing unproven claims of electoral fraud.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the military is pushing ahead with an election it claims could pave the way toward peace. The phased voting is scheduled to begin on December 28 and is expected to continue for about a month.

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With inputs from agencies
Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway under construction in China's Hebei

Xinhua) 10:24, September 13, 2025

Workers operate at a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province, on Sept. 12, 2025. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Workers move steel bars at a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province, on Sept. 12, 2025. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

A worker binds up steel bars at a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province, on Sept. 12, 2025. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

A worker operates at a construction site of an underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway and the auxiliary projects in Xiong'an, north China's Hebei Province, on Sept. 12, 2025. The underground section of Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway in the start-up area of Xiong'an New Area is now under construction.

The railway is a pivotal section of the Beijing-Kunming high-speed railway that belongs to a greater high-speed rail artery network consisting eight vertical lines and eight horizontal lines in the country.

Upon completion, the railway line is expected to relieve the passenger transport pressure in the areas around Beijing while promoting high-quality development along the line. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that getting rid of Hamas chiefs living in Qatar would remove the main obstacle to releasing all hostages and ending the war in Gaza.

A protester wearing a mask representing US President Donald Trump carries a sign during a demonstration organised by the families of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, to call for their release and for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, at 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv on September 13, 2025. Image- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that eliminating Hamass leaders would bring an end to the war in Gaza, accusing them of repeatedly derailing ceasefire efforts.

The Hamas terrorists chiefs living in Qatar dont care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war, he said on X.

Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war.

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Netanyahu obstacle to ending Gaza war

The main Israeli group campaigning for the release of hostages held in Gaza said Saturday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the chief obstacle to freeing the captives, shortly after he accused Hamass leaders of prolonging the war.

The targeted operation in Qatar proved beyond any doubt that there is one obstacle to returning the hostages and ending the war: Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement, referring to Israels recent strike on a meeting of Hamas members in the Gulf state.

Every time a deal approaches, Netanyahu sabotages it, they added.

Earlier in the evening, the premier had said eliminating Hamass leaders in Qatar would bring an end to the war, accusing the group of derailing past efforts to secure a ceasefire.

The Hamas terrorists chiefs living in Qatar dont care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war, he said on X.

Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war."

The forum, however, characterised the accusation as Netanyahus latest excuse for failing to bring home the captives.

The time has come to end the excuses designed to buy time so he can cling to power, the forum said.

This stalling threatens the lives of additional hostages who are barely surviving after nearly two years in captivity, as well as the recovery of those who have died."

Qatar strike not going to change US-Israel ties

The United States is not happy about Israeli strikes targeting Hamas in Qatar, but the attack will not change Washingtons allied status with Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday as he departed for the region.

Tuesdays air strikes  the first by Israel against US ally Qatar  have rocked the region and put huge strain on diplomatic efforts to bring about a truce in war-ravaged Gaza.

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Whats happened has happened. Obviously, we were not happy about it, the president was not happy about it, Rubio told reporters shortly before departing Washington for discussions with officials in Israel.

Its not going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis, but we are going to have to talk about it  primarily, what impact does this have on the truce efforts, Rubio added.

We need to move forward and figure out what comes next, because at the end of the day, when all is said and done, there is still a group called Hamas, which is an evil group."
At least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four injured when militants ambushed a military convoy in South Waziristan early Saturday, the army said. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack

At least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed when militants ambushed a military convoy in northwestern Pakistan early Saturday, the army said.

The convoy was attacked in South Waziristan district around 4:00 am, when armed men opened fire from both sides with heavy weapons, a local official told AFP. Four other soldiers were injured, while the assailants seized weapons from the convoy.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility on social media. The group, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has carried out frequent assaults in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where it once held large swathes of territory before a 2014 military operation forced its retreat.

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According to the militarys media wing, 35 TTP fighters were killed in two separate operations from September 1013. In Bajaur, 22 militants were killed, while in South Waziristan another clash left 12 soldiers and 13 militants dead. Both encounters involved the Fitna al Khwarij, the statement said, using the militarys term for the TTP.

The attack is among the deadliest in recent months and comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring TTP fighters who use its territory to launch cross-border attacks, a charge the Taliban government denies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki after she was appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki after she was appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. The former chief justice of the Himalayan nation was chosen to lead the country days after violent Gen Z protests toppled the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal, the prime minister wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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With the Friday appointment, Karki became the first woman to hold the post of prime minister in Nepals history. The Youth-led protests that broke out before she assumed power demanded accountability from the government, curbed corruption and also called for political reform.

I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025

The woman with a big task

The matter started to escalate after the Oli government imposed a ban on social media apps, which were used by people of Nepal to call out the lavish lifestyle of the children of politicians, often describing them as Nepo Babies.

The two-day violent clash between protesters and the authorities in Nepal killed 51 people and injured over a thousand. The demonstration ultimately led to the dissolution of the parliament, prompting calls for a neutral figure to lead an interim administration and oversee fresh elections.

The 73-year-old former Nepali chief justice is widely known for her integrity and strength. During her time as Chief Justice between 2016 and 2017, she was known for taking a strong stance against corruption. She is now being seen as a consensus leader, since she was accepted by both the protest leaders and Nepals political establishment.

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The interim government under Karki will now be tasked with restoring order, investigating violence during the protests and preparing for general elections in the country, which were scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Trumps muted response was widely seen as another example of his America First push for European allies to take more responsibility for their own security and shoulder the cost of helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

A swarm of Russian drones crossing into Poland this week has sent a dual shockwave through NATO: first, by triggering the alliances first direct fire on a Russian target since the Ukraine war began, and second, by eliciting a strikingly subdued reaction from US President Donald Trump, deepening anxieties about American commitment to European security.

Yet, what has troubled European diplomats as much as the incursion itself is US President Donald Trumps reluctance to directly call out Moscow and the absence of US involvement in countering the threat. The incident, many officials warn, could become a litmus test for NATO unity and for Europes ability to shoulder more responsibility for its own defence.

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WATCH: Trump & Poland Clash Over Alleged Russian Drone Incursion Into Airspace | Vantage with Palki Sharma

A test for NATO and Trumps stance

Poland confirmed that it scrambled fighter jets, supported by other NATO aircraft, to intercept and shoot down 19 drones early on Wednesday. Russia insisted it was targeting Ukraine, not Poland, and dismissed any intention to strike NATO territory. Still, Warsaw and its allies labelled the breach a deliberate provocation, demanding accountability.

Traditionally, such an incident would have triggered alarm bells in Washington. Instead, Trump, long sceptical of NATO responded with what European officials privately described as indifference.

Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? Here we go!, he posted cryptically on Truth Social, later telling reporters, It could have been a mistake.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk flatly rejected that claim, saying the drones did not enter his country by accident. Analysts argue that Trumps muted tone reflects his America First worldview, shifting security burdens onto Europe while avoiding direct confrontation with President Vladimir Putin.

This episode underscores that Trump, in contrast to every president since Roosevelt, does not see Europes security is fundamental to American security, said Ivo Daalder, former U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Tepid response contrasts past US actions

The White House refrained from an immediate public condemnation. A senior official, speaking anonymously, said the president wants this war, which was brought on by Joe Bidens incompetence, to end as quickly as possible and expects Europe to apply greater economic pressure on those financing Russias war effort.

Trumps tone stood in stark contrast to previous U.S. handling of security threats. When a missile struck a Polish village in November 2022, later found to be a misfired Ukrainian defence weaponPresident Joe Biden immediately convened global leaders and moved into crisis management. By comparison, Trumps restrained language was softer even than his own NATO ambassador Matthew Whitaker, who pledged the defence of every inch of NATO territory.

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Although Trump phoned Polish President Karol Nawrocki to express solidarity, Warsaws account made no mention of new weapons or reinforcements. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte later said Trump had assured allies of unity, but officials in Berlin, Rome, and Eastern Europe described Washingtons stance as hesitant, confusing, and at times deafeningly silent.

Europe sees a wake-up call

For many in Europe, Russias drone attack underscored vulnerabilities in the continents defences and the urgency of reducing dependence on U.S. leadership. The drone attack showed that we are not ready for defence against drones, a senior German official said. We have to develop capabilities as soon as possible.

Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen argued the moment demands Europe to step up: That means deploying real assets, investing directly in Ukraines defence industry, and providing concrete security guarantees and a reassurance force inside Ukraine, he said, while stressing that the United States must remain engaged.

The incident also reflects Trumps broader approachencouraging Europe to lead on sanctions and military responses while Washington takes a backseat. U.S. warplanes played no role in the Polish interceptions, with officials explaining that Dutch forces held responsibility for the area under NATOs air policing mission.

As NATO continues to assess Moscows intent, Trumps commitment to European security remains under scrutiny. Poland has already triggered Article 4 of the alliance treaty, demanding consultations over threats to its territorial integrity.

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Whether this episode marks a turning point in NATOs preparedness or a dangerous sign of cracks in its transatlantic shield may depend as much on Europes resolve as on Washingtons willingness to act.
After three days of unrest and political violence, Nepal chose Sushila Karki as the countrys interim Prime Minister, making her the first woman to assume the post in the country. Karkis appointment came after a historic week of widespread youth protests, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, KP Sharma Oli, along with the dissolution of the parliament.

The former chief justice of Nepal took the oath of office on late Friday after intense negotiations. Karki will now be at the helm of an interim government until fresh elections take place in March next year. The youth who took part in the Gen Z movement see Karki as a widely respected figure known for her hardline stand against corruption.

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The 73-year-old was appointed as Nepals first female chief justice in 2016 and is known for delivering several high-profile judgments against ministers and senior police in corruption cases, coming into the crosshairs of the major political parties as a result.

Why Gen Z chose Karki?

After retiring as chief justice of Nepal, Karki has established herself as a prominent figure in the countrys civil society and has voiced her concerns over corruption and political malpractices in Nepal. She was also outspoken against the lethal force used against protesters, describing it as a massacre, and was given the backing of the popular young mayor of Kathmandu, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who is widely revered among the younger generation.

Soon after Karkis appointment, Nepals presidents office released a statement on Friday confirming that they had fixed March 5, 2026, Thursday for the elections. Soon after Karki assumed the role of the countrys PM, many in the Gen Z movement are pushing her to immediately investigate corruption allegations against former prime minister Oli and his ministers and hold an inquiry into the protest deaths that took place.

Challenges that lie ahead

The following are the challenges Kharki will be facing as she takes on the role.

Restoring law and order

For now, one of the major challenges Kharki will be facing is restoring law and order across the country following a historically violent protest. This might be a hard task for the government since reports are emerging that incidents of vandalism, violence, and arson are still taking place in different parts of the country.

What is more concerning is the fact that at least 11,505 prisoners, including high-profile ones, have escaped from various jails, and most of them still remain at large since security forces were only able to arrest and re-arrest around 1,459 prisoners, who had fled the jail.

These jailbirds and anarchic elements in the country can still pose a major challenge for Karkis interim government regarding maintaining law and order in the country. We have seen in the case of Bangladesh how extremist elements in the country continue to create ruckus as the interim government under Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus struggles to bring stability following a violent revolution.

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Holding elections in six months

Soon after coming to power, Kharki was given the deadline of six months for holding an election in a country that had just been ransacked. The Gen Z movement was a campaign against politicians of Nepal and their outfits. The group believed that almost all politicians, regardless of the parties, were corrupt. So now the big question is: Who will contest if political parties do not participate in the elections?

Most of the prominent politicians of Nepal have already fled the country; others might face investigations over corruption allegations. If any of the already established politician makes a comeback, there are chances that they might see the wrath of Gen Z again. Hence, the whole ordeal has created a vacuum in terms of the political infrastructure of the country. Karki might also have to see that the next government which comes to power does not face the same fate, ensuring a smooth transition after the revolution.

Will Karki make Gen Z proud?

At the end of the day, what becomes important is to be aware of the fact that Karki had been a jurist. She has never been in politics. Hence, she will also face the challenge of handling the demands and aspirations of Gen Z campaigners.

Many are also afraid that the interim government will be influenced by external actors. Some are also concerned about the interim government falling into the same corruption trap. Overall, the fate of Nepal now lies in Karkis hands. Only time will tell if she will manage to create a success story.
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made her first public statement since his assassination, delivering an emotional speech filled with grief, faith, and a vow to carry on her late husbands mission.

Erika, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has spoken publicly for the first time since her husbands death, delivering an emotional and at times fiery speech that was marred by technical interruptions.

Speaking from her late husbands streaming studio, Erika broke down in tears as she addressed US President Donald Trump directly. My husband loved you, she sobbed, adding that she knew the president had shared that affection.

Her remarks mixed grief with calls for faith and action, urging people to join a church and keep her husbands mission alive. The address was briefly interrupted by an intrusive advertisement that abruptly cut her off mid-sentence, leaving the widow visibly shaken.

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Much of Erikas message carried a religious undertone. She said Charlie was now at the side of his lord and saviour and wearing a crown of a martyr, insisting he was targeted for preaching patriotism and Gods love.

Through her tears, she issued a warning, The evil doers responsible for my husbands assassination have no idea what they have done. If you thought my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just unleashed across this entire country. You have no idea.

She declared that her grief had become a rallying force: You have no idea the fire you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die.

Vowing to continue Charlies work, Erika pledged to carry forward his campus tours and podcast, which had attracted millions of followers. My husbands mission will not end, not even for a moment, she said. Well never surrender. Ever. Our campus tour this fall will continue. There will be even more tours in the years to come.

Charlie Kirk, 31, a right-wing campaigner who co-founded the conservative group Turning Point USA and maintained close ties with President Trump, was fatally shot during an outdoor gathering at Utah Valley University.

Police have identified the accused gunman as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested earlier today after being turned in by relatives.

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Trump has called on Nato allies to ramp up pressure on Moscow, proposing steep tariffs on China and coordinated sanctions on Russia.

Social media was quick to notice that Trumps face looked unusual during the 9/11 memorial ceremony, with many speculating he may have suffered a mini-stroke. AFP

US President Donald Trump has urged Nato allies to take tough action against Moscow, proposing tariffs of 50 to 100 per cent on China until the Russia-Ukraine war ends.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington was ready to push new sanctions on Russia but only if European partners stopped buying Russian oil and joined in coordinated measures.

As you know, Natos commitment to win has been far less than 100 per cent, and the purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when, Trump wrote.

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He argued that Nato should impose punitive tariffs on China, claiming Beijing has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia. These tariffs, he said, would stay in place until peace is restored.

Calling the conflict a deadly, but ridiculous war, Trump alleged that 7,118 people had been killed in the past week alone. He insisted the war would never have started under his leadership, branding it Bidens and Zelenskyys war.

I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives. If Nato does as I say, the war will end quickly If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States, he added.

Trumps letter comes after earlier warnings of sanctions on Moscow and on nations buying its oil, including major buyers China and India, if the Ukraine war drags on.

Last month, he slapped an extra 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over its Russian oil purchases, though no such move has yet been taken against China.
Turkish authorities have detained Hasan Mutlu, the mayor of Istanbuls Bayrampasa district, along with 47 officials in a corruption probe, as part of a wider crackdown on the opposition.

Turkish authorities on Saturday detained the mayor of Istanbuls Bayrampasa district, Hasan Mutlu, along with 47 municipal officials, in a corruption probe targeting the opposition.

According to state broadcaster TRT Haber, Mutlu was arrested on charges of bribery, embezzlement, fraud, and bid rigging. Police raided 72 locations, seizing documents and taking several deputies into custody.

Mutlu denied the allegations on X, saying, I have served only Bayrampasa and you, my esteemed fellow citizens  What has happened consists of political operations and baseless slanders.

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He is the latest in a series of opposition figures to face arrest. More than a dozen mayors from the Republican Peoples party (CHP), including Istanbuls mayor and party leader Ekrem Imamoglu, have been detained in recent months.

Imamoglu, seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdogans main rival, was arrested in March, sparking protests across Turkey. He is currently on trial for allegedly falsifying his university degree, with prosecutors seeking nearly nine years in jail and a political ban. His next hearing is set for October.

The CHP claims the arrests are part of a government effort to crush the opposition and clear the way for Erdogan to extend his rule, possibly through early elections before 2028. The government rejects this, insisting Turkeys courts act independently.

The crackdown comes after the CHPs strong performance in last years local elections, where it held onto Istanbul and Ankara while also making gains in traditional AK Party strongholds.

In a key case due in Ankara on Monday, a civil court will decide whether to annul the CHPs 2023 congress  a ruling that could reshape the partys leadership and deepen internal divisions ahead of future elections.
A Sikh woman in her twenties was raped by two men in Oldbury, UK, in a racially aggravated attack where the assailants hurled abuse and told her to go back to your own country, sparking outrage in the local community.

UK: Sikh woman raped in racially aggravated attack, told to go back to your country

A Sikh woman in her twenties was raped by two men in Oldbury, UK, in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack. The assailants also hurled racist abuse, telling her to go back to your own country.

The incident took place near Tame Road around 8:30 am last Tuesday. Police said the victim reported racist remarks during the assault, and forensic checks and CCTV scans are underway. The suspects have been described as white men  one with a shaved head wearing a dark sweatshirt, and the other in a grey top.

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The attack has sparked outrage within the local Sikh community, with police vowing to step up patrols in the area. The anger is fully understandable, a senior officer said.

British MP Preet Kaur Gill condemned the crime, calling it an example of overt racism and insisting that the Sikh community has every right to feel safe. MP Jas Athwal described it as a vile, racist, misogynist attack linked to rising racial tensions in the country.

The assault comes weeks after two elderly Sikh men were brutally attacked by teenagers in Wolverhampton, adding to concerns over targeted hate crimes against the community.
Ukraine will need at least $120 billion for its defence in 2026 as the war with Russia drags on into its fourth year, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Saturday.

This is an AI generated image for representational purpose.

Ukraine will require at least $120 billion for its defence budget in 2026 as the war with Russia enters its fourth year, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Saturday.

Speaking at an annual conference in Kyiv, Shmyhal said the funding was vital to maintain frontline defences, expand drone and weapons production, strengthen air protection, and deter further Russian aggression.

The economy of the war demonstrates that if we spend less money than Russia, then we begin paying with our territories and, most importantly, with our lives, he said.

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Ukraines defence spending shot up following Russias invasion in February 2022, and it now spends more than 31% of its gross domestic product on its army. This years state budget plans at least $63 billion in defence spending, plus in-kind weapons from Kyivs Western allies.

Roksolana Pidlasa, the head of the parliamentary budget committee, said that the costs of the war kept rising.

She said that in 2025, a day of the war cost $172 million compared with about $140 million in 2024. That included soldiers wages, weapons, and payments to those injured or killed on the battlefield, she said.

So we need to fundraise all the needed sources, all the needed money.

While no details of additional funding sources have been specified, Ukrainian government officials have appealed to allies to find ways to use Russian frozen assets to help Kyivs finances.

The war with Russia has heated up in recent months, with fierce fighting raging along more than 1,000 km of the frontline and Russian troops ramping up their air attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns far behind it.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war have brought no tangible results as yet.

This week, tensions reached a new level as NATO fighter jets scrambled to shoot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace on Wednesday.

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Until any diplomatic solution is reached, we will need to keep fighting. And to keep fighting, we need money. And defence has an enormous financial cost, Pidlasa said.

With inputs from agencies
The words justice, equality, and dignity seem like echoes from another time  until they are spoken by philosopher Michael J. Sandel. Then they return with force, helping us understand todays world, explaining how and when it fell apart, and what allowed someone like Donald Trump to rise to power. The American theorist, a leading voice in progressive thought, dissects causes and consequences with surgical precision in each of his books, and never shies away from bringing some of the great ideas of classical and contemporary thought to everyday citizens. Philosophy can also be a mass phenomenon, and his packed lectures are proof of that.

His work, which includes titles such as Democracys Discontent (1996), Justice: Whats the Right Thing to Do? (2011), and The Tyranny of Merit (2020), has traveled around the world, and recently landed in Mexico City. There, the Harvard professor presents it in full, invited by the Faculty of Law at Mexicos Autonomous University (UNAM) and by the Monterrey Institute of Technology. Sandel met with EL PAIS at the hotel where he is staying, south of the Mexican capital, shortly before facing a large audience, and a day after a federal judge ordered that the funding Trump had cut be restored to the university.

Question. What did you think of the court ruling?

Answer. Its good news that the judge ruled that Trump acted illegally. These are funds that had already been allocated, mainly for biomedical research. However, the Trump administration will appeal and it may reach the U.S. Supreme Court and its hard to predict what they will do. Its a good first step, but I think its important for a university like Harvard to stand firm in defense of academic freedom, because Trumps attack is not only about money. Hes trying to impose an ideological vision of what students should be admitted, what faculty should be hired, and what academic programs should be taught. And universities cant give in to that kind of violation of academic freedom.

Q. How would you describe the mood among your students? Is there fear, hope, a sense of resistance?

A. I think theres a sense of resistance. Theres understandable fear and uncertainty among students from abroad because, although Trumps first attempt to deny Harvard the ability to provide visas for its students failed, the courts only struck down one version of that attempt. Theres apprehension.

Q. Economic pressure has also become Trumps way of negotiating with other countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a security agreement in Mexico as a way to ward off the imposition of new tariffs. How do you view Trumps relationship with the rest of the continent?

A. I think his approach is deeply regrettable. Its an attempt to bully rather than to cooperate; thats not the best way to live with ones friends and allies around the world. Mexico has done a good job under difficult circumstances, trying to contend with his bullying tactics. There are areas where there can be cooperation to combat the drug trade. Thats a legitimate basis for cooperation, provided its done on the basis of mutual respect and respect for sovereignty. Do you think the meeting [on September 3] points in that direction?

Q. Sure, but he switches between a hard and soft approach depending on the day and the country, doesnt he? Just the day before, he attacked a boat coming from Venezuela.

A. Yes, its a chaotic approach to foreign relations, to say the least. The tariff policy has created all sorts of instability and, more importantly, mistrust. The punitive way Trump has gone about tariff policy  in the case of Brazil, trying to punish the fact that they are trying the former president [Jair Bolsonaro] for attempting a military coup  is very damaging.

Michael J. Sandel during the interview. Aggi Garduno

Q. Youve done a lot of work on the ideas of justice and inequality, but its freedom that has captured the rhetoric of our time and of reactionary projects like Trumps and Bolsonaros. What happens when we dissociate freedom from these other two democratic pillars?

A. A conception of freedom that is separated from justice, equality, and democracy is an impoverished conception of freedom. Its a purely market conception that assumes Im free insofar that I can get what I want as a consumer. But that misses the fact that being truly free requires that citizens have a meaningful say in how theyre governed. To be a free citizen is to have a meaningful voice, not to be disempowered. That, too, depends on a certain conception of equality: citizens with equal status and equal respect.

Q. Why do you think it is easier to politically manipulate the concept of freedom, sometimes to the point of perverting its original meaning?

A. This is true of freedom, and of other ideals as well, including democracy. One way to explain this is that its a contested idea  its not as if we can just agree on a definition and be done with it. Much of politics and political discourse consists of healthy debate about what freedom means and how we can achieve it. Part of the problem is that our public discourse is empty and hollow of larger moral and civic issues like the ones were discussing. This opens the way for the right-wing, often xenophobic, authoritarian populism that Trump represents.

But the alternative is not to simply to go back to the neoliberal version of globalization that produced the widening inequalities, the anger and the sense of grievance that hes exploited. The solution is to recognize the failure of the neoliberal model and propose an alternative politics. And I would say an alternative idea of national community. The center-left has made a mistake by ceding the language of patriotism to the right. This is understandable, because today it is too often associated with xenophobia and hostility to immigrants. But that need not be the only version. The alternative to Trump needs to acknowledge the importance of national community and identity. The left needs to learn to speak the language of patriotism, community, and belonging. Unless it does, its case will be purely economic, as it was during the technocratic politics that the center-left parties fell into in the 1980s.

Michael Sandel during his visit to Mexico City. Aggi Garduno

Q. You have been very critical of the role that the left played in the consolidation of the neoliberal model because it did not question the premise that solutions would come from the market.

A. Exactly. This goes back to Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They explicitly argued that markets were the solution, while government was the problem. But even when center-left parties succeeded them, they never challenged that market faith. They softened the harsh edges of laissez-faire politics, but they didnt articulate a politics of the common good, and that paved the way for Trump. It led to the backlash, widening inequalities, and to the sense of elites looking down on working people. It alienated working people from the center-left parties, who once constituted their primary base of support. They have to figure out how to reconnect with them.

Q. In the last century, taxes on the wealthy reached 80%, but now its difficult to talk about profound tax reforms, even on the left. When did the consensus on progressive taxation break down?

A. It happened mainly during the years weve been discussing, in the 1980s. Tax rates were higher than they are now even when Reagan left office, but thats where it all really began. And were not going to be able to change that by making purely economic arguments. Were only going to be able to change it, I think, by a shift in the conception of democracy and the common good. There should be debate between parties across the political spectrum, but were not even having the debate on those terms.

Q. Does the radical distinction between economic and cultural aspects impoverish the debate?

A. Yes, and then we debate what accounts for Trumps support. Is it the economy? The fact that workers have faced job losses, hollowed out of industrial communities, and stagnant wages. Or is it culture? He attacks elites who workers feel look down on them, and they like his harsh rhetoric about immigrants. Thats seen as cultural, but they actually come together if we think about dignity, and in particular the dignity of work. I think its important to distinguish the legitimate grievances that underlie support for Trump from the racism, xenophobia, and misogyny he also appeals to. The legitimate grievances are connected to the sense among many working people that elites dont recognize the work they do, especially if they lack a university degree.

Q. In your work, you draw a strong connection between political polarization and meritocracy, which is about a system that creates winners and losers. How has the concept of meritocracy weakened our social ties?

A. This goes together with the period of neoliberal globalization. Those who landed on top during that period came to believe that their success was their own doing and that they therefore deserved the bounty the market bestowed upon them. And by implication, those who struggled, those left behind, must deserve their fate too. What this attitude forgets, or encourages the winners to forget, are the luck and good fortune that helped them on their way. Their indebtedness to those who made their achievements possible from families, to neighborhoods, to the countries and the times in which they live. If neoliberal globalization created the divide between rich and poor, meritocratic attitudes toward success created the divide between winners and losers. The former is about income and wealth; the latter is about honor, recognition, and dignity.

Q. Do you see any space where solidarity prevails over competition?

A. If we look back, the creation of welfare states. That achievement was possible because political parties, politicians, and social movements pushed for a safety net and public healthcare and education. Its not possible to cultivate the creation of a welfare state without an ethic of solidarity. Now, one could say that solidarity was easier to inspire after the Second World War, which itself generated sources of national solidarity. Now the welfare state is under siege; its eroded; market faith has made the ethic of solidarity less available as a resource morally and politically. We need to rethink a politics of the common good that is appropriate for our time.

Q. Where could a hopeful alternative for the future come from? Can educational institutions like Harvard lead that effort?

A. I think it has to come from many directions at once. Universities have to do more to cultivate students civic education, so that they can become effective citizens, able to reason and argue effectively in the public realm and to listen to those with whom they disagree. Thats a challenge for higher education. The media also has a role to play in creating better forums for these kinds of debates. And I think we need to create more common spaces that bring together people from different class backgrounds. Part of what the inequality of the neoliberal era has produced is a kind of segregation by class. Those who are affluent and those of modest means live, work, shop, and play in different places. This is not good for democracy: democracy requires that citizens from all walks of life encounter one another in the course of their everyday lives.

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The repatriated workers had requested privacy, but wore an exhausted look as they landed in South Korea, coupled with relief as they finally reached home following a week-long delay

Protesters at Incheon airport with a banner questioning the US relationship with South Korea as 316 workers landed after their detention in an ICE raid. AFP

More than 300 South Korean workers have reached Incheon International Airport after days of ordeal following their detention during an ICE raid in a Hyundai-LG battery factory in the US.

The raids, touted as the Department of Homeland Securitys largest single-site operation, have outraged South Koreans and cast doubt over whether the country can trust the US as one of its closest allies anymore or not.

There was broad fury across South Koreas political spectrum over the actions of US authorities, with one newspaper likening the treatment of the workers to that of prisoners of war, while another said many South Koreans felt as though they had been stabbed in the back by their closest ally.

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We did our best, but Im sorry we couldnt bring them back to their homeland sooner, presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, told reporters.

He added, Were in an age of a new normal in dealing with the United States. The standard changes every time and constantly there has to be deal-making, not only on tariffs, but itll also be the case with security issues.

According to a report by The Guardian, the repatriated workers had requested privacy, but wore an exhausted look as they landed in South Korea, coupled with relief as they finally reached home following a week-long delay.

Why was their travel delayed?

US President Donald Trump reportedly delayed their deportation as he wanted to check if any of the workers wanted to stay back and train Americans. Trump told US officials to encourage the workers arrested at the battery plant to remain in the country and suggested they stay to continue to train or educate Americans.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday said that companies based in the country will be hesitant to invest and operate in the US in the absence of a proper visa system for its workers.

South Korean and US officials are discussing a possible improvement to the US visa system, Lee said, adding that under the current system, South Korean companies cant help but hesitate a lot about making direct investments in the US.

Why were they detained?

Steven Schrank, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent in Atlanta, said that the recent raids were part of a criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint venture plant in the town of Ellabell.
Moscows claim of capturing Novomykolaivka in Dnipropetrovsk has amplified fears that incremental advances may recalibrate Ukraines military strategy and bargaining power. Read here

Russias claim to have captured the village of Novomykolaivka in Ukraines southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region on Saturday, has added fresh alarm to a long-simmering threat: its forces are gradually pushing toward Ukraines interior, raising stakes for Kyivs defensive posture.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the village fell at the beginning of July. However, Ukraine-backed analysts dispute this, asserting that Novomykolaivka remains under Ukrainian control.

Strategic advances and symbolic geography

While Novomykolaivka is not among the five regions Russia officially claims (Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea), its proximity to Donetsk makes its reported capture deeply symbolic. It signals that Russia continues to probe Ukraines eastern flanks, stretching its military campaign beyond traditional contested zones.

Ukraine has endured similar incremental losses. Russian forces have made small cessions to territory in southeastern parts of Dnipropetrovsk including villages like Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka, fuelling fears in Kyiv that Moscows strategy may be aiming not just for battlefield gains but for leverage in any future peace negotiations.

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Diplomatic and military pressure

Russias demand that Ukraine withdraw from eastern Donbas regions as part of any ceasefire remains firmly rejected by Kyiv. President Zelenskyy recently warned that giving up more territory would risk emboldening Russias broader ambitions to occupy all of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have stalled. Despite ongoing talks, there has been no breakthrough. Ukraines leaders insist that any peace deal must include guarantees to prevent further Russian encroachment especially in key regions like Dnipropetrovsk, which serve as a buffer to Ukraines heartland.

Weighing Ukraines defensive challenge

Ukraines position in the Dnipropetrovsk region highlights three layers of vulnerability. First, the geography itself is precarious. Russian advances along the border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk threaten vital supply routes and risk opening a path deeper into Ukraines central territories. For Kyiv, even small territorial losses here carry outsised strategic consequences.

Second, Ukraine is grappling with the reality of being outnumbered and outgunned. Russian forces have superior equipment and manpower, leaving Ukrainian troops stretched thin across multiple fronts. In this environment, open-source intelligence platforms such as DeepState have become critical to tracking developments and informing both the public and international allies.

Finally, there is the question of negotiation leverage. Each Russian gain, however incremental, strengthens Moscows position at the bargaining table. By creating facts on the ground, the Kremlin is not only testing Ukraines resilience but also increasing pressure on Kyiv to make concessions, something President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly resisted, warning that ceding territory would only embolden Russia to push further.

A narrowing window for Kyiv

If Russias claim over Novomykolaivka proves accurate, it will mark more than just the loss of another village. It will signal Moscows continued ability to chip away at Ukraines defences. For Kyiv, defending Dnipropetrovsk is inseparable from protecting the countrys broader heartland.

Experts believe that that defence now requires not just battlefield resistance but also a concerted diplomatic effort to ensure international backing remains strong. The weeks ahead may determine whether Ukraine can stabilise its lines or whether Moscows slow but steady advances will create irreversible momentum.
Chinese envoy stresses counter-terrorism dimension in addressing Syrian chemical weapons issue

Xinhua) 09:29, September 13, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday stressed the need to take into full account the counter-terrorism dimension in addressing the issue of chemical weapons in Syria.

The spate of large-scale violent incidents in Syria highlights the serious threat posed by the terrorist forces entrenched in Syria, which warrants heightened vigilance, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council.

China urges the Syrian interim authorities to take all measures to fight all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the Security Council, including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, he said.

"The destruction of chemical weapons should be carried out in a verifiable manner to prevent dangerous chemicals and chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists," said Geng.

He also said that Israel's attacks on Syria seriously violate international law, infringe on Syria's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and complicate the resolution of the chemical weapons issue in Syria. "We call on Israel to cease its military actions against Syria and withdraw immediately from Syrian territory," he added.

To resolve the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, dialogue and cooperation are essential, said Geng.

China has noticed that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has continued to interact with the Syrian interim authorities and made positive progress, he said, also expressing hope that the two sides maintain the momentum of cooperation and resolve the outstanding issues in a comprehensive and thorough manner.

As a state party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, Syria has the responsibility to fully fulfill its obligations under the convention, he said.

"The issue of chemical weapons in Syria is closely related to the political solution to the Syria issue," Geng said. "China expects the Syrian interim authorities to engage in extensive dialogue and consultations with all parties to bridge internal differences, advance an inclusive political transition, and ensure that the rights of all Syrians are protected."

China stands ready to work with all parties to restore peace and stability in Syria, he said.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
In a new book, 17 specialists analyze the secret military and political activities of the Eastern civilizations of Greece and Rome. The Assyrians, it is revealed, were masters of psychological and counterinsurgency warfare

It may sound anachronistic to use terms like espionage, counterintelligence, secret services, or double agents in relation to ancient times. But activities, organizations, and personnel that largely fit our current concepts were widely deployed by the civilizations of the ancient world, giving truth to the saying that there is nothing new under the Sun (or, in this case, the shadows).

To provide a few examples: Ramses II was nearly defeated at the Battle of Kadesh (which ended in a stalemate) due to a glaring failure by his military intelligence services and a counterintelligence operation staged by his enemies, the Hittites. The Egyptians captured two Bedouins (who were actually spies) who gave them false, unverified information, leading part of the pharaohs army into an ambush by the deadly chariots of Muwatalli II.

The Spartans, for their part, developed sophisticated cryptography techniques (the scytale, a cipher consisting of a stick and a strip of leather).

As for Alexander the Great, he not only had an intelligence service that allowed him to advance his army through Asia in full knowledge of exactly where he was going, but he also had  thanks to secret agents  a detailed understanding of the internal state of his troops, their morale, and their occasional discontent, as well as control over the conspiracies brewing around him.

Hannibal was a master intelligence gatherer, and his brilliant maneuvers were not limited to the great battles in which he defeated the Romans, such as Cannae and Trasimene, but also extended to the realm of espionage and counterintelligence.

Another great general of antiquity, Julius Caesar, who used his own cipher in his communications, deployed a sensational system of military intelligence during his conquest of Gaul, including the launching of a message on a javelin. However, it could also be considered a mistake to fail to detect the uprisings that would later set the territory ablaze, such as those of Ambiorix  who destroyed 15 cohorts by providing false information to the Romans  and Vercingetorix (not to mention Caesars failure to see the plot coming that would cost him his life on the Ides of March).

Without leaving the Roman world, not even the Cambridge Five proved as capable of double-dealing as the Cheruscan Arminius, who led the annihilation of the three legions of the legate Publius Quintilius Varus (the clades variana, or the Varus disaster) in the Teutoburg Forest. The blunder Varus and his intelligence service walked into in ignoring the clear signs of treason and jeu dagent, to put it in modern terms, and falling into the trap set by their supposed ally was resounding and resulted in one of the greatest defeats ever inflicted upon the Roman army.

'Furor teutonicus' (1899). The Battle of Teutoburg Forest as seen by Serbian artist Paja Jovanovic. Wikimedia Commons

The book Servicios de inteligencia en la Antiguedad is dedicated to exploring a topic that is both sensational and diverse (and innovative). In its chapters, 17 specialists  including several international authors such as the renowned Rosy Mary Shelton, a retired U.S. Army colonel and PhD in Ancient History (which already qualifies her as a double agent), and the volumes coordinator, Fernando Bermejo-Rubio, from the Department of Ancient History at UNED, Madrid  analyze various aspects of the phenomenon.

The book covers espionage in the Egyptian New Kingdom 2,300 years ago and the extremely effective Neo-Assyrian intelligence services (911-612 BC), as well as intelligence agents and actions in the Visigothic Kingdom (6th and 7th centuries), while also examining the services of the Persian Empire and the Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman worlds.

Of particular note are the unexpected chapters devoted to spies, the secret police, and agents provocateurs in ancient India, and to the efficient intelligence service operated by Herod the Great and his dynasty in his small client kingdom of Judea, Galilee, Samaria, and Idumea. Figures such as John the Baptist (no, Salome wasnt his nemesis) and perhaps Jesus of Nazareth himself fell into the nets of his son Herod Antipas. Its worth remembering that in the turbulent Jewish landscape, theres another major figure who could be considered a double agent: the defector Flavius Josephus, the surprising escape artist from Jotapata.

Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh in Ridley Scott's film 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' (2014). Kerry Brown

As is often the case in a collaborative book, the chapters are very disparate in scope and style, with some weighed down by an excess of academic zeal and others a little unfocused. However, the overall work is fascinating and clearly demonstrates  as Bermejo-Rubio (who also wrote the introduction) emphasizes in a conversation with this newspaper  not only the existence of intelligence activities in ancient times, long before the emergence of the modern states with which we associate them, but also their high level of complexity and refinement, in some cases greater than one might assume.

Neither Alexander nor Caesar, for example, would have been able to achieve their feats without informants and spies, he reflects. In this regard, the compiler notes that it has rightly been said that the work of a spy in the service of power could challenge the honor of being the oldest profession in the world.

Bermejo-Rubio, who points out that the book is being published in the wake of the first international conference on intelligence activities in the ancient world (2023), emphasizes the difficulty of finding documentation on these types of activities  which include covert operations, targeted assassinations, and fifth-columnism  given their secret and often clandestine nature, in addition to the passage of time. Sometimes we have to rely on small clues, but, quoting Momigliano, no less serious than finding things where they dont exist is inferring that something doesnt exist just because we cant find any evidence.

'Themistocles at the Persian Court' by William Rainey.

The book opens with the chapter Spies, Informants and Border Controls in New Kingdom Egypt, in which the Valencian Egyptologist Jose Lull examines, in sources such as the Amarna letters, information activities at the borders, police (medjay), or the interrogation of prisoners, and explains in detail the Hittite disinformation operation in Qadesh  the Egyptians avoided disaster by capturing two haputi (sic), explorers or spies, enemies who under torture confessed the true position of their army. The pharaohs relied on individuals categorized as the eyes and ears of the king, a title that also appears in the Achaemenid Persian world.

Francisco Giannone, a research doctor at the Sorbonne, addresses the intense and systematic espionage and intelligence activity in the Ancient Near East during the second millennium BC, especially in Mari and Hattusa (the Hittite capital). He attests to the procedure of issuing false orders to messengers and entrusting the true report to a tablet, and the practice of mutilation and elimination by the state of individuals considered problematic.

In Mari, agents were called sa lisanim, long-tongued men, or nasrum, secret man, and sapasalli, (spy) in Hittite. The Neo-Assyrian intelligence services, as Assyriologist Peter Dubovsky discusses, were extremely skilled in psychological and anti-subversive warfare under Sargon II, and although he considers that they did not constitute, as has been said, a true deuxieme bureau  an autonomous intelligence office  the scholar compares them as systems typical of totalitarianism with the Soviet NKVD and KGB and the Czechoslovak StB, rather than with the CIA and MI6. Among the cases presented by Dubovsky is that of the kidnapping of the son of a king who refused to collaborate with the Assyrians, in order to pressure him.

Joaquin Velazquez, a doctor in history from the Complutense University of Madrid, writes about the intelligence services of the Achaemenid Persians, essential in such a vast empire and which relied on the express messengers known as pyrradazzi. He praises the military intelligence harvested by Cyrus the Great and extends it to his son Cambyses II and his conquest of Egypt, which is surprising given that he was capable of losing an entire army by taking the wrong directions to the Siwa Oasis. We must also remember Xerxes excellent use of the double agent Ephialtes, the traitor at Thermopylae.

In the aforementioned chapter on ancient India, the Sanskritist Francisco Javier Rubio Orecilla highlights the use, illustrated in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, of undercover agents, sometimes in the guise of snake charmers and wandering ascetics (echoed in Kiplings Kim), bribery, murder, and the use of sex to obtain information, a la Profumo.

One of the most thought-provoking texts in the collection is by Fernando Echeverria, professor of ancient history at the Complutense University of Madrid, who analyzes the concept of information in Greece and suggests that the Sirens in the Odyssey are more informants than anything else, representing, he says, the Greek suspicions of informants. The legendary Ulysses, of course, can be seen as a great gatherer and manager of intelligence, in addition to appearing as a spy in the Trojan camp in the Iliad alongside Diomedes. And isnt the episode of the horse an example of a covert operation and infiltration, swapping Black Hawks for the wooden beast?

In any case, in the chapter by U.S. historian and classicist Frank Russell, we see the deployment of spy-scouts (skopoi), agents and informants in the Peloponnesian War, and the scholar points out something very curious: that the concept of Greek intelligence must include manteia, divination, such as the oracular pronouncements at the sanctuary of Delphi.

Although the world of Greek intelligence  leaving aside the Macedonian services, which are addressed by Adolfo J. Dominguez Monedero, professor of ancient history at the Autonomous University of Madrid, in his chapter  is portrayed in the book as unprofessional compared to other civilizations (it is noted that espionage was seen as amoral in Athenian democracy), one cannot help but think of the disinformation practiced by Themistocles at Salamis or the tricks and underhandedness of Alcibiades.

Diomedes, on the right, plays a role in a case of espionage in the Trojan camp in the 'Iliad.'

In Cases of Maneuvers and Military Intelligence in the Second Punic War, UNED historian Sabino Perea Yebenes reviews Hannibals merits in obtaining information from the enemy, considers that the Carthaginians were better prepared for this type of warfare and operations (a Punic spy spent two years in Rome before being discovered), and debates the theory that Scipio Africanus was the inventor of Roman espionage, or at least the general who systematically used it to counter the dirty" methods  the famous Punic perfidy  of their rival. In psychological warfare, the Romans quickly caught up, as evidenced by the catapult launching of his brother Hasdrubals head into Hannibals camp after the latters victory at Metaurus, precisely because he had intercepted a letter from him.

The studies Intelligence Services in the Works of Julius Caesar by Denis Alvarez Perez-Sostoa, a classicist from the University of the Basque Country; Internal Security in Early Principate Rome, or How to Kill an Emperor by Rose Mary Sheldon; and Information Gathering in the Provinces by Juan Jose Palao Vicente from the University of Salamanca, fully immerse us in the world of espionage and secret operations in ancient Rome, from the late Republic to the High Empire. This was the world of exploratores, speculatores, and frumentarii (agents in rebus from the time of Constantine, as noted by historian Raul Gonzalez Salinero), generally specialized soldiers tasked with shadowy duties that included infiltration, conspiracy detection, and even assassination.

Margarita Vallejo, professor of ancient history at the University of Alcala, contributes a chapter on intelligence services in the Eastern Roman Empire (5th to 7th centuries). The Romans, Sheldon points out, did not have a central intelligence and security institution like the FBI or the CIA, and these agents sometimes overlapped with the Praetorian Guard. The scholar emphasizes that despite the similarities we sometimes see between the U.S. and ancient Rome, Roman leaders were never murdered by a lone assassin...

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When the war came to Culiacan, the city had sensed it for weeks. Everyone expected it to fall on a Thursday: it was a local joke, even at the home of Heidy Mares and her family  daughter, sister, mother, all living under the same roof  who had etched in their memory the fateful Thursdays of recent times: the Culiacanazo, the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, the kidnapping of Ismael El Mayo Zambada All those Thursdays also shared the tremendous violence of local armed groups linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, the major drug-producing and exporting machine in northern Mexico.

So that morning of September 9, 2024, a Monday, Heidy and her sister Mariana were calmly having breakfast before going to work. The former at the institute that manages public school teachers pensions; the latter at a downtown flower shop. It was around 6:45 a.m., the golden hour. The Mercadito neighborhood, rowdy, noisy, with streets lined with small shops and drug dens, decadent brothels and shady money exchanges, was waking up to a golden calm. And then, suddenly, the gunfire started. One burst, another, and then another. They didnt know it yet, but life was splitting in half again, a chasm opening up beneath the aroma of hot coffee.

It was the beginning of the latest war between cartel factions, the end of a tense calm, as 32-year-old Heidy Mares calls it, that feeling that something was about to happen, something serious. At the end of July one of the factions, Los Chapitos, had organized the kidnapping of one of the historic leaders of the local drug trade, El Mayo Zambada. That was only the preamble to a greater betrayal: his captors put him on a small plane to take him north of the border, where they handed him over to U.S. authorities eager to get their hands on him. The identity of the kidnappers made matters even worse. In a letter he released days later from prison, Zambada blamed his own godson, Joaquin Guzman Lopez  one of the sons of his longtime partner in crime, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman  for organizing the kidnapping.

Facade of the Culiacan Civil Hospital after an attack on the afternoon of Friday, August 29 in Culiacan, Sinaloa. Monica Gonzalez Islas

So the question wasnt so much whether there would be war  as there had been, eight years earlier, between El Chapos family and that of his former lieutenant, Damaso Lopez; or earlier, back in 2008, between the Guzmans and their neighbors, the Beltran Leyvas; or even before that, between the former and the Arellano Felix family; or the countless mountain battles that the ranches of Sinaloa, Durango, and Chihuahua have witnessed  but when it would start, where it would occur, and how long it would last.

The first Culiacanazo had become a unit of measurement. In October 2019, hundreds of armed civilians had taken over the city in broad daylight, the response by El Chapos sons to the attempted arrest of Ovidio Guzman, one of the brothers. There were blockades, clashes, and shootouts in dozens of neighborhoods. Everything was captured on video. Would what was coming next be like that, or even worse?

One afternoon, a year later, Heidy Mares recalls that day with another cup of coffee in her hand. She and her family no longer live downtown; they moved to a neighborhood in the northern part of the city. They did so a few months after the war began. My neighbor was a small-time drug dealer, she explains, and he had two daughters, my age and my sisters. Everyone confused us: the people at the market, other neighbors... It had become a problem. Even he had disappeared for a few days, she says. Zambadas kidnapping and capture struck like a neutron in the nucleus of a heavy metal. A shared space, Culiacan fissioned. It split in two: La Mayiza, or Los Mayos, loyal to Zambada, on one side, and Los Chapitos, led by El Chapos sons, on the other, releasing an extraordinary amount of chaotic energy.

In recent months, murders in Sinaloa have increased by more than 200%. From September 2023 to August 2024, they numbered just over 600, but in the same period the following year, they exceeded 1,800. Missing persons cases have similarly soared to more than 2,000. And many people remain unaccounted for. One faction attacked the others businesses, both legal and illegal, and their homes. Also their dealers.

It began in Culiacan, but then spread to its extensive network of rural communities. And from there, to the rest of the municipalities, even the tourist city of Mazatlan, where reports of forced recruitment have multiplied exponentially. Meanwhile, the political establishment has downplayed the issue. Many still remember Governor Ruben Rocha in those early days of the war, strolling along the river in Culiacan, remarking on the prevailing tranquility while the city burned.

Throughout this time, Mexican authorities have been unable to regain control, despite the deployment of thousands of troops. The consequences of all this are still incalculable, especially on a psychological level. Heidy Mares says that, for a few months now, she and other friends have built a small space, the Crying Culichis Club, a collective therapy group where each person embraces their pain and transforms it into something different.

Theres a girl who owns a beauty salon in Cuatro Rios, and the day it all started, she had to lie on the floor with her clients because of the shooting. The wax got too hot. When it gets too hot, it ends up smelling like a sewer. And it was a smell It made her want to throw up. And now she says that whenever she hears a noise like bullets, Mares says, such as a motorcycle exhaust, or the steel shutter of a store being lowered, she feels the same thing, she wants to throw up.

Heidy Mares at her home in the northern area of Culiacan, Sinaloa, on September 4, 2025. Monica Gonzalez Islas

On the northern ridge of Culiacan, a handful of battered and rickety houses rise under the shadow of a huge mountain of garbage. They are the refuges of newcomers to the basuron, the municipal landfill, a mammoth space where men and women collect materials that they sell by the kilogram. Maria Pina is one of the cooks at the local community kitchen. She arrived here on July 28, 2024, three days after the arrest of Zambada. Most of the residents of this neighborhood  so new that it lacks a name  have been here for roughly the same amount of time. They came here due to similar problems: violence in the mountains, a constant theme, accentuated since the capture of the drug lord.

The recent rains in Sinaloa have turned an inhospitable space into a relatively pleasant, rugged, green little valley. On the opposite hill, a little further from the garbage dump, rises the Ampliacion Bicentenario neighborhood, founded by displaced people from one of the cartels previous wars, battles steeped in state repression: the history of the Sinaloa mountains rests its weight both on drug trafficking, its crops and genealogies, and on the persecution of the Armed Forces, violent and despotic, especially in the past, which is always present. Up there, at the top of the hill, lies the community kitchen, a place of salvation for dozens of families who arrived here with nothing.

Maria Pina is 52 years old and remembers the day she had to flee her ranch in Badiraguato, a name loaded with meaning in Mexican history. A sprawling municipality neighboring Culiacan, it was there, in its mountains, that mass poppy cultivation began in the first half of the last century, serving as the basis for the production of opium and heroin. Before the emergence of fentanyl, the mountains of Badiraguato and the neighboring municipalities of Chihuahua and Durango produced much of the opium that reached the United States, converted into heroin. They also produced marijuana, a crop that eventually declined due to the wave of legalization in the U.S. Badiraguato is also home to the royalty of Sinaloas drug trafficking cartels, such as El Chapo Guzman and the Beltran Leyva brothers. The heavyweights, as they are known on the ranches.

Maria Pina, a resident of the Ampliacion Bicentenario neighborhood in Culiacan. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Maria Pina recalls fleeing her home, El Mezcal, in the northern part of the mountainous slopes of the municipality. A gang came and killed a young man, she says, standing at the door of her house, a room and a half made of brick, its roof propped up with perforated plastic sheeting. El Mezcal, she explains, is an isolated ranch. Its impossible to get there by car. Residents must cross the Humaya River to find a vehicle that will take them to a larger town. In total, according to Pina, there are no more than 12 houses. Those who werent family acted as if they were. Formerly a poppy ranch, most of the farmers had recently joined the government program Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life), which gives each family 6,500 pesos a month, just over $300, to grow fruit and timber trees.

We didnt look at the thugs or find out who did it, nothing, we were just scared, the woman says. First, a few of them left, and then there were about two or three of us left. We felt sad and left as well. We had lived there for 30 years, and now, the ranch doesnt have a soul, not a single person in it, she explains. Her neighbor comes out. Her name is also Maria, Maria Saucedo. Shes 58 years old, and shes been working at the dump for 25 years, although she bought her land in the new neighborhood just four months ago. Right now, its a world of people up there, says the woman, who estimates that, since the war began, the number of workers at the dump has increased from 40 or 50 a day to more than 400.

Main acts of violence in Sinaloa Data from June 2024 to June 2025

Near their home lies the meager plot of land purchased by Mr. Juan, the assumed name of a man in his 70s who prefers to remain anonymous. Otherwise, theyll smash your head in, he says, sitting in a chair, contemplative, oblivious to any alarm or drama. Thats how things are where he lives, in Junta de Bagrecillos, a ranch in the same mountains, although a little further south, on the northern border of Culiacan. Bagrecillos and other mountain localities such as Tepuche have become one of the fronts in the war between the factions in recent weeks. Originally there were two  Los Mayos and Los Chapitos  but as the months passed and other regional drug barons, such as El Chapo Isidro and El Guano Guzman, El Chapos brother, invaded the region, the situation became more complicated.

Mr. Juan and his wife fled the ranch about two or three months ago. Nothing special happened, he explains. At first, we heard there was something, there was something, he says  something being a euphemism for the war. I didnt know when the violence would come, but two or three [neighbors] were coming here, and I said, Im leaving now too, he says. It was the second time in five years that he had to flee the mountains. This will be the final one. The man has built a roof on four poles on his 40-square-meter plot of land, a miracle considering his battered knees. For now, he and his wife live huddled together in the home of some relatives, which makes him uncomfortable, since the house in question isnt very large either, and huddling together, for a country man used to pine trees, blue skies and open spaces, is nothing short of an ordeal.

Missing persons in Sinaloa Statewide data from July 2024 to June 2025

These days, the city center of Badiraguato resembles the vast lobby of a boutique hotel, looking carefully curated, squeaky clean and a vibrant green. A huge and enigmatic statue of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of impossible causes, presides over the main entrance from a hill on the other side of the river. The statue of the saint, donated by unknown entrepreneurs, as local authorities explained a couple of years ago when it was installed, presides over a small leisure center, with a gift shop and an altar for offerings. It is the intended image of the new Badiraguato, a facelift.

Statue of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Badiraguato, Sinaloa, on September 3, 2025. Monica Gonzalez Islas

In a downtown cafe, the local Director of Social Welfare, Raquel Vizcarra, smiles. According to her, things have improved. Years ago, Vizcarra coordinated the Sembrando Vida program in the municipality. Little by little, the conversation turns to the programs experience  how they managed to convince opium farmers that orange and lemon trees were better than poppies.

Vizcarra listens to the story of Mrs. Maria Pina and her flight from the ranch to the garbage dump of Culiacan. As part of Sembrando Vida, Pina and her neighbors attended workshops and grew trees, which they later planted in their plots. The experience spread to other ranches in the area. The programs census reached 2,000 producers, says Vizcarra. I estimate that of those 2,000, around 60% to 70% were previously engaged in illicit crops, she adds.

Unable to compete with its synthetic relative, fentanyl  far more potent and cheaper to produce  the price of opium gum in the region plummeted from 30,000 pesos (about $2,000) in 2013 to just over 4,000 pesos today (around $200). Similarly, the price of marijuana dropped from 6,000 pesos to 250 pesos. Criminal groups are exploiting the inaccessibility of the mountains to innovate, according to sources familiar with the region consulted by EL PAIS. Now, traffickers produce marijuana in greenhouses to compete with the U.S. market and use the mountain wisdom and its hideouts to set up methamphetamine and fentanyl labs.

Maria Pina and her family reached an agreement with their neighbors from a nearby ranch, who remained in their homes, and with the coordinators of Sembrando Vida. Although she and her family had been displaced, they would continue to collect their monthly salary of 6,500 pesos, but would give 1,000 pesos to the neighboring ranchers so they could keep producing trees and tending their plots. It was a way of coping with the war, Vizcarra explains. Families have been displaced from several communities because of this situation, says the official. There are communities left completely empty. All these farmers have been caught in the middle of the fight.

The war began in the cities a year ago but has since spread to the countryside. It spilled out of Culiacan and its communities and reached towns such as Guamuchil and Mocorito in the north, or Cosala and San Ignacio in the south. And now, in recent months, it has struck the mountains of Badiraguato and nearby areas in Chihuahua and Durango. According to the sources mentioned earlier, there are armed groups in that area whose ties to Los Mayos and Los Chapitos are not entirely clear. On one side is the group known as Los 22, as well as the Salazar group, which has a strong presence in the mountains of Chihuahua. In the town of Tameapa, a little further down, is Oscar El Musico Gastelum, whom the U.S. government has just charged with terrorism and drug trafficking.

Missing persons in Sinaloa by age and gender Data between July 2024 and August 2025 Men

Women

Trans women

They got El Chapos sons out of there, especially from San Jose del Llano, says one of the sources, but now theyre all fighting each other. This person does not believe, for instance, that El Chapo Isidro  powerful in Guasave and the northern municipalities, also wanted by the U.S. government and close to El Musico  is a steady ally of Los Mayos, as has been reported in recent months. Nor is the role of El Guano, El Chapos older brother, who remains in the ranches between Sinaloa and Durango, entirely clear. Normally, one would expect him to support his nephews, but given the Sinaloa Cartels history of betrayals and sudden shifts, nothing can be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the death toll continues to rise. The question is how long the war will last. Just on the last weekend of August, more than 30 violent incidents were recorded in the center of Sinaloa, including murders, shootings, and chases, with dozens of victims. Most occurred in Culiacan, and a few more in Navolato, a nearby municipality between the city and the coast. The exact number of casualties among the warring factions remains uncertain, but between arrests, disappearances, and killings, the toll cannot be fewer than several hundred. A high-ranking member of the federal security forces deployed to the city describes the vast size of the criminal hydra. There have been seizures like never before, arrests, but thats enormous, he says, referring to the drug trafficking groups based in Sinaloa.

Today, it is striking to see the number of federal security vehicles driving through Culiacan, especially from the army. The same is not true in other parts of the state  certainly not in Mazatlan, or even in municipalities close to the capital. The priority is Culiacan, says the security official, who participated in operations in the city during previous administrations. Theres never been a joint strategy like this. There were fleeting collaborations, a lot of small talk, drinking coffee... Now were working, but organized crime is very strong. Its been weakened, but its going to take time. The economy has revolved around drug trafficking for years. Everyone was squandering money. It was a bonanza here.

Members of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection on a highway heading to Culiacan, Sinaloa. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Is it true theyre taking the boys? That was the question Rosalba Cruz, 51, heard a week before her son was taken from the rehab center where he was admitted, in Mazatlan. The question had come from the mother of another young man at the facility. A staff member replied with a touch of disdain. No, but that happened in Marmol, Cruz recalls her saying, referring to a neighboring town. They come and ask who wants to leave, but if youre not interested, you dont leave. Anyway, that doesnt happen here; the port is locked down, she concluded. At the time, Cruz didnt think much of it, but later she did. Yes, they were taking them.

The beauty of the port city of Mazatlan  the joy of its brass bands and its people dancing  contrasts with Cruzs face, crumpled in tears. The factional war had only just begun when criminals took her son, Alejandro Trujillo, who was 30 at the time and had spent the past six months in therapy. It seemed he was close to leaving, when, on September 22, 2024, a group of armed men arrived at the center in several trucks and took him away. His case reflects the tragedy of a country that counts its disappeared in the tens of thousands, but it introduces another grim factor in the war: forced recruitment.

There are no clear figures on this phenomenon in Mexico, and even fewer when it comes to adults who are forcibly recruited. Only this year did Congress begin debating an amendment to the penal code to formally classify it as a crime, following the scandal over forced recruitment in Jalisco earlier in the year. The war in Sinaloa has forced authorities to keep at least a minimal record. Given the violent surge in recent months, authorities have been forced to keep more detailed statistics. Data from the State Attorney Generals Office indicates that at least 50 people have been taken from rehabilitation centers, while another 24 were injured and 17 were killed for refusing to go with criminal groups.

Cruz has no doubt her son was taken for the war. Over these months, she has fought a double battle to try to find him  first with the owner of the rehab center, a man named Pablo Inzunza, who in recent times seems to have vanished. And then with the State Attorney Generals Office, apparently oblivious to its duty to investigate cases of missing persons. The agency has logged more than 2,300 reports in the past year, of which barely a quarter have been found, alive or dead. Once, the investigator assigned to her case, a man named Fredy, even told her  offering his own explanation for what had happened  It means they saw some talent in him.

Alejandro Trujillo, a young man who had struggled  his father, a violent man, as Cruz puts it, abandoned the family, only to return 27 years later seeking help for his medical problems  was taken at dawn. Cruz has never been sure how, because each witness said something different. Some claimed he was dragged from his bed; others said he had been standing guard at the rehab centers entrance. What is certain is that he was taken. Alerted that same morning, Cruz confronted Pablo Inzunza. But he said the cameras werent working, that he hadnt seen anything.

Armed men called him by his name, Inzunza defended himself. They pulled him out, gun pressed against his ribs. By force, he added. The owner also said the criminals had gotten out of two trucks  a version he changed the next day, insisting it had been five, and that he had also seen people tied up inside some of them. None of this, nor the issue of the broken cameras, seemed to interest the Attorney Generals Office. They were content with taking Inzunzas statement over the phone and with collecting DNA samples from Mrs. Cruz  samples that would never be of any use, since there was no forensic expert to compare them with the human remains that, as the months passed, kept turning up across the region.

Rosalba Cruz, mother of Alejandro Trujillo Cruz, kidnapped at the Salva tu Vida rehabilitation center on September 23, 2024, in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Months later, Rosalba Cruz joined a collective of families of the disappeared, after a phone call alerted her that her son had been buried in a mass grave on a beach near Marmol. Taking on the work of investigators in a national tragedy, she and the others went to the site one April day, armed with shovels and pickaxes. Within a short time, they found eight skeletons in several graves. Cruz felt her heart leap out of her chest, and not only because of the bones. Next to the pits, she saw deep tire tracks. She calculated, thinking that since it hadnt rained since September, those tracks had to be recent. Thats when I thought, they must have come here to dump my son, she recalls.

The State Attorney Generals office collected the skeletons from that beach in Marmol. Five months have passed, and its still not known who the remains belong to. Marisela Carrizales, leader of the relatives collective that Cruz joined, says that out of the roughly 50 sets of remains recovered since October, forensic experts have identified just two. She recalls a story that has been repeated by the few young people found alive in recent months. In the municipality of Concordia, up in the mountains, its full of the bodies of recruited youths, many taken from rehabilitation centers. One of the young men who returned spoke of a group of around 600 people transported in several trucks. But whos going to go after them? The authorities know whats happening, but theyre leaving them up there, says Carrizales.

Homicides recorded in Sinaloa by month and year Data between July 2024 and August 2025

In a funeral home in Culiacan, the morning drags by, thick and slow. The heat has been brutal in recent days, with isolated storms only adding to the heavy atmosphere. Funerals seem to be one of the few businesses thriving in a city that has shed more than 10,000 jobs this year, according to economist Cristina Ibarra of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. Everywhere you go, businesses are shuttered  especially car dealerships and restaurants. Funeral homes, however, are an exception. Some even display gold-plated coffins, valued at over one million pesos.

The gold-plated coffin sold by a funeral home in Culiacan, Sinaloa, on September 3, 2025. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Funeral homes like this one have received the latest victims from Culiacan: a municipal police officer finishing his shift  bringing the total to 47 killed since September last year  a Civil Protection worker from Navolato who enjoyed dune racing, and six victims of attacks carried out in hospitals during the last weekend of August, which began with bursts of machine-gun fire in the waiting area of the Civil Hospital  killing four  and ended when a pair of criminals dressed as nurses finished off a gunshot victim in the new General Hospital.

This year has been a mess, says a worker, sitting on a bench in the funeral home. Two colleagues join him. This isnt over yet, he adds, referring to the war. It will calm down, then theyll start working again, making money, and soon another little clash will happen and it will start all over again, he predicts.

The three recall funerals of major criminal figures over the past few years. They can name two or three easily. Some lasted for days, with bands, barbecue, dancing it was like a livestock fair, one says.

The conversation drifts to the hills of war and possible future scenarios: who is winning, who is losing, whether alliances are real, whether there are still only two factions or more, as some say these days in the region, and who the dead are  there are all kinds of people, but Id say 60% or 70% come from ranches, one notes. In other words, of humble origins. After going back and forth, another funeral worker tries to sum it up with a comparison anyone could understand. Have you seen Game of Thrones? Its the same  capital versus north, capital versus south, secret deals, strategies, alliances and betrayals. And a lot of money spent, he concludes.
Few individuals have influenced European legislation as much as 37-year-old Max Schrems. At the age of 23, when he returned home to his native Austria after studying a semester of law at Santa Clara University in California, he filed 22 complaints against Facebook after analyzing the 1,200 pages of information that the company had on him: he detected several potential violations of his privacy.

The case didnt result in a fine, but it caused a stir in Europe. So much so that former European Commissioner for Justice Viviane Reding would later acknowledge that Schremss crusade inspired the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in 2018.

At 26, the Vienna-born activist initiated another lawsuit against Facebook, this time for sending his personal data to the U.S., where privacy regulations are more lax than in the EU. In 2015, the courts ruled in his favor. And, since then, the personal information of European citizens can only be transferred to countries that guarantee comparable data processing. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) struck down the US-EU data transfer regime (also at Schrems request), deeming it to be insufficiently safeguarded.

The jurist has sued Apple and Google for tracking cell phones  which run their respective companies operating systems  without users permission. He has also sued Microsoft for misusing minors data with its 365 Education package. He has taken on X (formerly Twitter) for training its artificial intelligence (AI) tool with user data without informing them. He doesnt back down from the big tech companies, which are fully aware of the organization through which Schrems carries out his activism: NOYB (stylized as None of Your Business), the European Center for Digital Rights.

Schrems spoke with EL PAIS in Madrid after participating in Cloud Summit 2025, an event held at Nebrija University in Madrid in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Cloud and Data Center Providers (APECDATA).

Question. For many years, youve been trying to get U.S. technology companies to process the data of European citizens according to EU standards. Is that possible with Trump in the White House?

Answer. A legal system has to be stable precisely in situations where you have a crazy president. If everyone were nice and friendly, we wouldnt need laws. A big issue is how much the whole data economy has become part of this trade war. One of the only things that Europe can retaliate [against] is going to be the digital industry. Its one of the things where [Americans] make shitloads of money. Its the financial industry, digital industry and thats about it.

The [EU] Commission just fined Meta and Apple and the former responded with a very Trumpian press release, saying, Oh, this is a tariff. You broke the law and you knew you were doing it, so now you cant just say its a tariff. Its like someone driving their Porsche at 180 miles an hour and, when they get fined, they say, Oh, you just hate rich people.

Q. Is the European Commission right to fine two tech giants in the middle of a tariff war?

A. The EC is taking things slowly, because it doesnt want to be the first to throw a stone. But at some point, you have to enforce your law. We must address the issue of technological dependence. In the U.S., theres even been talk of American companies not offering their services in Greenland and Denmark. Its crazy, because then no one would trust those companies again but we also thought no one would ever start a trade war.

Q. How should the EU address this situation?

A. I think the most important thing is that the response should be gradual. [Making our own] social network or messaging service isnt magic. I studied in the U.S. A big thing there is, in high school, you get told youre the best, youre the greatest even if your math sucks and you cant even do two plus two, youre still great. In Europe, we generally tend to do the opposite: we ask ourselves, are we good enough?

To avoid being dependent on the U.S., we need a plan. And thats what I think is missing so far. For data transfers [between the US and the EU], for example, one of the options would be to say, okay, well gradually phase it out, because its not as stable as we were promised.

Schrems gave a keynote address on data transfer between the US and the EU at Nebrija University. Alvaro Garcia

Q. Do you think its feasible to develop a truly European digital infrastructure?

A. Industrialization began in the United Kingdom, but the rest of the world eventually caught up, surpassing [the countries] who started it. I think the same thing could happen in the digital arena. We should adopt a regulatory framework that fosters these developments. The alternative is to remain controlled by the big tech companies. There are companies or even countries  like mine  that can no longer negotiate with Microsoft, because now they say: Oh, we do everything in the cloud and you have to move your whole administration into the cloud, or youre not going to have Microsoft or Word tomorrow anymore.

Q. Developing truly proprietary infrastructures  ones that dont depend on foreign software or hardware  would cost a lot of money.

A. Yes. Thats why I think the only way to do it is gradually. You can change it as needed, by renewing [software] licenses. A great promise of the cloud was that everything would be much cheaper and better but it turns out that it functions as a monopoly. The [firms] adjust the price exactly to your breaking point. Thats why theres increasing talk of returning to on-premise [deployments]: because the promises made by the cloud havent come true. We should have an environment where you can actually switch cloud providers seamlessly, as is the case with gas or electricity companies. We need a system that makes sense. I think the GDPR is reasonably well-drafted, but what came after it, not so much. So now, theres talk in Brussels about having a single digital law that merges all applicable legislation.

Q. The EU AI Act came into force last year, and you already want to change it?

A. If [the EU] wants to be good in tech regulation, it also has to be a bit more honest about the quality that they deliver. And European laws havent come from the brightest minds.

Q. Many lawyers say the GDPR is good, but the problem is that its not enforced.

A. Yes. The enforcement issue with the GDPR is huge. We just did the statistics for data protection. If you look at all the complaints in Europe, we have on average 1.3%  I think it may be 1.4%, something in that ballpark  of complaints where you have a penalty, which sometimes is just a 500 fine ($575). The reality is that, even in cases where you do find that theres a violation, theres just no consequence.

Q. How do you think the rise of AI will affect privacy?

A. From a GDPR perspective, the big battle is that big tech companies want to justify training their models [by using] other peoples data, based on legitimate interest. This basically means that people who disagree have to opt out before the system is trained. But how do you do that? I think the entire real-world application of AI  from a GDPR perspective  isnt problematic. AI hallucinations are a liability issue, a data correction issue, but theyre not illegal.

Q. You have a long history with Facebook. How have you seen the company evolve, from the first time you sued them until now?

A. Not much has changed; theyve always been more aggressive and bolder than the other [big tech firms]. And way more stupid: Google is smarter in the way it communicates and does things. Meta is the bully of Big Tech, so to speak. Whats really interesting is that they still maintain this narrative of being innovative and modern, even though they havent achieved anything big in the last 10 or 15 years, beyond buying companies like Instagram or WhatsApp. They still feed off the huge money machine theyve built with online advertising, which, curiously, is also very poorly regulated.

Q. Do you think there should be legislation there?

A. In Europe, we have a law that says there can be no more than six minutes of advertising per hour on television. Why the hell cant we regulate social media advertising and say that not more than 10% of your feed can be ads?

Q. Youve already said that the EU should respond to the U.S. trade war gradually. How do you think it will do that?

A. It may open up opportunities. A lot of the know-how [in Europe] that already exists could also grow, because theres a vacuum that can be filled. And that would be a positive vision. In a negative way, we dont do anything. We sit around and whine. And I think that may still be the mood that were in. But I personally have the feeling that, bit by bit, people [will] get up from their chairs and say, lets do something about it. And I think that right now would be the time to say, Okay, if you want to host your [data] somewhere you can trust, Europe is probably the most stable place you have right now.

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Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Gangs that rob gadgets are looking for new ways to extract more value from them. An expert analyzed the work of one organization as it was dismantled by the police

Hacker Martin Vigo was with his partner at a concert in Barcelona when her cell phone disappeared. He immediately sent a text message with his number in case anyone had found it. But it had been stolen. Two days later, Vigo received a text message from iCloud, Apples cloud service: Find my iPhone 13 mini. It has been connected to the internet and located today. Last location. It included a link to a strange address: apple(.)device-maps.net. The text message was awful: typos, a suspicious domain, and iCloud, says Vigo.

But as a hacker, and with his partner without her cell phone, Vigo wasnt going to let that message go unnoticed. His weeks-long investigation coincided with a massive two-year police operation between 2022 and 2024 in six countries where 17 people were arrested: Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. The magnitude of the operation clarifies why, despite improvements in security, cell phone theft remains profitable.

They had a system in place to steal cell phones, send them abroad, try to unlock them to steal as much money as possible, and if they couldnt manage it, tweak them and resell them. They wanted to profit from everything, explains Vigo, who has prepared a lengthy presentation of his case, which he shared at a couple of conferences before the summer.

Although a statistic repeated in the media says that some 250,000 cell phones are stolen in Spain each year, in reality, its half that number, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior: 120,510 in 2024. In 2019, the number was over 162,000, but the pandemic saw a significant drop. Although it hasnt returned to pre-pandemic levels, cell phones remain a highly valued target. Headlines in the media constantly warn of thefts and operations that uncover fragments of global networks where stolen cell phones circulate: International hub for reselling stolen cell phones collapses in Barcelona or Brazil suffers an epidemic of cell phone theft and cyber fraud.

1. Theft

Vigos case is hardly unique. But his investigation sheds light on how criminals work. First, the theft. The ideal is to steal an unlocked phone. But its extremely difficult because it has to be stolen while the user is using it. Todays cell phones provide access to credit cards, bank details, and tons of apps with our stored data.

In Vigos case, the phone was locked and the Find my iPhone feature was activated. Thanks to a system called Activation Lock, the thief needs the Apple username and password to access the phone. (Android has a similar feature called Factory Reset Protection.) The ways of stealing have evolved, says Vigo. Now, with Activation Lock, you have to manage to unlock it.

Martin Vigo, in Barcelona. massimiliano minocri

Heres where the Vigo case takes a different turn. Once stolen, the phones are likely wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent the GPS from tracking their movements. Then they go to a safe house where they are gathered together and shipped on pallets outside of Spain, to Morocco or China.

This international step is vital to prevent the phone from being blocked if the thieves try to use it again. Carriers in several European countries share lists of the IMEIs (unique numbers for each device) of stolen devices so they cant be used. But Morocco, for example, doesnt share these lists. There, the phone can be reconnected.

2. Unlocking

The phone, in any case, is still locked. So how did the thieves intend to unlock a phone like the one belonging to Vigos partner? With hundreds or thousands of stored phones, another path begins: They try to get the PIN, says Vigo. Why the PIN? Because with the PIN, you can change the Apple password and access the devices content.

The gang had created a system to send thousands of text messages like the one Vigo received. To know who to target with the bait message, the police say, the organization performed social profiling of the victims, since, in many cases, in addition to the phone, they also had the victims personal belongings, such as their ID. This is how they obtained the phone numbers to send the malicious SMS.

Each SMS contained a link with a unique identifier for each stolen phone. The day after the first message, Vigo received another: Apple, weve detected problems locating your iPhone 13 mini. View current location without an internet connection. Each victim received a unique link, and the server knew which victim clicked it. Upon clicking, the user would see a blank page, but the criminals would know who they were. With the first click, the attackers would redirect the user to a website they believed was credible, such as Apples real iCloud site.

There youve already been trained to believe that if you receive a text message saying theyve found your phone, everything is fine. But what you dont know is that behind your back theyve just set the perfect trap for you, says Vigo. Why? Because the next day you receive another text message, and you click on it, more confidently. However, that link no longer redirects you to the real Apple website, but to a flawless copy created by the criminals: thats where they ask for your PIN, and without thinking, full of hope, you enter it.

And the thieves, thanks to the identifier in the first link, already know who stole that phone and, therefore, which criminal they should have sent it to in order to access it. The PIN is more powerful than your fingerprint or face. With it, you can delete the victims biometric information and add your own to access banking apps that are validated this way, says Vigo. Apple Wallet asks you to re-authenticate, and then everything is accessible.

This PIN-stealing system, created in Latin America, was marketed as just another online service. If you had a few hundred stolen cell phones, you could try to access a handful to steal as much money as possible. Vigo tried to find out who was behind it, but he only got as far as a woman he believed to be Ukrainian, and he didnt know if she was another victim or part of the gang.

In the press release on the case, the police explained that the gang allegedly used a total of 5,300 fake websites and illegally unlocked around 1.3 million high-end devices, about 30,000 of them in Spain.

3. The modifications

But the life of a stolen cell phone does not end there. They may have a decreasing value due to the difficulty of stealing and using them, but criminal gangs still find ways to make a lot of money.

If they cant unlock a device with the PIN, they send it to China to be dismantled and then sent back to Europe for resale, says Vigo. The devices are increasingly valuable because they have more advanced chips, better cameras, and more expensive materials. But security measures are more robust. Before, if you stole a phone, you could factory reset it and have a new one. Now, with the activation lock and the original IMEI, in Europe its just a brick, only good for parts.

But there are cities in China where that IMEI can be changed, says Vigo. Its the hardest part, when it arrives in China and they change certain components and the IMEI. It requires a certain level of sophistication: opening the phone, changing the chip... you have to know what youre doing because Apple detects if there are non-original components. The goal is to be able to resell the stolen phone with a different IMEI so that it cant be traced.

Of this entire process, if it werent for one crucial detail, the victims would only suffer the theft of a cell phone. The PIN is the most powerful thing, which is why its extremely important to safeguard it and never give it to anyone, says Vigo. Never, to anyone. Apple will never ask for it. What theyre asking for are your iCloud credentials.

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Library of Congress

View of a Cheyenne Village at Big Timbers in present-day Colorado, perhaps the first photograph taken in Colorado. The Library of Congress identified it as a daguerreotype by Solomon Carvalho from the Fremont Expedition in 1853, probably copied by the Mathew Brady studio. Brady was hired by John C. Fremont to copy Carvalhos daguerreotypes on wet plate negatives
Sun Sunday

52 /30

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Security delivered for working people as UK-US ties strengthened with new Google Cloud partnership for classified information sharing

Press release

UK - US defence and security ties enhanced through major deal with Google Cloud - delivering the Government's Plan for Change.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 12 September 2025

UK - US defence and security ties enhanced through major deal with Google Cloud - delivering the Government's Plan for Change.

UK Armed Forces enter new phase of operational readiness with 400 million investment

Comes ahead of the historic second State Visit of the US President that will deliver economic growth and security for working people.

Deal delivers a key recommendation from the Strategic Defence Review for a digitally integrated force.

Working people will be more secure as the UK Armed Forces prepare for the new era of threats with a major deal with Google Cloud for the latest security technology - strengthening collaboration between the UK and US.

The partnership means that the latest technology developed by Google Cloud, including AI, data analytics, and cyber security, will be used by defence intelligence and national security specialists to share secure information between our partners and outcompete our adversaries.

The Ministry of Defence helped secure the 400 million contract, which will strengthen secure communication links between the UK and US, in addition to the extensive intelligence and security partnership our two countries already share.

This delivers a key recommendation from the Strategic Defence Review for a digitally integrated service, providing resilient and secure networks.

The deal has already led to millions of pounds of inward investment from Google Cloud, who will recruit a specialist dedicated team in the UK to manage the technology. This is the latest example of how the government is expanding the UK's defence capabilities to create economic growth and make the nation feel more secure in their everyday lives - delivering on the priorities of the Plan for Change.

This comes ahead of the US President's historic second state visit to the UK, where he and the Prime Minister will further enhance the strong ties shared between two countries to grow our economies and strengthen our special relationship in a more uncertain world.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

Today's investment shows how defence is an engine for growth, supporting highly skilled UK jobs and a vibrant British tech start-up ecosystem. Secure, seamless communication with our allies is crucial for national security and Google Cloud's investment will build up our world-leading secret tech for the future. The deal also delivers on the Strategic Defence Review, helping us develop the latest digital technology to counter our adversaries.

This project builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which recommends the UK Armed Forces rapidly modernise, embrace the latest technology and stand steadfast with our allies including the US.

This asset will help us outmatch hostile actors, who we have seen attempt to cause chaos for working people by disrupting their everyday lives, including by trying to steal sensitive information and launching targeted cyber campaigns.

The technology has strict data sovereignty and security controls, ensuring that the MOD's critical data remains under direct UK control.

General Sir James Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen, Commander, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, UK MOD, said:

The Ministry of Defence is committed to utilising next-generation technology and AI to enhance our operational capabilities and ensure the security of the United Kingdom. This partnership is a critical component of our digital transformation strategy, and we are pleased to partner with Google Cloud to deliver a secure and resilient cloud environment for our highly sensitive data.

Tara Brady, EMEA President, Google Cloud, said:

Google Cloud is dedicated to supporting the UK government's mission to develop a robust and resilient infrastructure and harness the latest technology innovations. This partnership will enable the MOD to accelerate its digital modernisation efforts while maintaining the highest levels of security and data sovereignty.

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This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the 2025 Emerging Air Economy Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo by Xia Yuanyuan/Xinhua)

HEFEI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Sun Mengqin, a Gen-Z aviation science popularization specialist, never imagined that her hometown -- Wanzhi Town in Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province -- would benefit so much from the booming aviation industry, a field she had known little about before.

Sun's story is closely linked to the rise of Wuhu's low-altitude economy, which took center stage at the 2025 Emerging Air Economy Development Conference recently held in Wuhu. The event attracted overseas guests from more than 10 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada and Australia.

Driven by both domestic policies and rapidly growing market demand, China's low-altitude economy has enjoyed robust growth in recent years. According to data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, in the first half of 2025, traditional general aviation operations reached 570,000 flight hours. The number of registered unmanned aerial vehicles exceeded 2.726 million, with a cumulative flight time of 24.47 million hours -- a year-on-year increase of 149 percent.

At the conference, a diverse array of state-of-the-art aviation products took the spotlight, including aerial emergency command aircraft, intelligent flight control systems, and facade-cleaning drones. These impressive displays vividly showcased the vitality of China's low-altitude economy.

"I'm proud to introduce more teenagers to aviation and the low-altitude economy right here in my hometown," said Sun, emphasizing that in Wanzhi Town, a domestically developed general aviation aircraft can be produced from blueprint to finished product -- all within this small town, and with fully independent intellectual property rights.

Nestled along the Yangtze River, Wanzhi used to be a quiet agricultural town, but now it's buzzing with over 200 aviation-related companies.

The year 2013 marked the beginning of Wanzhi's "take-off," as it seized the opportunity presented by a local airport's construction to develop its general aviation industry. A number of aviation enterprises, including CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd., established their presence in the town. In 2024, Wuhu's low-altitude economy generated revenue of 46.38 billion yuan (6.5 billion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 15.95 percent.

Within its 3.49-square-kilometer area, the aviation town in Wanzhi boasts a fully integrated industrial chain that spans from aviation component manufacturing to the R&D, production, maintenance and operation of both general aviation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

"Overseas orders are growing rapidly this year, and we expect revenue growth to exceed 40 percent," said Tian Manlin, general manager of CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. Tian added that while strengthening its presence in the domestic market, the company is accelerating its expansion into overseas markets such as Southeast Asia.

"In 2024, we purchased an aircraft from Wuhu for pilot training, and the order was delivered in just three months," said Piboon Vorravanpreecha, managing director of Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. He noted that the company was impressed by the cost-effectiveness and reliable after-sales service of the Wuhu-manufactured aircraft and has decided to deepen cooperation in distribution and maintenance with Wuhu in 2025.

According to Tian, the aviation town is nothing short of a "dream factory," where core components such as general aviation engines, avionics systems and propellers can now be both manufactured and repaired in Wuhu.

At an aviation camp located about 20 kilometers north of Wuxuan Airport, which sits on the border between the cities of Wuhu and Xuancheng in Anhui, tourists and aviation enthusiasts were waiting to board small fixed-wing aircraft for a bird's-eye view of Wuhu's urban landscape. A search on Chinese social platforms like Douyin or rednote brings up pages of detailed guides and enthusiastic shared experiences about low-altitude flights, clearly demonstrating the popularity of this activity both in Wuhu and across China.

A few years back, Wang Yuzheng, then chairman of an aviation company in Anhui, made the decision to go back to his hometown. He wanted to turn his passion for aviation into reality by founding this aviation camp.

"The low-altitude economy has transitioned from a conceptual stage into a phase of rapid growth," Wang said. "We aim to explore innovative cultural and tourism applications for low-altitude airspace, turning this emerging sector into tangible convenience in people's daily lives and helping more individuals fulfill their dreams of flight." 

This photo taken on Sept. 6, 2025 shows the aircraft manufactured by CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)
The Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Defence Forces discussed strengthening NATO's eastern flank with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

11. September 2025 - 12:00

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Commander of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo met in Tallinn with the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, to discuss strengthening the eastern flank of the alliance.

'The meeting with General Grynkewich confirmed that NATO is firmly committed to implementing existing decisions as well as further strengthening collective defence. Estonia hosts units from three major allied countries - the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. NATO has approved new defence plans and set the necessary capability targets for the allies to achieve them. Estonia takes national defence very seriously and will allocate over five per cent of its GDP to this area in the coming years. It is important that all NATO allies continue their efforts to strengthen collective defence,' said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

'We also spoke to General Grynkewich about the violation of Polish and NATO airspace, which is unprecedented and unacceptable in this scope. Russia bears full responsibility. General Grynkewich confirmed that NATO responded decisively to the incident - for the first time, NATO fighter jets shot down drones that had entered its airspace. Any steps taken today and in the future will stem from close coordination with all allies,' added the Minister of Defence.

Other topics of discussion at the meeting included regional defence plans, threat assessment, and further support for Ukraine.

'I received renewed confirmation that NATO takes the defence of our region very seriously. The presence, plans, and preparations of the allied forces are directly focused on real readiness to defend member states against possible aggression,' said Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Defence Forces. 'It is clear that NATO is learning from Russia's war against Ukraine and is actively working to ensure dominance over its adversaries on today's battlefield. Russia only understands force, and the best thing we can do right now is to strengthen ourselves.'

The Commander of the Defence Forces added that Estonia's decision to rapidly increase defence spending will give a strong boost to our independent defence capabilities in the coming years, which, combined with the increase in collective defence spending by our allies, will strengthen the alliance as a whole in the current unpredictable security environment.

General Grynkewich assumed the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe on 4 July 2025.

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Republic of Korea to Pursue Extension of Dongmyeong and Hanbit Unit Deployments

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

2025-09-11

- The Dongmyeong Unit will faithfully fulfill its mandate until the end of 2027, while preparing for a safe and orderly withdrawal -



1. On the morning of September 11 (Thursday), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the 2025 meeting of the "Council on Policies on UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)," chaired by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina. The meeting was attended by relevant agencies involved in UN peacekeeping operations, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Korean National Police Agency.

 Pursuant to Article 16 of the "Act on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations," the PKO Policy Council was established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the efficient implementation of government policies on peacekeeping operations, as well as cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies.

2. Since 2007, the Republic of Korea has deployed the Dongmyeong Unit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and since 2013, the Hanbit Unit to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

3. During the Policy Council meeting, participants reviewed the achievements of these two units and discussed the need to extend their deployments. Taking into account the necessity of contributing to international peace and security; positive assessments and requests for extension from both the UN and host governments; the units' performance; and the continued importance of the UN missions given the local circumstances, participants concurred on the necessity of extending the deployments of both the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units.

4. At the UN Security Council meeting held on August 28 (local time), Resolution 2790 was unanimously adopted, extending UNIFIL's mandate until 31 December 2026, with a withdrawal to be carried out within the following year. In this context, participants underscored the importance of the Dongmyeong Unit faithfully carrying out its mandate until the end of 2027, while preparing for a safe and orderly withdrawal.

5. Vice Minister Kim commended the military personnel of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units for carrying out their mandates with responsibility and dedication, even in harsh and dangerous conditions, thereby enhancing the Republic of Korea's international standing. She expressed deep gratitude and respect for their dedication and hard work. She also stressed that, as the Republic of Korea serves as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-25 term, continued contributions to peacekeeping operations - one of the UN's core mandates - remain vital.

6. Based on the outcome of this Policy Council meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon submit motions to the National Assembly to extend the dispatch of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units, while continuing to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure sustained contributions to peacekeeping operations. In addition, having dedicated itself to peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East for nearly two decades, the Dongmyeong Unit will faithfully carry out its mandate until the end of 2026, and the Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will maintain close communication with the UN Secretariat to ensure a safe and orderly withdrawal by the end of 2027.

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Israeli Strikes in Qatar Risk 'New and Perilous Chapter' in Middle East Conflict, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9992nd Meeting (PM)

SC/16164

11 September 2025

Israel's attack on Doha on 9 September potentially opens "a new and perilous chapter" in an already devastating conflict, the United Nations top political affairs official warned today at a Security Council meeting, where delegates also heard from the Prime Minister of Qatar and other senior Government representatives from the region.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, described the air strikes as an "alarming escalation, especially since it targeted individuals who were reportedly gathered to discuss the latest United States proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza".

Hamas has stated, she reported, that the son of its chief negotiator, as well as his office manager and three other people affiliated with the group, were killed, while its senior leadership survived the attack. According to Doha, one Qatari security officer was killed, and several other security personnel were injured. Israel claimed responsibility for the attack, she said, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement that the strike was "a wholly independent Israeli operation" after the fatal attack in Jerusalem on 8 September, for which Hamas claimed responsibility.

Qatar, with Egypt and the United States, has been working intensively to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, she said, praising that country's commitment to diplomacy  a point several speakers echoed in the ensuing debate. "Regrettably, Israel's actions came at the height of ongoing consultations with the parties," she said, adding that preserving the integrity of negotiation and mediation channels is crucial for fostering the trust that parties need to engage in meaningful dialogue.

However, the representative of Israel said that its strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders who are "not legitimate politicians, diplomats or representatives". Just days ago, Hamas terrorists opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem, murdering six innocent people, he said. Israel has agreed to United States President Donald J. Trump's ceasefire proposal, but Hamas keeps the world waiting. It is not Hamas leaders who are living in the Ritz Carlton in Doha who are suffering from the delay, but hostages and the people in Gaza who are used as human shields, he said.

If Qatar does not condemn and expel Hamas and bring it to justice, Israel will, he pledged. Council resolution 1373 (2001), adopted after the 11 September 2001 attacks, stipulates that no State may harbour terrorists, fund them and give them safe haven. When Osama bin Laden was eliminated in Pakistan, the question was not why a terrorist was targeted on foreign soil; it was why a terrorist was sheltered. France struck terrorists in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania while the United Kingdom carried out air strikes in Iraq and Syria. If these were justified, then why is Israel singled out now, he asked.

Condemnation for Targeting Peace Mediators

Countering that, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, asked: "Have you heard of any State that is attacking the mediator this way?" He also criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's "shameful justification", for the attack. Noting that the presence of the Taliban's political bureau in Doha was key to enabling the talks between Washington, D.C., and the Taliban, which eventually ended the war in Afghanistan, he said: "The United States has never targeted the negotiators."

Israel struck a residential compound in Doha that was allocated for negotiating teams, which housed Hamas representatives and their families. The attack terrorized those who lived in the residential area, he said, calling it "a violation of the UN Member State's sovereignty". "Israel  led by bloodthirsty extremists  has gone beyond any borders, any limitation when it comes to behaviour among States and individuals," he stressed. That country is destabilizing the region and undermining any prospect for peace. "We call for peace, not war, and we will not be deterred by those who call for war and destruction," he concluded.

Several Council speakers offered him their condolences, while voicing concern about the dangers of the impunity afforded to Israel and the deterioration in regional security. "Israel behaves as if law does not exist, as if borders are illusions and the UN Charter is an ephemeral text," said Algeria's delegate. In the span of days, it has struck Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and now the peace broker, Qatar. Condemning "the conduct of an extremist Government", he urged the Council to use all its tools  including sanctions  "before it is too late".

Israel Deliberately Sabotaging Negotiations

Somalia's delegate added that "Israel's systematic expansion of the conflict zone", from Gaza to Qatar, is a deliberate strategy. This military strike was aimed at undermining ongoing mediation efforts in the conflict in Gaza, he added.

Security Council resolutions rejected, international mechanisms flouted, civilians starved and killed, humanitarian and medical workers attacked, and now, negotiators attacked on a foreign soil  "is this how peace is pursued? Is this a way to bring hostages home?", asked Slovenia's delegate. "Peace cannot be built on the rubble of destroyed buildings and cities, but on the firm foundation of dialogue and negotiation," emphasized Denmark's delegate, while Guyana's delegate appealed to Israel to cease its warmongering in the already-volatile Middle East.

The representative of China recalled that, on 7 September, the United States put forward a new ceasefire proposal and claimed that Israel had agreed to it. However, just two days later, a Hamas delegation, which was discussing the proposal, was attacked by Israel. "Such an act of bad faith, irresponsibility and a deliberate sabotage of negotiations is indeed despicable," he said.

"It is evident that Israel, the occupying Power, is bent on doing everything to undermine and blow up every possibility of peace," Pakistan's delegate said, raising the question of whether the return of hostages was indeed a priority. The representative of the Russian Federation added that the air strike is the inevitable result of the complete impunity afforded to Israel, as it tests the limits of what is permissible, shielded by diplomatic cover from Washington, D.C.

Hamas Cannot Have Political Role in Future Governance of Gaza

For her part, the representative of the United States underscored that unilateral bombing inside Qatar does not advance Israel's or Washington, D.C.'s, goals. However, it is inappropriate to use this to question Israel's commitment to bringing its hostages home. Eliminating Hamas is "a worthy goal", she said, adding that terrorists must have "no future in Gaza". Accordingly, she urged Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages, including those brutally murdered, and reiterated her country's commitment to reaching a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance and ending the conflict.

While Hamas committed atrocious terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians, "Tuesday's Doha attacks directly targeting its negotiation team does not help advance the talks, which stand at an infliction point", the representative of the Republic of Korea said. Also reiterating condemnation of the 7 October 2023 atrocities, the representative of the United Kingdom said that Hamas is a terrorist organization and can play no part in the future governance of Gaza. She also added: "We wholly condemn the strikes on Qatar which will do nothing to deliver peace in the Middle East, or to help safeguard Israel's long-term security."

Along similar lines, Greece's delegate added that Hamas, as a terrorist organization, cannot and should not have any political role in the future governance of Gaza. The diplomatic channel, spearheaded by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, has provided thus far the only credible pathway for ending the suffering. It was through this channel that some hostages could rejoin their loved ones in the beginning of 2025, she pointed out, adding: "Dialogue, no matter how fragile, must therefore be protected."

Also condemning the attack on a mediating State, Panama's delegate expressed alarm about the unstoppable tide of violence in the Middle East  the attacks perpetrated against civilians in Jerusalem on 8 September, for which Hamas claimed responsibility, demonstrate the terror that this group has sown for decades. Israel's subsequent action in Doha on 9 September stands as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of a UN Member State. The representative of Sierra Leone pointed out that "international law does not recognize revenge" and recognizes only lawful self-defence or collective action authorized by the Council.

Political Solution Based on Two-State Framework Is Essential

France's delegate stressed that a political solution based on the two-State framework is essential  this hinges on the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian State with a reformed governance. He drew attention to the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which his country co-chaired with Saudi Arabia.

"Just hours before this meeting", the Prime Minister of Israel boasted about expanding settlements and preventing the establishment of a Palestinian State, said Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. Killing has become promotional material for the occupation's soldiers, as Israel continues to commit genocide in Gaza and protects its terrorist settlers in the West Bank. Calling on the Council to "stop it, stop the injustice", he affirmed that the stability of Qatar is the stability of the region.

Israel's Strikes Blatant Violation of International Law, UN Charter

Speakers from Qatar's neighbourhood expressed solidarity with that country and urged the Council to hold Israel accountable. The representative of Iraq noted that the attack took place in a residential area that also contains schools. "This attack represents State terrorism," he stressed, condemning Israel's ongoing attempts to destabilize security and stability in the region. "We support the State of Qatar within the framework of its right and duty to act decisively against any reckless violation or aggression that undermines its security," he added.

Israel's reckless actions, said the representative of the United Arab Emirates, only serve to fuel more violence, extremism and chaos  "precisely when the region desperately needs restraint and de-escalation". Kuwait's delegate, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, added that the national security of its member States "is a red line" for the Council. Similar acts will be met with "collective actions, tougher in nature, and legal and political measures as deterrents," he asserted.

The representative of Turkiye, speaking for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), also condemned the strike as a blatant violation of the norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, he said. Egypt's delegate called upon the Council to immediately adopt a resolution under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations that stops the Israeli aggression against Gaza and supports the efforts of the mediators.

__________

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U.S. and Kyrgyz Medical Teams Sharpen Expeditionary Care Skills at Bright Star 25

U.S. Central Command

News | Sept. 12, 2025

By Maged Benjamin-Elias U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

MOHAMED NAGUIB MILITARY BASE, Egypt -- U.S. Navy medical personnel and members of the Kyrgyz Republic Armed Forces conducted joint medical training during Exercise Bright Star 2025, focusing on expeditionary surgical techniques, blood transfusion programs, and field hospital operations.

The training featured the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS), a seven-person Navy Role 2 light maneuver team capable of delivering forward-deployed trauma care. The ERSS provides damage control resuscitation and surgery in austere environments before patients are evacuated for more definitive treatment.

"The ERSS is built to operate far forward, in tents, trucks, or even under trees if needed," said Cmdr. John Maddox, U.S. Navy, officer in charge of ERSS-9. "Our mission is to stop bleeding, resuscitate with blood and fluids, stabilize the patient, and move them on for definitive care. The Kyrgyz partners have shown real interest in how lightweight and adaptable this system is."

The Kyrgyz delegation, led by Lt. Col. Ismailov Ulukbek, Chief of the Military Medical Department, Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense, observed Role 1 and Role 2 hospital operations and took part in training on ultrasound and mass-casualty triage.

"It has been very interesting for us to see how American doctors work in practice," said Lt. Col. Ulukbek. "We are preparing a field hospital to send on peacekeeping operations and waiting for a United Nations mandate. Observing how the ERSS operates gives us valuable insight into building our own Role 2 capability."

Bright Star 25 includes more than 40 participating nations. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability and strengthen regional security through multinational training in counterterrorism, crisis response, and medical operations.







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Bright Star 2025 Command Post Exercise Strengthens U.S.-Egyptian Partnership and Readiness

U.S. Central Command

News | Sept. 12, 2025

By Maged Benjamin-Elias U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

MOHAMED NAGUIB MILITARY BASE, Egypt -- U.S. Marines and sailors from Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, working alongside the Egyptian armed forces, stood shoulder to shoulder on the watch floor during the command post exercise of Bright Star 25. Together, they designed and war-gamed responses to a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario in a notional country, sharpening crisis-response capabilities and strengthening interoperability.

Each day, a brigadier general from both the Egyptian and U.S. sides received situational updates from the combined staff, who integrated modern planning tools such as information operations and unmanned aerial systems. These updates tested decision-making and ensured both militaries could seamlessly coordinate in responding to complex operational challenges.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot, commander of Naval Amphibious Task Force 51 and the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, opened the exercise with a message of unity and shared purpose.

"As-salaam alaikum  peace be upon you," Lightfoot said, addressing Egyptian, U.S. and multinational leaders. "It is my great honor to stand before you today as we begin Bright Star 25, an exercise with 45 years of rich history dating back to October 1980."

Lightfoot commended the Egyptian armed forces for their leadership and hospitality, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two militaries.

"Now, we begin the 19th iteration of Exercise Bright Star. For nearly half a century, this exercise has stood as a symbol of enduring partnership between Egypt, the United States and our coalition of 43 allied nations. Bright Star is more than a training event. It is proof of our commitment to stand together  shoulder to shoulder  in a world that demands readiness, trust, and resolve."

He highlighted the command post exercise as the cornerstone of interoperability.

"By sharpening our ability to plan, decide and act as one team, we demonstrate the strength of this partnership and prepare ourselves to meet the crises of tomorrow," Lightfoot said.

For service members at the tactical level, Bright Star 25 offered hands-on opportunities to practice joint planning and collaboration.

"My participation in Exercise Bright Star has been a significant contribution to enhancing both my readiness and combat proficiency," said an Egyptian armed forces service member who took part in the exercise. "This training provided an invaluable opportunity to conduct joint planning, execute missions under complex conditions, employ advanced systems and exchange expertise with partner forces. These experiences strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges."

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Michelle Lin, a communication strategy and operations officer at the exercise, echoed the sentiment of shared growth.

"It is our privilege to work with the Egyptian armed forces in this command post exercise," Lin said. "Exercise Bright Star 25 lets us practice humanitarian assistance and disaster relief while learning from joint and bilateral staff planning. These experiences help us refine plans, demonstrate crisis-response capabilities, and strengthen interoperability, enhancing our readiness to respond effectively to real-world scenarios."

As the combined staff worked through scenarios and decision points, Bright Star once again demonstrated its broader significance. It is not just a biennial exercise, but a living testament to enduring cooperation between the United States, Egypt, and dozens of partner nations.

From the command post floor to the field training ranges, Bright Star 25 carries forward nearly half a century of collaboration  proving that unity, trust, and preparedness remain the true foundations of security in an increasingly complex world.









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Rescue Ready: U.S. and Egyptian service members conduct CSAR SME Exchange

U.S. Central Command

News | Sept. 12, 2025

By Senior Airman Erin Dunkleberger United States Air Forces Central

ALMAZA AIR BASE, EGYPT -- U.S. Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists, assigned to the Joint Personnel Recovery Center, took part in a combat search and rescue subject matter expert exchange with service members from partner nations during BRIGHT STAR 25 at Almaza Air Base, Egypt, Aug. 30-31, 2025.

During a two-day CSAR SME exchange with Egyptian Air Force and Egyptian Navy service members, U.S. Air Force SERE specialists demonstrated tactical skills, techniques and procedures and received a tour of the Egyptian facilities and a demonstration of their capabilities.

"It was validating to learn that they have a lot of the same equipment as our teams," said one SERE instructor. "While the exact tool might not be in their load out, their knowledge of their equipment seemed extensive enough to accomplish any task. Being able to tailor the tools and equipment you have on hand to accomplish the mission no matter what is one of the most important things [U.S. Air Force] SERE specialists teach."

The integration of SERE specialists within BRIGHT STAR 25 underscores the Air Force's commitment to building resilient, capable partnerships. Through joint CSAR exchanges and combined operational planning, partner nations gain confidence in their ability to execute high-intensity operations together, reinforcing U.S. Central Command's mission of sustaining regional stability through partnership.

"Being able to participate in partnership opportunities like this allows us to train personnel recovery actions and communication techniques together," said another SERE instructor. "That reinforces the predictability of isolated personnel actions for recovery forces and standardizes multinational recovery procedures."

The U.S. Air Force presence in Egypt demonstrated how specialized skills, such as those provided by SERE specialists, support the broader success of USCENTCOM's missions. By training side-by-side with partner nations, U.S. forces reinforce interoperability and strengthen collective readiness across the region.

"Working with U.S. Forces enhances our search and rescue capabilities through advanced technology, training and rapid response support," said Egyptian Navy Commander Mohammed Mahmoud, Search and Rescue team commander. "This cooperation strengthens mission effectiveness, saves lives and ensures regional security."



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Swiss Government

Press release

Published on 12 September 2025

Bern, 12.09.2025 -- At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved a memorandum of understanding that launches a partnership between the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and the Colorado National Guard under the State Partnership Program. The purpose of this partnership is to facilitate training cooperation, allowing the Swiss Armed Forces to expand their capabilities through international collaboration and strengthen their defence readiness. It also fosters closer cooperation with the US in areas beyond the military, thereby deepening bilateral relations in general.

On 15 March 2024, the Federal Council tasked the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) with signalling the Swiss Armed Forces' interest in joining the US National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP). Switzerland has now joined the SPP and has been paired with the US state of Colorado and its National Guard as a partner. The DDPS and the Colorado National Guard have set out the scope and focus of future cooperation in a memorandum of understanding. This includes, among others, the areas of cyber defence, space, the protection of critical infrastructure, medical services and logistics.

This cooperation allows the Swiss Armed Forces to expand their expertise without entering into any obligations or dependencies. It is compatible with neutrality. Common ground is provided by the militia principle, on which the Swiss Armed Forces and the US National Guard are both organised, and by a similar range of tasks. Colorado is the highest-lying US state, with mountain regions comparable to the Alps. Possible joint activities include training for mountain specialists, along with exchanges of expertise in disaster relief and alpine transport.

Strengthening defence capabilities through increased cooperation

The US National Guard's State Partnership Program has existed since the 1990s. It promotes training cooperation between US states and foreign armed forces. To date, more than 100 countries have entered into such partnerships, including 25 in Europe. Switzerland and the US already have an agreement on military training cooperation in place; Switzerland's participation in the SPP builds on this framework.

Thanks to the militia system, the partnership with the National Guard creates opportunities to strengthen relations with the US in areas beyond the military, such as business, education and culture. The SPP can therefore facilitate activities with the state of Colorado, the private sector, and the US more broadly.

The memorandum of understanding will be signed in Switzerland by the Chief of the Armed Forces and the Commander of the Colorado National Guard. A second ceremony will be held at a later date in the US. It is customary for two ceremonies to be held when an SPP is concluded: one in the partner country and one in the US.
Germany Federal Foreign Office

12.09.2025 - Press release

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, condemn Israel's strikes in Doha on 9 September, which violate Qatar's sovereignty and risk further escalation in the region.

Furthermore, such action poses a serious risk to achieving a negotiated deal, which would secure the release of all remaining hostages and end the war in Gaza. The Ministers urge all parties to renew and redouble their efforts to agree on an immediate ceasefire.

We express our solidarity with Qatar and fully support the vital role it continues to play in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, alongside Egypt and the United States. We call for the parties to exercise restraint and seize the opportunity for peace.

We further underscore that the focus must remain on reaching a permanent ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and flooding Gaza with aid to stop the famine. We urgently call for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza City, which are causing mass civilian displacement, civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure. We call for the UN and humanitarian NGOs to be able to work safely and at scale across the entire Strip, including the North.

We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of the heinous crimes committed by Hamas, a terrorist movement that must immediately and unconditionally release the hostages it is holding, be disarmed, and be permanently excluded from governing the Gaza Strip.
Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen's keynote speech at Kouvola Security Conference on 12 September 2025

Finnish Ministry of Defence

12.09.2025 10:25

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for the warm welcome.

It is great to be back in Kouvola, and to see so many familiar faces in this important Security Conference.

Let me begin by highlighting, that events like Kouvola Security Conference are more important than ever. It is vital to share thoughts and information of our security in both wider global context and in more detailed dimensions.

In my speech I will focus on the operating environment of the Finland's defence and security in the NATO context.

However, I will start with some assessments of the big picture and the recent developments of international security and defence.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are living unstable times in global politics. A shift in the global balance of power is taking place.

During the last week significant efforts have been taken to end the war in Ukraine.

It is crystal clear that Europe, United States and Ukraine wants end to the war and peace. Russia seems to have no interest towards a peace or a cease fire.

In the big picture Russia is trying to build a global status. It is using wide range of tools from diplomacy and economics to military power and hybrid influencing.

China is expected to challenge United States as the world leader during the next decade. China holds massive potential of diplomatic, economic and military power.

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have deepened their co-operation in the field of diplomacy, economics and military matters. They are also supporting Russia heavily in the war against Ukraine.

United States has clearly stated, that it is required to focus its influence and power towards the requirements of the indopacific region and China.

United States expects its European allies to take more responsibility of the Europe's security and defence. Finally, one could say.

This means that Europe must do more. Especially in the areas of defence and security. This means that we must do more.

It is vital, that we understand what all this means for us.

We should change our thinking and approach towards the international relations. I am certain that making assessments with methods based on the world before Russia's aggressions of 2014 and attack on Ukraine 2022, will lead nowhere.

We are forced to adapt a new approach to our common security and comprehensive security. Not only in Finland and in Europe, but also in a global context.

We are already seeing clear signs of this. European nations have agreed to increase our commitments towards security and defence. A fine example are the decisions taken in the NATO Summit this year. NATO member states are expected to use 5 % of gdp in defence and security.

The co-operation between European nations and indopacific partners is deepening. It includes more and more aspects of defence and security.

Continents and oceans are not dividing us. Instead they are connecting us and bringing us closer than ever.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Russia is the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

In Ukraine, Russia has demonstrated its readiness to use extensive military force and to target vital functions of society and civilian populations to pursue its political goals.

Russia's war in Ukraine has revealed its readiness to take great risks despite losses, creating instability in Finland's neighbouring regions. This week's events in Poland highlight the dangerous nature of Russia.

Russian security thinking shows an ambition to achieve strategic depth and to create an unbroken buffer zone in Europe, reaching from the Arctic to the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea and on to the Mediterranean.

It has been constantly repeated, that Russia is able to continue the war for significant period of time in Ukraine.

However, Russia has failed in multiple fields and areas of the origins of nation's power. I will give you some examples of diplomatic, economic and military power.

Russia has lost majority of its power in the fields of diplomacy and foreign policy. Russia is not following the internationally agreed rules based order, and the agreements it has been part of.

Russia is not able to achieve its diplomatic goals as it was before its attack towards its neighbor Ukraine. Russia has lost its diplomatic power.

Russia has also lost its influence and power in economics. International community has launched strong sanctions towards Russia. It is not considered as a place for safe and reliable investments anymore. Russia's economic partners are starting to suffer from the sanctions as well.

The war has also showed some interesting assessments of Russia's military power. Russia has not achieved any of the military goals stated by Mr Putin.

We have all seen that Russia's war machine is not performing well. This underlines that Russia is not a global actor in the field of military power. It requires significant support from larger nations, such as China.

All this means that longer Russia is continuing its illegal aggression and war against Ukraine, the more it will lose. It also means that Russia's stance in the possible peace negotiations might not be as strong as previously stated.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me finalize by making some assessments of all this. Especially what all this means for Finland's security and defence.

Our security environment will remain difficult and unpredictable also in the long term.

This highlights the need for credible collective defence of the European eastern flank, not just for years to come, but decades to come.

In this regard the complementary work done in NATO and EU is taking us in the right direction. The 5 % goal is an important milestone, and it really helps the whole Europe to take more responsibility of our own security.

Frontline nations shoulder a big responsibility of keeping the eastern flank secure. However, collective defence is a team effort, and therefore all Allies and EU Member States need to urgently develop their defence capabilities.

Finland is doing its share of strengthening deterrence and defence.

Compared to the size of the nation, Finland has a strong national defence. We have created an optimized military defence of home land. This means that we have relatively large force structure of 280 000 trained soldiers.

Absolutely majority of these are reservists. With ongoing changes to the legislation, Finland will soon have almost a million trained reservists.

We also have a relatively large artillery. One of the largest in Europe.

Finland's defence includes multiple spearhead capabilities. Just to mention some as examples are space based capabilities, our joint air defence systems, air to ground and surface to land capabilities. Finland has also unique underwater systems and weapons.

All this is a result of long lasting and systematic development of the Finland's defence.

Many of the capabilities mentioned are trained in the garrisons located near the city of Kouvola - in the Karelian Brigade, Reserve Officers school or in the Utti Jaeger Regiment.

Finland is a part of NATO's deterrence and defence. Finland's terrain and forces are integrated to NATO's plans and defence.

This means that we have been able to operate with NATO forces in Finland and outside Finland. Naturally this is something we have been doing during the last decades in different operations and exercises.

This also means that Finland must be ready to host and operate with NATO forces in Finland.

Fine example of the NATO integration is that the Multi-Corps Land Component Command, MCLCC, has started to operate in the city of Mikkeli next to our Army Command.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Finland is the happiest country in the world for eight times in a row. There is something magical in our nation and thinking. We have achieved a lot.

I am confident, that together we are able to tackle the security challenges of the present and future.

I wish you all fruitful and beneficial stay in Kouvola.

Thank you.

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PLA Eastern Theater Command slams provocative actions of US, UK warships in Taiwan Straits transit, vows to safeguard sovereignty

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 12, 2025 11:01 PM

The US destroyer USS Higgins and the UK frigate HMS Richmond transited the Taiwan Straits on Friday, engaging in provocative actions. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed naval and air forces to monitor and effectively respond to the transit throughout the process, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the spokesperson for the theater command, said on Friday.

The actions of the US and UK sent the wrong signal and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. The theater command's forces remain on high alert at all times, firmly safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability, said Senior Colonel Shi Yi.

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Muhammed Sani Ladan, director of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secondary Education Board, speaks at the book donation ceremony at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria, Sept. 11, 2025. (Nigeria China Cultural Center/Handout via Xinhua)

ABUJA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 13 "Chinese Corners" in Nigeria's secondary schools in Abuja, the country's capital, have received a substantial donation of books from the People's Education Press (PEP) of China, in a move to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the two countries.

The donation, held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja on Thursday, includes over 900 volumes of Chinese language learning textbooks and English editions of Chinese culture books, tailored to the needs of the "Chinese Corners." It was described by officials as a significant step in bolstering Nigeria's Chinese language learning initiative.

Muhammed Sani Ladan, director of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secondary Education Board, lauded the donation, emphasizing its long-term impact on local students and teachers.

"Education is life, wealth, and freedom. By giving us these books, you have genuinely given us life and have fulfilled the Chinese principles of shared prosperity for humanity," he said.

Excited students from beneficiary schools held a variety of Chinese and Nigerian cultural performances to celebrate the donation.

Speaking via video link, PEP President Huang Qiang said the donation is a direct response to a need identified while he was leading a delegation to Nigeria last year.

"PEP is willing to take this donation as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Nigerian educational institutions," Huang said, noting that the initiative would help cultivate more promoters of China-Nigeria friendship.

The partnership between the Chinese embassy and the FCT Secondary Education Board has led to the establishment of "Chinese Corners" in 13 schools in Abuja since 2013, where Nigerian teachers trained by the China Cultural Center have been teaching Chinese language, making it an important platform for China-Nigeria cultural exchange. 

Chinese and Nigerian teachers jointly perform during the book donation ceremony at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria, Sept. 11, 2025. (Nigeria China Cultural Center/Handout via Xinhua)
Statement on the Abduction of Aid Workers in South Sudan

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 12/09/2025

Statement by Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust on the increase in abductions of aid workers in South Sudan.

'I am deeply concerned about the growing unrest in South Sudan, where several aid workers have been abducted. It is completely unacceptable that humanitarian personnel, working under extremely challenging conditions to save lives and alleviate suffering, are being targeted in this way', said Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust.

So far this year, more than 30 aid workers have been abducted in South Sudan, twice as many as last year. This underscores the seriousness of the situation. It is a deeply troubling development that affects an already severely impacted population', said Aukrust.

I urge all parties to exercise restraint, respect international humanitarian law, and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation of violence. Aid workers must be protected, this is a fundamental principle of international law and a prerequisite for reaching the most vulnerable, said Aukrust.

The authorities have a duty to protect South Sudan's civilian population and ensure unhindered access for humanitarian actors, said Aukrust.'

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Rogers and Wicker Issue Joint Statement on Russia's Violation of Poland's Airspace

House Armed Services Committee

Washington, September 12, 2025

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued a joint statement on the violation of Polish airspace by Russia:



Russia's violations of Polish airspace this week with drones should remind us that one man's imperial ambitions have not only ravaged Ukraine but also threaten to bring war to NATO countries. Putin's provocation is an attempt to test NATO's red lines. In response, we must reinforce our deterrence posture on the alliance's eastern flank," Wicker and Rogers said. "The Polish, Dutch, German, and Italian Armed Forces are to be commended on their swift and professional response in bringing down numerous drones that could have killed innocent Polish civilians. We echo Ambassador Whitaker's statement that the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. President Trump has made clear that Europe must do more for its own security. Our allies, Poland first among them, have answered his call to commit 5 percent of GDP to defense. Now is the time to work together to strengthen NATO's capabilities, as President Trump indicated just last week when Polish President Nowrocki visited the White House. As for Putin, he understands only power. The road to peace in Europe lies in the strength of NATO and Ukraine."

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Formation of Interim Government in Nepal

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 12, 2025

We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.

2. As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.

New Delhi

September 12, 2025

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UN General Assembly approves resolution on establishment of a Palestinian state and the two-state solution

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 12, 2025

New York, IRNA -- The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution proposed by France and Saudi Arabia, endorsing and supporting the New York Declaration on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.

According to IRNA at the UN headquarters, the resolution was passed on Friday with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions, thereby formally adopting the New York Declaration.

The vote took place ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly summit, to be jointly chaired by Riyadh and Paris, scheduled for September 22 in New York. At the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine.

Through this resolution, the UN General Assembly endorsed the New York Declaration, which outlines "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" toward a two-state solution between Israeli regime and Palestine, in advance of the world leaders' meeting.

The seven-page New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held at the United Nations in July, hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, focused on resolving the decades-long conflict. The United States and Israeli regime boycotted the event.

UN General Assembly approves resolution on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the two-state solution

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Iran backs Qatar's right to self-defense: UN envoy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 12, 2025

New York, IRNA -- The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the Israeli regime's terror attacks on Qatar, declared Iran's envoy to the United Nations, emphasizing that "Iran firmly supports Qatar's right to self-defense under international law and the UN Charter."

Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was scheduled to deliver the statement during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Thursday. However, due to time constraints and the structure of the meeting, the Iranian delegation was unable to present its remarks.

Speaking time during the session was primarily allocated to the two parties involved in the conflict, namely Qatar and the Israeli regime, as well as delegations dispatched from capitals such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of regional blocs, including Turkiye on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, were also given the floor. But countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, Bahrain, Oman, and Iran were not given the opportunity to speak.

The full text of Iran's statement is provided below:

Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this emergency meeting. Allow me at the outset to extend our congratulations to the Republic of Korea on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month.

We also commend Panama for its successful leadership and valuable contributions during its presidency in August. We welcome the presence of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar in this meeting.

We also thank Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia for requesting and supporting the convening of this meeting, and we express our appreciation to USG, Ms. DiCarlo for her valuable briefing. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of the Turkiye, on behalf of the OIC Member States.

We reaffirm the OIC's principled and unwavering position, rooted in its Charter and reinforced through successive summit and ministerial resolutions, firmly rejecting any aggression against the sovereignty and security of its member states.

The most recent expression of this position was the resolution adopted at the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held on 22 June 2025 in Istanbul. That resolution unequivocally and strongly condemned the United States and Israeli armed attacks against Iran and called upon the Security Council to urgently address the grave threat to international peace and security, and to take decisive measures under Chapter VII of the Charter to compel the Israeli regime to immediately cease its aggression.

Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly and unequivocally condemns the terrorist aggression and armed attacks carried out by the Zionist regime against state of Qatar, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of several Palestinian and Qatari civilians and expresses the solidarity and support of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the State of Qatar.

Iran firmly supports the right to self-defense of Qatar under international law and the UN Charter to respond to such reckless violations and to take all necessary political, diplomatic, and legal measures to protect its citizens, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The Israeli regime's military aggression against Qatar constitutes a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The continuation of the Israeli regime's genocide in the occupied Palestine, its repeated acts of aggression and terrorism against Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, its criminal assault on Iran, and now its military attack on Qatar, demonstrate that this regime poses an immediate and real threat to regional and international peace and security.

Mr. President,

On 13 June, Israel, with full U.S. support and American weapons, launched a large-scale, unprovoked 12-day war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. Despite three emergency meetings, this Council failed to act  paralyzed by the unconditional protection of United States. This failure has emboldened Israel, the rough regime, to persist in its crimes across the region with complete impunity.

It is regrettable that by neglecting its mandate, the Security Council has effectively normalized Israel's crimes in Gaza and its criminal aggressions in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and now Qatar.

Mr. President,

The criminal Prime Minister of the Zionist regime has openly threatened other countries of the region with aggression, explicitly declaring that wherever the political leaders of Hamas may be present, Israel will launch attacks. If the Security Council fails to act today, another country will inevitably be added to Israel's list of aggressions, and this regime will once again commit acts of aggression with complete impunity.

Therefore, the Council cannot remain silent in face of such blatant acts of aggression, it must adopt a binding Chapter VII resolution that:

 Determines that Israel's illegal use of force and armed attacks constitute breaches of the peace and acts of aggression under Article 39 of the Charter;

 Condemns these acts of aggression strongly and unequivocally;

 Holds Israel fully accountable for its violations of Qatari sovereignty;

 Warns that any repetition will trigger enforcement measures; and

 Makes clear that any military, intelligence, logistical, or political supportor silence in failing to condemn such aggressionamounts to complicity in aggression.

Mr. President,

The Council's failure to act at this grave juncture would constitute a profound abdication of its responsibilities and a betrayal of the very principles on which the United Nations was founded. Inaction will only embolden the aggressor, undermine international law, and send a message of dangerous impunity across the world.

We believe that ending the war-mongering and atrocities of the Zionist regime, across the region, in particular in Gaza and occupied Palestine requires unity and concrete coordination among the countries of the region, including through the severance of all economic and diplomatic ties with this regime.

Iran underscores the urgent need for decisive action by regional countries and the international community to hold this regime accountable for its persistent and egregious breaches of international norms.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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Senior officials of the Latvian and Estonian Ministries of Foreign Affairs coordinate action on live issues of regional security and those on the international agenda

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12.09.2025

On 12 September 2025, the town of Aluksne in Latvia hosted a meeting of the Latvian and Estonian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, for coordinating action by the two countries in the matters of regional security and those on the international agenda. The event was co-chaired by the State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Andzejs Vilumsons, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Jonatan Vseviov.

In a discussion on promoting regional security and resilience, the participants highlighted the need to strengthen transatlantic relations, including the presence of the United States in Europe, as well as U.S. support to Ukraine. The officials discussed further measures to constrain Russia, the next round of sanctions being part of those.

The participants exchanged views on cooperation among the three Baltic States and the increasingly close cooperation between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries in the NB8 format, and looked at potential initiatives to strengthen cooperation. In 2026, Estonia will be the coordinating country in the NB8 format, while also holding presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers and the Baltic Assembly.

The experts then had an exchange on topics high on the European Union agenda, including their interests in planning the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034.

In the context of Latvia being elected to the United Nations Security Council, a discussion took place on the perspectives and interests of the Baltic states in the UN and Latvia's priorities for its membership of the UN Security Council in 2026-2027. The Estonian colleagues shared their experience of working on the UN Security Council in 2020-2021.

The delegations of the two countries visited the Infantry School of the Latvian National Armed Forces, where they got acquainted with the school's work and met with instructors and cadets.

The coordination dialogue between the Foreign Ministries is taking place in the follow-up to the joint meeting of the Latvia and Estonian governments hosted by the Estonian side in Tartu this past 27 August. At the meeting, the Cabinets of the two countries agreed on the objectives of further cooperation between Latvia and Estonia in the areas of strengthening the region's security, connectivity, economy, digital development and skills.

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Aboul Gheit welcomes General Assembly's adoption of draft resolution on two-state solution

League of Arab States

Date: 12/09/2025



Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, welcomed the overwhelming adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a draft resolution endorsing the New York Declaration, issued in July, on the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Gamal Roshdy, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that the overwhelming support for the resolution reflects a growing international consensus on the necessity of implementing the two-state solution, asserting that the countries which did not vote in favour of the resolution stand on the wrong side of history.

He further quoted the Secretary-General as stressing that the General Assembly's adoption of this resolution reinforces the outcomes of the conference on the implementation of the two-state solution and strengthens global momentum in its favour, particularly in view of the intention of several countries to recognise the State of Palestine in the coming days, in tandem with the summit-level conference on 22 September.

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Eastern Sentry to enhance NATO's presence along its Eastern flank

NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)

Sep 12 2025

MONS, Belgium -- Allied Command Operations (ACO), which is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations, will execute Eastern Sentry along NATO's Eastern flank. It will even further strengthen our posture to shield and protect all Allies.

The multi-domain activity, which will commence in the coming days and continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to ongoing airspace violations, including the numerous Russian drones that violated Poland's airspace on September 10.

The Alliance already responded quickly and decisively to that situation, demonstrating NATO capability and resolve to defend the Alliance, but will now act further to strengthen its posture.

"The violation of Poland's airspace earlier this week is not an isolated incident and impacts more than just Poland," said General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. "While a full assessment of the incident is ongoing, NATO is not waiting, we are acting."

The Alliance will also strengthen its air defence.

"Eastern Sentry and this new approach will deliver even more focused and flexible deterrence and defence where and when needed to protect our people and deter against further reckless and dangerous acts like what occurred earlier this week," said Grynkewich.

It follows a meeting by the North Atlantic Council, September 10, where Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland's request for consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, expressed solidarity with Poland, and denounced Russia's reckless behaviour.

Allies have already begun to announce the deployment of forces and capabilities for Eastern Sentry. Denmark will contribute two F-16s and an anti-air warfare frigate, France will contribute three Rafales, and Germany will contribute four Eurofighters. The United Kingdom has also expressed its willingness to support. These forces and more will reinforce existing Allied forces and enhance NATO's deterrence and defensive posture where and when needed.

ACO will also work closely with Allied Command Transformation, as it continues to do with Baltic Sentry, to rapidly experiment and field new technologies at Alliance-wide scale, such as counter-drone sensors and weapons to detect, track and kill drones.

The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is the military headquarters of ACO.

For more information, visit www.nato.in or https://shape.nato.int/.



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NATO launches "Eastern Sentry" to bolster posture along eastern flank

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

12 Sep. 2025

On Friday (12 September 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich held a joint press conference to outline NATO's response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones two days earlier. Mr Rutte announced the launch of "Eastern Sentry," a military activity aimed to bolster NATO's posture along the eastern flank.

Commencing in the coming days, Eastern Sentry will involve a range of Allied assets and feature both traditional capabilities and novel technologies, including elements designed to address challenges associated with drones. "Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture," said the Secretary General. He thanked General Grynkewich for his responsive leadership both in the context of the incursions on 10 September and in guiding the design of this new activity, as well as Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for his role in promoting innovative solutions to new challenges, including those posed by the use of drones.

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (10 September 2025), Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland's request for Article 4 consultations. Mr Rutte noted that while this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace, "what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident. Russia's recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency."

The Secretary General highlighted that NATO's core task to deter aggression and defend every Ally underlines the importance of safeguarding the eastern flank. "This is why we have forward land forces deployed in eight countries, with contributions from every Ally supporting these contingents, and plans in place to scale up our presence if and when required," he said. He added that Allies across Europe and North America work together every day on strengthening air defences and protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

For more information about Eastern Sentry, see the news release from NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

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NATO's emergency management exercise "BULGARIA 2025": Allies and partners trained to work better together in case of crisis

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

12 Sep. 2025

From 7 to 12 September 2025, the civilian-led exercise "BULGARIA 2025", co-organised by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, took place in Montana, Bulgaria.

Following the official opening by NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska and Bulgarian Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, over one thousand participants from 28 NATO Allies, 18 partner countries and 14 civilian and military organisations exercised together, to improve their ability to keep our citizens safe in a crisis.

In possibly the largest and most complex civil emergency exercise in the world this year, soldiers, scientists, and first responders worked together, to hone their skills and cooperation in responding to a natural disaster, technological incident, or act of terrorism.

Some 100 emergency vehicles, including medical helicopters, hyperbaric chamber trucks, ambulances and rescue boats were part of the exercise. The training took place across 21 diverse exercise sites; some 140 victims of various emergencies were saved in the different simulations.

In parallel with the field exercise, a strategic component in Sofia for decision-makers addressed civil-military coordination during emergencies, monitoring of and response to information threats, building preparedness, and the whole-of-government approach to crisis management. Participants learned about the impact of emerging disruptive technologies on crisis management, and on their work in future.

The exercise served as an example of how NATO's partnerships bring concrete benefits to national and collective security. It strengthened cooperation between civilian and military actors in responding to a range of crises, including facilitation of vital civil cross-border transport, logistics, and emerging security challenges. It supported partners' defence capacity-building, and helped improve Bulgaria's ability to coordinate international crisis response operations, including as a host nation.

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KABUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. delegation led by Adam Boehler, U.S. president's special envoy for hostage affairs, paid a visit to Afghanistan and held a meeting with Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi here, spokesman for the ministry Hafiz Zia Ahmad said Saturday.

Accompanied by Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for the Afghanistan reconciliation process, the delegation exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, Ahmad said in his X account without providing more details.

In the meantime, local media outlet Tolonews reported that the meeting focused on expanding bilateral relations, matters related to detained citizens, and investment in Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the need for continued discussions regarding detainees.

Afghanistan has released at least two American citizens since early this year, and reportedly, another American, Mahmood Habibi, is still held in the country. 
A decade of NATO in Sigonella - NISRF celebrates 10th anniversary

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Sep 12 2025

SIGONELLA, Italy -- The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) celebrated its 10th anniversary during a ceremony held at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella. The event marked a decade of growth and transformation - from the establishment of the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force in September 2015 to today's permanent multinational ISR Force.

In his speech, Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander of NISRF, highlighted the significance of the occasion. "What started as an ambitious program ten years ago has become a permanent NATO Force," he said. "NISRF delivers intelligence for the Alliance every single day, thanks to the dedication of our multinational team and the steadfast support of our Host Nation, Italy."

The Force was originally activated in October 2015 as the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF). In November 2019, the first NATO RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft arrived in Sigonella, followed by the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2021. In September 2023, the unit transitioned into the NATO ISR Force, expanding its mission and becoming a permanent element of NATO's force structure.

In recent years, NISRF has demonstrated its growing flexibility. Earlier in 2025, the Force successfully conducted sustained operations from a forward operating location in Finland - the first time a NATO Phoenix was deployed for weeks outside of Sigonella.

The ceremony also included reflections from NISRF members who have served since the very beginning. Their personal accounts highlighted the challenges and achievements of the early years in Sigonella.

Floriana B., Deputy Legal Advisor and NATO International Civilian (NIC), one of the first members of the Force, recalled those days: "When I first joined the Force in 2016, we were probably less than 100 people - a small team with big dreams! We started with literally nothing. Everything you see today was nothing more than a vision."

Today, NISRF brings together men and women from across the Alliance: analyst, operators, maintainers, and flight crews working side by side. From Sicily, they provide timely intelligence to NATO commanders, enhancing situational awareness and supporting decision-making across the Alliance.

The anniversary ceremony was both a moment of reflection and of looking ahead. "Ten years in Sigonella are only the beginning," Brigadier General Creel emphasized. "NISRF will continue to adapt, innovate, and deliver for NATO - today and tomorrow."

Story by NISRF Public Affairs Office

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RNZAF NH90s complete longest flights over water

New Zealand Defence Force

For the first time Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopters have flown between two countries, crossing a large swathe of ocean.

12 September, 2025

Two No. 3 Squadron NH90 helicopters recently flew from Cairns, in Australia, to Papua New Guinea.

The aircrews flew 453 nautical miles across the Coral Sea Basin to PNG's capital, Port Moresby, the furthest the New Zealand NH90s have ever flown over water.

The trip took just under four hours.

The flight followed a successful deployment to Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia and the NH90s were than able to take part in PNG's independence celebrations.

"It was an honour to be invited to take part in the PNG 50th Anniversary celebrations," said Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott.

"The timing of the event after Ex Talisman Sabre provided a fantastic opportunity for our Rotary Wing team to take part both in the celebrations and in supporting the transport of critical equipment out into the provinces."

One of the pilots who flew the journey, Flight Lieutenant Hayley Vincent, said two 500kg external gas tanks were fitted, making for a "different silhouette".

An extra internal gas tank was also fitted, but that fuel was not required.

The unique flight was given an international Kiwi call-sign instead of the Warrior call-sign used for national flights.

Beforehand, a long-range flight from RNZAF Base Ohakea to Invercargill was carried out.

"It showed the expected departure fuel, the expected arrival fuel, and the minimum departure and arrival fuels, helping to calculate safe points for the aircraft to continue or turn around if necessary. Factors such as aircraft weight and extreme weather make a difference to safe decision points."

Those calculations were essential for the Australia-to-PNG flight, where storms often gather in the afternoons around Port Moresby.

Flight Lieutenant Vincent said she felt "nervous excitement" at the start of the flight, but said there were detailed preparations.

"When we got to Papua New Guinea, there were a lot of happy faces. People were very excited to be the first Kiwi NH90 aircrew to fly from one country to another."

"There was a celebration in the NH90 Helicopter when the crew saw PNG for the first time,'' she said.

"We saw land sooner than we thought we would, but the mountains there are massive.

"The success of the mission highlights the utility of the aircraft with long-range tanks which provided further deployment options for moving around the region when Navy ships or partner aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster are unavailable," Flight Lieutenant Vincent said.

The crews have since returned to Australia and will continue to be based out of RAAF Townsville. Plans for the return of the aircraft to New Zealand are being finalised.

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Trump says drone incursion into Poland "could have been a mistake"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:07, September 12, 2025

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the alleged Russian drone incursion into Poland's airspace "could have been a mistake," while expressing frustration with the incident.

"It could have been a mistake, but regardless, I'm not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation," Trump told reporters.

"I don't like it," he said. "Hopefully it's going to come to an end."

In his first response to the incident, Trump wrote on Truth Social platform on Wednesday: "What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones? Here we go!"

His remarks so far stand in contrast to the strong statements from European leaders, some of whom accused Russia of carrying out a deliberate drone incursion to test the readiness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Russia has rejected the accusation made by Poland, the EU, and NATO that it launched the drones. The Russian Defense Ministry said that none of its strike targets were in Poland, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the EU and NATO "accuse Russia of provocations on a daily basis" without evidence.

The Polish military shot down drones over Poland after its airspace was repeatedly violated overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, according to a statement from the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, seeking consultations with NATO allies over a threat to national security.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that NATO will continue to closely monitor the situation in the east, with its air defense systems kept on standby.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

12.09.2025

On Poland's initiative, on the sidelines of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, a group of 48 countries and the EU Delegation issued a joint statement on the largest violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The statement was delivered by Marcin Bosacki, Deputy Head of Polish Diplomacy.

The statement was presented by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Marcin Bosacki:

I would like to read out a statement on behalf of the governments of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, The United Kingdom, The United States of America, the delegation of the European Union and my government, Poland.

We are here to express our grave concern and draw the attention of the international community to yet another flagrant violation of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations committed by the Russian Federation.

Russian Federation, while attacking the territory of Ukraine on the night of September 9, conducted nineteen incursions of drone-type objects into Polish airspace. The drones which posed a real threat to the civilian population, the infrastructure, and aviation safety, were pre-emptively neutralized. For the first time since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine in 2022, Poland's territorial integrity - and, simultaneously, NATO and EU airspace - was violated on such an unprecedented and massive scale. This outrageous incident was preceded by various Russian violations of regional airspaces in the past.

Therefore, Poland, for the first time in its history, has decided to request the convening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, acting in the spirit of preventive diplomacy. The meeting was requested because Russia's reckless actions represent not only a breach of international law but also a destabilizing escalation that brings the entire region closer to conflict than at any time in recent years. Such a provocation is profoundly disrespectful toward the collective and tireless efforts of the international community to bring an end to the war and to restore peace and stability in accordance with international law. We thank the Republic of Korea, presiding over the Council, for convening the meeting.

We take this opportunity to reiterate our call on the Russian Federation to cease, without delay, its war of aggression against Ukraine, to desist from further provocations, and to abide by the obligations enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Escalation cannot and will not pave the way to peace. Only adherence to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes can create the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in Europe and beyond.
UN overwhelmingly endorses declaration on Palestinian state

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 6:34 PM

The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted to endorse a declaration outlining "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The 142-10 vote on Friday was to endorse the so-called New York declaration, a statement calling for a two-state solution, crafted by France and Saudi Arabia in July.

Joining Israel and the United States in opposing the resolution were Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Tonga. Twelve countries abstained.

Israel, US isolated

The seven-page declaration is the result of an international conference at the UN on the decades-long Israeli occupation. The United States and Israel boycotted the event.

The declaration, which excludes Hamas, also calls for "collective action to end the Israeli war in Gaza and effective implementation of the two-state solution."

The declaration, which was endorsed by the Arab League and co-signed in July by 17 UN member states, including several Arab countries

Long-time Western allies of Israel, including Belgium, France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, had earlier 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.

Around three-quarters of the 193 UN member states recognize the Palestinian state proclaimed in 1988 by the exiled Palestinian leadership.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, insisted on Thursday that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state.

Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, recently threatened that the Europeans' recognition of Palestinian statehood would push Tel Aviv into "unilateral decisions".

Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has announced plans to annex more than 80 percent of the occupied West Bank in a bid to block the establishment of a Palestinian state.

On August 14, Smotrich announced his intention to move forward with the highly contentious settlement project across the occupied West Bank that "buries the concept of a Palestinian state".

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. All mere words.

The State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations.

The recognition of a Palestinian state comes as international pressure was mounting on the regime over its genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Since the Israeli genocide began in October 2023, the death toll has surpassed 64,700, with more than 164,000 others wounded.

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Venezuela to deploy military to 100s of 'battlefront' locations amid US tensions

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 4:51 PM

President Nicolas Maduro has announced Venezuela's readiness to deploy military troops at the battlefronts for war amid escalated tensions with the United States.

"We're ready for an armed fight, if it's necessary," Maduro said from Ciudad Caribia, on the country's central coast, in an early morning broadcast on Thursday on state television.

Maduro, who was flanked by his defense minister, announced the deployment of military and militias to 284 "battlefront" locations.

"Along all the Venezuelan coasts, from the border with Colombia to the east of the country, from north to south and east to west, we have a full preparation of official troops," Maduro said.

"We are only defending Venezuela's right to peace; no one can come to disturb either independence or territorial integrity, or sovereignty, or the right to peace of our peoples. Because these people have those who defend it, it has the Bolivarian National Armed Forces to defend it, it has the Bolivarian National Militia to defend it."

The escalation of tensions with the US follows a deadly US strike last week on a vessel, which Trump claimed was smuggling drugs for the Tren de Aragua gang, resulting in 11 fatalities.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed the US claims, stating that none of the deceased were drug traffickers or gang members, and condemned the incident as "murder".

Caracas says Washington is scheming to topple Maduro's leftist government from power.

Washington does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president and has offered a $50 million reward for his arrest, accusing him of being a major drug trafficker with links to criminal groups.

Maduro has rejected the US claims against him and his government says Venezuela is not a drug producer.

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'Natural response to Israeli crimes': Hamas hails 'heroic' reprisal op near al-Quds

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 3:48 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has hailed as "heroic" a reprisal stabbing operation, which left two Israelis injured, near the occupied al-Quds.

Hamas described the operation as "a natural response to its [Israel's] crimes and brutal massacres in the Gaza Strip and the attacks by the fascist settlers in cities and villages of the West Bank and al-Quds, and to its desperate attempts to impose the annexation [of the West Bank] and displacement [of the Palestinians]."

On Friday, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian young man from Shuafat neighborhood over the stabbing attack, which was reportedly conducted at a hotel in illegal Tzova settlement.

The attack left a person seriously wounded and the other with moderate injury.

"The ongoing operations carried out by the rebellious youth of Palestine against the occupation's criminal soldiers come amid the continuous genocidal war in Gaza and the West Bank, and the enemy's extended crimes that have affected our brotherly Arab countries, the latest of which was the targeting of the negotiating delegation of the [Hamas] movement in the Qatari capital, Doha," Hamas said.

On Tuesday, Israel launched airstrikes on the headquarters of Hamas in Doha, in what was described as an "assassination operation" that claimed the lives of several members of the movement as well as a Qatari security officer. However, the group's top leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshal, and Zaher Jabarin, survived.

Hamas condemned, in a strongly-worded statement the Israel's attempted assassination targeting its negotiating delegation in Doha and said the onslaught was a "heinous crime" and a violation of international law.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance fighters waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 64,718 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Since Israel launched the genocidal war on Gaza, the regime has also intensified its attacks in various parts of the West Bank.

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Turkey condemns Israeli strike in Qatar as 'state terrorism', calls for decisive action

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 3:03 PM

Turkey's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yldz has sharply condemned Israel's airstrike targeting Hamas's political leadership in Doha, calling it "state terrorism" and a desperate attempt to destabilize the West Asia region.

Speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during an extraordinary session of the UN Security Council held on Thursday, Yldz denounced the attack as part of Israel's "systematic policies and ongoing efforts to undermine regional stability."

The extraordinary meeting was convened in response to the Israeli strike, which targeted senior Hamas officials in the Qatari capital.

The statement condemned "in the strongest terms this despicable and unwarranted attack against the State of Qatar and in flagrant violation of its territorial sovereignty and national security."

The OIC, which is currently chaired by Turkey, affirmed that the Muslim bloc will not tolerate "any violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity, or security" of its member states by Israel

"We stand united in support of the right and duty of the State of Qatar to respond decisively to any reckless breach or aggression that threatens its security and jeopardizes regional stability," he said.

Yldz stated that the Israeli attack represents an overt threat to both the security of the Middle East region and international peace.

"There is no doubt that this dastardly action constitutes a blatant violation of the norms of international law and certainly the Charter of the United Nations."

He further called on the 15-member council to "take firm measures in the face of this unjustified use of armed force against the sovereignty of Qatar."

"Accordingly, we call on the Security Council to hold Israel accountable for this act of aggression against Qatar," he added.

The Israeli airstrike on Tuesday targeted a meeting of top leaders from the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas as they were said to be gathered at the group's political offices in Doha to discuss a new US-sponsored ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

Hamas confirmed that its senior negotiators survived the attack, but five members of the group were killed.

Qatar has reacted with fury to the brazen attack on its soil, calling it "cowardly" and "barbaric."

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has already vowed to respond and said the country is consulting with its regional allies to present a united action.

Al-Thani also said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu "needs to be brought to justice."

Netanyahu on Wednesday once again threatened to try to kill Hamas leaders in Qatar again if Doha "does not expel" the group's officials.

Qatar has hit back at Netanyahu, denouncing his remarks as "Islamophobic" and "reckless" and describing them as "explicit threats of future violations of state sovereignty."

The Israeli aggression drew a deluge of criticism from world leaders, regional resistance groups, as well as many international and religious organizations.

In just three days, Israel has launched attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia, and Qatar, while continuing daily raids in the occupied West Bank.

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Iran FM calls on Muslim countries to confront Israel's 'law of the jungle' against region

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 2:30 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on Muslim countries to enhance cooperation and interaction across all sectors to counter the Israeli regime's "law of the jungle" against the regional countries.

Araghchi said the Islamic Republic invites all Muslim states to boost partnership and cooperation in all fields to serve their nations and confront the law of the jungle, which is being implemented by the Israeli regime with the backing of the United States and several Western governments.

In an interview with the Arabi 21 news website, he urged Muslim and West Asian countries to act immediately to stop war and massacre and to counter the regime's schemes in Palestine and the entire region.

The Iranian minister pointed to several fruitless Arab, Islamic, and international meetings held on Palestine so far. He said the Palestinian people do not merely need words but require food, medicine, the fulfillment of all their needs and an end to the injustices to which they are exposed.

'Reminiscent of Israel's attacks against Iranian scientists'

Araghchi said the recent Israeli acts of aggression targeting the political leadership of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Qatar were reminiscent of similar attacks and terrorist crimes committed by the regime against Iranian scientists and politicians.

The strikes were also similar to Israel's crimes against the leaders of the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance fronts over the past two years in Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and other regions, he said.

The Iranian foreign minister said such moves signal that the Israeli regime does not respect any red lines.

On June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

On September 9, Israel launched airstrikes on the headquarters of Hamas in Doha, in what was described as an "assassination operation" that claimed the lives of several members of the movement as well as a Qatari security officer.

The top Hamas leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshal, and Zaher Jabarin, survived the assassination attempt.

Qatar has been a key regional mediator in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, whose prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, threatened on September 10 to try to kill Hamas leaders in Qatar again if Doha "does not expel" the group's officials.

Araghchi warned against the dangers of Israel's acts of aggression against the Syrian and Lebanese territories and the regime's new colonial project to partition Syria and occupy more Syrian land, particularly in the southern areas and the occupied Golan Heights.

The top Iranian diplomat called on Arab, Muslim and Asian countries to take a collective action to thwart the plan for Syria's disintegration and the expansion of the Israeli regime's spheres of influence in pursuit of the "myth of Greater Israel."

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UAE summons Israeli ambassador over deadly airstrike on Doha

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 11:23 AM

The United Arab Emirates has summoned Israeli Ambassador Yossi Shelley to protest an airstrike on Doha that targeted senior Hamas leaders, intensifying diplomatic tensions between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported the news on Friday, signaling growing tensions between Israel and the Arab nation despite their close economic and defense ties.

Even before Tuesday's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, relations between Abu Dhabi and the incumbent far-right Israeli cabinet led by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been uneasy over the regime's plan to further annex Palestinian-owned lands of the occupied West Bank, which the UAE said would constitute a 'red line'.

On Thursday, the UAE condemned "hostile" statements made by Netanyahu against Qatar.

The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said Qatar's security and stability are an "integral part" of that of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, stressing that any assault on a PGCC member state constitutes an attack" on the collective Persian Gulf security framework.

The ministry voiced the UAE's "categorical rejection" of the Israeli prime minister's remarks, which it said included future threats against Qatar, warning that such rhetoric undermines regional stability and pushes the region toward "extremely dangerous trajectories."

Netanyahu's statements were made amid increasing global condemnation regarding Israel's attack on Hamas officials in Doha.

"You either expel them (Hamas) or you bring them to justice. Because if you don't, we will," Netanyahu addressed Qatar on Wednesday.

Hamas said five of its members had been killed in the attack, including the son of its Gaza chief and top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.

Hamas said the group's top leadership had survived the attack.

Qatar denounced the assault as a "cowardly act" and a clear infringement of international law, cautioning that it would not accept Israel's "reckless behavior."

The Persian Gulf kingdom, in conjunction with Egypt and the United States, has been actively involved in mediating an end to Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 64,700 Palestinians since October 2023.

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Saturday signed contracts worth more than 1 billion U.S. dollars with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group's private sector arm that supports investment in developing countries. The deals cover energy, infrastructure, and real estate projects and aim to strengthen Iraq's economy and attract more investment.

The signing ceremony, held in Baghdad to mark the 20th anniversary of IFC's work in Iraq, was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, according to a statement from his media office.

Al-Sudani praised Iraq's private sector for playing an active role in reconstruction and development despite challenges such as bureaucracy, corruption, and security concerns. He also highlighted government efforts to improve the business climate, noting that Arab and foreign investments have reached 100 billion dollars in licenses and active projects.

The new contracts include both partnerships and financing agreements with IFC. 
Envoy to UN: Iran backs Qatar's self-defense right after Israeli aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 9:48 AM

Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations says the Islamic Republic resolutely advocates for Qatar's right to self-defense against the recent Israeli aggression targeting the political leadership of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on its soil.

Amir Saeed Iravani made the remarks on Thursday in a statement prepared for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to discuss Israel's September 9 strikes on the Qatari capital of Doha, which assassinated several top Hamas officials as well as Qatari civilians.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran unequivocally and decisively condemns the terrorist aggression and armed attacks by the Zionist regime against the government of Qatar, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a number of Palestinian and Qatari civilians, and declares the solidarity and support of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the government of Qatar," Iravani said.

"Iran firmly supports the right of the government of Qatar to legitimate self-defense, based on international law and the UN Charter, in response to such reckless violations, and affirms its right to take all necessary political, diplomatic, and legal measures to protect its citizens, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

The Iranian diplomat underlined that the Israeli onslaught on Qatar and other regional countries is a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.

"The continuation of the Zionist regime's genocide in occupied Palestine, its repeated aggressive and terrorist actions against Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, its criminal attack against Iran, and now its military attack on Qatar, show that this regime is an immediate and real threat to regional and international peace and security," Iravani said.

"It is regrettable that the Security Council, by neglecting its duties, has practically normalized the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and its criminal aggression in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and now Qatar," he added.

Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations stressed that the UNSC's failure to act at such a critical juncture will amount to a profound dereliction of its responsibilities and a betrayal of the principles upon which the United Nations was founded.

"Inaction will only embolden the aggressor, undermine international law, and send a dangerous message of impunity around the world," he said.

Iravani also reiterated the Islamic Republic's emphasis on the urgent need for decisive action by regional countries and the international community to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its continuous and egregious violations of international norms.

Qatar has been a key regional mediator in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, whose prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, threatened on Wednesday to try to kill Hamas leaders in Qatar again if Doha "does not expel" the group's officials.

Hamas confirmed that its senior negotiators survived the attack, but five members of the group were killed, including Jihad Labad, director of the office of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, Hammam al-Hayya, son of Khalil al-Hayya, Abdullah Abdul Wahid, Moumen Hassouna, and Ahmed al-Mamlouk  all described as companions of the delegation.

Qatari security officer Badr Saad Muhammad Al-Humaidi was also among the martyrs of Israeli attacks on Monday.

The Israeli attack was condemned by world leaders and regional resistance groups, as well as many international and religious organizations.

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US slaps 'largest sanctions' on Yemen over Gaza solidarity strikes

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 8:24 AM

The United States has announced its largest-ever sanctions action on Yemen, as the West Asian country continues strikes on Israeli targets amid Israel's nearly two-year-long genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Thursday, the US Treasury Department designated 32 individuals and entities, as well as four vessels, claiming that they are facilitating Yemen's "fundraising, smuggling, and attack operations".

Those sanctioned include companies, their owners, and other operatives located in Yemen, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the Marshall Islands, it added.

US Treasury's Under Secretary of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley alleged that Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement continues to "threaten US personnel and assets in the Red Sea, attack our allies in the region, and undermine international maritime security".

As a result of the new sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated people in the United States are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

In addition, any entities that are owned 50 percent or more by those blacklisted are blocked.

The Yemeni Armed Forces began their campaign in support of Palestinians, attacking Israeli-linked ships as well as striking targets in the occupied territories in November 2023, a month after the occupying regime unleashed its genocide in Gaza.

They have vowed to remain by the Palestinian side and escalate their operations until Israel ends its brutal onslaught on Gaza and lifts its criminal blockade of the territory.

Meanwhile, Israel and the US have carried out rounds of deadly airstrikes across Yemen in flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Yemen's Health Ministry said on Thursday the number of casualties in Israel's Wednesday attacks rose to 46 people killed and 165 wounded.

Israel struck the Yemeni capital Sana'a and the northern province of al-Jawf, the latest in a series of attacks on the country.

The attack followed an August 30 strike on Sana'a that killed the prime minister of the government and several ministers, in the first such assault to target senior officials.

Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli military confirmed two launches from Yemen, a missile and a drone, operations Yemen claimed responsibility for later.

A Yemeni military spokesperson said the operation was also "within the framework of responding to the Israeli aggression against our country."

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Europe remains main buyer of Israeli weapons despite Gaza genocide

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 7:56 AM

European countries remain the largest buyers of weapons from Israel, helping to finance the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, a report says.

On Thursday, Bloomberg reported that European nations purchased $8 billion worth of Israeli weapons last year.

According to the report, the European countries' demand for Israeli arms is "likely to grow", as they are slated to more than double their military spending.

The NATO members have agreed to US President Donald Trump's call to increase annual defense spending from two to five percent of their countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually by 2035.

The European nations are likely to continue purchasing weapons from Israel's three largest weapons manufacturers, namely Elbit Systems Ltd., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., and Israel Aerospace Industries, the report cited two senior Israeli military officials as saying.

Data released in early June by Israel's ministry of military affairs showed the regime's defense exports reached a record $14.8 billion in 2024, with Europe driving much of the growth. According to the report, European buyers made up 54 percent of Israel's total arms sales in 2024, a significant rise from 35 percent the previous year.

The surge in Israeli arms sales comes amid growing public pressure across Europe to boycott Israel and demand stronger government action to end the regime's genocidal war on Palestinians.

Several European countries have publicly condemned the killing of Palestinian civilians and called for an end to the Israeli war on Gaza, announcing pro-Palestinian measures.

Germany has stopped exporting military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza, and Spain has banned Israel-bound weapons ships and aircraft from calling at its ports or entering its airspace.

France and the UK are also among several Western nations that plan to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly meeting later this month.

The Netherlands plans to ban imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance fighters waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 64,718 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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Israeli PM says there will be no Palestinian state, signs settlement expansion

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 7:22 AM

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed an agreement to push ahead with the controversial E1 plan settlement expansion plan that would split the occupied West Bank into two parts, and cut across land that the Palestinians seek for a future sovereign state.

Addressing a press conference in the illegal Ma'ale Adumim settlement east of al-Quds on Thursday, Netanyahu said he had taken the measure with the heads of several settlement councils near the city to expand them under the scheme.

"There will never be a Palestinian state. This place belongs to us. We will safeguard our heritage, our land and our security," Netanyahu asserted.

He added, "Israel's eastern front is not the Ma'ale Adumim settlement, but the Jordan Valley (in the West Bank)."

On August 20, Israel approved the E1 project, which envisions the construction of thousands of settler units in Ma'ale Adumim and surrounding areas, would bisect the occupied West Bank and sever connections between its northern and southern flanks and isolate East al-Quds.

At the time, the US ambassador to the Israeli-occupied territories, Mike Huckabee, claimed on Israeli Army Radio that the extensive development of settlements in the occupied West Bank does not constitute a breach of international law, and that Washington would not stand against it.

Although Huckabee's remarks pertained to the entirety of the occupied Palestinian territory, he also specifically mentioned the proposed settlement in the E1 region of occupied al-Quds.

Palestinians warn that the so-called E1 plan is part of Netanyahu's vision for a "Greater Israel," warning that it would entrench the occupation and eliminate the viability of a Palestinian state.

The term "Greater Israel" has been used since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War to describe the territories occupied by Israel, including East al-Quds, the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, and Syria's strategic Golan Heights.

Early Zionist thinkers, such as Ze'ev Jabotinskywidely regarded as the ideological forerunner of Netanyahu's Likud partyexpanded this vision to include present-day Jordan. The idea of "Greater Israel" is a core tenet of Likud's political legacy, rooted in Revisionist Zionism.

The separation of East al-Quds from certain areas of the West Bank, often compared to the apartheid system in South Africa, will compel Palestinians to undertake long detours when traveling between various cities and towns.

On August 14, far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich announced his intention to move forward with the highly contentious project that "buries the concept of a Palestinian state".

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers since October 2023.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. All mere words.

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Europe Faces Critical Challenges in Countering Russian Drone Threats

By Rikard Jozwiak September 12, 2025

Summary

Russia's drone incursion into Polish airspace exposed NATO's lack of cost-effective countermeasures for low-cost drone attacks.

NATO's response involved expensive systems like AWACS and F-35s, raising concerns about financial sustainability in future conflicts.

The European Commission has proposed initiatives like a "drone wall" and "Eastern Flank Watch" to enhance air defense from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

Ukraine's expertise in drone production is seen as key for Europe's plans to scale up drone defense systems.

Russia's drone incursion into Polish territory on September 10 failed to result in much physical damage on the ground, but it did uncover a major hole in Europe's defense forces: The allies don't have cost-effective counter-measures to deal with low-cost Russian attacks.

As many as 19 drones flew into Polish -- and thus NATO -- airspace. Four appeared to have been shot down.

An explanation from some European officials, who spoke to RFE/RL on background, is that priority was given to those drones that seemed to be headed toward critical infrastructure.

Given the limited damage to property and no casualties on the ground, such a strategy seemed justified. But many are asking why there was a need to rely on expensive AWACS and fighter jets such as F-35s and not a much cheaper anti-drone system, such as Sky CTRL, that Poland uses.

The answer could be, of course, that the air force automatically engages when an interloper flies above a certain altitude. In many countries that is usually anything above 3 kilometers.

NATO chief Mark Rutte said the alliance's response was "very successful" and "showed that we are able to defend every inch of NATO territory, including, of course, its airspace."

Still, the incident poses awkward questions, especially if the Kremlin continues to test NATO countries in a similar way in the future. It also exposes holes in how the alliance has prepared, or not prepared, for a new age of warfare where drones are used extensively.

NATO's response to the drone incursion appears financially unsustainable and militarily inefficient.

As one European official, speaking under condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL: "Air-to-air missiles are extremely costly to use against cheap Russian drones, and if 800 are being sent at once, which happens in Ukraine, Europe will burn through its entire arsenal in just weeks."

It was quite telling that NATO's North Atlantic Council -- which met the day after the incursion -- requested a review of the military alliance's eastern flank deterrence for potential gaps.

NATO's commander is likely find some glaring ones. Only this year there have been incidents with alleged Russian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania. In August, one drone slipped through undetected before exploding on Polish soil, according to the country's military.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's annual state of the European Union speech this week made it clear the bloc needs to up its drone defense when she committed to a 6 billion loan to enter a "drone alliance" with Ukraine.

But more intriguingly she also floated an "Eastern Flank Watch" that she said will provide "real-time space surveillance" to track all aerial movement from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

She also committed to building "a drone wall" -- something her own commission initially rejected to fund when Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania asked for European cash earlier this year for just such a venture.

There are few details about all this just yet: no concrete budget figures, precise geographical scope, or timeline other than that the European Commission is expected to present a roadmap with new common defense projects in October.

But the fact remains that the drone wall, the flank watch, and actual drone production are part of the same picture -- and it's one being drawn up with or without EU funding.

From Baltic To Black Sea Air Defense

First of all, there are two ongoing and similar projects: the Baltic trio's "Baltic Defense Line" and Poland's "East Shield."

Both projects, announced last year, will take up to a decade to complete and are designed to "fortify" borders with Belarus and Russia, including the Kaliningrad exclave. Billions of euros have already been earmarked.

Plenty of investment will go into classical, physical obstacles such as hundreds of bunkers, fences, ditches, and moats. But there is also the technological aspect to these defense lines.

The idea is that imagery and signal intelligence and acoustic monitoring will be used for surveillance. Base stations spread out along the defense line, as well as masts, will process the data and connect with weapon systems -- crucially drones designed to take down enemy drones.

This is the drone wall, at least in theory. What first started as an Estonian defense industry idea last year to cover the Baltic trio, dubbed the Baltic Drone Wall, has morphed into a NATO idea -- the Drone Wall -- as German firms are keen to invest and Norway, Finland, and Poland are keen to get onboard as well.

If the EU as an institution comes onboard with funding, it is quite possible this wall will stretch even further south even though Ukraine, arguably the leader in drone technology, essentially is covering countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania with its drone arsenal.

The key now is what this wall will look like and when it can be installed.

The most complex models have up to five levels that include acoustic sensors, mobile cameras, radars, jammers, and drone interceptors.

With all these aspects included, it is estimated it may take two to three years to set up as tens of thousands of sensors need to be planted along the borders. Depending on the geographical scope, the main challenge will largely come from sharing and integrating all the information from all systems.

Ideally, NATO should be in charge. But the bigger issue is how and whether it will work in practice.

While most technologies are more or less ready and items such as sensors easily can be scaled up, the issue right now is drones. And it is here Ukraine and the potential "drone alliance" come into the picture.

The country currently produces some 4 million drones a year and hopes to double that capacity. Most of these drones will obviously be needed in the country as it fights off Russian attacks.

What the Europeans instead want from Kyiv is know-how.

A European official with knowledge of the matter told RFE/RL that the idea rather is to use the models and engineering ideas being tested on the Ukrainian battlefield and then scale it up inside the block, potentially with the help of European automotive giants that could free up capacity.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/europe-faces-critical- challenges-countering-russian-drone-threats/33528765.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Saudi Arabia Expresses Condemnation, Denunciation of Aggressive Statements by Israeli Occupation Prime Minister against Qatar

Saudi Press Agency

Friday 20/03/1447

Riyadh, September 12, 2025, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and strong denunciation of the aggressive statements made by the Israeli occupation prime minister against the State of Qatar.

The ministry reaffirms the Kingdom's solidarity with the State of Qatar in the measures it takes. It also stresses that these aggressive statements and practices by the Israeli occupation authorities, and their serious violations of international laws and conventions, necessitate the international community to continue taking effective measures to halt destructive Israeli policies in the region.

-- SPA

20:28 Local Time 17:28 GMT

0041

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Netanyahu Approves Construction Project That Will Split Occupied West Bank in Half

Sputnik News

20250912

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the construction of thousands of housing units in the Mevaseret Adumim area (E1), which will link the illegal settlement of Maale Adumim with East Jerusalem, thereby splitting the occupied West Bank in half.

"Today is a very important day. The city of Maale Adumim will double: 70,000 people will live here within five years. This is a huge change. There is another promise that we will keep. We said: There will be no Palestinian state  and there really won't be one! This place is ours. We will take care of our heritage, our land, and our security," Netanyahu said at the signing ceremony for the roof agreement in Maale Adumim on Thursday.

On August 8, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the ultra-right Religious Zionism party, said that Israeli authorities were making efforts to "erase the Palestinian state." On August 14, he approved the construction of Jewish settlements in the E1 area near East Jerusalem in a bid to separate the city from the West Bank. Israel's Civil Administration's committee for Judea and Samaria, which is how Israel refers to the West Bank, approved the construction of 3,400 homes in the Mevaseret Adumim area.

In December 2016, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2334, demanding that Israel halt illegal settlement activities in the West Bank. Israel refused to comply with the provisions.

 Sputnik

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On Scarborough Reef

US Department of State

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

September 12, 2025

The United States stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China's destabilizing plans to establish a "national nature reserve" at Scarborough Reef. Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors, including by preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing these traditional fishing grounds. China's actions at Scarborough Reef continue to undermine regional stability.

The United States calls upon China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal's unanimous decision that China had unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from engaging in traditional fishing at Scarborough Reef, which is final and legally binding on both Parties.

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Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Islamist Actors to Counter Regional Instability and Support for Iran

U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 12, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on two Sudanese Islamist actors--Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel (Gebreil)and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB)--for their involvement in Sudan's brutal civil war and their connections to Iran. These sanctions aim to limit Islamist influence within Sudan and curtail Iran's regional activities, which have contributed to regional destabilization, conflict, and civilian suffering. The United States remains committed to working with regional partners to achieve peace and stability in Sudan, ensuring that the country does not become a safe haven for those who threaten Americans and the national interests of the United States.

"Sudanese Islamist groups have formed dangerous alliances with the Iranian regime. We will not stand by idly and allow them to threaten regional and global security," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. "The Treasury Department is using our powerful sanctions tools to disrupt this activity and protect U.S. national security."

Sudanese Islamist elements have long been a destructive force in Sudan, most notably during the Islamist regime of former President Omar al-Bashir (Bashir), who governed Sudan for 30 years until 2019. More recently, Sudanese Islamists have played a key role in derailing Sudan's progress toward a democratic transition, including by undermining the former civilian-led transitional government and the Framework Political Agreement process.

This contributed to the outbreak of fighting between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Since then, an estimated 150,000 people have been killed, and more than 14 million have been displaced, giving rise to the world's worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. Sudanese Islamists continue to actively obstruct efforts to reach a ceasefire to end the current war and are cultivating ties with and receiving technical support from the Iranian Government, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Gebreil is Sudan's Finance Minister and chairman of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), a Darfuri armed group with historical links to Hassan al Turabi, the architect of Sudan's Islamist revolution. JEM has contributed thousands of its followers to fight the RSF, leading to the destruction of Sudanese towns and the deaths and displacement of thousands of Sudanese civilians. Additionally, Gebreil has collaborated with the Iranian Government with the intent of strengthening political and economic ties and traveled to Tehran last November.

BBMB is a Sudan-based, Islamist militia that traces its origins to Sudan's Popular Defense Forces, an Islamist paramilitary organization associated with the former Bashir regime. BBMB has contributed upwards of 20,000 fighters in the conflict against the RSF, using training and weapons provided by the IRGC. BBMB fighters have been implicated in arbitrary arrests, torture, and summary executions of those perceived to be aligned with the RSF. BBMB, along with other armed Islamist militias in Sudan, represents a significant impediment to ending the civil war in Sudan and undermines efforts to resolve the conflict.

Gebreil is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition," for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of JEM, an entity that has, or whose members have, been responsible for, or complicit in, or have directly or indirectly engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors. BBMB is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14098 for being a foreign person who is responsible for, or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.

Click here for more information on the persons designated today.

###

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The UK stands ready to support further strengthening and expanding of the Sudan sanctions regime: UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council

Speech

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN Security Council vote to renew the 1591 sanctions regime on Sudan.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 12 September 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 12 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom welcomes the renewal of the Sudan sanctions regime, including the alignment of the Panel of Experts' mandate.

We are grateful to the United States as penholder for facilitating negotiations and to Council members for their engagement.

I will make three points.

First, we welcome the new language in the mandate expressing concern at reports of conflict-related sexual violence.

In their most recent report, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan documented widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, often targeting individuals based on their gender and ethnic identity.

We urge the Committee to sanction perpetrators.

Second, the UK stands ready to support further strengthening and expanding of this sanctions regime.

The conflict continues to intensify, with devastating impact on civilians. This sanctions regime needs to be effective.

This should include tackling the growing use of mercenaries and drones and addressing the expansion of fighting and arms flow into the Kordofan states.

Third, President, we urge all Council members to support the work of the Panel of Experts.

It is regrettable that for many months the Sudan panel's work has been held up by some Council members.

We hope this can now change.

The panel plays a critical role in ensuring that sanctions are effective.

This sanctions regime remains an important tool in the search for peace and security in Sudan and the region.

It can help in the protection of civilians, including by constraining the flow of arms.

We remain committed to working with Council members and regional partners in support of a peaceful future for Sudan.

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called on all parties concerned to stay calm and avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment following the Poland drone incident.

China has taken note of the recent statements and responses from Poland, Russia and Belarus in relation to the drone incident. China calls on all parties to exercise calm and restraint, properly settle disputes through dialogue and consultation, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, and prevent any possible expansion or escalation of the situation, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"In the current context, any misunderstanding or misjudgment will deepen the trust deficit. Any confrontational rhetoric may spark an escalation. Any military clash could trigger broader instability," Geng warned in his remarks to the Security Council.

China always maintains that all countries should conduct international relations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, he said.

This drone incident is the result of a spillover of the Ukraine crisis, Geng said, noting what the international community needs most at present is goodwill rather than hostility, mutual accommodation rather than military confrontation, and de-escalation rather than further escalation.

China calls on all parties to adhere to the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of the fighting, and no provocation by any party, and act without delay to promote de-escalation, he said.

"We urge the parties concerned to demonstrate political will, sustain the momentum of peace talks, continue building consensus and strive to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. We also call on the international community and regional countries to foster a positive atmosphere, create favorable conditions and provide necessary assistance to this end," he said.

China's position on the Ukraine issue has been objective, impartial and consistent. China is committed to promoting peace talks and seeking a political solution. China stands ready to continue working with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting an early political settlement of the crisis, he said.

The Polish military shot down drones over Poland after its airspace was repeatedly violated overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Russia has rejected the accusation made by Poland, the EU and NATO that it launched the drones. 
UNHCR: Thousands of Afghans return under adverse circumstances from Pakistan to earthquake-affected areas; funds to respond running dry

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

This is a summary of what was said by Mr. Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative to Afghanistan - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

12 September 2025

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is warning of a crisis within a crisis emerging in Afghanistan. Returns under adverse circumstances from Pakistan are rising sharply at the very same time that communities are struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake in many of the same areas where returnees are arriving.

Since the start of the year, some 2.6 million Afghans have returned from neighbouring countries - many not by choice. They are arriving in a country wracked by poverty and drought, where humanitarian needs are already high. Some have not set foot in Afghanistan for decades; others were born in exile and are arriving for the first time.

As Pakistan resumes implementation of its "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," more than 554,000 Afghans have returned since April - including 143,000 in August alone. In recent weeks, the pace has surged further: in the first week of September alone, nearly 100,000 people crossed back from Pakistan, stretching capacities to the limit.

Together with partners, UNHCR is providing returnees with immediate assistance - cash support, protection and other essential services - both at border points and in their areas of return, to help families begin rebuilding their lives.

However, in recent days, UNHCR has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at its cash and support centres across Afghanistan, as the de facto authorities have been preventing national female UN staff members from entering UN compounds.

This is a problem affecting the entire UN, including UNHCR, and any agency head would tell a similar story. It is not possible to serve women without female staff. We reiterate our call for the immediate lifting of these restrictions and for an urgent solution to be found.

Meanwhile, in the earthquake-affected areas, UNHCR has met families who had only just returned from Pakistan before losing their homes once again. We are distributing thousands of tents and other relief items, including in some of the most remote locations, while also scaling up protection assessments and programmes already in place in these provinces for returnees.

In light of these compounding crises, UNHCR continues to urge Pakistan to uphold its long-standing humanitarian approach to Afghan refugees. This means extending legal stay for those still in need of international protection, such as groups who face heightened risks upon their return.

UNHCR stands ready to support the Government of Pakistan in developing practical mechanisms to identify individuals with ongoing protection needs, and to expand regulated migration pathways for Afghans.

We also urge countries across the region to ensure that any returns are voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable - and that no one in need of protection is forced back to a place where their rights and freedoms are at risk, or to a country already stretched to the limit in absorbing new arrivals.

UNHCR remains grateful to governments, companies and individuals who have already stepped up to support UNHCR's work in Afghanistan and across the region. But our resources are running out quickly.

Without additional funding, we will not be able to sustain life-saving assistance for Afghan families facing these overlapping crises. We have updated our regional appeal for returns in light of recent events and are calling for $258.6 million. Thank you.

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Statement attributable to UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, on the deadly risks for over 450,000 children in Gaza City as military attacks increase

UNICEF

12 September 2025

AMMAN, 12 September 2025 -- "The escalating military offensive in Gaza City is having devastating consequences for over 450,000 children, already traumatized and exhausted by nearly two years of unrelenting war. They are teetering on the edge of survival as both famine and deadly violence spread.



"UNICEF is warning of an impending catastrophe as the military operation expands. With limited or nonexistent shelter and services, the ongoing escalation is already resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties and driving the near total collapse of the remaining lifelines children need to survive.



"Children like three-year-old Wesam, the only survivor of a midnight strike on her shelter in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, are especially vulnerable. Her brother, pregnant mother, father and both grandparents were killed. She lies severely injured in a hospital in Gaza City, where her leg was nearly amputated.



"The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas like in Gaza City leads to devastating, compounding harms - killing and maiming of civilians, including children, destruction of homes, schools and vital water systems - running the risk of effectively rendering the city uninhabitable.



"Famine has been confirmed in Gaza City, where a staggering figure of over 10,000 children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the past two months alone. If disconnected from their treatment, there is a high risk some of the 2,400 children currently being treated for severe acute malnutrition in the area could starve to death. The urgency to act and save lives has never been greater.



"We are also gravely concerned about the risks for preterm babies in incubators, injured children in intensive care units, and children with disabilities, who need to be safely evacuated amid the continuing violence. Doctors are desperate about their limited options to protect their patients. There is nowhere safe to go.



"International law is clear: children must always be protected, along with the remaining services they depend on. UNICEF reiterates its call on Israel to meet its legal obligations and urge world leaders to act now to prevent an even worse disaster from unfolding.



"Underscoring the special vulnerabilities of children, UNICEF is also calling for:

An immediate and sustained ceasefire, to stop the killing and maiming and an end the grave violations against all children, and for Hamas and other armed groups to immediately release all hostages and ensure their well-being.

Sustained safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, for the mass influx of assistance via all available crossings, and to deliver food, nutrition supplies, critical water, fuel and medical assistance to families in need across the Gaza Strip.

The protection of civilians, including children, and the infrastructure that supports their basic needs, such as hospitals and shelters, from attack.

Continued protection of children and their families if they are unable or unwilling to move following an evacuation order, people should be allowed to move freely to safer areas, but they should never be forced to do so.

Safe and consistent access for humanitarian organizations and personnel to reach children and their families with life-saving aid, wherever they are in the Gaza Strip.

"Any further intensification of the military offensive in Gaza City would multiply children's suffering exponentially, ripping away the last vestiges of protection. Over 50,000 children have reportedly been either killed or maimed in less than two years. How many more are needed before the world acts? We cannot continue to fail them."

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UN warns of escalation risk after large-scale Russian drone incursion into Poland

12 September 2025 - Reports that Russian drones crossed deep into Polish territory and were shot down by NATO allies highlight the growing regional risks of the war in Ukraine, UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday.

She said it was not the first time drones had been spotted beyond Ukraine's borders "but it is the first time that multiple drones have flown so deep into a neighbouring country's airspace."

Ms. DiCarlo said the UN had no way of verifying any claims or counter-claims surrounding the incident and could only rely on publicly available information.

According to Poland, 19 Russian drones entered its airspace overnight on 9 and 10 September during a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine. Polish authorities said some drones were pre-emptively shot down, and debris was later recovered across central and eastern parts of the country.

The episode marked the first time NATO allies used force to neutralize such drones.

Polish authorities reported temporary airport closures in Warsaw and Rzeszow and restrictions on air traffic in the east of the country. While no casualties were reported, residential areas in some villages sustained damage.

Russia's Defence Ministry acknowledged carrying out strikes against Ukrainian targets during the same period but said it had no intention of engaging any targets in Poland. Belarus reportedly stated that some drones were deflected by Ukrainian countermeasures and veered off course, adding that it had alerted neighbouring countries as drones approached their airspace.

Poland invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO treaty) following the incident, prompting emergency consultations among the 32 member states of the European security pact.

Civilian toll mounts in Ukraine

The briefing came against a backdrop of continued Russian strikes across Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 400 drones and 40 cruise and ballistic missiles were launched on 15 regions between 9 and 10 September, causing civilian deaths, including at least one in the capital Kyiv.

Impact in Russia and occupied regions

Ms. DiCarlo also highlighted the war's toll in Russia and in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

She reminded the Council that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur, are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop.

"This week's events underline the dangerous impact of this war on the security of the region and the risk of escalation," she said.

"We, therefore, once again urgently call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The end state must be a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions."



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Gaza: International community must 'match words with action' now

12 September 2025 - In the Gaza Strip, hope may be all that is left but it is not enough to keep people alive, a veteran humanitarian said on Friday, calling for more action to end the conflict and stop the bloodshed.

Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson in Gaza for the UN aid coordination office OCHA, warned that history will not judge the international community "based on the speeches that we made" but rather on actions.

Speaking from Deir Al-Balah, she delivered a blunt message: "When Gaza burned, and children starved, and hospitals collapsed - did you act?"

Gaza City 'death sentence'

She said this past Tuesday, Gaza City "was handed a death sentence", with hundreds of thousands of battered civilians ordered to flee to an already overcrowded area where "even small animals have to search for spaces to squeeze between to move around."

Across the Strip, the situation is dire. A friend texted her on Thursday saying that they tried to find space in the south, but there was none.

"His 8-year-old cousin was killed instantly in an Israeli strike together with several other children last week while waiting for some bread to be baked," she told journalists at UN Headquarters.

The friend's daughter, who recently turned two, has known nothing but war, she added.

Death, despair and destruction

"The unmistakable smell of death is everywhere - a grisly reminder that the ruins lining the streets hide the remains of mothers, fathers, children," Ms. Cherevko continued.

"Humans who used to laugh, cry, dream. Their lives cut short by the war's killing machines, many to never be found again."

As humanitarians drove back into Gaza on Thursday, distraught people crowded around their convoy "pleading for this horror to stop," she said.

"Dignity and hope have been stripped away, with every killing of a loved one, with every strike on a civilian lifeline, with every denial of access."

She said that "the race against time, against death, against the spread of famine, feels as if we as humanitarians are running through quicksand. Even more so as humanitarian convoys are too often denied, delayed or obstructed by the Israeli authorities."

Humanity shines through

She noted that even amid hardship "humanity shines", pointing to "the Palestinian doctors, nurses and paramedics working around the clock, often without pay, medicine or electricity."

This also includes aid workers from UN agencies, the Red Crescent and other organizations "delivering food, medicine and clean water under fire", as well as ordinary people who share the little they have with strangers.

"In every act of care - a refusal to let cruelty define the future. Proof that even in the darkest times, the human spirit endures," she said.

Hope and action

Ms. Cherevko shared that she is often asked if she has any hope left.

"Hope may be all we have left, so we must nurture it," she said. "But hope alone won't keep people alive. Urgent decisions are needed that must pave the way to a lasting peace before it's too late."

She stressed that "the people of Gaza are not asking for charity. They are asking for their right to live in safety, in dignity, in peace," adding that "our humanity - yours, mine, all of ours - demands that we act now."

She concluded her remarks by insisting that "today, and every day, is a new chance for the international community to match words with action. Don't miss it as it might be the last."





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General Assembly endorses New York Declaration on two-State solution between Israel and Palestine

12 September 2025 - Applause rang out in the UN General Assembly Hall on Friday as countries endorsed a declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution with Israel.

The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month.

The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document.

Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries - Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States - while 12 nations abstained.

'Roadmap' for the future

Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration "lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution".

This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign.

The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalization between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said that "this one-sided Declaration will not be remembered as a step toward peace, only as another hollow gesture that weakens this Assembly's credibility."

He said that "Hamas is the biggest winner of any endorsement here today" and will declare it "the fruit of 7 October".

The high-level international conference in July was held against the backdrop of the war in Gaza and deteriorating prospects for the two-State solution.

In remarks to the opening segment, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that "the central question for Middle East peace is implementation of the two-State solution, where two independent, sovereign, democratic States - Israel and Palestine - live side-by-side in peace and security."





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'Peace is the most powerful force for a better future': Guterres

12 September 2025 - The UN Secretary-General appealed on Friday for greater efforts towards peace in a "fractured world" where conflicts are increasing.

Antonio Guterres issued the call during the annual ceremony on the grounds of UN Headquarters in New York to ring the Peace Bell.

Pursuing the cause of peace is "the beating heart" of the Organization, "but today, peace is under siege," he said.

"Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled - leaving scenes that disgrace our common humanity."

Peace requires action

The ceremony comes ahead of the International Day of Peace on 21 September, and the theme this year is "Act Now for a Peaceful World".

"We know that peace doesn't happen by accident," the Secretary-General said. "It is forged - through courage, compromise, and above all, action."

He called for action "to silence the guns", amplify diplomacy, protect civilians and uphold the UN Charter.

"We must act - to tackle the root causes of conflict - from inequality and exclusion, to hate speech, and climate chaos. We must act - to invest in prevention, dialogue and trust," he continued.

"And we must act to support the peacebuilders - especially women and young people - who are on the frontlines of hope."

Don't give up: General Assembly President

The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, also addressed the gathering.

Amid numerous conflicts worldwide, she questioned whether there would be less war without the United Nations, responding firmly that "definitely not."

"This is not the moment to give up," she said. "It's a moment to try even harder."

'Let peace ring'

The Secretary-General said that "peace is the most powerful force for a better future," insisting that "it is within our grasp - if we choose it."

This is the message of the Peace Bell, he added, cast in 1952 from coins and medals donated by people from all the over the world, "united in their yearning for peace".

"This Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something enduring," he said.

"Even in a fractured world, we can come together to let peace ring. Let's answer that call."

About the Peace Bell

The Japanese Peace Bell was presented as a gift to the United Nations from the UN Association of Japan on 8 June 1954.

On its side are eight Japanese characters that say, "Long live absolute world peace."

It is housed in a wooden structure resembling a traditional Shinto shrine.

The bell is rung twice a year on the first day of Spring, at the vernal equinox, and to commemorate the International Day of Peace.





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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: homes and shelters struck, people displaced amid hostilities in Gaza city

OCHA reports that heavy strikes continue across Gaza city, hitting buildings, houses and tents, and further adding to the already devastating toll on civilians.

Over a span of 24 hours - by yesterday at 2 p.m. local time - partners monitoring population movements counted almost 11,000 people moving from northern Gaza southwards.

Along those displacement routes, teams are stationed at three points, providing direct support or referral services to children who have been injured, orphaned or separated from their caregivers.

While multiple sites providing services have had to suspend operations or relocate, the UN is helping humanitarian partners keep community kitchens open, distribute clean water, and provide healthcare to people in Gaza city and elsewhere across the Strip.

Yesterday, a UN team successfully delivered fuel to a series of critical service providers in Gaza city. This included hospitals and other health facilities, as well as installations supporting water pumping, trucking and desalination, and the management of solid waste.

OCHA says that the humanitarian community remains committed to serving people in need wherever they are, based on what they need, and regardless of whether parties have labelled the area they are sheltering in as "dangerous," "humanitarian," or otherwise.

Meanwhile, the starvation crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that seven more people - including a child - died due to malnutrition and starvation over a span of 24 hours. Overall, the Ministry said that 411 people across Gaza have died due to malnutrition and starvation, including 133 just since the confirmation of famine in Gaza governorate last month.

In a statement today, UNICEF reported that over 10,000 children in Gaza city have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the past two months alone. The agency warned that if disconnected from their treatment, there is a high risk some of the 2,400 children currently being treated for severe acute malnutrition in the area could starve to death.

Yesterday, out of 21 missions that humanitarian teams inside Gaza coordinated with Israeli authorities, only 10 were facilitated - including the movement of staff and supplies between the north and the south and within those areas. Two staff movements within the north were denied. Another six humanitarian movements were impeded on the ground - including the collection of fuel, medical and other supplies - but some of those were accomplished, at least partially, despite the impediments that they faced. Another three missions had to be canceled by the organizers.

OCHA reiterates how critical it is to have unimpeded humanitarian access at a meaningful scale throughout Gaza.

West Bank: scores of Palestinians detained during Israeli operation in Tulkarm

OCHA reports that the situation in the West Bank remains tense, with ongoing operations by Israeli forces, as well as the destruction of Palestinian properties and violence.

In the north, Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in Tulkarm yesterday, imposing a curfew and detaining scores of Palestinians, reportedly without individual screening. Many were forced to walk a long distance to a military base. Raids, business closures and live fire were also reported, while today, checkpoints continue to restrict people's movements. This is reportedly linked to the injury of two Israeli soldiers by an explosive device yesterday.

Meanwhile, OCHA reports that the destruction of Palestinian property by Israeli authorities continues, resulting in further displacement. The reason cited for these demolitions is often the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain. OCHA's tracking indicates that since the start of 2025, more than 1,300 Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished across the West Bank.

Ukraine

Aid convoy reaches front-line community in Kherson region

The UN and its humanitarian partners delivered aid to a front-line community in Ukraine's Kherson region today for the first time in seven months. The convoy brought 15 tons of assistance to more than 1,000 residents, including nearly 50 children.

Supplies included emergency shelter materials, hygiene kits and power stations, as the community remains without electricity due to repeated attacks. OCHA says that since January of this year, 22 convoys have brought assistance to some 22,000 people in front-line areas of the region*.

Meanwhile, hostilities continue across front-line regions. Authorities report that between yesterday and early this morning, at least seven people were killed and over 30 injured, including health workers.

Hostilities have intensified in the northeast. Drone and missile attacks in the Sumy region reportedly killed and injured several civilians, while in the Kharkiv region, 10 more civilians were injured, including two health workers. Civilian infrastructure was also damaged.

In Donetsk, authorities report multiple civilian casualties and damage to 75 civilian facilities, including a maternity hospital. Additional casualties were also recorded in the Kherson and Dnipro regions.

Meanwhile, the evacuation of civilians from front-line areas continues. In the first 10 days of this month, more than 3,000 people, including 650 children, were evacuated from the Donetsk region, with many receiving support at transit sites in the Kharkiv and Dnipro regions.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support.

Posted on 12 September 2025

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Security Council Press Statement on Houthi Detention of United Nations Workers

Press Release

Security Council

SC/16166

12 September 2025

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Sangjin Kim (Republic of Korea):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the detentions since 31 August of at least 21 United Nations personnel by the Houthis, as well as the forced entry into premises of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the seizure of UN property, in violation of international law. They stressed that the safety and security of UN personnel and property as well as the inviolability of UN premises must be guaranteed at all times.

Council members condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing detentions by the Houthis of personnel from the United Nations, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. They expressed deep concern for the welfare of those personnel detained since 2021, 2023 and 2024, as well as those detained since 31 August 2025.

Council members demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis and reiterated that all threats to those delivering humanitarian aid and assistance are unacceptable.

Council members expressed their grave concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen and stressed that unimpeded humanitarian access is essential. Council members noted alarmingly high levels of food insecurity amongst the Yemeni population and expressed their concern that detentions of aid workers risk exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Council members reiterated their demand that the Houthis ensure respect of international humanitarian law with regard to the safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure assistance can reach civilians in need.

Council members emphasized that the safety of United Nations personnel remains of upmost importance and called on the Houthis to enable a safe and secure operating environment and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance in areas under their control. To this end, they reiterated their support to the United Nations in maintaining measures to optimize staff safety and security in light of the current security context.

Council members welcomed the continued work of the United Nations through all possible channels to secure the safe and immediate release of those detained. They reaffirmed their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the people of Yemen. They reiterated their support for United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg in his efforts towards a negotiated, inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement based on the agreed references and consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.

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Security Council Renews Sudan Sanctions Regime, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2791 (2025)

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9993rd Meeting (AM)

SC/16165

12 September 2025

The Security Council today extended for another year the 1591 Sudan sanctions regime, including targeted sanctions and an arms embargo, amid divisions over whether to reference Sudan's worsening situation or limit the draft to a purely technical roll-over.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2791 (2025)(to be issued as document S/RES/2791(2025)), the Council  acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations  decided to extend, for the purpose of aligning the timelines for the renewal of the measures and the mandate of the Panel of Experts, the mandate of the Panel of Experts in resolution 2772 (2025) until 12 October 2026.

It also requested the Panel to provide the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning Sudan with an interim report on its activities by 12 March 2026 and provide to the Council a final report by 13 July 2026 with its findings and recommendations.

Further, the Council requested the Panel to provide updates regarding its activities to that Committee every three months, also expressing its intention to review the Panel's mandate and take appropriate action regarding its further extension by 12 September 2026. It also encouraged all parties, Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations to ensure continued cooperation with the Panel, as well as the safety of its members.

In the ensuing discussion, divisions emerged over adding references to Sudan's worsening situation: while some delegations sought stronger language on conflict-related sexual violence, mercenaries and humanitarian impacts, others opposed additions, insisting on a purely technical roll-over.

International Community Remains Focused on Stemming Flow of Arms

This adoption sends a clear message, stressed the representative of the United States: "The international community remains focused on stemming the flow of arms and promoting accountability for those who perpetuate violence and instability in Darfur." He welcomed the alignment of the Panel of Experts and sanctions renewal timelines, which ensures a more cohesive approach to addressing the crisis in Sudan. The situation in Darfur remains dire, with widespread violence, severe humanitarian challenges and mass displacement, he cautioned.

In the same vein, Denmark's delegate welcomed the extension of the sanctions regime in Sudan and its alignment with the mandate of the Panel of Experts. "For far too long, the people of Sudan have suffered while perpetrators have enjoyed impunity," she said. Attacks have destroyed critical infrastructure and created a humanitarian catastrophe, she observed, condemning attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel, which have become "far too common". "This Council must act decisively for peace in Sudan," she stated.

Picking up that thread, the United Kingdom's representative welcomed the new language in the mandate, expressing concern at reports of conflict-related sexual violence and urged the Committee to sanction perpetrators. "This sanctions regime needs to be effective," he stressed, and "should include tackling the growing use of mercenaries and drones and addressing the expansion of fighting and arms flow into the Kordofan states". He urged all Council members to support the work of the Panel of Experts. Voicing regret that "for many months the Sudan Panel's work has been held up by some Council members", he expressed hope that "this can now change", given the Panel's critical role in ensuring that sanctions are effective.

Welcoming Alignment of Sanctions Regime, Panel of Experts Mandates

Panama's representative thanked the United Kingdom for its initiative to include in the text special considerations on conflict-related sexual violence, noting its importance in Sudan. He welcomed the alignment of mandates through the resolution, emphasizing: "This coherence among the Council's instruments is essential to ensure more effective and coordinated action." Regarding the measures provided for in the resolution, he stated: "Sanctions must remain a selective temporary tool, subject to continuous review, in light of developments on the ground and not a goal in themselves."

Slovenia's delegate noted that the Panel of Experts has provided a body of evidence of violations of the arms embargo and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. It is crucial for the Panel to be made fully operational as swiftly as possible, he said, noting that the crisis in Sudan is not confined to Darfur. The Council's deliberations, including on sanctions, must reflect this wider context. Addressing "the brutalities exposed in recent reports", he cited atrocities across Sudan, especially in Darfur, including mass killings, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence and the deliberate denial of food, water and medical care, which "can only be summarized as terror". He called for the spiral of atrocities to end "and those who fuel, commit or profit from it" to be held to account.

However, others resisted broader references to Sudan's worsening humanitarian situation, preferring a narrow technical roll-over.

Conflict in Sudan Fuelled Primarily by Foreign Interference

Sierra Leone's representative, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia, said their delegations voted in favour of the resolution as "the text covers their main concerns", particularly the alignment of the timelines for the renewal of the 1591 sanction measures and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. He noted that, despite sanctions, the conflict in Sudan continues to be fuelled primarily by military support and foreign interference from external actors. Accordingly, he urged "compliance with the sanction measures and accountability for those responsible for such violations and abuses".

Pakistan's representative welcomed the alignment of the sanctions regime with the mandate of the Panel of Experts. Voicing deep concern over the continued violations of the arms embargo, he stressed: "It is imperative that all States comply with the embargo."

China's delegate noted his delegation and other fellow Council Members have "consistently and responsibly called for addressing the misalignment of the mandates of the Sudan sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts respectively"  commending the resolution for resolving the issue. Beijing has repeatedly underscored that sanctions "are a means rather than an end and should not be abused as a political tool for interference and pressure," he added, emphasizing the priority of achieving a ceasefire, mitigating the humanitarian plight and advancing the political process.

In the same vein, the speaker for the Russian Federation underscored that the situation in Sudan and Darfur is "far from stable"  for over a year, the rebels have been besieging El Fasher. If the Council is seeking to extend the sanctions against Darfur, then it needs to work to fulfil its main duty, namely to shield the peaceful civilians in the region from growing violence and instability. Unfortunately, he observed, "some delegations have been unable to resist the temptation to populate this purely technical resolution with elements such as the issue of sexual violence". He emphasized that human rights violations and sexual violence in conflict are not the cause, but the consequence of the hostilities that have been ongoing in Sudan "since spring 2023".

Participation of Mercenaries Has Led Massacres, Summary Killings

For his part, Sudan's delegate recalled that his country has long requested a review of the sanctions and related measures under the resolution, in line with its fundamental right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that external interference has prolonged the war and endangered civilians. The Sudanese army has been able to resist the militias; however, mercenaries  particularly from Colombia  have been brought in through private security companies headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. There were 248 flights on planes rented by the United Arab Emirates to transport and train these mercenaries in Sudanese territory. The participation of mercenaries in hostilities against the Sudanese army led to grave violations, including massacres and summary killings. In 2024, some Colombian mercenaries used white phosphorus, which is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law.

He underlined the importance of the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts, noting Sudan's commitment to engage with them in good faith. Concurrently, he emphasized that the elimination of mercenaries is essential, as they pose a direct threat to peace, urging the Council to take constructive action to that end.

__________

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USS Mahan (DDG 72) Arrives in Bergen

US Navy

12 September 2025

HIGH NORTH (Sept. 11, 2025) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) arrived in Bergen, Norway, for a scheduled port visit Sept. 11, 2025.

The visit comes after Mahan, part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, concluded operations in the High North, where the crew worked side-by-side with Allies Norway, Germany and France in the Barents Sea above the Arctic Circle.

"My crew and I are so thankful for our opportunity to operate above the Arctic Circle, a vital area of operation for our country's and the Alliance's defense," said Cmdr. Benjamin Mattes, commanding officer of Mahan. "We are excited to visit Bergen, and we thank our Norwegian Ally for welcoming us with open arms."

Prior to their Arctic operations, Mahan participated in Neptune Strike 25-2 after transiting the Strait of Dover with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, July 19. Mahan also operated with the Italian Navy's ITS Spartaco Schergat (F 598) while in the Mediterranean Sea.

"The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group's deployment so far has focused on enhancing our capabilities and improving our coordination for competition alongside our Allies and partners," said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commanding officer of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. "Mahan's work in the Barents Sea alongside the Royal Norwegian Navy and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) is a testament to our shared resolve against any potential threats, no matter the operating environment."

Alongside USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two's USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Mahan conducted multi-domain strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean before transiting east at the beginning of July.

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.

Mahan, a part of Destroyer Squadron Two and Carrier Strike Group Twelve, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.

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YANGON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda in Myanmar, attracted over 4.65 million visitors in the first eight months of this year, U Boe Thin, a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees, told Xinhua on Saturday.

Among them, over 50,000 were foreign visitors, with the most coming from China, Thailand and Vietnam, he said.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. 
NATO Launches 'Eastern Sentry' To Bolster Defenses Near Russia

By RFE/RL September 13, 2025

The NATO military alliance, led by European members, said it was bolstering defenses on its eastern flank following a tension-raising Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace.

NATO on September 12 said it had launched a new "activity," dubbed "Eastern Sentry," that would deploy additional military hardware from Britain, Denmark, France, and Germany to deter potential Russian aggression.

"The multi-domain activity, which will commence in the coming days and continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to ongoing airspace violations, including the numerous Russian drones that violated Poland's airspace on September 10," NATO said in a statement.

"The key to this is an entirely new defense design," US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, told a joint news conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Brussels.

Grynkewich said the new equipment would include French Rafale fighter jets, Danish F-16s, a frigate, and ground-based defense systems that had previously been pledged to the region.

Grynkewich told reporters the military alliance would defend every inch of its territory.

"Poland and citizens from across the alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week and our significant announcement here today," Grynkewich said.

Rutte called Moscow's latest actions "reckless and unacceptable. We can't have Russian drones entering allied airspace."

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron said: "The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not yield to Russia's growing intimidation."

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea said the "United States stands by our NATO allies in the face of these alarming airspace violations...and rest assured, we will defend every inch of NATO territory."

The envoy said Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine and its violation of Polish airspace following the August 15 Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin "intentionally or otherwise show immense disrespect for good-faith US efforts to bring an end to this conflict."

Former longtime NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu, now an expert at the RUSI think tank, earlier wrote on social media that it remains "unclear what more -- if anything -- the US is willing to do to strengthen NATO air defenses. So far, we've seen Europeans operating US platforms without a direct American military role."

Still, she wrote on September 12 that a joint news conference by the NATO secretary-general and the supreme allied commander is "very rare. So this is a strong message of NATO determination but also shows the gravity of the situation."

The US military, along with other NATO nations, already stations troops in many countries in the alliance's eastern flank countries, including Poland.

Jamie Shea of the Chatham House think tank in London and a former top NATO official told AP that by provoking Western allies to send air defenses to Poland, Putin wants to force the allies to "make the choice between defending NATO and defending Ukraine."

Should they be unable to do both, he said, "from Putin's point of view, this would be a very happy development because then he would be able to take apart Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing misery for the Ukrainian population."

Trump: Patience With Putin 'Sort Of Running Out'

Meanwhile, Trump told Fox News his patience with Putin was "sort of running out and running out fast," but he did not announce any potential moves toward new sanctions or tariffs on Moscow.

Trump has often spoken of his high regard for, and his friendship with, Putin, but in recent months has expressed frustration over the Kremlin leader's refusal to accept a cease-fire or to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has also said he was "very disappointed" with Russia's continued drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on September 12 denied that Russia had fired the drones that violated Polish airspace and said talks to end the war in Ukraine were currently on "pause."

"One cannot simply put on rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield lightning-fast results," Peskov said.

Drone Incursion Not A Mistake, Tusk Says

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk -- in a rare rebuke of the United States, his country's most-important ally -- rejected Trump's suggestion on September 11 that the drone incursion into Poland may have been "a mistake."

"We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake," Tusk wrote on X. "But it wasn't. And we know it."

In an interview with Reuters -- conducted in Kyiv, where he was visiting -- Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski said Warsaw hoped for a stronger line from the United States to put pressure on Russia.

"So we hope the United States will join other allies in solidarity," he said.

On the financial front, Britain slapped new sanctions on Russia's oil revenue and war-related activities.

The new measures announced included bans on 70 vessels that Britain says are part of Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions.

Britain also sanctioned more than two dozen individuals and companies -- including some in Turkey and China -- for their part in supplying Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives, and components for weapons.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper traveled to Kyiv on September 12 -- just a week after being appointed to her post.

"The U.K. will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine," Cooper said, while blasting what she called Putin's "complete disregard for sovereignty" by launching drones into NATO airspace.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, The Los Angeles Times, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-poland-eastern- flank-russia-ukraine-grynkewich/33529049.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 12 September 2025 - Day 1297

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 the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

Since the beginning of the day, there have been 168 clashes. The Russian enemy launched one missile and 57 air strikes, fired three missiles and shot down 88 KABs, engaged 2236 kamikaze drones to strike, and carried out 3593 shelling of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, there were 2 attacks of Russian invaders. Today, the Russian enemy launched one rocket and 11 air strikes, used three rockets and dropped 19 controlled air bombs, carried out 102 shells, including 2 from the reactive systems of salpovogo fire.

In the south-Slobozhans komu direction, there were 14 fighting in the areas of Vovchansk, Barnoy and in the direction of Odradnoy, Kutkivka. There's still one battle going on.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces committed seven attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops. The fights were drowned in the area of Golubivki and in the direction of Pi any, New Kruglyakivka.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops 13 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Kolodyaziv and in the direction of settlements of Shandrigolove, Stavki. The two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Sivers komu direction Ukrainian warriors today have already fought 16 of 18 attempts to attack Ukrainian positions. Units of the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Serebryanka, Grigorivka and towards the settlements of Yampil, Dronivka, Viymka.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Defense Forces stopped five Russian attacks in the area of Orihovo-Vasilivki and in the direction of Stupochok.

In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 12 times in the areas of the settlements of Cherbinivka, Katerinivka, Oleksandro-Kalinove and in the direction of Pleschievka, Stepanivka, Poltavka. Defense Forces have held back the pressure of the Russian enemy and have already repelled 11 assault actions.

In the pokrovsky direction, Russian forces made 37 attempts to potisnisniti Ukrainian units. The greatest activity is observed in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Shahove, Mayak, Zatishok, Novoekonomicne, Mykolaivka, Mirolubivka, Udaachne, Muravka, Dachne, Novoukrainka and towards settlements Mirnograd, Romin, Suhiy Yar, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Molodetske, Novopidgorodne, Filia. So far, two clashes are ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction, Ukrainian warriors eliminated 99 and wounded 60 Russian invaders, destroyed two tanks, three cars, four motorcycles, 15 unmanned aircraft, an ammunition warehouse and damaged a car, two cannons, BPLA control point, seven Russian personnel shelters.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, Russian forces tried to break through 10 times near the settlements of Vorone, Maliivka, Ternovo, Novomikolaivka, Olgivskke and in the direction of Philia, Ivanivka. The fights continue in one location.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions, but made aerial strikes on the settlements of Bilogir and Zaliznychne.

In the Orihiv direction, the zagarbnic ki troops twice attacked in the direction of small tokmacka and novodanilivka. Aviation of the Russian aggressor struck the areas of populated areas of Novoyakovlivka and Veselyanka.

In the pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces conducted two futile attacks on the position of Ukrainian defenders, at the same time caused an air strike in the area of the settlement of lviv.

In other directions, significant changes in the environment have not been recorded.

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China's Long March-10 carrier rocket passes second static fire test

Global Times

By Deng Xiaoci Published: Sep 12, 2025 08:29 PM

China successfully organized and carried out the second static fire test of the Long March-10 carrier rocket, the country's new-generation manned launch vehicle, in Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in South China's Hainan Province on Friday, marking a phased breakthrough in the prototype development of the Long March 10 series carrier rockets, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

At 3 pm on Friday, with the ignition command issued by the test command center, all seven engines of the test rocket's first-stage ignited simultaneously, completing multiple test procedures as planned. The test lasted for 320 seconds. So far, the two planned static fire tests have been completed. These tests have fully verified the performance of the first-stage seven-engine power system of the rocket and the correctness and reliability of the work procedure design for the recovery phase, the CMSA said in a statement it provided to the Global Times on Friday.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China's state-owned space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC,) the Long March-10 is a new-generation manned carrier rocket designed to support the country's manned lunar exploration, according to the CMSA.

The Long March-10 carrier rocket series is developed to serve China's manned lunar exploration missions, including two configurations - the Long March-10 rocket and Long March-10A rocket. The Long March-10 rocket is a type of three-stage rocket with two boosters. It has a diameter of 5 meters and a maximum height of 92.5 meters. It will undertake the launch missions of the manned spacecraft and the lunar lander, according to Xinhua.

The Long March-10A is a type of two-stage reusable rocket, with a diameter of 5 meters and a maximum height of 67 meters. Its first stage can be recycled and reused. It will serve the launch missions of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and Tianzhou cargo craft in the application and development phase of the country's space station.

Pang Zhihao, a senior space expert, applauded the new strides marked by the successful test, saying it is a milestone in China's lunar manned rocket development, and also good news for the goal of launching the country's first manned lunar landing before 2030.

Pang added that from the perspective of development progress, significant strides have been made in the Long March 10 series rocket's development. The latest test represents a pivotal large-scale ground test in this process, successfully validating over 50 critical technologies. These include the multi-engine parallel operation, power system coordination, and adaptability of launch site facilities. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in the key technologies required for China's manned lunar landing rocket.

Moreover, from a timeline perspective, the successful static fire test has accelerated the overall progress of China's manned lunar exploration project. With the goal of achieving the first Chinese manned lunar landing by 2030, the Long March 10 rocket, designated for this mission, has now entered the "sprint phase" following this test, Pang noted.

"This test's success has also bolstered confidence in meeting the 2030 target while providing essential technical and temporal assurances. This progress enhances the likelihood of China achieving its first manned lunar landing within the designated timeframe," Pan said.

Currently, China's manned lunar exploration project is progressing smoothly. Since mid-June this year, various test activities have been conducted intensively and in parallel, with significant progress achieved in the development of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, and Long March 10 series launch vehicle. The construction of supporting facilities and equipment at the Wenchang Space Launch Site is also advancing steadily. In the future, the Long March 10 series launch vehicle will undergo flight test verifications successively, according to CMSA.

Moreover, the success of this static fire test demonstrates that, with the steady progress of supporting facilities at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, China has established comprehensive system support capabilities for the manned lunar landing mission. The upcoming flight test validations will be another critical phase in evaluating the rocket's actual performance, Kang Guohua, a professor of aerospace engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a senior member of the Chinese Society of Astronautics, told the Global Times on Friday.

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Australia unites with Pacific leaders on regional priorities

Media release

Friday 12 September 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting in Solomon Islands from 10 to 11 September.

Prime Minister Albanese joined Pacific Leaders in signing the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, establishing the first Pacific-led regional climate financing mechanism.

The Facility will provide small-scale grants to local communities to help them better prepare for and withstand the impacts of climate change. Australia is the largest capital contributor, having committed $100 million. The first call for grant proposals will go out to communities in 2026.

Pacific Leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to Australia's bid to host a Pacific COP31. This will bring global attention to the Pacific's climate leadership and our region's unique challenges, and drive tangible action.

Australia stood with Pacific Leaders in declaring the Blue Pacific an Ocean of Peace, calling on the international community to respect Pacific-led approaches to peace and security.

Prime Minister Albanese met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to congratulate him on Solomon Islands' successful hosting of PIF, which Australia was proud to support. Prime Ministers also discussed the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force expansion partnership and announced the start of the design process for an Australian-funded police academy in Honiara.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

"The Pacific Islands Forum unites our region and makes us stronger - it is key to realising the vision of Pacific leaders for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

"Australia is a partner the region can count on. It is in our interests to foster a safe and resilient region that enables all our economies to grow and prosper together.

"The Pacific Resilience Facility is more than a fund, it is a promise to Pacific communities that they will not face climate threats alone.

"Our region is on the frontline of the climate crisis  this is the single largest threat to the livelihoods, culture and security of Pacific communities.

"The Ocean of Peace Declaration is a powerful statement of Pacific resolve, building on Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for a region of stability, prosperity and security."

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Australia's naval nuclear propulsion: AUKUS update to IAEA Board of Governors, September 2025

Speech

Update by Australia, the UK and the USA (AUKUS) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Australia's naval nuclear propulsion programme

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Ian Biggs, Australian Permanent Representative to the IAEA

Published 12 September 2025

Location: Vienna

Delivered on: 11 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Chair.

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to provide an update on Australia's acquisition, from the early 2030s, of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

Chair,

AUKUS partners are committed to regular, open, and transparent engagement with the IAEA Secretariat on Australia's naval nuclear propulsion (NNP) program. Bilateral consultations between Australia and the IAEA on a nonproliferation approach for Australia's naval nuclear propulsion program (NNP) are ongoing. Topics under discussion include:

The structure and contents of an arrangement under Article 14 of Australia's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA);

Ways to facilitate possible verification and monitoring activities; and

The structure of material balance areas, facilities and sites at relevant locations within Australia, within the framework of Australia's CSA and Additional Protocol.

We remain committed to ensuring our approach sets the highest non-proliferation standard and enables the Agency to continue fulfilling its technical objectives. At all stages of Australia's NNP program, the Agency will be able to continue verifying that there has been no diversion of nuclear material, no misuse of facilities, and no undeclared nuclear material or activities in Australia.

The Director General has made clear that Australia's Article 14 arrangement, once finalised, will be referred to the Board for appropriate action. We fully support this approach, and expect the arrangement, at that time, to be assessed on the basis of the Director General's technical advice.

Chair,

Our three countries continue to work to build Australia's capability to safely operate and maintain its future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, including through development of necessary workforce skills.

Australia continues to provide the Agency with all information required under its CSA and AP, and the Agency continues to conduct independent verification activities in relation to Australia's program. We reiterate that, under the trilateral AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement (ANNPA), the UK and the US cannot transfer any nuclear material to Australia for use in conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines prior to Australia having an Article 14 arrangement in place with the IAEA.

I would also like to highlight Australia-UK bilateral efforts to further AUKUS. On 26 July 2025, Australia and the United Kingdom signed the bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Agreement - also known as the 'Geelong Treaty'. Australia and the UK intend that, on entry into force, this Treaty will provide the framework for bilateral cooperation between Australia and the UK on the design, build, operation, sustainment and disposal of a future class of trilaterally-developed, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, known as the SSN-AUKUS. The Treaty also supports port visits to Australia by UK conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and a future rotational presence of UK conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Western Australia - in line with the phased approach announced by AUKUS partners in March 2023.

The two countries reaffirm that all activities under the Treaty must be carried out in accordance with the Parties' respective nuclear non-proliferation obligations, including under the NPT and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and its Protocols and in accordance with their respective obligations under the trilateral ANNPA.

Australia and the UK intend that the Geelong Treaty build on the strong foundation of trilateral cooperation between all three AUKUS nations. It is intended to complement and operate alongside the ANNPA, which entered into force in January this year.

Chair,

AUKUS partners remain committed to transparency and fully support the Director General's ongoing commitment to report to the Board on naval nuclear propulsion programs, as he judges appropriate. We welcome technically focused discussions at the Board, under agenda items proposed by the Director General and guided by his reporting. We will continue to provide updates at future Board meetings and in other fora, as appropriate.

Thank you, Chair.

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Minister Budrys: A democratic Belarus is a strategic interest of European security

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-09-12

On 11 September, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys participated in an international conference organized by the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS) at Vilnius University entitled "Belarus and Belarusians in the time of geopolitical insecurities: global perceptions and domestic realities".

Speaking at the conference, which was also attended by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic forces, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized the need to clearly distinguish between two different realities in Belarus: the repressive Lukashenko regime that has taken control of the state posing a major threat to European security, and the vision of a democratic Belarus embodied by the opposition forces.

"Lithuania's position is clear - we support a democratic Belarus where human rights are respected and protected, the rule of law prevails, and democratic reforms are implemented. Lithuania supports democratic Belarus's aspiration to become an integral part of a united Europe and considers this a strategic security interest," said the Minister.

According to Budrys, three decades of Lukashenko's rule have trapped Belarus between a ruthless dictatorship and the increasingly suffocating grip of Moscow. According to the Minister, Russia's growing control not only distances Belarus from Europe, but also poses escalating security threats to Europeans.

"This is unacceptable to us. Lithuania has always been and will remain one of the biggest supporters of Belarusian democratic forces - not only because we are closest neighbors and it is the right thing to do, but also because it is directly related to our regional and European security. Only a democratic Belarus, independent of Russia, will not pose a threat," Budrys said at the conference.

When speaking about Belarus' role in Russia's war against Ukraine, the minister stressed that Lukashenko's regime had become an active accomplice in the aggression, allowing its territory to be used for military operations, contributing to the deportation of Ukrainian children and the repression of war critics in Belarus.

"Sovereignty has essentially been lost - Belarus has been a front-line zone since 2021. Hybrid measures - disinformation, border provocations, the Zapad-2025 military exercises - are already being used against the EU neighbors, and responsibility for this also lies with Lukashenko's regime," said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

According to Budrys, all of this, especially the example of Zapad-2025, shows that Belarus is becoming a long-term part of Russia's military infrastructure, capable of contributing to future conflicts. Therefore, this is no longer just a national issue - it is a challenge to the security of the whole of Europe.



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Chairman Mast Issues Statement on Conviction of Former President Bolsonaro

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

September 12, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement today on former President Bolsonaro's conviction..

"I'm concerned, but not surprised that Brazil's Supreme Court, in a case led by Justice de Moraes, a sanctioned human rights abuser, has sentenced former President Bolsonaro to a draconian 27 years and 3 months in prison. De Moraes is known for arbitrary detentions and the suppression of freedom of expressionand this conviction proves exactly that. By sentencing Brazil's leading opposition figure, he has effectively silenced the voice of every Brazilian, setting a dangerous precedent in the largest democracy south of the U.S. border."

###

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 12, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 12, 2025 21:30

At the invitation of the government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, President Xi Jinping's special envoy and Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu will travel to Papua New Guinea to attend its 50th independence anniversary celebrations from September 15 to 17.

CCTV: The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council recently held the Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Following up on CSW69 and Beijing +30 Action Agenda. Can you share relevant information?

Lin Jian: On September 8, the ongoing 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held a high-level commemorative event for "Beijing +30" in Geneva, Switzerland. China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva attended and addressed the event. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women 30 years ago remains the guiding document for advancing women's rights globally. China will convene a Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing in the latter half of this year. As we hold commemorative events on "Beijing +30," we strive to accelerate the new process of women's all-round development, advocate that all parties should uphold true multilateralism, and protect and advance women's rights through better development. Participating parties of the commemoration spoke highly of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is of milestone significance, and expressed the hope to meet in Beijing again to jointly improve the global governance on the cause of women.

Reuters: The head of Taiwan's foreign affairs office is now in Europe. Can I have your comment on that?

Lin Jian: Taiwan is a province of China and the person you mentioned a local official of that province in charge of foreign affairs.

There's only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have consistently and unequivocally opposed any form of official interaction between China's Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. No country should provide any platform for "Taiwan independence" separatists. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes it and has protested to relevant countries.

We urge relevant European countries to abide by the one-China principle, and take effective measures at once to stop "Taiwan independence" separatists from visiting Europe. The Taiwan authorities must know that seeking "Taiwan independence" is bound to fail and any attempt to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" will lead nowhere.

China-Arab TV: The U.S. has imposed a new round of sanctions on Yemen's Houthis. The U.S. Treasury Department said that those being sanctioned include several Chinese companies that helped to transport military-grade components and other companies that arranged for shipments of dual-use goods to the Houthis. What is China's response?

Lin Jian: We firmly oppose the U.S. abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. Such moves violate international laws and basic norms in international relations.

Folha de S.Paulo: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was convicted yesterday for attempting a coup d'etat. What is China's comments on this?

Lin Jian: This is Brazil's domestic judicial affair.

AFP: China says that its aircraft carrier the Fujian sailed through the Taiwan Strait to carry out research trials and training missions in the South China Sea. The navy said that this is not directed at any specific target. Can the Foreign Ministry give any additional comment on this and if this means that the Fujian will soon enter active service?

Lin Jian: Relevant information was released by the Chinese navy. China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, passed through the Taiwan Strait to carry out scientific research tests and training missions in the South China Sea. The cross-sea tests and training for the Fujian is a regular arrangement in the aircraft carrier's construction process, and it is not aimed at any specific target. Let me stress that the Chinese vessel's activities in relevant waters are fully in line with China's domestic laws and international law.

Bloomberg: It's reported by Reuters that in Madrid next week, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent is to meet with Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss trade, economic and national security issues, which is another sign of warming negotiations between the two countries. Could the Foreign Ministry confirm it and provide more details?

Lin Jian: I have no information to offer at the moment.

The Paper: Today is the UN Day for South-South Cooperation. The world is now facing multiple development challenges. The poverty rate of some Global South countries remains stubbornly high, and many countries suffer from severe economic inequality. As a major developing country who takes the lead in shaking off poverty and eradicating absolute poverty, how is China working with Global South countries on poverty relief to realize common development?

Lin Jian: China is committed to focusing South-South cooperation on development and assisting Global South countries in meeting the challenges in poverty relief. China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty and realized the poverty reduction goal set by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in advance, which gives confidence to fellow Global South countries. China's region-specific, demand-oriented, targeted and dynamic approach in poverty alleviation offers reference for other countries. Through cooperation in the forms of transfer of technology and know-how, financial support, capacity building, development of platforms and so on, China provides systemic support for global poverty reduction.

Since the Belt and Road Initiative was implemented, it has helped over 40 million people get rid of poverty. Since the Global Development Initiative was put forward, it has pooled greater consensus for development, mobilized development funds at a large scale, made international cooperation on development better serve the interests of the Global South, and given a boost to developing countries' poverty relief campaign and development. From digging wells for irrigation to building roads and bridges, from Juncao planting to hybrid rice, and from major flagship projects to "small and beautiful" livelihood programs, thanks to those efforts, more and more people in Global South countries are leading a better and promising life.

No country or no one should fall behind on the path to a poverty-free world. We stand ready to galvanize global poverty eradication campaign with concrete actions, and develop and thrive together with Global South countries so that hope prevails in every corner of the world.

AFP: German investigators searched the offices of far-right MP Maximilian Krah on Thursday. This is after parliament lifted his immunity as part of an investigation into suspected bribe taking from Chinese sources. Krah has long been at the center of speculation over links to China, but he has called the allegations against him absurd and fabricated. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this case?

Lin Jian: This is Germany's internal affair. China will not make a comment on that. Let me stress that we oppose spreading false narratives on threats of "China spy."

China-Arab TV: Israel attacked six countries in 72 hours, including Qatar, Lebanon and Yemen. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: China is deeply concerned on the continued escalation in the Middle East. We oppose the violation of regional countries' sovereignty and security, condemn all attacks killing and hurting innocent civilians, and are against any inflammatory action that fuels upward spiraling of tensions in the region. Violence and force will not deliver peace and security. We strongly call for efforts, especially from Israel, to end the conflict, resume talks, and restore regional peace and stability, instead of the other way around.

Bloomberg: When discussing the hunt for U.S. conservative political activist Charlie Kirk's killer, Utah governor Spencer Cox said today, "We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world, that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those." Would the Foreign Ministry like to respond?

Lin Jian: China condemns all unlawful and violent acts. That said, we firmly oppose some U.S. politicians groundlessly accusing China and we firmly oppose spreading disinformation and vilifying China.

********************************************

The following question was raised after the press conference: We have learned that Pakistani President is visiting China. Could you share with us his itinerary?

Lin Jian: From September 12 to 21, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is to attend the opening ceremony of the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum and to visit Sichuan, Shanghai and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

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Germany to recruit 100,000 troops by 2029 for war with Russia: Report

Iran Press TV

Friday, 12 September 2025 7:29 AM

Germany has moved to add 100,000 active troops to its army by 2029 in an attempt to meet new NATO targets intended to prepare for a possible war with Russia, according to a report.

It is the year the US-led alliance speculates that Russia could be capable of a large-scale attack on Western allies.

The dramatic deployment of troops would more than double the current number of active-duty German soldiers, which now stands at 62,000, according to the Reuters News Agency.

"It is imperative for the army to become sufficiently ready for war by 2029 and provide the capabilities Germany pledged (to NATO) by 2035," Army Chief Alfons Mais wrote in a letter dated September 2, addressed to the chief of the defense staff, Carsten Breuer.

He also called for some 10,000 extra troops to bolster territorial defense.

The commander projected that Germany should add another 45,000 active troops by 2035 to meet NATO targets agreed upon at a summit in June and build reserves for a prolonged war, adding that these objectives were impossible with currently approved personnel levels, which also include 37,000 non-active troops.

"According to a first rough estimate, a total of around 460,000 personnel (from Germany) will be necessary, divided into some 260,000 active troops and around 200,000 reservists," a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry in Berlin said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in June said that Germany would need up to 60,000 additional active personnel across all military branches to meet the new NATO targets, bringing the future strength of Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, to around 260,000.

However, according to ministry figures, they haven't yet achieved their 2018 goal of 203,000 troops and remain understaffed by approximately 20,000 regular personnel.

Germany has already deployed a brigade in Lithuania, set to number some 5,000 troops, and a naval patrol deployment in the Baltic to counter undersea sabotage.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last week stated that Germany's decision to provide such guarantees will depend on the type and extent of US involvement. Addressing a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" last week, Merz said that Europe is ready to make a decisive contribution to any security guarantees to Ukraine once a negotiated solution is reached.

US President Donald Trump has stated the US military may provide air defense for European troops deployed to Ukraine but would not deploy ground troops of its own.

Furthermore, on Thursday, the German leader announced plans to "supercharge" Berlin's spy agency, the BND, while also citing an alleged threat from Russia.

"In Germany, we are now fending off hybrid attacks against our infrastructure on a daily basis," the chancellor claimed while speaking at the inauguration of the BND's new chief, Martin Jager.

"Rarely in the history of the Federal Republic has the security situation been so serious. The foundations of the European security architecture, which have enabled us to live in freedom, peace, and prosperity for decades, have become fragile," Merz said.

Russia has rejected any security guarantees involving the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and has vowed to provide security guarantees of its own.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week warned that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine will be considered "legitimate targets" by Moscow as Western countries mull sending military forces to Ukraine.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Donbas in February 2022 with the aim of liberating, demilitarizing, and denazifying the Russian-speaking region.

Moscow seeks to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and opposes the use of Ukraine by the West to build pressure against Russia. Russia also demands that Kiev surrender control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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17th Meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 12, 2025

The 17th Meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) was held in Paris, France on 11 September 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (CT), Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Mr. K.D. Dewal, and the French delegation, by Mr. Olivier Caron, French Counter-Terrorism Ambassador.

2. Both sides condemned the dastardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The two sides exchanged views on the current threat assessment in the respective countries, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism, activities of terrorists in the respective regions and the terror threat in the Middle East.

3. Both sides also assessed the counter terrorism challenges, including combating extremism/radicalization and the threat posed by the use of new technologies by terrorists.

4. The discussion on bilateral and multilateral cooperation focused on intensifying capacity-building measures through training and exercises. The two sides discussed cooperation in the UN, FATF and NMFT.

5. The two sides further discussed broadening the scope of India-France CT dialogue to include organized crimes; combating online propaganda as a focused bilateral effort; and exchanging information and sharing of experience on matters of mutual concern and interest, including cyber-related threats.

6. The two sides agreed to hold the 18th Meeting of the Joint Working Group in India on a mutually-convenient date.

Paris

September 11, 2025

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Palestine welcomes UN endorsement of New York Declaration on two-state solution

Xinhua) 09:32, September 13, 2025

RAMALLAH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Friday welcomed a vote by the UN General Assembly to "adopt and approve" the New York Declaration, describing it as the key outcome of the UN conference on a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution.

In a press statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said that 142 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while 12 abstained and 10 voted against.

The ministry commended the positions of countries that sponsored, supported, and voted in favor of the resolution.

The ministry urged UN member states to implement the outcomes of the international conference related to the two-state solution and to pressure Israel to halt military operations, agree to a ceasefire, end the use of starvation "as a weapon of war," prevent forced displacement, and release prisoners and hostages.

In a press statement on social media platform X, Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh said that the decision by the UN General Assembly reflects the international will in support of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He stressed that the adoption represents an important step toward ending the "Israeli occupation" and realizing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The UN endorsement came days after Israel launched a surprise attack in Doha on Tuesday to kill Khalil al-Hayya, a senior leader in Hamas's political bureau, and other Hamas leaders who were meeting to discuss a Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States.

Hamas said later that al-Hayya survived the attack, but his son and one of his top aides were killed.

On Friday, Hamas said that al-Hayya attended the funeral prayer for his son and others killed in what it described as a "treacherous assassination attempt" in Doha.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
SANAA/JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi armed group launched a hypersonic ballistic missile toward Israel this morning, targeting what it described as "sensitive sites" in the Jaffa area in southern Tel Aviv.

In a statement broadcast on the group's al-Masirah TV on Saturday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said that the missile had multiple warheads and caused residents to flee to bomb shelters. He also claimed that the strike had "achieved its objectives."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory early Saturday morning.

Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, said in a statement that there were no reports of hits or casualties.

The IDF issued an alert shortly after the launch, and a few minutes later, air defense sirens were heard in wide areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, waking millions of residents and prompting them to rush to shelters.

Sarea said the group would continue carrying out strikes in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and pledged resilience against what he called Israeli "aggression" toward Yemen, referring to Wednesday's airstrikes.

The Houthi-run health ministry said on Thursday that Israeli airstrikes hit two newspapers and a nearby resident's house in Sanaa, as well as other civilian facilities in the northern province of al-Jawf. The strikes killed at least 46 people and injured 165 others, mostly civilians. 
INDIAN NAVY COMMISSIONS INS ARAVALI AT GURUGRAM

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 12 SEP 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

INS Aravali, Indian Navy's latest Naval Base, was commissioned at Gurugram in presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff on 12 Sep 2025.

In an impressive commissioning ceremony, CNS was presented a 50-men Guard of Honour. Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, the first Commanding Officer of the unit, recited the invocation in Sanskrit followed by reading of the commissioning warrant. After the unveiling of the commissioning plaque by Mrs Shashi Tripathi, President NWWA, the Naval Ensign was hoisted to the tune of the National Anthem. With the last note of the National Anthem, the commissioning pennant was broken on the mast.

The commissioning ceremony was also attended by VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, VCNS, VAdm Tarun Sobti, DCNS, senior Naval officers and distinguished guests.

In his address the CNS stated that INS Aravali provides the foundation for a robust administrative and logistical support, commensurate with the increasing scale and sophistication of facilities, thereby ensuring seamless operations. "This new base would not only be a hub of technology, but also of collaboration linking our platforms and partners across the oceans, a true embodiment of our Hon'ble Prime Minister's collaborative vision of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, and would further strengthen India's role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region"

Congratulating the Commanding Officer and commissioning crew CNS exhorted them to uphold the Navy's core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage, "as you chart your course towards Excellence through Information Dominance"

INS Aravali, deriving its name from the unwavering Aravali range, shall support various information and communication centres of the Indian Navy which are key to India's and Indian Navy's command, control and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework.

Guided by the motto '' or 'Maritime Security through Collaboration', the Naval Base exemplifies supportive and collaborative ethos, working seamlessly with naval units, MDA centres and allied stakeholders.

The Crest of the base comprises central mountain imagery perfectly symbolising the unwavering and strong Aravali Range, and the rising sun representing eternal vigilance, resilience and energy, in addition to the dawn of niche technological capabilities in the field of Communications and MDA.

Thus, the Crest embodies the steadfast commitment of the Base to facilitate eternal vigilance in order to defend India's maritime interests.

****

VM/SKY 184/25

(Release ID: 2166105)

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Enhanced industry-R&D institutes-academia collaboration is key to increasing defence capabilities in today's evolving times: Defence Secretary

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

"Technological superiority & industrial strength often determine the outcome of war"

Posted On: 12 SEP 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh has called for enhanced collaboration among the public & private industry, research institutes like DRDO and the academia to increase the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces in today's constantly-evolving times. He was addressing the inaugural STRIDE 2025 seminar on the theme 'Synergy of Technology, Research & Defence Ecosystem' organised by Southern Command in Pune, Maharashtra on September 12, 2025. Underlining that the present technology disruption is increasingly changing not just the nature of warfare, but also the business of industry, he exhorted all the stakeholders to stay abreast of the latest technological trends and work together to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Defence Secretary emphasised that technological superiority and industrial strength often determine the outcome of war, and there is a need to ensure that the defence industry grows a pace with the rest of our manufacturing sector to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat and $30 trillion economy by 2047. "The transition is critical to the broader issue of becoming a developed nation of innovation, enhancing India's startup culture, widening our industrial base, increasing the share of manufacturing in our GDP, and generating employment and the spin-off benefits that come from the dual use of technology," he added.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh pointed out that the ongoing conflicts have resulted in competitive populism and economic protectionism around the world, accompanied by economic fragmentation, the decline of multilateral institutions, and a growing tide of nationalism. In this context, he said, "there is a need to back our soft power as hard power is becoming more and more critical."

The Defence Secretary enumerated the steps taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government to ensure that the country stays ahead in the technological race. The measures include the revision of the Defence Procurement Manual 2009 and Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to make them more dynamic, proactive, less process-heavy, and more focused on outcome. "There is a need to reduce entry barriers for the private sector and start-ups, encourage grassroots innovation, and ensure competitive bidding. The intent is to broaden and diversify India's defence industrial base," he said.

Appreciating the role of the private industry in bolstering the defence sector and making it self-reliant, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh urged them to increase investments in R&D and manufacturing capacity. He pointed out that the defence sector will not able to witness the scale of innovation and capability that the Armed Forces need, unless the private sector has the willingness to stay the mile and make investments. "Defence is a domain wherein you get orders on a sporadic basis. but if you possess the technology and engineering strength, you will be able to sustain yourself through a combination of domestic and export orders," he said.

In his address, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth highlighted the importance of a Whole-of-Nation approach to achieve self-reliance in defence capabilities.

The event brought together distinguished experts from the Armed Forces, veterans, scholars, representatives of DRDO, Public Sector Undertakings, private industry and academia, with the aim of charting a roadmap for an indigenous defence ecosystem covering R&D, production, maintenance, and innovation. The seminar featured engaging panel discussions on key themes including:

Fast-tracking niche technologies through reverse engineering and industry funding for academic research.

Strengthening the role of DRDO in catalysing indigenous innovation.

Accelerating defence manufacturing growth through enhanced collaboration among private industry, PSUs, and academia.

A vibrant equipment display was organised as part of the event, showcasing cutting-edge indigenous innovations, promoting collaboration and partnerships towards building future-ready capabilities.

The seminar reaffirmed Southern Command's commitment to driving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering synergy across stakeholders, and strengthening the national defence ecosystem at both regional & national levels.

*****

VK/SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2166018)

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India Participates in 4th Coast Guard Global Summit in Rome; Bids to Host Next Edition in 2027

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 12 SEP 2025 3:49PM by PIB Delhi

In the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) held in Rome, Italy, from September 11-12, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening global maritime governance and positioning ICG as a key partner in shaping the agenda for safer, cleaner, and more secure seas. A two-member Indian ICG delegation, led by Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani delivered a lecture titled 'Guardians Against the Blaze: ICG's Tactical Response to Fire Emergencies', showcasing India's expertise and constructive role in advancing maritime safety and security. ICG also announced its intent to bid for the Presidency of the 5th CGGS, planned to be hosted in India in 2027.

The summit attended by delegates from 115 countries and international organisations was co-chaired by Italy & Japan and emphasised on collective approaches to safeguarding the global ocean environment. The event provided a platform to share best practices in Maritime Safety, Marine Environment Protection, emergency response to pollution incidents, natural disasters, marine accidents, and Maritime Security. Discussions also focused on countering transnational maritime crimes through advanced technologies, capacity building, human resource development, and strengthening inter-regional & international cooperation under the shared ethos of being 'Guardians at Sea.'

First convened in 2017 by the Japan Coast Guard and the Nippon Foundation, the CGGS has evolved into a vital mechanism for dialogue and confidence-building. For the 4th edition, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba (virtually), highlighted the importance of Coast Guard collaboration in Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement.

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(Release ID: 2165976)

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G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Statement on Iranian Transnational Repression and Other Malign Activities

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

September 12, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, members of the G7 RRM (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union) as well as G7 RRM associate members (Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden) issued the following statement:

"The G7 RRM notes recent statements made by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemning transnational repression and other malign activities by Iran.

"According to those statements, Iranian intelligence services have increasingly attempted to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, following a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of transnational repression, and clearly undermining state sovereignty. Other malign activities include operations to obtain and disclose the personal information of journalists and attacks designed to divide societies and intimidate Jewish communities.

"The G7 RRM stands in solidarity with our international partners whose citizens and residents have also been targeted by Iran.

"Since its inception, the G7 RRM has aimed to counter foreign interference. Building on the recent G7 Leaders' Statement on Transnational Repression, we will continue to safeguard our sovereignty, keep our communities safe, and defend individuals from the overreach of foreign governments trying to silence, intimidate, harass, harm or coerce them within our borders."

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Perils of 'Greater Israel' and the promise of a strong region

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 12, 2025

Mohammad-Javad Zarif, Iran's former vice president for strategic affairs and foreign minister, explored the dangers of Israel's expansionist project and the alternative vision of a cooperative, strong West Asia in an article released in Arabic in the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar.

Below is the full translated text of the article:

The shameless Israeli aggression against Qatar proved beyond any doubt that West Asia stands at a precipice, teetering between unending aggression and the dawn of genuine cooperation. At the heart of this turmoil lies the Israeli regime's relentless campaign of destabilization, which has plunged the region into chaos and suffering. From the ongoing genocide in Gazawhere tens of thousand of Palestinians have been killed, entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, and a humanitarian catastrophe engineered through blockade and starvationto the systematic ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, almost daily attacks against Yemen, Syria and Lebanon and now Qatar, the picture is one of unbridled aggression.

Israeli bombardments observe no red line. In Iran, the assassination of scientists and attacks on our facilities amount to clear acts of state terrorism. In Qatar, the terrorist aggression against peace negotiators highlights that peace is the only existential threat to Israel. These actions cannot be dismissed as the excesses of a "far-right" cabinet; they form part of a broader, calculated strategy to bully the entire region to submit to ruthless dominance.

This strategy is rooted in the insidious vision of "Greater Israel," an expansionist project that seeks to establish Israel as the unchallenged hegemon in the region, subordinating all neighboring states to its will. To realize this dystopian dream, the Israeli regime employs tools of unbridled military aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and annexation. The project demands a grotesque distortion of historyrewriting narratives to justify occupation and dispossessionwhile endangering the lives of millions and threatening the very existence of regional states. At its core, "Greater Israel" envisions annexing vast territories: the entirety of Palestine, swathes of Jordan's Jordan Valley, southern Lebanon up to the Litany River, the Golan Heights and beyond in Syria, parts of Iraq's western regions, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, and even the northwest Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia.

Perils of 'Greater Israel' and the promise of a strong region

This barbaric delusion aims to dismantle the edifice of international law, dissolve accountability through political pressure, ridicule the International Court of Justice's rulings on genocide, occupation, and apartheid, and secure ironclad immunity through unwavering support from Western powers, particularly the United States. This shielding allows Israel to bomb, murder, and injure at will and with impunity, turning the region into a jungle of perpetual savagery.

Last year, [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu stood before the United Nations General Assembly and unveiled two mapsthe so-called "map of blessing" and "map of curse"to illustrate his vision for the future. That was a disguise for his vicious plan to bomb the entire region, from Gaza to Doha, to achieve a delusion. Famine as a weapon in Gaza, apartheid, savagery and land-theft in the West Bank, routine attacks against civilians and vital infrastructure in Syria Lebanon and Yemen, outright aggression and assassination of scientists with their families, neighbors and bystanders in Iran, aerial bombardment of peace negotiators in Qatar, shelling of UN institutionsincluding schools and hospitals and wanton targeting and murder of hundreds of journalists assault on humanitarian Sumud Flotilla, showcase the "blessing" that this war criminal and his associates and enablers plan for West Asia.

But our region does not have to be doomed to this murderous colonial, supremacist and racist plan. We have an alternative vision for West Asia that finds expression in the idea of a "strong region," where no single state dominates but all states draw strength from each other. It manifests in the sublime values of our shared religion, Islam, which teaches justice, compassion, and empathy, and in the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-intervention, and synergy. It comes to life through efforts to foster equitable partnerships for regional stability. It calls for transcending zero-sum calculationswhere one nation's gain is imagined as another's lossand instead embracing synergy, where collaboration multiplies the strength of all. It demands prioritizing dialogue over diktat, transforming a threat-based mindset that fuels paranoia into a possibilities-driven outlook that unlocks shared potential. It insists on turning away from hegemonic ambitions toward genuine collaboration, and from solutions imposed by distant powers toward those rooted locally in our own interests.

These contrasts lay bare the critical choice before us: either abandon political will and creativity, allowing the genocidal Israeli rulers and their narcissist enablers to steadily advance their destructive project, or act with foresight to build a future defined by shared security and prosperity. Choosing the latter path requires more than temporary fixes. The deep-seated issues plaguing our region cannot be managed by crisis control alone; they demand bold, visionary initiatives that transcend old grievances. What we urgently need is a comprehensive framework to lay the foundation for lasting peace and cooperation. To this end, we can move towards the creation of a Muslim West Asia Dialogue Association (MWADA), facilitating ongoing consultations on security, economic integration, and cultural exchange. This body could evolve into a regional security architecture, akin to successful models elsewhere, but tailored to our heritage and commonalities.

This vision could also offer a transformative reframing of the nuclear debate in the region. For too long, our region has faced a nuclear armed aggressor, arrogating to itself the mantle of non-proliferation to securitize and deprive others from peaceful nuclear technology. Yet, nuclear science holds immense promise as a solution to pressing challenges: combating the climate crisis through clean energy, addressing water scarcity via desalination technologies, enhancing food security with advanced agricultural applications, and diversifying energy sources beyond depleting oil and gas reserves.

As hydrocarbon resources dwindle, nuclear energy will be indispensable for sustainable growth across the region. Our "strong region" vision can make this a shared, secure reality by combining the struggle to rid the region of nuclear weapons, while engaging in peaceful cooperation in a Middle East Network for Atomic Research and Advancement (MENARA). We can envision joint ventures spanning uranium enrichment, waste management, nuclear fusion, and medical isotopes. Members would share facilities, pool expertise, and ensure transparency through a joint regulatory board, fostering trust and preventing proliferation concerns.

The strong region is the proper framework that transforms sacrifice into strategy, ensuring that lawful and legitimate resistance of our heroes is reinforced by solidarity, diplomacy, economic cooperation, and synergy. By jointly creating an inspiring future for West Asia, which ascends beyond futile and indeed trivial conflicts and discords at home, , regional states and peoples can foil the barbaric medieval delusion of greater Israel and secure a new Middle East free from bigotry, apartheid, aggression and weapons of mass destruction where the peoples of Palestine of all faith can democratically determine and control their destiny. This can be a reality if we all see the existential danger of remaining prisoners of the past and grasp the possibilities for an inspiring future.

* This translation was originally published by Avash News.

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Iran will never compromise its rights and security: Araghchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 12, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never compromise the rights or security of its people and will continue to safeguard national interests with strength and resolve.

Araghchi made the statement during an interview with IRNN late Thursday, where he addressed key topics including Iran's agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), his recent visit to Egypt, and ongoing negotiations with the European Troika - France, Germany, and Britain, also commonly referred to as the E3.

Iran's legal and political dispute with the E3 over Snapback Mechanism continues

In response to a question about whether Iran's agreement with the IAEA regarding its enriched materials could enable renewed attacks on its nuclear facilities, Araghchi said, "Two separate issues must be distinguished here. First, our ongoing dialogue and negotiations with the E3. These countries still claim, at least outwardly, to remain committed to the JCPOA, and over the past years we've held regular meetings with them. This process has continued uninterrupted. Even during the 12-day war, if you recall, I traveled overland to attend several international conferences; and in Geneva, I met and spoke with the foreign ministers of those countries as well as Ms. [Kaja] Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union. These discussions continued even after the war ended."

One of the main disagreement points between the two sides has been the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), or the Snapback Mechanism, which they have repeatedly threatened to invoke, Araghchi said, adding that Iran, Russia and China believe they have no such right.

The reasons for this position were outlined in multiple correspondences with the President of the UN Security Council, as well as in letters from the foreign ministers of Russia and China, both individually and jointly, he said. "This is fundamentally a legal and political dispute that remains unresolved. In our view, they simply do not have that right."

Araghchi highlighted "two key issues." First, he said, was Iran's cooperation with the IAEA, and second, the issue of nuclear materials.

"I should clarify that no new developments have occurred in this area ... Although certain developments and attacks have taken place, and our nuclear facilities were targeted by bombings, cooperation with the IAEA carries both benefits and obligations for us."

As a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is bound to uphold international requirements and obligations for as long as it remains party to the treaty, he said, adding that Tehran's position is that, under the current circumstances, previous forms of cooperation can no longer continue as they were.

"This is due to two fundamental reasons: first, the changes of the realities on the ground resulting from attacks on some of our nuclear facilities, which have altered the situation; and second, the law passed by Parliament, which obligates the administration to implement its provisions. Therefore, taking these two factors consideration, negotiations with the Agency were initiated to define the framework for future cooperation."

IAEA admits cooperation with Iran cannot proceed as before

Araghchi said that recent negotiations led to a visit by the IAEA Deputy Director General Massimo Aparo to Tehran, followed by the dispatch of an Iranian delegation to Vienna. He noted that the discussions progressed to the point where a draft text was prepared, with only 10-20% remaining to be finalized.

"Ultimately, it was agreed that the talks would continue at a third location between myself and [IAEA Director General Rafael] Grossi," Araghchi said.

He added that the process was concluded in Cairo, where the agreement was officially signed.

Regarding the newly defined framework for cooperation with the IAEA, Araghchi said:

The IAEA has acknowledged that the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities were illegal and in violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the IAEA Statute. The Agency has recognized that the situation has fundamentally changed, and therefore, cooperation cannot proceed as before. A new framework must be established. The IAEA has accepted that legislation passed by Iran's Parliament is binding on the government, and future collaboration must be structured within that legal framework. The agreement stipulates that all related matters will be overseen by Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The text explicitly references both the Parliament's law and the SNSC's role throughout. The Agency has acknowledged a distinction between sites that were targeted and those that were not, noting that each requires a tailored approach based on its specific circumstances.

The agreement is valid as long as there are no hostile actions against Iran

"At present, no inspections are scheduled," Araghchi said. "Of course, if you ask Mr. Grossi, he may say "inspections are included in the agreement". But, Araghchi said, they are conditional upon specific procedures. These procedures incorporate all of Iran's considerations, including the parliamentary law and the decisions of the SNSC.

He added that Mr. Grossi is expected to report to the IAEA Board of Governors that an agreement has been reached, one that satisfies him and complies with legal standards. "Therefore, he will affirm that access exists. And if you ask me, I'll say yes, access existsbut only after the completion of procedures that fully respect Iran's conditions."

Araghchi concluded that after signing the agreement, he immediately announced it at a press conference and reiterated it in an interview with IRIB in Cairo and once again reiterate that the validity of this agreement stands only as long as no hostile action is taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including activation of the Snapback Mechanism.

"If, despite widespread opposition in the UN Security Council, this mechanism is triggered, we will consider this agreement null and void."

Iran's nuclear material buried under rubble from attacks on facilities

Regarding the nuclear materials, he said that all nuclear material is currently buried under the rubble caused by the attacks on the bombarded facilities. Whether this material is accessible or in what condition they are is currently being assessed by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

Once the evaluation is complete, the results will be reported to the SNSC, which will take into account all of Iran's security concerns and make decisions on how to proceed, he said.

Iran's response to activation of DRM will not be limited to withdrawal from NPT

Araghchi also said that if the Snapback Mechanism is activated, Iran will undoubtedly respond. However, the form and nature of that response will be determined by the SNSC, as the issue has become one of the key matters in Iran's foreign policy and clearly falls within the Council's jurisdiction.

He added that at certain points, withdrawal from the NPT has been considered as one of the options. Nevertheless, Iran's options are not limited to leaving the NPT, and the most suitable course of action will be chosen based on what best serves the country's interests at the time.

Military option is not a solution to Iran's nuclear issue

Addressing the threat by the E3 to activate the DRM, Araghchi said, "We have no demands from the European Troika, and our response to their request for an extension has been entirely clear and straightforward.

If they choose to activate the Snapback Mechanism - even if they ultimately succeed, which is possible given the political nature of the UNSC where decisions are driven by political motives rather than law and justice - they will not resolve anything, he said.

"We have told the Europeans that just as the United States and the Israeli regime failed to solve the problem by attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, this approach will also be fruitless. We've repeatedly emphasized that the 'military option' is not a solution to Iran's nuclear issue."

Reinstating un sanctions against Iran would be a grave mistake

He added, "If the Europeans choose this path, it's their decision. But they should know that by doing so, they will lose their last leverage in the nuclear issue and effectively remove themselves from the negotiation process. That's why activating snapback would be a major mistake. They may go through with it, but they will achieve nothing."

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Iran's nuclear materials buried under bombed sites: FM

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:40, September 12, 2025

TEHRAN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran's nuclear materials remain buried beneath the ruins of facilities bombed after recent attacks, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday, adding that no agreement has yet been reached on inspections.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is assessing whether the materials can be accessed and in what condition, said Araghchi in an interview during his visit to Cairo.

Once the assessment is completed, he said, a report will be submitted to the Supreme National Security Council, which will decide on the next steps based on Iran's security considerations.

The foreign minister stressed that under Iran's agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency signed on Tuesday, no inspection has been conducted to date, nor is there any consensus to carry out.

He said the accord recognizes that cooperation with the agency must take place under new conditions, shaped by both security concerns and a law passed by the Iranian parliament.

Araghchi noted that the agreement will remain valid only as long as no hostile action is taken against Iran, including activation of the so-called "snapback" mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions. He warned that should the mechanism be triggered, "the agreement will no longer be valid" and Iran would respond accordingly.

He reiterated that Iran has told its European counterparts that military action and the "snapback" mechanism cannot resolve the nuclear issue, warning such steps would only complicate the situation.

The agreement signed in Cairo on Tuesday aims to establish a new framework for cooperation following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

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Iran's Deal With UN Nuclear Watchdog Not Enough To Halt Snapback

By Kian Sharifi September 12, 2025

What You Need To Know

 New Cooperation Framework With The IAEA: Tehran's new technical agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has injected cautious optimism into nuclear diplomacy, but is it enough to stop European powers from reimposing UN snapback sanctions before the clock runs out?

 Mood In Iran After Israeli Strike In Qatar: Israel's first strike on Qatari soil has sent shock waves through Tehran, fueling doubts about diplomacy with the West. Iranian commentators say the attack exposes the limits of negotiations. Middle East analyst Mehrdad Farahmand told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the failure of air defenses to detect the missiles "indicates that the United States had no objections to the attack." He added that this is particularly significant in light of the extensive US-Qatar defense cooperation agreements.

 Hospital Staff In Legal Trouble Over Hijab Defiance: Iranian authorities say a legal case has been opened against several staff members at Tehran's Sarem Women's Hospital for "behavior contrary to public decency and social norms." The move follows the circulation of a video showing graduates of the teaching hospital without hijabs and embracing the hospital's chairman. The hijab, or head scarf, remains mandatory for women in Iran, though growing numbers continue to defy the rule despite the risk of arrest.

The Big Issue

Limited Inspection Regime

On September 9, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi agreed in Cairo on "practical modalities" for resuming inspections, potentially including some sites bombed by the United States in June.

Grossi praised the move as "an important step in the right direction." Yet diplomats and analysts warn that the technical agreement will only matter if it swiftly leads to inspectors on the ground and substantive nuclear disclosures, not just more negotiations or delays.

Araqchi later told Iranian state media that, for now, the deal does not guarantee access for IAEA inspectors beyond the Bushehr nuclear plant. Instead, all further site inspections and transparency measures hinge on future negotiations and the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Britain, France and Germany -- collectively known as the E3 -- remain skeptical, seeing the announcement as necessary but not sufficient.

Why It Matters: The E3 have repeatedly warned Iran to restore full IAEA access, disclose the location of its enriched uranium stockpile, and return to nuclear talks with Washington or face the automatic reinstatement of UN sanctions at the end of September. The snapback process is already set in motion, and only immediate, visible compliance can delay it.

What's Being Said: Araqchi has warned Iran will withdraw from the agreement if UN sanctions return or if any "hostile act" occurs.

President Masud Pezeshkian has insisted Tehran will not compromise on sovereignty or security and will nullify the pact if pressured further. Meanwhile, both Iran and the IAEA have expressed hope that the technical dialogue will avert a larger crisis, but the diplomatic window is narrowing rapidly.

In Iran, proponents of engagement with the West see the deal with the IAEA as a key step toward a new agreement with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. Hard-liners, however, deride the new cooperation framework with the UN nuclear watchdog, which they accuse of spying on Iran for Israel.

Expert Opinion: Eric Brewer, a deputy vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, cautioned that snapback sanctions would likely "slow but ultimately not stop" Iran's attempts to rebuild its nuclear program or even go for a bomb.

Brewer told RFE/RL that the exact delay is unclear due to unknowns over what parts of Iran's nuclear infrastructure survived the US and Israeli strikes. Iran could quickly set up smaller enrichment facilities to advance weapons-grade uranium production despite sanctions, he said.

On the policy front, Brewer warned that the worst-case scenario is Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) -- a process that can take 90 days.

Still, Brewer said outright withdrawal from the treaty seems unlikely, adding, "Iran would potentially see more value in further muddying the legal waters and use its relationship with the IAEA and status in the NPT as a sort of rheostat it can adjust for coercive leverage."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-farda-briefing- iaea-nuclear-deal-snapback/33527917.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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UNICEF statement on reported death of children after brutal attack on school in Rakhine State, Myanmar

UNICEF

12 September 2025

NEW YORK/BANGKOK/YANGON, 12 September 2025 -- UNICEF is extremely concerned by reports of an overnight attack on a boarding school in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, that reportedly killed and injured children as they slept.

The attack adds to a pattern of increasingly devastating violence in Rakhine State, with children and families paying the ultimate price. Relentless attacks are sowing terror, uprooting families, and deepening their suffering. Children are losing their lives in the very spaces meant to protect them  their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

On top of the escalating violence and displacement, families across Rakhine are also facing acute hardship, dwindling food supplies and the collapse of vital lifelines such as education and healthcare.

Violence against children must stop. Schools, dormitories, homes, and the essential services that children rely on must remain safe at all times. Parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians, including children, safeguard civilian infrastructure, and allow lifesaving humanitarian assistance to reach those in urgent need.



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Visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Qatar to Express Solidarity in the Wake of Recent Attack on Qatar by Israel

Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan

September 11, 2025

Doha: 11 September 2025.

Visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Qatar to Express Solidarity in the Wake of Recent Attack on Qatar by Israel

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to the State of Qatar to express solidarity with the people and the leadership of the State of Qatar in the wake of the recent Israeli attack on Doha.

During his visit, the Prime Minister held a very warm and cordial meeting with the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan's strongest condemnation of the Israeli attack on Doha on September 9, terming it a blatant and flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that the leadership and people of Pakistan were deeply disturbed by this attack against the brotherly State of Qatar, that constituted a serious breach of international law.

While reaffirming the historic, fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Qatar, the Prime Minister stated that the two countries had proudly stood with each other through thick and thin.

It was in this spirit of brotherhood that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with His Highness the Amir, the Royal Family of Qatar and with the brotherly people of Qatar during this challenging time.

He assured the Qatari leadership of Pakistan's full solidarity and support in the face of this unjustified provocation. He also conveyed deep sympathies on the loss of precious lives in this dastardly and heinous attack by Israel and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Israel's brazen aggression in the Middle East must be stopped and the Ummah needed unity among its ranks in the face of Israeli provocations.

The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar's responsible, constructive and mediatory role in efforts to bring peace in Gaza, and stressed that such acts of Israeli aggression were clearly meant to undermine regional stability and threaten ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

The Prime Minister said that at Qatar's request, Pakistan had requested for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East. He also welcomed Qatar's decision to host an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15, and said Pakistan had indicated its willingness to the OIC to co-sponsor and co-convene this Summit.

The Prime Minister also thanked His Highness the Amir for Qatar's strong support for Pakistan during its stand off with India earlier this year.

His Highness the Amir of Qatar thanked the Prime Minister for his thoughtful gesture of visiting Doha to express his solidarity with Qatar at this time.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in promoting regional peace, upholding international law and supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

This visit reaffirmed the deep rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

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A drone photo taken in August 2025 shows a sample plot for experiments at the the Xilingol Grassland Ecosystem National Field Observation and Research Station in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Chinese Academy of Sciences/Handout via Xinhua)

HOHHOT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- When scientists established China's first ecosystem research station for temperate steppe on this vast grassland 46 years ago, it took a five-hour drive to the nearest town just to make a phone call.

Today, the scene has changed dramatically: drones soar overhead, satellites monitor from space, and LiDAR technology meticulously scans the vegetation below. This integrated network is aimed at safeguarding the grasslands of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China.

The Xilingol Grassland Ecosystem National Field Observation and Research Station has been consistently monitoring the key variables and properties of the biosphere, atmosphere, soil, and water in grassland ecosystems, accumulating decades of valuable data.

"The Xilingol grassland represents semi-arid grassland ecosystems and is a crucial part of the vast Eurasian steppe. It plays a vital role in the ecological and socio-economic development of northern China," said Bai Yongfei, head of the station and a researcher at the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In collaboration with the Xilingol Grassland National Nature Reserve, the station conducts both fundamental research -- investigating ecosystem structure and functions, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience to climate change -- and applied studies focused on restoring degraded grasslands, establishing artificial grasslands, and optimizing grazing management. These efforts support the ecological security of northern China and promote sustainable grassland use, Bai said.

To address the increasing challenges of restoring degraded grasslands, the station is developing innovative technologies to transition from traditional vegetation restoration methods to near-natural ecosystem recovery.

INNOVATIVE MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

The nature reserve has developed a smart monitoring platform that integrates data from satellites, drones, ground sensors, and subsoil monitoring. This platform visualizes changes in ecosystems and resources, providing early warnings for ecological risks while streamlining data collection and analysis.

Infrared cameras have captured over 180,000 images of wildlife, identifying 104 species -- including lynx, Pallas's cat, red deer, and roe deer -- demonstrating rich biodiversity, said Sun Changle, deputy director of the reserve.

"Using ground equipment, drones, and satellites, we can track ecosystem energy and matter cycles in greater detail and across larger areas. Various data are automatically recorded every second or, in some cases, every hour, and transmitted in real time to our station and the National Ecosystem Science Data Center," said Wang Yang, the station's executive director.

Scientists use drones equipped with LiDAR and multispectral sensors, along with ground surveys, to monitor Picea mongolica, an endangered tree species. They have developed the first digital 3D atlas of individual trees, providing high-precision data that supports their conservation efforts.

UNDERSTANDING GRASSLAND EVOLUTION

The station has established 175 monitoring plots for plant diversity across the grasslands of Inner Mongolia.

It has developed technologies to observe plant nutrients and ecosystem functions, along with remote sensing methods to monitor grassland degradation. Researchers have mapped high-resolution spatial distributions of species diversity throughout China and the Mongolian Plateau. They have built long-term databases covering climate, soil, topography, socio-economics, land cover, and vegetation properties.

"Forty-six years of monitoring show that ungrazed grasslands host over 160 plant species without degradation. Our two decades of grazing trials demonstrate that optimized grazing prevents degradation, while overgrazing causes it. Even degraded grasslands can recover with scientific interventions, as long as they have not reached a critical state," Bai explained.

For example, when vegetation cover exceeds 60 percent, soil erosion significantly decreases. Avoiding overgrazing and maintaining grass height above 12 centimeters ensures winter snow accumulation and summer soil moisture retention, thereby supporting biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem resilience, Bai said.

Research also suggests that rotational mowing combined with adaptive grazing can mitigate degradation, whereas overgrazing disrupts plant communities, depletes soil nutrients, and increases locust outbreak risks.

Long-term data reveal changes in soil organic carbon storage in Inner Mongolian grasslands under different management practices over the past 40 years. Mycorrhizal symbiosis -- a partnership between plant roots and fungi -- enhances both plant diversity and soil carbon storage.

Through field surveys and analysis of 6,098 plots across China, combined with climate and human-activity data, the station has confirmed that biodiversity boosts both ecosystem productivity and soil carbon storage.

GRASSLAND RESTORATION WITH CHINESE WISDOM

To address challenges of desertification and grassland degradation caused by climate change and overgrazing, Chinese scientists have developed nature-based solutions that balance ecological and productive goals.

In Xilingol, they established demonstration zones focused on controlling sand movement, restoring degraded grasslands, optimizing pasture management, and constructing cultivated grasslands. Key technologies include wind erosion control methods, rotational mowing combined with adaptive grazing, restoring salinized grassland, and optimizing mixed-grass sowing -- providing practical solutions for combating global desertification.

Through the integration of legumes and grasses, deep-rooted with shallow-rooted species, and drought-tolerant with moisture-loving forage plants, scientists have increased the yields of cultivated grasslands by 5 to 10 times compared to natural grasslands, extending their productive lifespan.

Over the past two decades, the Xilingol station has achieved breakthroughs in sustainable grassland utilization, ecosystem rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation, with demonstration areas covering over 53,300 hectares.

These practices have been endorsed by the UN Environment Programme as exemplary cases of ecological restoration, disseminating China's solutions worldwide.

"The Xilingol grassland is located in arid and semi-arid areas, similar to many countries along the Belt and Road. Our methods and technical models can provide valuable insights," said Wang. 

A drone photo taken in August 2025 shows a sample plot for experiments at the the Xilingol Grassland Ecosystem National Field Observation and Research Station in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Chinese Academy of Sciences/Handout via Xinhua)
Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday 12th September 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli aggression against the brotherly country of Qatar. This highly provocative and reckless action constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty as well as international law, the UN Charter, and the established norms governing interstate relations.

Pakistan expresses its complete solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar against this unprovoked and unlawful aggression. This reckless action by Israel is yet another manifestation of its continued disregard for international peace and security, and its policy of destabilizing the region. Pakistan has consistently maintained that such impunity must not be tolerated by the international community.

We reaffirm our principled position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar and call upon the international community to hold Israel accountable. Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people and the leadership of Qatar in defense of their national sovereignty and security.

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, undertook an official visit to the State of Qatar to express solidarity with the people and the leadership of the State of Qatar in the wake of the recent Israeli attack on Doha. During his visit, the Prime Minister held a very warm and cordial meeting with the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan's strongest condemnation of the Israeli attack on Doha on September 9, terming it a blatant and flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that the leadership and people of Pakistan were deeply disturbed by this attack against the brotherly State of Qatar that constituted a serious breach of international law.

While reaffirming the historic, fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Qatar, the Prime Minister stated that the two countries had proudly stood with each other through thick and thin. It was in this spirit of brotherhood that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with His Highness the Amir, the Royal Family of Qatar and with the brotherly people of Qatar during this challenging time.

He assured the Qatari leadership of Pakistan's full solidarity and support in the face of this unjustified provocation. He also conveyed deep sympathies on the loss of precious lives in this dastardly and heinous attack by Israel and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister emphasized that Israel's brazen aggression in the Middle East must be stopped and the Ummah needed unity among its ranks in the face of Israeli provocations.

The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar's responsible, constructive and mediatory role in efforts to bring peace in Gaza, and stressed that such acts of Israeli aggression were clearly meant to undermine regional stability and threaten ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

The Prime Minister said that at Qatar's request, Pakistan had requested for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East. He also welcomed Qatar's decision to host an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15, and said Pakistan had indicated its willingness to the OIC to co-sponsor and co-convene this Summit. The visit reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

At the request of Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia, the UNSC convened an urgent meeting on the aggression against Qatar. The request was supported by other Council members also. During the session, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said that this irresponsible action by Israel was yet another manifestation of its systematic disregard for international law, and its brazen policy of destabilizing the region. It adds to its long and dubious record of aggression, brutal military actions in Gaza, repeated cross-border strikes in Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen - all of which amount to violations of the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law. Such acts of aggression, as defined by UNGA resolution 3314, also set a dangerous precedent, erode the primacy of the rule of law, and breed a culture of impunity that threatens the security of all states.

He added that at a time when delicate negotiations on Gaza peace deal were progressing towards a possible breakthrough, striking the territory of a principal mediator and those directly involved in negotiations is a deliberate attempt to sabotage diplomacy, derail peace efforts, and prolong the suffering of the civilians. He emphasized that it is evident, that Israel, the occupying power, is bent on doing everything to undermine and blow up every possibility of peace.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, undertook an official visit to Pakistan from 8 - 9 September 2025. He was accompanied by a high-level 13-member delegation, including the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and also called on the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.

During the delegation-level talks, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment flows, expanding agricultural cooperation, advancing collaboration in information technology, education, culture, and tourism, and strengthening regional connectivity through logistics and transport links. They also exchanged views on enhancing coordination at multilateral fora.

Following delegation-level talks, the two leaders also signed the Action Plan of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. The Action Plan provides a structured roadmap for intensified engagement in diverse fields including politics, trade and economy, defense and security, science and technology, culture, tourism, humanitarian assistance, and consular facilitation.

Before the delegation-level talks, meetings of the visiting Kazakh delegation were held with Pakistan's Ministers of Communications, Railways, and Commerce. Moreover, the meetings of Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on IT and Agriculture were also held. The Kazakh delegation also visited the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) to explore cooperation in the IT sector. Moreover, the Kazakh DPM also held a business meeting with capitals of Pakistani industries.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov on 10 September 2025.

The two leaders discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest and followed up on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent meeting with President Aliyev on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

The Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yasar Guler visited Pakistan on 08-10 September 2025 to lead the Turkish delegation for the 16th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

Minister Guler also called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and held meetings with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during his 3-day visit.

During the call on the Prime Minister, the two sides shared their commitment to further deepen the bilateral cooperation between the brotherly countries in all areas of mutual interest. During the meetings of Minister Guler with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic and defense cooperation.

The 16th JMC was co-chaired by Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Minister Guler. The meeting provided an opportunity to follow-up on agenda of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Key outcomes of the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, information technology, e-commerce, connectivity and transport, education, mining, agriculture, media, and tourism.

Pakistan assumed the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) on 10 September 2025.

In its capacity as the Chair of SCO-RATS, Pakistan will work towards fostering regional cooperation against terrorism, in line with shared priorities, guided by the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility. It will also host events and activities across key domains  including cyber counter-terrorism, information operations, border security, countering terrorist financing, and capacity-building  to deepen collaboration. As a frontline state in combating terrorism, Pakistan continues to make unparalleled sacrifices to ensure safety and security not only of its own people but the region and beyond.

As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan has also been entrusted with key responsibilities in the counter terrorism domain, among others. Pakistan will continue to work with international and regional partners to advance collective efforts against terrorism, in line with the principles of SCO, international law and the United Nations Charter.

Pakistan is deeply grieved at the loss of precious lives in Nepal. We convey condolences to the bereaved families and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. We trust that the resilience of the Nepalese people will shape a future marked by harmony and renewed hope.

The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIJK) continue to face different oppressive measures by the Indian authorities. Grant of bail has, once again, been denied to prominent Kashmiri leader, Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Shah, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Besides, around two weeks back, the local authorities arbitrarily decided to take over 215 private schools run by the Falah-e-Aam Trust. These coercive steps are a clear manifestation of the high-handed approach of the Indian authorities. We urge them to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, and grant them their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Shah and thousands of other Kashmiri political prisoners should also be released.

I thank you.

***

(Mateen Haider, G News): My question is regarding Israeli attack on Doha, Qatar, during ongoing negotiations for a peace deal in Palestine. The Prime Minister of Pakistan also undertook a visit to hold a meeting with the Qatari Amir to assure Qatar of Pakistan's support, but tell us about the steps that the Muslim Ummah will be taking or the strategy which is going to be presented at the Emergency Session of the Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled on 15th September 2025, and if, of course, Pakistan will also be represented? What is the practical solution to the crisis in Gaza as well as Israeli aggression against Qatar and other regional states, including Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen, all instances strongly condemned by Pakistan? What proposals will Pakistan be presenting to prevent further Israeli aggression against Muslim countries and for peace to prevail?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, the Defence Minister and former Foreign Minister, Khwaja Asif, has stated that Israel is America's first and last priority and now the Israeli Prime Minister is threatening Pakistan directly. So, is it time to stop the aggressor or should we wait for our turn?

Spokesperson: Mr. Mateen, about your question, we will keep updating you on the Emergency Session of Arab-Islamic Summit being held on 15th September. The details are being worked out, and as the details become ready, we will share it. Diplomatic position of Pakistan has been articulated at United Nations Security Council. We were one of the conveners of the meeting, and you must have seen the press statement issued by the UN Security Council. It, of course, is a product of the consensus of the entire Council, but specifically for Pakistan's position, I will request you to again look at the statement by Pakistan's Ambassador, which is very clear in articulation of our position.

Similarly, the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, and also the statement issued by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, they are very clear that repeated Israeli attacks against sovereign states in the region are a matter of grave concern, not only for the Muslim Ummah but also for the wider international community. These provocations represent a dangerous pattern that threatens regional peace and security. The issue has been actively taken up within the OIC, whose member States have strongly condemned the aggression and expressed full solidarity with the affected countries, most recently, Qatar. An extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit has also been called in Doha on 15th September to deliberate on a joint response. Pakistan, along with other Muslim countries, had called for urgent deliberations at the UN Security Council, which have already concluded. The Muslim world remains united in its demand for an immediate end to Israeli hostilities and for respect of international law and UN Charter.

(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj TV): We are seeing that Israel is expanding its sphere of aggression in its neighborhood. Moreover, the recent statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he drew parallels between the Israeli attacks on Doha and the attack in Abbottabad, a few years ago, against OBL, is being widely reported. Regarding this statement, is there any concern in Pakistan for its own security? And if you allow, I have a second question, sir, which is that despite massive flooding in Pakistan, Pakistan has not forwarded any flash appeal through UN to the international community. Is the preparation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underway in case the government decides on any flash appeal or is the Ministry opposed to seeking international assistance from the platform of the United Nations?

Spokesperson: Sir, about the first question, the part where you refer to the statement made by the Israeli Prime Minister, frankly, we do not respond to statements by the purveyors of genocide. Secondly, what is happening right now in the Middle East, which is our immediate neighborhood, we follow it very closely. But let me be absolutely clear, Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any external threat. Pakistan remains a responsible nuclear state and a proponent of regional peace and stability. However, any misadventure or threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with a resolute response. About the question on international appeal this, I would request you to refer your question to NDMA. Primarily, it is a political decision, the government will be taking the overall situation into account including the international situation, the domestic situation and the severity of floods. Once a decision is taken the Foreign Ministry is here to implement government's directives.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Sir, the Turkish Defense Minister visited Pakistan and he called on the Field Marshal, the Defense Minister and the Prime Minister. Is any proposal pertaining to Turkiye's establishment of a defense drone industry in Pakistan being considered? My second question is that last week, a delegation of local leaders of Afghanistan visited Balochistan and Pakistan handed over 53 dead bodies of Afghan citizens, who were killed during the anti-terrorism operation, to the visiting delegation. Is there any confirmation on this?

Spokesperson: Speaking of Pakistan-Turkiye bilateral relations overall, Turkiye is one of our closest partners and friends. We share a long-standing, robust partnership within which, of course, defense cooperation is an important component of a larger, deeper cooperation, which covers multiple areas, including economy, trade, people to people contact, culture, tourism etc. So, defense cooperation is an important component of that. But on this specific visit by the Turkish Defense Minister, he was here as the co-chair of the Joint Ministerial Commission, which is part of the overall architecture of dialogue between Pakistan and Turkiye. From our side, it was led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and from the Turkish side, it was led by the Defense Minister. So, he was here for that purpose. About the visit of the Afghan leaders and the handing over of the dead bodies, I need to check. I am not aware of it at this point in time. I will check the facts and get back to you.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, the President has either left for China or is leaving for China today, I wish to know that was there any urgency involved in this visit of the President, because his home province is undergoing severe floods and the situation is getting out of control? The other part of my query is that does the President plan on going for his medical checkup during his visit to China? And if you permit me another question, there are reports that the Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is leaving for the UK on next Thursday, and there is a possibility of him also travelling to the United States, Southern New York, for meetings with the leaders over there who will be attending the UNGA Session, can you confirm this?

Spokesperson: Sir, about the first question, the President's visit has been in the works for a long time. It was not an eleventh-hour decision as this has been in discussion between the two countries for a long time. A lot of preparation has gone into it. Our curtain raiser explains the context and the schedule of the visit. On the Chief of Army Staff's visit, I will refer you to ISPR.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, the UK's Home Minister issued a statement regarding Pakistanis on immigrants. Strict policy measures have been announced and Pakistan has been recorded in the list of third world countries which have been left behind. Need your comment on this.

Spokesperson: The Home Secretary statement does not mention Pakistan. Pakistan and the UK maintain a very robust relationship. The UK remains a very close friend and partner of Pakistan, and in line with the positive direction and the richness of our relations, the two countries maintain a strong and constructive cooperation on issues relating to migration, consular issues, including return and readmission, law enforcement, judicial cooperation, border control, capacity building and legal migration. This cooperation is streamlined through various agreements such as transfer of prisoners and the UK-Pakistan Readmission Agreement. These frameworks facilitate close collaboration on the repatriation and management of individuals in accordance with the law reflecting our mutual commitment to justice and the rule of law. Both countries continue to work together to address shared challenges in the spirit of partnership, mutual understanding and respect. And also, I wish to highlight that we are one of the few countries which has a return agreement with the UK. For example, if any national from our side is caught who has entered the UK illegally, or is there illegally, in terms of expired visa, and if we are satisfied that he is a Pakistani national, we take him back. And the UK has such agreements with very few countries. So, there is no question of Pakistan being a target of a specific policy. We are doing much more than the countries in the region for that matter.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, Pakistan and the US companies signed an agreement on rare earth minerals. How this process will proceed further on critical rare earth minerals?

Spokesperson: Commercial agreements have their own mechanism. SIFC is facilitating it. Please keep in view, the banks are involved for raising capital for which the banks do due diligence and meet their fiduciary requirements, including assessing the financial solvency of the projects. So, there is nothing, in a way, which is kind of behind the curtains. Such arrangements are regular corporate agreement. And we will encourage investment from all over. About the specifics of a particular commercial agreement, again the Foreign Ministry is not in a position to explain to you the details. I would refer you to SIFC for that.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Sir, I have two questions. Firstly, how many times India alerted Pakistan about floods. Secondly, price of gold in Pakistan has increased from Rs. 250,000 to Rs 300,000. After the extraction of gold reserves, do you think price of gold will drop in the future?

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, my colleague Piracha sahib asked question about floods that how many International agencies contacted Pakistan. Sir, I would like to add that on 19 September, 1960 Indus Water Treaty was signed. But on Pakistani waters, 19 dams have been built on Pakistani rivers by India which are illegally stealing Pakistan's waters and are in violation of provisions of Indus Water Treaty. As my colleague asked, putting Indus Water Treaty in abeyance then releasing floods into Pakistan without warning through proper channel, which resulted in devastating effects on Pakistan's agriculture and economy, so will Pakistan take up this matter to the International Court of Justice?

Spokesperson: I am sorry; I am not in a position to speculate on the gold price. On how many times India shared flood alerts, I will have to check the exact figures as I do not have them readily available. I can check it for you. But what I can reiterate is that also in the last briefing I had spoken on this: the Indian side indeed shared some information about the floods in different rivers through diplomatic channels. However, it is not as detailed as in the past. Besides, the established channel of the Indus Water Commissioner has not been used. In that context, we reiterate that India should fully comply with all the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, and observe the sanctity of the Indus Water Treaty. Our commitment to the treaty and our position has been very clearly highlighted at the senior most level. There is no ambiguity on that.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Considering our achievements in Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos and internationally, the way you people performed at the diplomatic front. According to reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not going to the UN General Assembly session. Maybe he does not want to face the current situation. When is Pakistan's delegation going? Please give us an update.

Secondly, everyone is saying that we are not asking donors for donation and aid to tackle flood issue. What are the reasons behind it? Was it the way we utilized aid in the past or we did not provide a plan on utilization of 1 billion dollars or we became so self-sufficient that we do not need aid and we will tackle the flood issue on our own?

Spokesperson: I will respond to the first part of the question: Of course, the annual UN General Assembly session is a very important diplomatic event, and there is obviously natural curiosity on the part of the press corps regarding the participation level. We are finalizing the details at the moment. We will share the details with you once finalized.

About the flood situation, what I can explain to you is that there is a broader context in which government works in terms of expectation of help, requirement of help, when to launch it, how to launch it. These modalities are being reviewed. The government is seized of the matter, and the rescue and relief efforts are ongoing. The second stage is rehabilitation. So, the Government will decide according to its own priorities, if an appeal has to be launched or not.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you very much, Spokesperson. Two questions: Firstly, the Bangladeshi Religious Affairs Adviser met the Prime Minister when he was visiting Islamabad, and he handed over a letter from the Bangladesh Chief Advisor as well, and the Bangladeshi Chief Advisor also. As per the statement by the PMO, he invited the Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. My question is that, is there a high level visit, either from Islamabad to Dhaka or from Dhaka to Islamabad, particularly in the works. Number one.

Number two, the issue you mentioned about the Arab Islamic Summit, the Prime Minister was recently in Doha. Are we expecting him to travel for the Arab Islamic Summit as well? Thank you.

Spokesperson: About the first question, in the last briefings, we had discussed these issues. Between friendly countries, high level visits are routinely discussed but at this point in time, I do not have any specifics to share with you about the concrete information of any high-level visit from Islamabad to Dhaka or Dhaka to Islamabad.

About the second question, we are working on it, and soon we will be issuing press release on that to keep you updated about our participation in the Arab Islamic Summit in Doha.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, though this is out of provincial government's ambit to discuss national level issues with the other countries or foreign countries, but CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur has said he has been tasked to travel to Afghanistan for peace talks with the Taliban Interim government, but he cannot travel because his passport has been blocked since 2023 by the Federal government.

Spokesperson: I can make a broad point. Under the constitutional arrangement, Foreign Affairs fall under the purview of the Federal government. It decides how to conduct foreign relations, the modality and related details. So, any provincial government's involvement has to be in consultation with the federal government. This is the broad principle which is self-evident. I am not in a position to comment about whether the honorable Chief Minister's passport is blocked or not. For that I will refer you to the Interior Ministry. I am not aware of it.

(Noor Aimen Zahra, 365 News): According to American magazine, 'Foreign Affairs' US chooses Pakistan over India. And as we saw in the past years, relations between the US and Pakistan were on the edge, and now things have turned around for Pakistan. So how you will comment on this?

Spokesperson: I am not in a position to comment on individual articles. You read various opinions, but what I can reiterate is the US remains an important priority of our foreign policy. We have been persistent and consistent in our approach to further strengthen and develop strong bilateral relations with the US, which have a very rich history and legacy. There is a good legacy to build on, further development of Pakistan - US bilateral relations.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): Sir, again I have question related to floods. Sir, you already informed us how many times India warned about floods but my question is: what is the requirement of Indus Water Treaty? Under provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, how many hours before potential floods, India has to inform Pakistan? Were these provisions violated by India and if yes, then how many times?

Secondly, there are reports that India intentionally released more flood water than it should have. Is there a mechanism of Foreign Ministry with other ministries that shares report on how much India released water and did it release more water than it should have which resulted in floods in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Again what I can explain is that as I mentioned earlier, first of all, information was not as detailed as it should be. Secondly, the channel used was not the Indus Water Commissioner, where there is a certain particular format which has evolved over the years, that channel was not used and a diplomatic channel was used. Beyond this, I will repeat what I said in last briefing, that I do not have the facts right now that how much water and at what time should have been released. These are the technical details. I do not have this information.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, Saudi Arabia built a counter-terrorism military coalition in April 2017 and Pakistan's former army chief, General Raheel Sharif was appointed as its Commander-in-Chief. Since then till now, Israel has attacked different Muslim countries at least 12 times. Firstly, what is the status of this military coalition whose Commander-in-Chief is former Army Chief who was appointed with the consent of the Pakistani government? Secondly, was there any dialogue to activate this coalition in the current context or will Pakistan raise its voice to reactivate this military coalition in OIC? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Very simple answer: I need to check on the details. This is a good question. Let me check.

Thank you.

*

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Spokesperson's Press Briefing (September 11, 2025)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

2025-09-11

Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Lee Jaewoong

September 11, 2025 14:30 KST



Good afternoon. Let me start today's briefing.



Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun will meet with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the afternoon of Monday, September 15, and exchange views on UN peacekeeping operations and ways to enhance Korea-UN cooperation.



Minister Cho plans to request the UN Secretariat's attention and support for Korea's Dongmyeong Unit and Hanbit Unit, which are currently deployed to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and the UN Mission in South Sudan, respectively.



On Sunday, September 14, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo will hold a meeting and a working luncheon with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is scheduled to visit Korea from September 13 to 14.



Prior to the Korea-U.S. vice ministers' meeting, Deputy Secretary Landau will also pay a courtesy call on Minister Cho Hyun.



Deputy Secretary Landau will be the highest-level State Department official to visit Korea since the inauguration of the new Korean government, and this meeting will be the second of its kind, following the one held in Japan on July 18.



The two sides plan to hold in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues, including follow-up measures to the ROK-U.S. summit, bilateral issues in the fields of economy, security, and consular affairs, matters concerning the Korean Peninsula and the region, as well as regional and global cooperation.



Next, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina will hold the Korea-Panama Foreign Ministers' meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Javier Martinez-Acha in Seoul on Friday, September 12.



In the Foreign Ministers' meeting, the first to be held with a Latin American country since the inauguration of the Lee Jae Myung government, the two sides will review the bilateral relations that have developed since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962 and explore ways to expand substantive cooperation.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)



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Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU individual sanctions over territorial integrity prolonged for a further six months

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

12 September 2025 19:55

The Council decided today to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 March 2026.

The existing restrictive measures provide for a travel ban for natural persons, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed individuals and entities. Sanctions will continue to apply to over 2 500 individuals and entities targeted in response to Russia's ongoing unjustified and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.

In the context of the sanctions' review, the Council also decided not to renew the listings of one individual, and to remove one deceased person from the list.

After 24 February 2022, in response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the EU massively expanded sanctions against Russia with the aim of significantly weakening Russia's economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war.

The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions.

The link to the list will be added to this press release once it is published in the EU Official Journal.

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European Union extends sanctions on 2,500 individuals and entities

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12.09.2025 | 13:46

On 12 September, the European Union decided to extend targeted sanctions against around 2,500 individuals and entities responsible for undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that EU sanctions are applied for six months at a time, meaning they must be reviewed and extended every six months.

"Estonia supports the extension of sanctions. There is absolutely no basis for easing sanctions against Russia or individuals linked to its aggression. Russia's objectives - to subjugate Ukraine and to reshape Europe's security architecture - have not changed. Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine," said Tsahkna, adding that as soon as in December it will also be necessary to extend the sanctions under which the EU has frozen 200 billion worth of Russian central bank assets.

On 17 March 2014, the Council of the European Union introduced restrictive measures in response to actions threatening or undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Since then, under this regulation, the EU has imposed sanctions on around 2,500 individuals in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine. These include Russia's dictator Vladimir Putin, members of the State Duma, senior officials, military personnel, businessmen and oligarchs, propagandists, arms industry companies, and individuals responsible for the deportation of children.



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EU Member States agree to extend sanctions against Russia

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12.09.2025

On Friday, 12 September 2025, the Council of the European Union (EU) unanimously decided to extend for another six months, until 15 March 2026, the restrictive measures against those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. 2,529 persons (1,894 individuals and 635 legal entities) have been retained on the sanctions list. Sanctions against Russia are not being weakened. This is the common position of Latvia and other EU member states.

A number of individuals subject to EU sanctions are also subject to sanctions by other countries, including the United States, Canada, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.

As part of a regular review of each sanction regime (every six months in the case of sanctions against Russia), the Legal Service of the EU Council provides its assessment of the legal basis of evidence for sanctioning persons and the EU Council carefully evaluates it in its discussions and takes an appropriate decision on the extension of the sanctions.

As on earlier occasions, this process of extending the "individual" EU sanctions regime against Russia was also complex; however, the EU Member States were able to maintain consensus and a united position - no person was removed from the sanctions list due to political motivation.

EU sanctions against Russia - since 2014

Since 2014, the European Union (EU) has been imposing individual sanctions on individuals and legal entities for actions that undermine or pose threat to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine[1]. Among the individuals subject to EU sanctions are the Russian President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, other members of the government and presidential administration, high-ranking officials and military personnel, representatives of the judiciary, companies important to the Kremlin regime and their leaders, oligarchs, propaganda figures, the media and others who support the Kremlin's aggressive policies.

The EU sanctions against Russia (both sectoral and individual) are to be extended every six months. This requires the unanimity of all the 27 EU Member States. If EU Member States fail to reach an agreement within the specified period, the sanctions regime will not be extended and will cease to apply to all individuals and legal entities included in the sanctions list. The deadline for the Member States to agree on the renewal of individual sanctions was 15 September 2025[2].

Latvia's position

Latvia's position is based on the statements of the Saeima of 24 February and 21 April 2022 on Ukraine, which called for the application of maximum sanctions, and on the decisions of the Cabinet, which were reapproved by the Informational Report adopted at the 2 September 2025 Cabinet meeting on the matters to be considered at the informal meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers (25-TA-2057 (DV)).

The Latvian Government holds a position that current sanctions should be extended until Russia has ceased its aggression, fully restored the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and compensated Ukraine for the losses caused. Latvia also advocates for the timely extension of EU sanctions against Russia, which is part of the EU's support for Ukraine. It is important for Latvia that the individual sanctions regime for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine be maintained. We stand up in the strongest terms against any efforts to weaken the sanctions, including politically motivated attempts to remove individuals from the list.

In accordance with Latvia's national interests and the EU's common sanctions policy, Latvia, as before, neither proposed nor advocated for the lifting of sanctions against any individual or legal entity, regardless of their nationality. On the contrary, Latvia has always called for further strengthening of sanctions, by actively participating in the work on the latest rounds of sanctions and proposing the inclusion of additional individuals and legal entities, shadow fleet ships, etc. in the sanctions list, in order to undermine Russia's capabilities and budget revenues, and, in cooperation with our allies and partners, achieve that the invasion stops.

Talks on the extension of sanctions are always held in behind closed doors.

[1] COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

[2] COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2025/528 of 14 March 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

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The Government adopts regulations on the imposition of Latvia's national sanctions

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12.09.2025

Today, on 12 September 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers, at an extraordinary meeting, adopted a Cabinet regulation, "Regulations on the imposition of national sanctions on entities of the Republic of Latvia related to military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine". This will be yet another tool to respond to the threats to Latvia's national security posed by Russian aggression in the current geopolitical situation.

The regulations will enter into force on the day following their publication in the official gazette, Latvijas Vestnesis.

They establish the framework of the sanctions regime and provide criteria on the basis of which it will be possible to impose national sanctions on specific natural and legal persons. For example, those who are responsible for, support or implement actions or policies that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, stability or security of Ukraine, who do business with separatist groups in Ukraine or who are influential businesspeople in Russia and operate in economic sectors that provide an important source of income for the Russian Federation.

The Cabinet, based on information collected and evaluated by the national security authorities, will have the right to adopt an order on the imposition of national sanctions, providing for financial and entry restrictions on specific persons.

Since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU has imposed sweeping sanctions against the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. To date, the EU has adopted 18 sanction packages, which include measures to erode the economic base of the Russian Federation, denying it access to critical technologies and markets, and significantly restricting its ability to sustain military aggression against Ukraine. In total, EU restrictive measures have been imposed on more than 2,500 subjects involved in, or responsible for actions that undermine or pose threat the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

As the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine continues, it is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of Latvia's sanctions policy and provide for the possibility of imposing national sanctions against entities that are directly or indirectly involved or have been involved in supporting the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine and cause or may cause harm to Latvia's national security.

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Russia-Belarus Joint Strategic Drills Zapad 2025 Begin

Sputnik News

20250912

Russia-Belarus joint strategic exercises Zapad 2025 (West 2025) started on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"On September 12 this year, the joint strategic exercise of the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation entitled 'Zapad 2025' started," the ministry said.

It said the drills will be the final stage of joint training of the two countries' armed forces in 2025.

During the exercise, Russia and Belarus will practice repelling aggression against the [Russia-Belarus] Union State and restoring its territorial integrity, the ministry said.

It said contingents from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other partners have been invited to the drills to practice joint actions, adding that the exercises will be held at training grounds in Belarus and Russia, and in the waters of the Baltic and Barents seas.





 Sputnik

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U.S., Syrian Leaders Meet in Damascus

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | Sept. 12, 2025

USCENTCOM

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Release Number 20250912-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Sept. 12, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria.

During the meeting, Cooper and Barrack thanked President al-Sharaa for his support to counter ISIS in Syria. Eliminating the ISIS threat in Syria will reduce the risk of an ISIS attack on the U.S. homeland while working towards President Trump's vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.

Cooper and Barrack also offered praise to Syria for supporting the recovery of U.S. citizens inside the country, and committed to continuing efforts that support U.S. goals in the Middle East, including negotiations for the integration of various Syrian armed groups into the new Syrian Government's military.

The three leaders committed to meeting in the future to ensure both countries remain focused on countering ISIS in Syria.

-30-



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This is a window of opportunity to end the threat of chemical weapons in Syria: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council Meeting on Syrian Chemical Weapons

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator

Published 12 September 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 12 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

After ten years of obstruction and denial by the Assad regime, we have a window of opportunity to end the threat of chemical weapons in Syria once and for all.

We welcome the progress made by the new Syrian government in delivering on its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2118, as underlined by Foreign Minister al Shaibani.

We also welcome the recent deployments to Syria by the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The Director-General's report confirming the presence of a nerve agent found at a site undeclared by the Assad regime affords us a deeper understanding of the serious nature and scope of the chemical weapons programme. Discoveries such as this underline the urgent need to maintain momentum.

The scale of the challenge means there is much more to do. We call on Syria and the OPCW, to accelerate their efforts to identify, secure and verifiably destroy all remaining chemical weapons.

We look forward to early decisions by the OPCW Executive Council to establish a clear mandate for this work to proceed safely and expeditiously.

President, it is clear that the OPCW requires technical, financial and logistical assistance from the international community to accomplish this vital work.

The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the work of the OPCW's Technical Secreteriat and in July we pledged $2.7 million in support of the OPCW's missions in Syria, in addition to the $1.1 million we had provided following the fall of the Assad regime. We urge all member states to support Syria to eliminate these weapons.

Finally, President the United Kingdom notes with concern that Israeli military actions have delayed OPCW deployments and risk undermining the security and stability of Syria and the wider region.

Preserving evidence at chemical weapons-related sites is essential to ensure accountability for both those who used these weapons, and their supporters. We therefore urge Israel to de-escalate and avoid any further disruption to this critical work.

President, this latest report is another stark reminder of the importance of this council continuing to support Syria and the OPCW so that the new Syrian Government can meet its international obligations and move towards a safer and more secure future for all Syrians.

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Syria Chemical Weapons Concerns Widen with New Evidence, United Nations Disarmament Chief Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9994th Meeting (AM)

SC/16167

12 September 2025

Evidence of nerve agents was found in samples collected from a site in Syria, and information suggests that over 100 additional locations may have been involved in chemical-weapons-related activities in the country, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.

Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, welcomed the "remarkable progress" since the Council's last meeting on the matter. She reported that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Syria have continued to engage on outstanding issues in Syria's chemical weapons dossier.

She highlighted the regular communication between the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the OPCW Technical Secretariat, as well as her recent virtual meeting with Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi of Syria. Since 2014, however, she recalled, OPCW has been unable to confirm the accuracy of Syria's chemical weapons declaration due to incomplete or inaccurate information. Currently, 26 unresolved issues remain, involving large quantities of potentially undeclared or unverified chemical warfare agents and chemical munitions, which OPCW deems a "serious concern", she noted.

Chemical Weapons Activity Suspected at More Than 100 Sites

Referring to "this month's report", she said the OPCW Technical Secretariat had noted that "in addition to the 26 declared chemical-weapons-related sites, information made available to OPCW suggests that there are more than 100 other sites that may have been involved in chemical-weapons-related activities". OPCW plans to inspect all these sites, subject to security and other considerations.

She reported that, since March, OPCW teams have deployed to Syria four times  in March, April, June and August  to visit both declared and suspected chemical weapon sites. However, the most recent deployment in August was initially scheduled for 20 to 28 July, but had to be postponed due to Israel's 16 July air strikes targeting several sites in Damascus, including a building where OPCW teams had previously held consultations with Syrian authorities, and "in the direct vicinity of the hotel used by the OPCW teams during its missions in Syria".

During its April deployment, OPCW collected three samples from one site, revealing indicators of nerve agents  a "concerning finding" that OPCW plans to address in future visits, she said.

She commended the new Syrian authorities' commitment to fully and transparently cooperate with the Technical Secretariat, highlighting that "there is currently a critical opportunity to obtain long-overdue clarifications on the full extent and scope of the Syrian chemical weapons programme and "to rid the country of all chemical weapons". "The OPCW Director-General has noted that the tasks ahead will likely be more complex than those carried out 11 years ago with the destruction of Syria's declared chemical weapons programme," she emphasized, urging the international community's consistent international support to rid Syria of all chemical weapons.

In the ensuing debate, many Council members welcomed the improved cooperation between OPCW and Syria, including this year's successful deployments, while voicing concern over the long-standing unresolved issues, the new findings and Israel's July air strikes.

The Russian Federation's delegate disputed the Technical Secretariat's reporting on the April assessment mission, noting that they are unfounded. The results attempt to place responsibility on the former Syrian authorities, and it is not a desire to establish the truth, he emphasized, urging Council members to not condone this approach. The only way to resolve outstanding issues is through an OPCW Secretariat approach rooted in professionalism, which takes account of Syria's political situation and the rebuilding of Government institutions, he emphasized.

Work of OPCW Syria Must Continue until All Chemical Weapons Are Destroyed

The Republic of Korea's representative rejected that assertion, stating: "We oppose any attempts to undermine its value and legitimacy." The ongoing work of the OPCW Syria team must continue until all chemical weapons in Syria are destroyed and the perpetrators that used them are identified. He also called on Syria to "recommit to bringing all perpetrators to book". "The Council and the OPCW must spare no effort in holding perpetrators accountable," he underscored.

"The fight against impunity is critical to deliver justice to the victims and to buttress the norm of prohibition of chemical weapons," added the representative of France, highlighting the International Partnership against Impunity for Chemical Weapons launched by his country in 2018. Commending OPCW's outstanding work, he said: "Measures need to be undertaken to urgently secure, reliably evaluate and subsequently destroy all of the country's chemical weapons production, stocks and capabilities."

The representative of the United States urged OPCW to redouble its efforts "to locate and destroy remnants of the Assad regime's chemical weapons programme". Noting that sample results from the Organisation's April visit have revealed indicators of nerve agents, he called it an "urgent reminder the OPCW mission in Syria is complex but critical". He further urged Council members to adjust the ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime to ensure OPCW and Member States can provide all necessary support for chemical weapons destruction in Syria.

Council members also underscored the importance of advancing the political transition in Syria. "The situation of chemical weapons in Syria is inextricably linked to the ongoing political process," highlighted Panama's representative, stressing the urgency of moving towards a political transition in line with Council resolution 2254 (2015). A strong political process that strengthens legitimate and effective governance is essential to create the conditions necessary for the permanent eradication of the threat of chemical weapons.

Israeli Military Strikes Impeding OPCW's Work in Syria

Speakers also drew attention to the presence of terrorist forces, as well as Israel's recent air strikes in Syria. China's representative said the elimination and destruction of chemical weapons should be carried out to ensure they not enter the hands of terrorists and urged the interim Syrian authorities to combat all terrorists. The essential efforts for a safe and stable environment in Syria have been weakened by the Israeli attacks, he added, calling on Israel to cease its attacks and immediately withdraw from Syrian territory.

Pakistan's delegate, echoed that concern, stating: "Regrettably, Israeli military strikes have also impeded the technical work of the OPCW in Syria in discharge of its mandate." Joining other delegations, he called for an end to "reprehensible attacks and violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

"This progress is complicated by a deteriorating security situation," he said, voicing deep concern about the "Israeli aggressions, including the 16 July air strikes targeting Damascus", which postponed OPCW deployment.

Chemical Weapons Must Not Fall into Hands of Terrorists

"We condemn all Israeli aggressions on the strongest terms and insist on an immediate halt of all aggressions against Syria's territory," declared Algeria's representative, speaking also for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia. "Syria's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, and civilians should not be put at risk." He also voiced concern about the ongoing threats posed by Da'esh and stressed the importance of "preventing chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists".

Highlighting the "unprecedented access, cooperation and the successful collection of new documents and samples", he urged the international community's continued support to the Syrian authorities. He also welcomed the lifting of sanctions by major international partners and Syria's renewed eligibility for support from international financial institutions, noting that this will be "crucial for the country's reconstruction efforts".

Looking ahead, Slovenia's delegate said a comprehensive picture of the country's chemical weapons programme must be established, while ensuring the safety of OPCW personnel and their Syrian counterparts. He called on Israel to respect the demilitarized zone and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and on the Syrian interim authorities to maintain and consolidate cooperation with OPCW to fulfil their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

"All of us around this table remember the Assad regime's deplorable use of chemical weapons over the last decades," said Denmark's delegate, voicing hope that the recently concluded agreement between Syria and OPCW, concerning immunities and freedom of movement in Syria, can pave the way for more frequent and extensive visits by OPCW.

The United Kingdom's delegate observed that, after 10 years of obstruction and denial by the Assad regime, "we have a window of opportunity to make important progress in ending the threat of chemical weapons in Syria once and for all". OPCW requires technical, financial and logistical assistance from the international community, she underscored, highlighting her country's $2.7 million pledge in support of its missions in Syria, in addition to the $1.1 million provided following the fall of the Assad regime.

The speaker for Greece acknowledged the first steps by the interim Syrian authorities to improve cooperation with the newly established "Office of Special Missions" of OPCW and called on them to take any possible measure to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to chemical weapons.

Syria Working to Become Haven of Peace, Prosperity in Region

Syria's representative affirmed that a "new Syria" is "working tirelessly to become a haven of peace and prosperity in the region". His colleagues dealing with this dossier in Damascus are "witnesses who have survived" chemical weapons and are determined to ensure their elimination of "once and for all". He cited the "tenth sad anniversary" on 21 August of "the largest chemical massacre" in the last 30 years near Damascus, as, for the first time in 12 years, victims' families and survivors met with representatives of civil society organizations to express their grief after years of depression, displacement, misinformation and intimidation. The President of Syria reassured them that the new Syria will not allow chemical weapons to be used against anyone and will bring perpetrators to justice.

He noted Syria is preparing the fifth deployment in 2025 of OPCW technical teams to facilitate access to the sites suspected of hosting chemical weapons. Further, he cited an agreement on the privileges and immunities for OPCW staff to ensure mechanisms are in place to allow progress. Meanwhile, "enormous challenges" are involved in destroying the chemical weapons programme, as the Assad regime carried out its activities in the greatest secrecy. Syria also faces an economy worn out by years of conflict, as well as mines and remnants of war. Condemning military strikes by the "Israeli entity" on sites presumed to have been to store chemical weapons, he emphasized that the "new Syria" has expressed political willingness to make available all necessary facilities to OPCW and presented a conceptual plan to destroy the weapons. Despite the "heavy legacy" of the Assad regime, decades of oppression, war and unspeakable suffering, Syria will continue to resolutely rebuild and spare no effort to destroy the arsenal, he stressed.

"Turkiye stands ready to contribute to the training and capacity-building of Syrian experts and will continue to facilitate the work of OPCW missions in the field," underscored that country's representative, noting the secretive nature of the former regime's programme, gaps in available documentation and Syria's lack of technical expertise, economic constraints, insufficient equipment, ongoing security threats from terrorist groups, as well as Israeli air strikes, which must cease. Turkiye remains firmly committed to supporting genuine and verifiable steps towards eliminating chemical weapons in Syria, he added, calling on the international community to support Syrian authorities and OPCW in this critical endeavour. "The opportunity to make Syria safer, in the region and beyond, is within our reach," he stressed.

__________

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BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Saturday announced the launch of an anti-discrimination investigation into relevant U.S. measures targeting the country's integrated circuit sector, effective the same day.

According to the ministry's announcement, it has obtained preliminary evidence that the U.S. measures constitute prohibitive, restrictive or other like measures on a discriminatory basis under China's foreign trade law. The investigation was initiated in accordance with the law. 
Taiwan military tracks Chinese carrier's passage through Taiwan Strait

ROC Central News Agency

09/12/2025 06:04 PM

Taipei, Sept. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Friday it employed joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance measures to monitor the movements of China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, as it recently transited the Taiwan Strait en route to the South China Sea.

The ministry, in response to a CNA inquiry about the Fujian's passage, said the measures were taken to "maintain full awareness" of the carrier's movements and that it had "responded appropriately."

The Fujian's transit was first disclosed Thursday by Japan's Ministry of Defense, whose Joint Staff Office reported that at around 1 p.m. that day, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted the Fujian sailing southwest in waters about 200 kilometers northwest of the Diaoyutai (Senkaku) Islands.

The carrier was accompanied by the guided-missile destroyers Hangzhou and Jinan, according to the Joint Staff Office.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Friday that the Fujian had recently passed through the Taiwan Strait to "carry out scientific research tests and training missions" in the South China Sea.

Citing Senior Captain Leng Guowei (), a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Navy, the report said the tests and training were "not aimed at any specific target," but regular arrangements in the carrier's construction process.

Launched in 2022, the Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier after the Liaoning and the Shandong, is still undergoing sea trials and is expected to enter service later this year, according to a report by the local Chinese-language newspaper Liberty Times.

(By Wu Shu-wei and Sunny Lai)

Enditem/ASG

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U.S. commerce secretary hints at 'big deal' with Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

09/12/2025 04:40 PM

Washington Sept. 11 (CNA) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested in an interview on Thursday that the United States and Taiwan were close to reaching a trade agreement.

"We've got a big deal coming with Taiwan," Lutnick said in a CNBC interview, without offering details, while noting that trade negotiations with other countries only conclude after both sides sign an agreement.

In Taiwan, the Office of Trade Negotiations said in a statement on Friday that trade talks with the U.S. were making progress and that it was waiting for a conclusion meeting pending arrangements by the American side.

Taipei hopes to reach an agreement with Washington to reduce the recently enacted import tax imposed on most Taiwanese goods entering the U.S., the office said.

Negotiations between the two sides were triggered after U.S. President Donald Trump announced in early April an additional 32 percent tariff on Taiwanese imports to the U.S., with semiconductor and information and communications technology (ICT) products exempted from the measure.

The 32 percent tariff was later reduced to 20 percent and took effect on Aug. 1, with no agreement in place.

At the same time, Taiwan's trade negotiations office said it was negotiating for "preferential treatment" for Taiwanese semiconductor and ICT products that might also be subject to additional tariffs once the U.S. government concludes its investigation.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act into the semiconductor and other industries, the outcome of which could result in tariffs or other restrictions on such foreign products entering the U.S.

(By Chung Yu-chen and Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/cs

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China lodges solemn representations with relevant countries over visit of head of foreign affairs department of Taiwan authorities to Europe: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 12, 2025 04:42 PM

Responding to a visit of the so-called head of the foreign affairs department of the Taiwan authorities to Europe, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the island of Taiwan is a province of China. "The person you just mentioned is merely a local foreign affairs official of China," the spokesperson said.



Lin stated that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China has always firmly opposed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China engaging in any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan region of China, and firmly opposes providing platforms for the activities of "Taiwan independence" elements, Lin added.



China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, and has lodged solemn representations with the relevant countries. "We urge relevant European countries to abide by the one-China principle and immediately take effective measures to prevent visits by 'Taiwan independence' elements. We also warn the Taiwan regional authorities that 'Taiwan independence' is a dead-end path, and any attempt to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan' in the international community is doomed to fail," Lin said.

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Chinese military tracks, monitors US, UK warships transiting through Taiwan Strait

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorChen Zhuo

2025-09-12 22:52:50

BEIJING, Sept. 12 -- The US destroyer Higgins and the UK frigate HMS Richmond transited through the Taiwan Strait and made provocative actions on September 12, 2025. "The Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command sent its navy and air force troops to track and monitor the transit of the two vessels, effectively responding and handling the situation," said Army Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement on Friday.

"The actions of the US and the UK have sent out wrong signals and undermined peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," slammed the spokesperson, adding that the troops of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command remain on high alert at all times and are ready to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.

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No: 186, 12 September 2025, Regarding the Sixth Meeting of the Special Representatives for the Normalization Process between Turkiye and Armenia

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On September 12, Special Representatives for the Normalization Process between Turkiye and Armenia, Ambassador (R.) Serdar Klc and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan held their sixth meeting in Yerevan.

At this meeting, the Special Representatives confirmed the issues they had worked and agreed on at previous meetings, in order to advance the full normalization process between Turkiye and Armenia. In this context, they exchanged views on the implementation of the agreement on border crossings reached at their meeting on July 1, 2022. The Special Representatives agreed to expedite this process.

The Special Representatives also decided that the relevant authorities of both countries conduct the necessary technical studies for the rehabilitation and operationalization of the Kars-Gyumri railway and electricity interconnector.

They also decided that efforts should be made to strengthen cooperation in the field of culture and academia, particularly by creating scholarship opportunities for higher education students and the joint renovation of the historical Silk Road (Ani) Bridge.

The Special Representatives also agreed to carry out the necessary work for other interested companies to start flights to various destinations starting in the summer of 2026, thereby increasing the number of air routes and flights between the two countries.

Finally, Special Representatives reiterated their commitment to continue this process without any preconditions.

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PM meeting with the Taoiseach Micheal Martin of Ireland: 12 September 2025

Press release

The Prime Minister hosted the Taoiseach Micheal Martin this morning at Chequers.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 12 September 2025

The Prime Minister hosted the Taoiseach Micheal Martin this morning at Chequers.

The leaders agreed the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland was very strong and good progress across all areas of the relationship had been made since the UK-Ireland summit in Liverpool earlier this year.

Turning to the Middle East, the leaders said they were appalled by the strike in Doha this week and the intolerable scenes in Gaza. They agreed it was essential to end the man-made famine, get aid in at scale, release the hostages and find a pathway to a two-state solution to deliver peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

The Prime Minister condemned Russia's increased recklessness in recent weeks, including the outrageous violation of Poland's airspace and attacks on the British Council and EU delegation buildings in Kyiv. He committed to working with partners in the Coalition of the Willing, including Ireland, to step up support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Putin's regime.

The Prime Minister and Taoiseach said they were close to setting out a framework to address the Legacy issues from the Troubles that continued to hang over victims, survivors and families.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.



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PM call with President Nawrocki of Poland: 12 September 2025

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to Polish President Karol Nawrocki this morning.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 12 September 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to Polish President Karol Nawrocki this morning.

The Prime Minister congratulated the President on his election and welcomed the opportunity to speak.

Discussing Russia's egregious breach of Polish airspace earlier this week, and the Prime Minister reiterated the UK's steadfast support to Poland and NATO.

The leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen the defence and security relationship between the two countries.

Both leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.





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Speech at DSEI by Deputy Chief of the General Staff

Speech

Speech at DSEI by Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE, about the British Army's place in an increasingly dangerous world.

From: Ministry of Defence and Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE

Published 12 September 2025

Location: DSEI

Delivered on: 10 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Distinguished guests, ministers, colleagues from across the armed forces, leaders from industry and academia, and our international partners  good morning.

It is an honour to speak on behalf of the Chief of the General Staff at this year's Defence and Security Equipment International. DSEI is more than an exhibition; it is a meeting place of ideas, innovation, and partnership  a moment where nations, industry, and the military community come together to chart the future of our collective security.

Today, I want to speak plainly about the British Army's place in an increasingly dangerous world. We face challenges of a scale and complexity we have not seen in generations. And yet, we stand at a moment of opportunity  to modernise, to adapt, and to lead alongside our allies. The British Army is ready to meet this moment. But to succeed, we must do it together.

The world around us is undergoing profound change.

In Europe, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shattered assumptions about the nature of warfare and security on our continent. It has reminded us that high-intensity, state-on-state conflict is no longer theoretical. It is happening now, in our backyard, and it is driving NATO's most significant transformation in a generation.

In the Indo-Pacific, China's growing assertiveness is reshaping the balance of power, while tensions across the Taiwan Strait reverberate globally.

In the Middle East and parts of Africa, persistent instability, terrorism, and fragile states continue to drive insecurity, mass migration, and human suffering  challenges that do not respect borders and demand collective responses.

And beyond the physical battlespace, we face emerging threats in cyber, space, artificial intelligence, and information warfare  domains where advantage is fleeting, and competition is constant.

Against this backdrop, Britain's role is clear: we must remain a credible, capable, and committed ally. As a leading member of NATO and a global security partner, the British Army plays a vital role in deterrence, reassurance, and rapid response. But we cannot afford complacency. In this environment, relevance is earned, not assumed.

The Strategic Defence Review set out a clear vision for how the United Kingdom will meet these challenges: an integrated, agile, and resilient defence posture, underpinned by closer alignment across government, industry, and allies. We will prioritise our Corps-level warfighting ability to be a force that deters through strength and demonstrates leadership through action. Our deployments to Estonia and Poland, our training missions across the globe, and our continued support to Ukraine are proof of this commitment.

We must be the Army that NATO wants and the Nation needs. CGS has set the target of doubling by 2030, with the SDR setting us the target of becoming 10x more lethal as a fighting force by 2035 - an ambitious target that we are well on the way to achieving.

As the Chief of the General Staff laid out in this speech at RUSI earlier this year, this means three things for the Army:

Firstly, we must meet our commitment to NATO by providing the Strategic Reserve Corps; two fighting divisions, supported by Corps-level capabilities, which is ready to respond to a peer-level threat in Europe. A corps that delivers speed and reach onto NATO's perimeter and, if needs be, the wherewithal to recover territory.

Secondly, we must ensure our capability to sustain a warfighting effort. The SDR seeks not just to reset or deepen the relationship with industry, but to build a new defence industrial ecosystem. Rebuilding the National Arsenal is fundamental to both innovating in peacetime and being able to scale that production to support the force in times of war.

Thirdly, in order to achieve this, the Army must rebuild its' connection to the nation. As history has shown us, a future conflict may well rely on our entire society for success.

But we cannot do this alone. In order to be the best fighting force possible, we must be integrated  operating seamlessly alongside the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, our intelligence community, and our NATO allies across all domains. Land, sea, air, cyber, and space are no longer separate theatres; they are interdependent, and success requires unity of effort.

The SDR makes clear that our credibility also relies on modernisation. Our current structures, equipment, and processes will not meet tomorrow's challenges. Which is why transformation and modernisation is no longer optional  it is urgent, and our focus is now firmly on achieving growth through transformation.

A lot of this is going to take time. How do we move faster? How do we challenge our own thinking and method? The answer from our perspective is the Army Challenge Set unveiled at the ASGARD demonstration in July. This is intended to help industry partners in the search for new ideas and technologies.

Maximising stand-off distance, whilst maintaining precision, low latency of target information, and processing resilience in end to end targeting enterprise and flexibility on the battlefield.

Facilitating protection and movement by blinding sensors, deceiving enemy systems, disrupting enemy end-to-end fires pipelines while maintaining and sustaining friendly energy emissions across visible spectrum and protecting against enemy munitions.

Dominating areas we cannot see, across airwaves and inside networks, without fratricide against our own requirements.

Sustaining operations in extended, transparent, and lethal battlespace where dispersal and concealment are the norm.

Modernisation is not about buying new kit for the sake of it. It is about making the Army relevant in a world where speed, precision, and information dominance decide outcomes.

We are entering an age where conflicts will be fought in multi-domain environments, where decisions are measured in seconds and superiority is built on data as much as firepower. So to succeed, the British Army must evolve in three key areas:

Principally, digital transformation. Modernisation isn't just hardware; it's software, data, and networks. The ability to sense, decide, and strike faster than an adversary will define victory and our operational advantage increasingly depends on data. We must harness higher levels of robotic autonomy; AI's powers of orchestration and synchronisation; strong and resilient digital networks; and a more interconnected series of systems. Lag in any of these areas and we will be out-competed. Back in July, the Army revealed and demonstrated Project ASGARD, the programme which is harnessing the power of AI to link any sensor to any effector, and both refine and expedite decision making processes to reduce kill-chain times from hours to seconds. ASGARD is no longer conceptual; it is here, today, and revolutionising warfare for British Soldiers.

Next, capability. We are investing in next-generation platforms like the BOXER armoured vehicle, AJAX reconnaissance systems, long-range fires, and integrated air defence. But while these exquisite systems remain crucial to our force, in order to reach 10x lethality we can no longer be reliant on those alone; the next era of warfighting capability will see these exquisite systems comprise just 20% of our capability. We plan for 40% of our lethality to consist of attritable systems such as uncrewed systems, and the remaining 40% to come from consumable systems in the form of long-range one-way effectors. So for the same amount of money that we could use to double the lethality of an AH pair buy buying two more platforms, we will be able to multiply their lethality ten-fold, for the same money, by equipping them with a suite of uncrewed airframes, and OWE munitions.

Lastly, people. Technology alone doesn't win wars; people do. Our soldiers remain our greatest asset, and modernisation means equipping them with the tools, training, and mindset needed to thrive in an environment of constant change. We have received the direction to grow the Army to deliver not only our commitment to NATO NDPP targets, but also Homeland Defence and our own Sovereign requirements. Inflow is ultimately key to an increase in long-term strength and the need to get to an Army of at least 76k Regulars and 34k Reserves in the next parliament in that context requires us to adopt a more transformative approach. Op INVECTOR is our plan to deliver renewed emphasis on attracting, converting and training, the next generation of soldier.

But modernisation also requires partnership. We cannot  and should not  do this alone. Our success depends on deep collaboration with industry, academia, and our allies. In conjunction with these vital partners, we have proven that we can be agile and adaptable in this ever-evolving environment. The next stage of this challenge is to demonstrate that we can scale this approach.

"I suspect that many of you, like me, spent Monday evening avidly reading the newly published Defence Industrial Strategy following its much-anticipated release. Where the Strategic Defence Review defines what we must achieve, the Defence Industrial Strategy explains how we will build a resilient, high-growth industrial base to deliver it.

For those of us in the land domain, this is not the start of a new journey but the next phase of one already underway. Through the Land Enterprise Working Group, we routinely meet with partners to tackle shared challenges and maintain a common understanding of priorities. The Land Campaigns Capability Office has deepened collaboration across government and industry, enabling new partnerships and export opportunities with our closest allies. We have reshaped the way we assess value in our investment decisions  placing greater emphasis on industrial resilience and international collaboration.

These efforts are already delivering results. Together with industry, we have already seen four new factories built in the UK, with further investment opportunities now being negotiated. This is tangible progress  evidence of a partnership that is not only equipping our forces but also boosting the wider economy.

The new Defence Industrial Strategy builds on these foundations and sets an ambitious goal: to make the UK a Defence Industrial Leader by 2035. To achieve this, it focuses on six priorities:

 Making defence an engine for growth, through initiatives like Defence Growth Deals, a Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, and regional STEM and apprenticeship programmes.

 Backing UK industry by directing greater investment towards domestic suppliers and priority sectors.

 Positioning the UK as a defence innovation leader, harnessing emerging technologies and the strength of our wider tech ecosystem.

 Building a resilient and sovereign industrial base that enhances deterrence and underpins NATO and allied security.

 Transforming procurement and acquisition systems to reduce waste, accelerate delivery, and improve productivity.

 Strengthening partnerships with industry and international allies to remain globally competitive and operationally aligned.

For the Army, this strategy carries particular weight. Ground combat systems, complex weapons, and munitions are recognised as National Security Priorities, ensuring investment aligns with the needs of the land environment. It is equally significant to see next-generation land capabilities identified as key drivers of economic growth, demonstrating the industrial momentum already underway. We will also lean more heavily on dual-use technologies  from quantum science to drones, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence  areas where programmes like ASGARD are already developing disruptive solutions.

In short, the Defence Industrial Strategy provides the industrial framework to deliver the Strategic Defence Review's vision: for the UK to be "a leading tech-enabled defence power, with an integrated force that deters, fights, and wins  through constant innovation at wartime

Ladies and gentlemen, we stand at an inflection point. The character of warfare is changing. The threats we face are accelerating. But so too are our opportunities to shape the future.

The British Army is transforming  modernising to deter aggression, defend our nation, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies wherever we are needed.

But transformation is a team effort. It demands the very best of our people, our industry, our partners, and our allies. And that is why DSEI matters  because it brings us together to innovate, to collaborate, and to prepare for what lies ahead.

Together, we will ensure that the British Army remains not only relevant but decisive in the defence of the nation and the security of our allies.

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Chief of the Air Staff speech at DSEI 2025

Speech

Chief of the Air Staff speech at DSEI 2025 - 'Putting more AIR in Air: Agile, Integrated, Ready'

From: Ministry of Defence and Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF

Published 12 September 2025

Location: DSEI

Delivered on: 11 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honoured to take to the stage here once again at DSEI, and to deliver my first keynote speech as the Chief of the Air Staff. And I would like to start by taking this opportunity to thank my predecessor and our new CDS for everything he did during his tenure to set a strong operational foundation from which I now have the opportunity to spring board forward.

To the Clarion team, thank you for the very kind invite and for the opportunity to speak, and indeed, to DJ at the DSEI Silent Disco... I'll be taking requests during the break!

I think I last stood here in 2021 as the MOD's inaugural Director Space, and spoke about the importance of the Space domain - at that time I was on a quest to stand up UK Space Command, and build a new Defence Space Strategy and programme. I'll come back to Space a little later, but would highlight how far we have come in that short 4 year period in terms of our approach to the Space Domain, and it is heartening news that Space Command has just recently declared IOC with its first LEO-based ISR satellite - the beginning of what will now build towards the UK's independent ISTARI constellation, which in time will underpin the new CSOC's approach to intelligence collection, and our innovative digital targeting web ... the backbone of what our recent SDR references as the Integrated Force.

A lot has changed since 2021: COVID and the following post-pandemic cost of living crisis, new ways of working, the West's withdrawal from Afghanistan, a decline in democratic governance across the world, a new British monarch, a new Labour Government, a new Trump Administration, an enduring and bloody war in Europe, the return of great power competition, Finland and Sweden joining NATO, Hamas' brutal attacks into Israel, and Israel's response, the fall of Syria's Asad, air operations against the Houthis, the AI Boom, US strikes against Iran's nuclear sites ... and so it goes on.

This pace of change and challenge is phenomenal, and the old adage of 'never say never' has been completely validated -cutting to the chase ... my prime focus as the new CAS is to meet this pace of change head on ... by putting more AIR into Air ... more agile, more integrated, more ready, to fly and fight, today, tomorrow and together.

This all said, much of the last 4 years also has a broad sense of familiarity - constant yet unpredictable turmoil in the Middle East, the battle for talent, a confrontational Russia, and a high demand on our military forces - all recognised as part of the analysis that underpinned our recent SDR.

The breadth and depth of the challenge shows no signs of abating ... a volatile world ... an era of radical uncertainty, and the most perilous period in the whole of my 35-year military career.

Until recently, we have enjoyed the peace dividend, born out of a Cold War victory and a 30-year focus on counterinsurgency operations, fighting far from home, sanctuary here in the home base, allowing a relentless focus towards garrison efficiency, no existential threat to our nation, and broadly manageable impact on the national purse.

Today, it is different - we face multiple and multiplying threats, war in Europe, a status quo reset in the Middle East, and the growing US focus on homeland defence and the Indo-Pacific.

And the challenges are not contained regionally. North Korean troops are fighting just a 3-hour flight from where we are today. New alliances are forming. Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are all active in today's battlespace, across all domains, especially the newer ones of Space and Cyber - learning, adapting, and collaborating ... we should take note of the scenes of Ji, Putin, KJU and Pezeshkian, together in Beijing last week ... all watching, whilst China displayed its military might via a vast parade of goose stepping soldiers and new weapons, including the Guam killer missile, loyal wingmen dones, and even robotic wolves.

A clear message to the world - and also undoubtedly a sales pitch for new weapons, presenting a proliferation challenge which we must not ignore.

Great power competition is back, and as the Prime Minister said recently:

'We must recognise the new era we are in, not cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past.'

Hence our government is investing in Defence, with a new Strategic Defence Review and the much welcomed announcement at the Hague NATO Summit on increased spending; an overt recognition of a more contested world, and a profound statement of intent to be more secure at home, and strong abroad.

The peace dividend is under threat - and for the first time in my career, we enter the era of the defence dividend, with a Chancellor whose stated ambition is to make the UK a "defence industrial superpower".

So yes ... the world has changed; and this change demands that we think about the new threats we will face, some sooner than expected, how we will deter them and, if necessary, fight and win, both today and tomorrow.

And of course, integral to this effort are the air & space domains: both, essential components of our aspiration to have a truly integrated force: consistently in high demand, critical to any coalition's ability to understand the battlespace, to move and operate with agility, pace and scale, and central to NATO's way of warfighting, our most precious alliance and the bedrock of our approach to national security over the last 76 years ... and arguably, looking forward, the next 76 will be even more important.

In an uncertain future, air and space power will continue to be Defence's first responder, the nation's first line of defence, and the integrated force's quickest means to strike, with the precision, agility, speed, and reach to deliver effect globally, offering wide political choice, generally with lowest risk.

As part of its preparation for the recent Strategic Defence Review, the RAF Strategy laid out our rationale on a desired future direction. It was an excellent piece of work as evidenced by the fact that the SDR is underpinned by the clarity, relevance, and logic of the air and space power argument.

As a new CAS stepping into the chair, the SDR has been very clear in how I must prioritise our efforts, starting with a NATO First approach, alongside a renewed focus towards homeland defence and resilience, whilst in parallel working closely with the other Services to meaningfully build a digitally enabled, Integrated Force.

Learning from current conflicts, we will build a stronger, closer partnership with Industry, and invest in cutting-edge technologies, accelerating and honing our combat edge to stay ahead of our adversaries with a combination of next generation digital and conventional capabilities; accelerating the integration of Space-based assets, uncrewed systems, AI, and autonomy, to complement our already fielded stable of exceptional warfighting capabilities.

As a constant, our focus must remain on our people, our infrastructure, and our enablers ... we cannot be seduced away from these 3 foundational areas by new, shiny equipment programmes - building readiness and resilience in these areas is fundamental to our ability to fly and fight.

This said, we must in parallel be clear on our operational priorities, which centre on deterrence and control of the air and space, from a revamped approach to fighter pilot training, to the meaningful introduction of collaborative combat aircraft, to a future where GCAP is the cornerstone of our Fast Jet capability

In the detail of all of this, there are 3 specific areas I would mention today, because these are where I intend to overtly increase RAF focus and pace in the near term: the reintroduction of an RAF nuclear capability; Integrated Air and Missile Defence; and our approach to Space.

At the dawn of the first nuclear age in the early 1950s, Chief of the Air Staff Sir 'Jack' Slessor, wrestled with problems similar to those we face today, in terms of balancing the need to optimise for the fight tonight, versus modernising for the fight tomorrow - he summarised this as:

Getting the balance right between being ready too soon with weapons that may be of little use when war comes, and being ready too late in our attempt to achieve the perfect weapon.

As a bit of an aside, like me, Slessor also commanded Number 4 Squadron, with the motto In Futurum Videre (in foo-tu-room, wi-deh-reh) meaning 'to see into the future.'

Neither of us knew that years after commanding Happy 4, the unit's motto would be the challenge that would face us both at the pinnacle of our RAF careers.

On nuclear, which Slessor referred to as the Great Deterrent, he intimately understood our need to have a robust graduated response capability, tailored to fit the dynamic strategic environment. He accurately assessed that:

'There must be something between the hydrogen bomb and the frontier policeman.'

The Royal Navy's Continuous at Sea Deterrent has provided the ultimate guarantee of our security since the late Sixties and will continue to do so into the future with the ongoing Dreadnought programme.

However, we need to recognise the void identified by Slessor, between CASD and our conventional capabilities.

Against this backdrop, the Government's announcement at the recent NATO Summit, whereby the RAF will once again return to the sub-strategic nuclear game, by procuring F35A and joining NATO'S DCA partnership, is much welcomed. A nuclear-capable Lightning presents the UK with a mechanism to provide considerable support to our 'NATO First' approach and NATO's nuclear mission.

The RAF will soon have the opportunity to offer NATO additional robust, credible, and capable response options, because we've added this important rung to our escalation ladder: one that has been missing from the UK's political, diplomatic, and military toolset for nearly three decades. I would expect potential adversaries to take note of this change.

Of course, there are multiple challenges to address in delivering this capability, not least the fact that there are very few individuals currently serving in the RAF who have experience of the nuclear enterprise. To reinforce a phrase often used by the previous CDS, we must build our nuclear IQ, and quickly. This will be a core effort during my tenure as CAS, spurred on by the fact that multiple NATO nations with a fielded DCA capability have already offered me the most intimate of support, to deliver this capability at pace, and with precision. A superb example of the power of trusting partnerships.

Shifting to Integrated Air & Missile Defence, or IAMD, this month, we rightly and proudly commemorate the 85th anniversary of our Service's 'Finest Hour' - The Battle of Britain. 9 decades ago, Dowding created the first approach to IAMD - The Dowding System - relatively small, but highly efficient, battle winning and subsequently replicated globally.

Today, as it was in the skies above us in the summer of 1940, Control of the Air is critical. This is our Air Force's core role; not only does it enable air and space power, but it also enables the other domains, and the integrated force. More importantly, it underpins our commitments to NATO's Article 3.

Ukraine is a stark reminder of what warfare becomes when neither side can gain effective control of the air: stalemate, trench warfare, and millions of lives lost.

Any IAMD solution will be multi-domain. Rather like the Dowding System that involved land, sea and air, today our response will also encompass space and cyber.

IAMD is more than just ground-based air defence, it is a multi-domain, multinational layered capability with command & control, sense and warn, missile defence systems, defensive combat air, and, importantly, a range of offensive capabilities, as critical components.

Colloquially, when discussing IAMD there is much talk about shooting the archer, not the arrow. But in reality, we will need to also interdict the fletcher, the bowyer and the armourer to ensure that the archer never has the tools to do their job.

IAMD will also need to be multi-national - integrated with allies, and especially across NATO.

In the near-term, our focus will be on integrating what we already have - optimising current capabilities for best possible effect - this will rely directly on ensuring we remain at the top of our game in delivering integrated Command and Control.

Beyond C2, we will improve our sense and warn capabilities, both on the ground and in the air - and of course, our new E7 Wedgetail air system, flown at this summer's RIAT for the first time, will be vital to this, providing a core element of a broader system of updated ground-based radars and space capabilities, as part of an agile, integrated, and distributed sense and warn system.

The SDR's announcement of up to 1bn of new funding for homeland air and missile defence is most welcome, and will allow us to begin the journey of delivering a modern and capable IAMD system. And, under our new Defence Reform model, I look forward to acting as Lead Command for this effort, working alongside others in Defence, Industry, and our allies, to deliver an outcome fit for purpose against the expected threats we face, today and tomorrow.

And thirdly, to Space ... this domain matters now more than at any other time in our lifetimes. Its relevance and importance have never been more evident, underpinning the foundation of modern life.

Once a domain focussed primarily on daring space exploration, it is now an arena of strategic, economic, and political rivalry and competition. It is vehemently contested and overly congested.

In the next decade, the global space economy is forecast to reach 1.8 trillion.

Today, nearly 20 per cent, or 450 billion, of the UK's economy is underpinned by Space-based services, and the UK Space sector alone generates about 17 billion in growth.

It is clear that we are increasingly reliant on space. For example, the loss of the GPS timing signal alone would cost the UK economy about 1 billion a day - this is a worse impact than experienced at the height of COVID.

All this, against a backdrop where our opponents are investing heavily in Space: and are outpacing us.

The SDR dedicates a chapter to this topic, and rightly elevates space to parity alongside the traditional warfighting domains.

It also recognises that we need to build a modern, agile, resilient defence and civil space infrastructure...one capable of meeting the threats, mitigating the risks, seizing the opportunities, and preparing for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

At the recent Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference, one of our senior space partners said that: if you have zero capability in space, you have zero capability in every other domain. I agree. Space underpins deterrence in all domains, and is the keystone to our ambition of delivering an Integrated Force.

To build such Space capability, the SDR calls for a more ambitious approach to assuring access to space, both on a sovereign basis, with NATO, and other key allies. Consequently, our investment priority areas are Space Control and Decision Advantage, as well as Sense, to enable 'Understand' and 'Strike' functions.

These principles are neither new nor contentious, but are critical - our ability to control the space domain at a time and a place of our choosing, benefits everyone within the Integrated Force, not just those within the space domain.

Even at this early stage in my CAS tenure, I can see the need for a UK Space Defence Centre, to enable clear command and control of our assets, accompanied by credible counterspace capabilities to protect and defend our vital national interests in space.

And we are not going to do this alone - having been Director Space, I have witnessed firsthand that this is the ultimate team sport. By working with our allies and partners, we can turn the theory into a reality - just as Dowding did in the late Thirties, preparing us for the Battle of Britain.

We are currently presented with the exciting opportunity to make a tangible and critical difference in the Space domain. It must happen this decade, and as Lead Command for Space, I will ensure the RAF champions this approach. And, just like we must ramp up our Nuclear IQ, we must do the same regards our understanding of the Space Domain ... Space matters to defence, our nation, and our allies. Again, this will be a core effort during my tenure as CAS, and I look forward to engaging with the breadth of the space enterprise, in UK and internationally, to understand how best to increase our pace in this area, to ensure the right capabilities are delivered for today's fight, and the right foundations are set to be best placed for tomorrow.

To conclude, our potential adversaries are not standing still - in fact, they are approaching a sprint - their military industrial complex is in full swing, and it oftentimes feels like ours is still in peace mode - therefore, there is much work to be done, and we cannot afford to squander the time we have.

This said, I am supremely confident that he we have the right people in our whole force team, with the professionalism, ingenuity, resilience, drive and fighting spirit to make the change, and make the difference.

And, of course, the Defence Industrial Strategy announced just this week, reinforces our backing of UK industry, and will put the UK at the leading edge of defence innovation, to revolutionise not just our defensive capabilities, but our entire economic landscape.

The RAF remains the nation's first responder; we have a proud legacy; but must never be distracted or complacent.

We must relentlessly pursue the excellence demanded by our leaders, our nation, and our allies. As Churchill asked for:

'Successful deterrence operated from sober, calm, and tireless vigilance.'

Going forward, I intend to put more AIR in Air:

More Agile, more Integrated and more Ready, to fly and fight - today, tomorrow, and together.

Returning to Slessor, for the final, salient word

'Our swords must be in our hands. It is no good thinking that we can forge them, or draw them from the armoury, after the emergency is upon us.'

Thank you.

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Denys Shmyhal: Ukraine allocates land for the construction of new Rheinmetall plant

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

11 September, 2025, 7:46 PM EEST

On the sidelines of the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Armin Papperger, CEO of the German company Rheinmetall AG.

The parties discussed avenues for effective cooperation across several areas, including the production of ammunition and armored vehicles, as well as air defense solutions.

"Since our last conversation, we have finalized the procedures for launching a new joint production facility," said Denys Shmyhal.

He also reported that on September 9, land was allocated in a secure region of Ukraine for a new Rheinmetall shell production facility for the Defence Forces.

Other important projects discussed included developing capabilities for repairing and producing armored vehicles. Rheinmetall's product line features several new models that could enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Denys Shmyhal and Armin Papperger also discussed the development of air defense, focusing on joint efforts to enhance and refine solutions for more effective countering of enemy drones.

"I am sincerely grateful to Rheinmetall for its support and for advancing joint large-scale projects," said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

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RIGA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Alexus Grynkewich visited Latvia on Friday to discuss strengthening Baltic air defense amid heightened regional tensions, local media reported.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics urged a faster launch of a Baltic air defense mission during the talks, presidential spokesman Martins Dregeris said. Discussions focused on the regional security situation, NATO force deployments, and planned military activity along the alliance's eastern flank.

Grynkewich praised Latvia's commitment to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense and meet NATO capability targets. 
Denys Shmyhal discusses strengthening aviation capabilities with Saab delegation

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

11 September, 2025, 6:34 PM EEST

On the sidelines of the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal met with a delegation from the Swedish company Saab.

The discussion focused primarily on strengthening Ukraine's aviation capabilities.

"Ukraine attaches great importance to cooperation with Sweden in implementing the Aviation Development Roadmap in line with NATO standards," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.

Another important matter was the supply of radars produced by Saab.

The parties agreed to continue their cooperation to strengthen the Defence Forces' situational awareness in the airspace.

"I am grateful to Sweden and Saab for their consistent support," concluded Denys Shmyhal.

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Swiss Government

Press release

Published on 12 September 2025

Bern, 12.09.2025 -- At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved Ukraine's admission as a full member of the CV90 Club, the operator group for the Combat Vehicle 90. Ukrainian membership is compatible with Swiss neutrality, as it entails a purely technical data exchange, with Switzerland retaining full discretion over what information it chooses to share.

The CV90 from Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hagglunds AB is used by various armed forces around the world, including the Swiss Armed Forces, where it is known as the Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000. The CV90 Club facilitates cooperation between user countries in the areas of maintenance, modification services, spare parts and ammunition procurement, configuration management and training equipment. Currently, CV90 operators Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic participate in this operator group. The exchange of information within the operator group enables Switzerland to ensure efficient and economical maintenance and to gain important insights for further developments.

On 13 August, the Federal Council approved the accession of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the CV90 operator group. At the same time, it authorised the DDPS to admit additional states in future, in coordination with the Directorate of International Law. Given the political sensitivities surrounding the issue, the matter was nonetheless brought before the Federal Council for formal consideration. The Federal Council has now approved Ukraine's accession to the CV90 operator group and authorised the National Armaments Director to sign the amendment agreement.

Ukraine has held observer status since 6 March 2024 and submitted its application for full membership this summer. Ukrainian membership will enhance the CV90 Club, as members will benefit directly from Ukraine's operational experience with the CV90.

Compatibility with Swiss neutrality

Switzerland and Ukraine can both be members without compromising Swiss neutrality, since Ukrainian membership brings no military or operational advantages. Switzerland remains entirely free to choose what information it shares with other countries and which CV90 Club projects it joins. This means Switzerland will not be bound by any obligations or dependencies. Switzerland can also suspend or withdraw its membership at three months' notice if necessary.
Council of Europe ensuring justice for Ukraine through the Register of Damage and the future Claims Commission

Council of Europe

Deputy Secretary General

The Hague

12 September 2025

Deputy Secretary General Bjrn Berge took part in the 1st Meeting of the Ad hoc Committee on the Establishment of an international Claims Commission for Ukraine (CAHEC), set up to finalise the work on a Convention to establish the Claims Commission under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

Deputy Secretary General thanked the Committee for their work and emphasised the importance of this step forward:

"I am delighted that today you have been able to finalise the key aspects of the draft convention. The establishment of a Claims Commission is so fundamental, because, as you know, the death and destruction in Ukraine continues unabated. I hope we can soon start to redress the human rights violations that have affected the lives of so many victims of the war."

The Claims Commission will build on the work of the Register of Damage for Ukraine. So far, more than 55,000 people have submitted claims to the Register in the first tranche of 11 categories. The Register plans to open more categories covering all the kinds of damage inflicted on victims of war.

"We can never give back what they have lost, but justice requires compensation, and this again will no doubt be linked with the overall rebuilding and reconstruction of Ukraine after the war," Deputy Secretary General Berge said.

Deputy Secretary General also visited the premises of the Register of Damage for Ukraine where he thanked the Executive Director Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi and the Register staff for their dedicated work to ensure the registration of damage caused by Russian aggression on Ukraine. Deputy Secretary General stressed that this work represents the key basis for any future recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

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EU releases 40 million to shield Ukraine's civilians from the winter cold

European Commission

Press release

Sep 12, 2025

Brussels

The European Commission is allocating an extra 40 million in humanitarian funding to help Ukrainians endure a fourth winter of Russia's war of aggression. This new support will strengthen the country's preparedness for winter and protect civilians against extreme cold.

EU humanitarian aid partners will deliver shelter materials, repair damaged homes and centres for displaced people, improve access to water, sanitation, and heating. The funding will include cash assistance, solid fuels, heating appliances and insulation, as well as emergency heating points. Particular attention will be given to vulnerable groups, such as older people, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced families living in collective sites.

The EU has channelled over 156,000 tonnes of relief supplies through its Civil Protection Mechanism. In response to the widespread destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, this support includes energy equipment such as 9,342 power generators, 6,917 transformers and millions of energy-saving LED bulbs. In parallel, the EU and its Member States have mobilised over 4.2 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries. The EU has also successfully coordinated the medical evacuation of more than 4,500 patients from Ukraine to hospitals across 22 European countries for treatment.

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Deputy Prime Minister Radosaw Sikorski meets with head of British diplomacy Yvette Cooper in Kyiv

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

12.09.2025

Deputy Prime Minister Radosaw Sikorski met with Yvette Cooper today in Kyiv. UK Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell also attended the meeting.

Today's talks concerned the situation in Ukraine and the safety of NATO's eastern flank in the context of the violation of Poland's airspace by Russian drones.

The United Kingdom acknowledged that Poland's reaction to the threat had been appropriate and legitimate and the Alliance's mechanisms had proved to be working well. Representatives of both countries agreed that the way to stop Russia's aggression is to increase economic pressure.

During what was their first meeting, Poland's top diplomat Radosaw Sikorski congratulated UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on her new position.

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Russian Forces Liberate Novopetrovskoye, Expand Control in Dnepropetrovsk Region

Sputnik News

20250912

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Vostok Battlegroup took control of the settlement of Novopetrovskoye in Dnepropetrovsk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"Over the past week, units of the Vostok group of forces, as a result of offensive actions, established control over the settlements of Khorosheye, Sosnovka and Novopetrovskoye in the Dnepropetrovsk region," the ministry said in a statement for the period from September 6 to 12.

The ministry reported that the Russian forces took control of the Khorosheye on Sunday and of the Sosnovka on Thursday.

Furthermore, Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup has eliminated up to 3,370 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week.

"The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to up to 3,370 servicepeople, five tanks, 16 armored fighting vehicles, 42 vehicles and 14 field artillery guns," the ministry said.

Russia's Zapad group has eliminated more than 1,650 Ukrainian military personnel, while the Yug group has eliminated over 1,470 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry said. Russia's Vostok group of forces eliminated over 1,640 Ukrainian soldiers in the past week.

Kiev has also lost over 1,220 soldiers in battles with the Sever group of forces, the ministry said, adding that Russia carried out six mass strikes and six group ones on Ukrainian military infrastructure in the past week.

 Sputnik

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UK ratchets up pressure on Putin's military machine as Foreign Secretary travels to Kyiv

Press release

Putin's oil revenues and military machine were hit with new UK sanctions today as the Foreign Secretary meets President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Published 12 September 2025

UK introduces 100 new sanctions to reduce Putin's sources of revenue and military supplies with Foreign Secretary in Kyiv.

Measures come as reckless Russian air strikes violate NATO airspace in Poland and damage the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv.

Sanctions target the shadow fleet carrying Russian oil and key suppliers of military components.

The 100 sanctions further build economic pressure on Russia, targeting its military sector and illicit shadow fleet - as Putin continues to intensify his war, terrorising Ukrainians with missiles and drones, and killing innocent civilians.

In the last fortnight, Putin has again obstructed US peace efforts by launching the largest air attack of the war against Ukraine, with over 800 missiles and drones fired at the country in a single night.

The numbers of Russian drones and missiles launched against Ukraine - 6,500 in July alone - are now ten times the level of a year ago. Recent strikes have directly hit the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, badly damaged the British Council and EU delegation buildings in Kyiv, and led to an unprecedented violation of NATO airspace over Poland.

The UK continues to lead the charge against the shadow fleet carrying Russian oil exports. Today, 70 more ships in the fleet have been sanctioned. The UK has now targeted more oil tankers than any other country.

Today's action comes as the Foreign Secretary travels to Kyiv in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who continue to defend their country against Russia's illegal full-scale invasion.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine. His complete disregard for sovereignty has been shown this week when he recklessly sent drones into NATO airspace. The security of NATO and Ukraine are crucial to the UK's security - an integral part of the Prime Minister's Plan for Change. International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war is vital. These sanctions form the next stage in the UK's leading efforts to ramp up economic pressure alongside our security support and our work alongside the Coalition of the Willing for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Today's action also targets 30 entities and individuals propping up Russia's war machine by supplying key equipment such as electronics, chemicals and explosives used to manufacture missiles and other weapons systems.

Targets include companies that have been supplying vital electronics to Putin's army, such as China-based Shenzhen Blue Hat International Trade Co., Ltd., and its two Russian co-owners, Elena Malitckaia and Alexey Malitskiy, and Turkey-based Mastel Makina Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi and its CEO, Azerbaijani national Shanlik Shukurov. Electronics such as these are widely used in Russian weaponry, including the Iskander and Kh-101 missiles and Russian drones which Putin brutally deploys to take Ukrainian lives.

This barbaric war must come to an end immediately, and the UK will continue to work closely with the US, Ukraine and other countries to secure a just and lasting peace.

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Russia's violation of Polish airspace only strengthens the unity between NATO nations, and our determination to stand with Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Poland.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE

Published 12 September 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 12 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

On Tuesday, not only did we receive reports of yet another Russian attack on Ukraine, but also of an egregious violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones.

This was not the first time Russian drones have violated Polish airspace, but this latest incident was unprecedented in scale.

Around 20 drones entered Polish territory, prompting the closure of major airports. Several required interception - for the first time - by Polish and NATO air defence. Shelter-in-place warnings were issued to over 8 million Polish citizens. It is very fortunate that there were no casualties - unlike last time.

We commend the swift and effective response by Polish and NATO forces against this gross violation of Poland's sovereign airspace.

The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Poland, and with Ukraine.

We will continue to work with our NATO Allies to defend every inch of Allied territory.

Russia's aggression only strengthens the unity between NATO nations, and our determination to stand with Ukraine.

As my Prime Minister said, this was an extremely reckless move by Russia. It serves to remind us of President Putin's blatant disregard for peace, the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day, and the threat Russia's actions pose to European and international security.

Russia continues to violate the basic principles of the UN Charter.

Open-source imagery of these incursions confirms the United Kingdom's own assessment: these were Russian drones. We categorically reject Russia's denials and attempts to diminish the seriousness of this incident.

Since the start of Russia's so-called "Special Military Operation", we keep seeing what Russia describes as "isolated incidents".

Representatives of the Russian Federation have repeatedly and as recently as yesterday, said in this Council that we should "call a spade a spade".

So let me do just that.

This was no isolated incident.

In 2022, we saw hundreds of civilians killed in Russia's attacks on Bucha and Irpin.

Last year, I spoke in this Council about Russia's cowardly attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Since May of this year, we have witnessed the 20 largest air attacks of the entire war.

We've witnessed 34,000 drones launched against Ukrainian civilians this year alone.

We've seen 1,700 Ukrainians killed. And over 8,300 injured.

There's been a threefold increase in the number of child casualties in the last three months alone.

Government buildings have been struck. There have been relentless attacks on critical national infrastructure.

This is all part of a clear pattern of escalation.

These actions shake the foundations of international peace and security.

And they show Putin for what he truly is.

But we are not intimidated and we are determined to increase the pressure on Putin.

Today, on her visit to Kyiv, my Foreign Secretary announced 100 new sanctions targeting Russia's military sector and shadow fleet.

And NATO has confirmed it will launch Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster our defences on the eastern flank.

We call on Russia to end its brutal and illegal war and engage in meaningful negotiations.

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Denys Shmyhal and Radosaw Sikorski discussed joint solutions to strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraine and Poland

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

12 September, 2025, 4:08 PM EEST

In Kyiv, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal met with a delegation headed by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosaw Sikorski

The parties focused on enhancing defense cooperation to address shared security challenges.

"russia has chosen a strategy of escalating hybrid aggression, threatening all countries in Europe. Accordingly, we are pursuing joint solutions to bolster the defense capabilities of Ukraine and its European partners. We briefed the delegation on the latest information regarding this week's deliberate 'Shahed' drone attack against Poland and explored possibilities for cooperation in intercepting aerial targets," stated Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, Ukraine is prepared to share with allies its experience in countering drones, exchange technologies, and establish joint ventures under the 'Build in Ukraine' and 'Build with Ukraine' projects. At the same time, Poland has expressed interest in joint production of drones and long-range systems, including ballistic missiles.

The delegations also discussed the application of the European SAFE mechanism for the development of the defense industries of both countries.

"On behalf of our warriors, I expressed gratitude to Poland for its steadfast and comprehensive support since the onset of russia's aggression. I also thanked Mr. Sikorski for his personal leadership in this regard," concluded the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

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Denys Shmyhal visited a training area in the United Kingdom hosting the training of Ukrainian service members

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

12 September, 2025, 12:19 PM EEST

During his visit to the United Kingdom, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal visited a training area where Ukrainian service members are undergoing training.

He toured the training facilities for our military, who are trained by instructors from the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Romania, Albania, Denmark, Australia, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Kosovo, Lithuania, and Estonia.

The Minister of Defence spoke with the service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the foreign instructors, heard their feedback on the training process, and received a briefing from the commander of Operation Interflex.

"More than 60,000 Ukrainian service members have already been trained as part of the Operation since June 2022. It is important that the allies incorporate the lessons of modern warfare into their training, and that the training conditions closely replicate real combat scenarios," noted Denys Shmyhal.

He also attended the graduation ceremony of a group of 150 service members who will soon join the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine also presented awards to Ukrainian and foreign service members.

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HARARE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China remains committed to strengthening solidarity and cooperation to support Zimbabwe in advancing its industrialization and modernization, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said on Friday.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the reception held in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare ahead of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1, Zhou said China will continue to encourage more Chinese investments in Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector to boost value addition in the economy.

With the two countries marking 45 years of diplomatic ties this year, Zhou said China and Zimbabwe have registered huge milestones in bilateral cooperation, noting that Chinese investments have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe's employment creation and socio-economic development over the past decades.

"Chinese companies have been putting in money and developing Zimbabwe's infrastructure, industrial chains, and supply chains," he said. "I would like to see more Chinese companies coming to invest in the country's manufacturing sector."

Noting the huge potential for industrial and trade cooperation between the two countries, Zhou called for more incentives in the Zimbabwean market to attract investments from China and the rest of the world.

"I hope that Zimbabwe can formulate more favorable policies, provide some incentives to encourage companies, not just from China but also from other countries, to invest in the production line building," he said.

The Chinese ambassador said China's recently announced zero-tariff measures covering all taxable products for 53 African countries offered another window of opportunity for China and Zimbabwe to boost trade.

"The potential is still huge, and I really hope that I will be able to work with our Zimbabwean friends to implement this policy as early as possible so that Zimbabwe can benefit from it," Zhou said, adding that the policy is poised to contribute immensely to Zimbabwe's trade, investment, and people's well-being. 
Today It Is Crucial to Support Education as an Essential Component of Security and Resilience - Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen

President of Ukraine

12 September 2025 - 10:32

The world needs to understand and believe that education can protect humanity, prevent wars, and strengthen peace. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this in his speech at the Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Head of State noted that when an education system is used for propaganda and the manipulation of history, it leads to tragedies such as the aggression of one country against others. He stressed that Russia's political dishonesty is largely built on its academic dishonesty - on the dishonesty of those who teach its children

"And this is a major lesson for all of us - for those who want protection from Russia and guaranteed security for our children. As long as Russian schools do not teach humanity, agreements with Russia will not work," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President noted that it is especially important for Russia's neighbors to limit its influence on their economies, culture, media, and education. Careful attention must be paid to everything: from the content children watch to cooperation at the level of universities, if it involves the academic or any other environment in the Russian Federation.

"We need family policies and support for families in our countries that would give parents greater opportunities to see how their children are growing up and what their lives revolve around. We need far more connections between countries not only at the level of politics, but also at the level of communities, at the level of our people. And this includes school exchanges and opportunities for students," the Head of State emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed that on the previous day he held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the Minister of Finance, and the team in the cultural sphere, during which, among other things, they discussed the creation of a large amount of content to serve as an alternative to Russian content. After all, the task of every country is to consciously support its own culture and education.

The President is convinced that in these difficult times of war, Ukrainians endure because millions of them know how to do something better than others.

"In the end, we must prevail both in the field of law and in the field of culture - and therefore in the field of education - in order to maintain our advantage in the sphere of security. And it is important that we see this challenge in the same way - all of us, different, yet the same: humanity must prevail," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

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Not for dissemination in the United States of America

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aja Health and Wellness Inc. ("Aja" or the "Company") (TSXV:Aja) announces that it is getting closer to filing its annual audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, including the related managements discussion and analysis and certifications from the CEO and CFO (the "Annual Filings") and the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of the interim filings (the "Interim Filings"). On August 1, 2025, the Alberta Securities Commission issued a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") because the Company was unable to file the Annual Filings and Interim Filings in time to meet the April 30, 2025 and May 30, 2025 deadlines, respectively.

Aja previously announced that the delay in filing the Annual Filings was due to the determination that the previously announced reverse takeover transaction, which closed on September 17, 2024, will be characterized as a series of acquisitions for accounting purposes. This characterization requires a valuation of the purchase price allocation to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The valuator continues to work on valuing the purchase price allocation and anticipates having the valuation finalized on or before September 22, 2025. Following receipt of the valuation, the auditors will continue working with the Company to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The Company is working to complete the Annual Filings as soon as possible and expects the Annual Filings to be filed on or before September 30, 2025.

Aja is working to complete the Interim Filings as soon as possible and expects the Interim Filings to be filed on or before September 30, 2025.

The Company anticipates that the FFCTO will remain in place until such time as the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings are filed.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Sanjeev Parsad"

Sanjeev Parsad

President, CEO and Director

The above may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this address, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date of publication of this information and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, contact:

Sanjeev Parsad, President and CEO

Phone: (604) 678.9115

Fax: (604) 678.9279

E-mail: sparsad@ajahw.com

Web: www.ajahw.com




WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tributes poured in across the United States and abroad following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, with President Donald Trump, world leaders, political figures, and longtime colleagues who worked alongside Kirk on global human rights and security issues denouncing the attack as a blow to democracy and free speech.

Zahid F Sarder Saddi, a Bangladeshi human rights advocate and longtime friend of Kirk, issued a statement expressing shock and grief, describing the death as both a personal loss and a global tragedy. Saddi, who has spent decades working on democracy, religious freedom, and security issues in South Asia, called the shooting a cowardly act that should serve as a wake-up call against political violence.

I still cant believe Im writing these words, Saddi said in a statement on Wednesday. Today, we lost more than a public figure. We lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and  to me  a dear friend of more than ten years. Charlie wasnt just someone on a stage or behind a microphone. He was someone who picked up the phone, who remembered birthdays, who spoke his mind with courage but always kept his heart open.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at a university event promoting dialogue and debate. Saddi said the circumstances of the attack should terrify us all, warning that political violence is an assault not just on individuals but on democratic values themselves.

We must all condemn this cowardly act in the strongest possible terms, Saddi said. Political violence is not protest. It is terrorism. It is a failure of conscience and a betrayal of every value a democratic society claims to hold.

He was doing what he loved  speaking, challenging, engaging, Saddi added. Shot while hosting a peaceful event, encouraging dialogue, not division. That should terrify us all.





For more than a decade, Zahid F Sarder Saddi and Charlie Kirk worked together on causes linking U.S. national security with international human rights, particularly in South Asia. Kirk, who served as an adviser to President Donald J. Trump and led Turning Point USA, collaborated closely with Saddi on issues involving Bangladesh, including the protection of religious minorities, the promotion of free elections, and countering the rise of Islamist extremism.

Together, the two activists engaged with members of Congress, senior U.S. government officials, and intelligence agencies, providing briefings on Indo-Pacific security challenges and threats posed by radical groups. Saddi said Kirk was a friend to many  including the people of Bangladesh, whose voices he listened to and whose stories he respected.

His loss is not just a national tragedy  its a global one, Saddi said. Because when someone is killed for their beliefs, for using their voice instead of violence, its not just a person who dies. A part of our collective humanity dies with them.





Their partnership included joint advocacy within Trump-aligned networks and briefings at Mar-a-Lago, where Saddi has remained a frequent participant in strategy sessions with members of the Trump family and senior allies. Kirks recent appointment by Trump to serve on U.S. military boards underscored his rising profile in shaping Americas strategic posture. Saddi noted that Kirks commitment to global security went hand in hand with his efforts to energize young Americans in defense of free expression and democratic governance.





President Donald Trump, who narrowly survived two assassination attempts last year, described Kirk as The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Zahid F Sarder Saddi said he saw firsthand Charlie Kirks closeness to the Trumps, calling the loss devastating for the family.

Tributes also came from across the political spectrum and around the world. Former U.S. presidents, members of Congress, and international figures condemned the killing. Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, called the shooting a cowardly act and sent condolences to Kirks family.





Zahid F Sarder Saddi, a former foreign advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, said the wave of reaction underscored the global impact of Kirks advocacy. Zahid F Sarder Saddi also thanked Tarique Rahman for speaking out firmly against violence in a Muslim-majority country where extremism is a growing concern, adding that his words carried particular weight as the leader of Bangladeshs largest political party ahead of Februarys general election.





I remember Charlie once told me that when the fascist regime in Bangladesh ended, he would go there with me, Saddi said. My heart is broken knowing that dream will never come true. I am deeply saddened and sorry that his vision for that journey will remain unfulfilled. Saddi urged that Kirks death serve as a turning point against political violence.

Charlies death cannot  and must not  be in vain. Let this moment be a reckoning. A wake-up call, Saddi said. We need to fight for a world where disagreement doesnt lead to death. Where debate is not a battleground. Where our children can grow up learning that ideas are never something to be afraid of.

My heart is shattered, Zahid F Sarder Saddi added. My prayers are with Charlies wife, his children, and everyone whose life he touched. You were one of the bravest souls I knew, and your voice will echo long after this darkness. Rest in power, my friend.

About Zahid F Sarder Saddi

Zahid F. Sarder Saddi is a prominent exiled Bangladeshi politician, humanitarian, and internationally recognized advocate for religious freedom, democracy, and human rights. He served as Foreign Advisor to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Saddi has testified before U.S. congressional panels on issues relating to South Asia, religious persecution, and democratic governance. For over two decades, he has been a leading voice for the Bangladeshi diaspora, working tirelessly to elevate the concerns of Bangladeshi Americans and global human rights defenders. Saddis commitment to justice and civic engagement has earned him numerous awards, including humanitarian honors recognizing his efforts to protect vulnerable communities and promote democratic values worldwide.

To learn more about Zahid F Sarder Saddi, please visit www.ZahidFSarderSaddi.com or reach out to Zahid F Sarder Saddi at info@zahidfsardersaddi.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/48d0b0b9-2729-43b2-989f-de676afa4106

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ad2c623-275a-442d-9670-a66e49044770

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a829d278-edea-449e-a847-66486a667d8c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2250356f-9134-410e-8c9a-7db12d9f3b8a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65355f6d-6ebe-4fe4-8442-5e5a7eab0fff

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CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sylogist Ltd. (TSX: SYZ) (Sylogist or the Company), a leading public sector SaaS company, today acknowledged the news release issued by OneMove Capital Ltd. (OneMove) in which it announced that it plans to requisition a shareholder meeting to nominate three directors.

The Companys board of directors has formed a special committee of three independent directors, Tracy Edkins, Andrea Ward and Kim Fennell to consider, among other things, any requisition received, the conduct of any resulting meeting and the Companys engagement with its shareholders.

The Company had previously engaged with OneMove in June and August, 2025. On September 2, 2025, OneMove sent a letter to the Company requesting a board seat and a response by September 8, 2025. As requested, the Company responded on September 8, 2025 reiterating what it had previously advised OneMove, namely, that the Companys immediate priority is its upcoming board strategy meetings and that it expected to provide a response to the request during the last week of September or the first week of October following those meetings to allow the Company to consider the issues raised comprehensively. It is unfortunate that OneMove has chosen to escalate rather than engage in constructive dialogue with the Company in a reasonable timeframe.

As it has in the past, the Company welcomes the perspectives of its shareholders and looks forward to an ongoing dialogue through the special committee. The special committee, board and management team will continue to prioritize good governance and perform their duties in the best interest of the Company.

About Sylogist

Sylogist provides mission-critical SaaS solutions to over 2,000 public sector customers globally across the government, nonprofit, and education verticals. The Companys stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist, inclusive of full financial statements together with Managements Discussion and Analysis, can be found at www.sedarplus.ca or at www.sylogist.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, foresee, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements made, if any, with respect to good governance and the performance of duties by Sylogists board of directors and management. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found in the Companys Annual Information Form for year ended December 31, 2024, and in the Managements Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents available on the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca . Although Sylogist believes that the material assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur. Sylogist 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.

For further information contact:

Sujeet Kini, Chief Financial Officer

Sylogist Ltd.

(403) 266-4808

ir@sylogist.com
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of National Grid plc (NYSE: NGG) resulting from allegations that National Grid plc may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased National Grid securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=41344 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 2, 2025, Reuters published an article entitled Preventable National Grid failures led to Heathrow fire, findings say. The article stated that a fire that shut Londons Heathrow airport in March, stranding thousands of people, was caused by the UK power grids failure to maintain an electricity substation, an official report said on Wednesday, prompting the energy watchdog to open a probe. Further, the article stated that the United Kingdoms Energy minister, Ed Miliband, had called the report deeply concerning, after it concluded that the issue which caused the fire was identified seven years ago but went unaddressed by power grid operator National Grid[.]

On this news, National Grids American Depositary Shares (ADSs) fell 5%, on July 2, 2024.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13, 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 (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 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
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAGACOIN FINANCE, an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency project, today announced the expansion of its presale to meet accelerating investor demand. The announcement is gaining attention in XRP and Dogecoin commentary, where the project is being included among emerging altcoin mentions.

Presale Expansion Reinforces Participation

Earlier presale stages closed faster than expected, prompting todays expansion. With each stage structured to reduce supply, MAGACOIN FINANCE continues to strengthen its scarcity-driven positioning while broadening access for new participants.

XRP and Dogecoin as Market Context

XRP remains a leader in cross-border settlement, while Dogecoin continues to benefit from community-driven visibility. Within these discussions, MAGACOIN FINANCEs presale expansion has begun appearing in commentary, highlighting how early-stage entrants are gaining recognition alongside established altcoins.

Why MAGACOIN FINANCE Is Mentioned

Presale expansion  announced today following early demand.



 announced today following early demand. Scarcity-driven mechanics  ensuring reduced supply each round.



 ensuring reduced supply each round. Visibility in XRP and Dogecoin commentary  recognition among early mentions.









Looking Ahead

With its presale expansion launched and mentions across XRP and Dogecoin commentary growing, MAGACOIN FINANCE is entering its next stage of visibility ahead of 2025 listings.

Conclusion

XRP and Dogecoin remain established community-driven assets, but the addition of MAGACOIN FINANCE into their discussions underscores the growing relevance of early entrants. By announcing presale expansion, the project is securing recognition in wider altcoin outlooks.

About MAGACOIN FINANCE

MAGACOIN FINANCE is an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency project designed to combine cultural relevance with scalable blockchain utility. With strong early-stage traction, a growing community, and scarcity-driven tokenomics, the project aims to position itself as one of the leading altcoin entrants of 2025.

To learn more about MAGACOIN FINANCE, visit:

Website: https://magacoinfinance.com

Access: https://magacoinfinance.com/access

Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance

Telegram: https://t.me/magacoinfinance

Contact Details

PR Specialist: Rebecca Miles

Email: rebecca@magacoinfinance.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by MAGACOIN FINANCE. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27ed5006-ce5c-4b5f-ae4e-fd548ce117f2

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 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.
Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a newly released presentation , former CIA officer Buck Sexton described how President Trumps Manhattan 2 project will not only defend America but also spark the next great industrial revolution.

According to Sexton, a select group of U.S. firms are positioned to lead the charge. The first company has already locked up $2.5 billion in government contracts in the last three years I call this company the brain of ASI.

He continued: If the first company is the brain this next one is the body. And earmark it for billions.

Finally, Sexton introduced the third pillar: This third stock is the backbone. Because it has created the foundational technology that truly holds the whole thing together.

Beyond Silicon Valley

Sexton emphasized that the biggest winners wont be the household names people already know. If Nvidia is the Sahara Desert, this firm is a single grain of sand. But that wont last.

He added that the second company could challenge the chip giant directly: Right now, theyre only about 1/18th the size of Nvidia but I believe this company could be as big or even bigger than Nvidia within a couple of years.

A Historic Opportunity

Sexton compared the scale of Manhattan 2 to some of the most profitable eras in U.S. history. Anyone who held significant shares in DuPont before the war likely became a millionaire.

The same, he argues, is possible today. Even if just one or two of these stocks soar by 10X or more, the returns could be absolutely staggering.

The Stakes in the China Race

Behind the investment opportunity lies a global power struggle. China has the capacity to build 500,000 of these AI-powered drones per month. Some reports suggest they already have over a million of them, and drone carriers to boot.

Sexton warned that if Beijing takes the lead, America risks losing far more than money: If China gets it first  they stay first forever. No one else will ever catch up.

About Buck Sexton

Buck Sexton is a former CIA counter-terrorism officer and national security expert who personally debriefed President George W. Bush during the Iraq War. He was also hand-picked to replace the late great Rush Limbaugh as the co-host of Americas highest-rated radio program with over 15 million followers.

With direct access to the White House and the cabinet, Sexton now brings his insider perspective to the public through financial presentations and research, helping Americans understand and prepare for the next great technological shift.
Vancouver, September 12, 2025 - Salazar Resources Ltd. (TSXV: SRL) (OTCQX: SRLZF) (FSE: CCG) ("Salazar" or the "Company") announces that at the annual general meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of the Company held on September 12th, 2025, the shareholders elected Fredy Salazar, Pablo Acosta, Nick DeMare, Merlin Marr-Johnson and Jennifer Wu as directors of the Company.

The shareholders also passed all other resolutions including an ordinary resolution ratifying the Company's stock option plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of its issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant.

Following the Meeting, the directors appointed Fredy Salazar as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Pablo Acosta as Chief Financial Officer and Freddy David Salazar as Corporate Secretary. The Board also appointed Nick DeMare, Merlin Marr-Johnson and Jennifer Wu to the audit committee

About Salazar Resources

Salazar Resources Limited is focused on creating value and positive change through discovery, exploration, and development in Ecuador. The team has an unrivalled understanding of the geology in-country and has played an integral role in the discovery of many of the major projects in Ecuador, including the two newest operating gold and copper mines. Salazar Resources has a wholly owned pipeline of copper-gold exploration projects across Ecuador with a strategy to make another commercial discovery and farm-out non-core assets. Salazar Resources actively engages with Ecuadorian communities and together with the Salazar family it co-founded The Salazar Foundation, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable progress through economic development. Salazar Resources already has carried interests in three projects. At its maiden discovery, Curipamba, Salazar Resources has a 25% stake fully carried through to production. At two copper-gold porphyry projects, Pijili and Santiago, Salazar Resources has a 20% stake and is to acquire the remainder of such projects from Silvercorp pursuant to the Transaction.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266298
Medical volunteers pose for a group photo at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinjing)

Volunteers work at the press center of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Liu Lingyi)

Volunteers give directions to a visitor at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinjing)

Volunteers assist visitors with wheelchair rental procedures at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Liu Lingyi)

A staff member directs a shuttle bus during the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Sui Shangjun)

Staff members prepare food at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinjing)

A staff member drives a shuttle bus to transport visitors at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Liu Lingyi)

A sanitation worker drives a road sweeper to clean the road of the venue of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinjing)

Volunteers give directions to a visitor at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS is held from Sept. 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. At the fair, service personnel such as venue staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the venue providing various services and support to participants and visitors, ensuring the operation of the event. (Xinhua/Sui Shangjun)
Cameco (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) has finalized a new long-term agreement to supply natural uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ) to Slovenske elektrarne (SE) for use in its nuclear power plants in Slovakia. This agreement, which consists of uranium and conversion services, is expected to provide a diversified and secure source of natural UF 6 for SE through 2036. The material will support operations at SE's Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear facilities, starting in 2028.

Members of Cameco's marketing team joined SE representatives for a small gathering in London earlier this month to celebrate the agreement.

"Cameco is proud to play an essential role helping Slovakia meet its nuclear fuel needs. With this long-term agreement, we are adding a new market to our global commercial portfolio and supporting Slovakia with a stable, reliable supply of uranium fuel that is expected to enhance energy security in the region," said Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel.

"Conversion is one of the most critical parts of the nuclear fuel cycle - the process by which natural uranium is converted into a form suitable for enrichment and reprocessing. Slovenske elektrarne has succeeded in securing a long-term and reliable supply of a significant share of this key raw material until 2036, which is a significant step for Slovakia's energy security. The contract is strategic for Slovenske elektrarne - allowing us to diversify our suppliers, reduce our dependence on one source, and at the same time guarantee the smooth operation of our nuclear power plants," said Branislav Stry?ek, Chairman and CEO of Slovenske elektrarne.

Details of the contract are commercially confidential.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes statements and information about expectations for the future, which are referred to as forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on current views, which can change significantly, and actual results and events may be significantly different from what is currently expected. Examples of forward-looking information in this news release include: our expectation that we will provide a secure source of natural UF 6 for SE under the agreement; the expected duration and commencement timing of the agreement; our expectation that by entering into the agreement, we are adding a new market to our global commercial portfolio; our belief that by performing our obligations under the agreement, we will provide Slovakia with a stable, reliable supply of uranium fuel that is expected to enhance energy security; and the expected benefits of the agreement with SE. Material risks that could lead to different results include: the obligations under the agreement are not performed by the parties in accordance with the terms of the agreement; the agreement does not result in the expected financial benefits for us or SE; the risk that the addition of the Slovakia market to our global commercial portfolio is detrimental to our business; and the risk that we are unable to enhance energy security in Slovakia through the performance of our obligations under the agreement. In presenting the forward-looking information, we have made material assumptions which may prove incorrect about; the performance by the parties of their obligations under the agreement; the financial benefits to us and SE from the agreement; the benefits to our business from adding the Slovakia market to our global commercial portfolio; and our ability to enhance energy security in Slovakia by performing our obligations under the agreement.

About Cameco

Cameco is one of the largest global providers of the uranium fuel needed to power a secure energy future. Our competitive position is based on our controlling ownership of the world's largest high-grade reserves and low-cost operations, as well as significant investments across the nuclear fuel cycle, including ownership interests in Westinghouse Electric Company and Global Laser Enrichment. Utilities around the world rely on Cameco to provide global nuclear fuel solutions for the generation of safe, reliable, carbon-free nuclear power. Our shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Our head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

As used in this news release, the terms we, us, our, the Company and Cameco mean Cameco Corp. and its subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated.

About Slovenske elektrarne

With a share exceeding 60% of total electricity production in Slovakia, Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. is the country's largest electricity producer. Since shutting down its last coal-fired power plant at the end of Q1 2024, all electricity generated by the company is free of direct CO? emissions. It operates five nuclear reactors, 31 hydropower plants, and two photovoltaic plants.

The company's commitment to producing electricity from low-carbon sources makes it a leader in sustainable energy production in Central and Eastern Europe. The company has been listed four times in the prestigious Europe's Climate Leaders index, published since 2021 by The Financial Times and Statista.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250912083235/en/

Contact

Investor inquiries



Cory Kos

306-716-6782

cory_kos@cameco.com

Media inquiries



Veronica Baker

306-385-5541

veronica_baker@cameco.com
Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-seven guards fired 12 rounds in salute on Saturday morning, their rifles echoing across the solemn grounds of a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, in tribute to fallen heroes.

The volleys honored 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953). More than 70 years later, their remains were laid to rest at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang.

The burial ceremony began at 10 a.m. As the national anthem played, the guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen martyrs entered the cemetery.

The caskets were draped with the Five-star Red Flag, and participants bowed three times in solemn silence to honor the soldiers' remains.

More than 300 people, including representatives from central and local authorities, the military, war veterans and relatives of CPV martyrs, attended the ceremony.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) aboard a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft on Friday.

Since 2014, China and the ROK have completed 12 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 1,011 CPV martyrs in the ROK, along with related artifacts.

About 75 years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army and civilians of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. After an arduous fight that lasted almost three years, the CPV eventually won the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. More than 197,000 CPV soldiers were confirmed killed in the war. 

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers present flowers to the memorial wall of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

People bow to the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Saturday that it has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain analog IC chips originating from the United States.

The probe was launched in response to an application submitted by a provincial semiconductor industry association on behalf of the domestic industry, the ministry said in a statement.

The investigation will target commodity interface IC chips and gate driver IC chips using 40-nanometer and above process technologies.

The probe is expected to conclude by Sept. 13, 2026, with a possible six-month extension under special circumstances, the ministry said. 
Slim phones are making a comeback, and the world's top two makers are here to battle it out. The newly announced iPhone Air is set to compete with Samsungs Galaxy S25 Edge, so we've rounded up a quick specs comparison between the two.

Table of Contents:

You can compare the complete specs sheets or go through the rundown below.

Size comparison

Apple

iPhone Air 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm

(6.15 x 2.94 x 0.22 in) 165 g

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Edge 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm

(6.23 x 2.98 x 0.23 in) 163 g

The iPhone Air is 2 grams heavier than the S25 Edge, but it's also 0.2mm thinner. Honestly, we doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference, so we can safely give this category a tie. Both phones feature titanium frames, with the one on the iPhone going for a shiny look while the Galaxy's has a matte finish.

Apple iPhone Air Light Gold

Cloud White

Space Black

Sky Blue Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Titanium Icyblue

Titanium Silver

Titanium Jetblack

While weve yet to handle the iPhone Air in hand, it does feature rounded corners, which give out the illusion of being even slimmer. At the same time, its camera visor (or plateau as Apple calls it) appears to be more pronounced than the more compact camera island on the S25 Edge.

Display comparison

Apple

iPhone Air LTPO OLED

120Hz 1260 x 2736

pixels 460

ppi 3000

nits (peak) 6.5"

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Edge LTPO OLED

120Hz 1440 x 3120

pixels 513

ppi 2600

nits (peak) 6.7"

Samsung's thin and light phone features a larger 6.7 display with higher pixel density (513ppi) and a smaller front-facing camera cutout. Both panels feature 120 Hz refresh rates and HDR10 support. The iPhone is rated at a higher peak brightness of 3000 nits, compared to 2600 nits on the Galaxy S25 Edge, even though we measured 1,416 nits during our review. We'll have to test the Air's brightness output once we get our unit.

iPhone Air features Ceramic Shield 2 vs. Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the S25 Edge. We expect both to fare equally in terms of scratch resistance. Elsewhere, the iPhone does feature an anti-reflective coating while the Galaxy does not.

Performance

Apple

iPhone Air Apple A19 Pro

3 nm 256GB 12GB RAM

base config 1TB 12GB RAM

top-tier config

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Edge Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

3 nm 256GB 12GB RAM

base config 512GB 12GB RAM

top-tier config

The A19 Pro is the world's fastest smartphone chipset, according to Apple, but we don't have any real benchmarks to work with for now. The Galaxy runs on Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which is the current best of the best on the Android side.

The Galaxy gets the added benefit of a vapor chamber for heat dissipation, which is quite important for a slim device. It will be interesting to see how the iPhone performs under load since it does not get any advanced heat dissipation tech. Both phones come with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB base storage, but the iPhone is upgradeable up to 1 TB, while the Galaxy can only go up to 512 GB.

Camera comparison

Apple

iPhone Air 48 MP main camera

1/1.56" sensor 18 MP selfie camera

f/1.9 (wide) 4K@24/25/30/60fps

Main and selfie camera video

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Edge 200 MP main camera

1/1.3" sensor 12 MP ultrawide camera

1/2.55" sensor 12 MP selfie camera

f/2.2 (wide) 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps

Main camera video

When it comes to cameras, the Galaxy S25 Edge is the clear winner. Not only does it feature a 200 MP main camera with a larger sensor, but it also has a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy records up to 8K video or 4K 120fps, whereas the iPhone tops out at 4K 60fps.

The iPhone features a higher-resolution 18 MP front-facing camera, with a square sensor and wider viewfinder that allows you to take horizontal photos even when holding the phone in landscape mode.

Battery and charging

Apple

iPhone Air Wired charging

20W (50% in 30 min) Wireless charging

20W wireless MagSafe/Qi2 3149 mAh

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Edge Wired charging

25W (55% in 30 min) Wireless charging

15W wireless (Qi2) 3900 mAh

Samsung managed to fit 23% more battery capacity in the S25 Edge while also delivering faster 25W wired charging (55% in 30 minutes). Battery capacity is arguably the biggest pain point of these thin and light devices, and the larger cell on the Galaxy gets it a nod over the iPhone. Apple, however, offers slightly faster 20W wireless charging speeds compared to Samsung's 15W.

Verdict

Rounding out the specs comparison, both phones support Wi-Fi 7 and UWB connectivity, though the iPhone gets the newer second-gen UWB and is also outfitted with the more recent Bluetooth 6.0 vs Bluetooth 5.4 on the Galaxy.

On the other hand, Galaxy S25 Edge brings a USB Type-C 3.2 port while the iPhone is limited to a USB Type-C 2.0 connector. Samsung also managed to fit stereo speakers on the S25 Edge, while the iPhone Air gets a single one on top. The Galaxy also retains the physical SIM slot while the iPhone is eSIM-only.



Apple iPhone Air  Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Last but certainly not least  pricing. The Galaxy S25 Edge is currently available for around $840/725, whereas the iPhone Air starts at $1,000/1,200. Thats a hefty difference, which certainly tips things in favor of the Galaxy. But we'll have to wait and see how the iPhone Air performs in our tests to give you a final verdict.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

In the meantime, we'd like to hear your thoughts - did Apple or Samsung make the better slim phone?

Apple iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone Air is now available for pre-order in over 60 countries. In China, however, eager buyers will have to wait, despite Apples earlier announcement that pre-orders would begin there today.

According to The South China Morning Post, Apple is facing regulatory hurdles in China due to the iPhone Air being eSIM only. The publication reports that the company is working with the authorities in mainland China to resolve the issues.

Apple has reportedly confirmed that all three major Chinese carriers are prepared to support eSIM on the iPhone Air, pending regulatory approval. However, the company has not provided a release timeline yet.

Currently, the iPhone Air pre-order page on the Apple Store website in China reads Release information will be updated later.

Apple iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone Air is available globally in an eSIM-only variant, a move Apple says allowed for a larger battery inside the device.

Source
Over the past few days we've been getting a bunch of rumored details regarding Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra ahead of its supposed release in January, and today is no different.

If you've been wondering what to expect from Samsung's next flagship smartphone in terms of screen size, the answer is allegedly - a very tiny improvement. The S26 Ultra is said to boast a 6.89" panel, which the company will most likely round up to 6.9" in its marketing materials.

And guess what the Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen size is? Allegedly 6.86" exactly, but Samsung is rounding that up to the exact same 6.9". Now, while there will only be the tiniest upgrade to the screen's size, Samsung will reportedly pack the panel with "surprises", according to the leaker that goes by Ice Universe. What those will be, unfortunately wasn't detailed, but we should apparently expect "some of Samsung's core display technologies" to be used, whatever that means.

We'd speculate by saying that while the size will remain pretty much the same, the S26 Ultra's panel will be better than the one in its predecessor in other ways. On the other hand, we recently heard that the 5x telephoto camera will stay unchanged, while the 3x telephoto camera will actually be a downgrade, believe it or not. The main camera is using the same sensor but widening the aperture to f/1.4, allowing 47% more light to reach the sensor.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Source | Image source
The Department of Public Works completed road improvements in Malesso' and will move to the southern villages of Inalahan and Talofofo' in the coming months, the Office of the Governor said in a release.

The agency's 'Safer Streets' initiativesupported by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenoriois improving road conditions and enhancing safety for motorists across the island, Adelup said.

DPW recently completed pavement resurfacing in Malesso, covering approximately 2.5 lane miles along Route 4 of Seven Heroes of Malesso Highway. Additionally, about half a lane mile of village streets in Humatak were repaired and resurfaced, Adelup said.

Looking ahead, DPW has scheduled resurfacing for five lane miles in the villages of Inalahan and Talofofo' in the coming months.

Other roadway safety improvements recently completed include:

 Restriping and installation of raised pavement markers along Marine Corps Drive, from Alupang Towers in Tamuning to the entrance of the Port Authority of Guam in Piti.

 Full and partial depth pavement repairs and striping along Routes 8, 14A, 30A, and 2A.

 Continued restriping along Marine Corps Drive from Route 27 near the Micronesia Mall in Dededo to the Andersen Air Force Base front gate in Yigo.

Our administration remains focused on building safer, stronger communities. These road improvements not only make daily commutes smoother, but they also save lives by enhancing safety for drivers and pedestrians. I commend the hardworking men and women at DPW for pushing this important initiative forward, Leon Guerrero said in a statement.

Tenorio, in a statement, said "mile by mile, our administration is making progress with maintaining and repairing our roads."

He said filling potholes, replacing old asphalt, and painting new lane markers make things safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

"Yes, these projects can come with traffic delays, but we thank the public for their patience as DPW continues this important work," Tenorio said.

DPW Director Vince Arriola shared his gratitude for the communitys cooperation, noting that the department is committed to keeping Guams roadways reliable, safe, and accessible for all residents and visitors.

The administration encourages the community to drive safely through work zones and remain patient as improvements continue.
A man who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine hydrochloride was sentenced Thursday to 33 months, or three years and three months, in federal prison, with credit for 189 days already served and additional credit pending a final determination by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Ralph Clark Ricon, 49, appeared before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, who issued the sentence. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. Because Ricon is a green card holder, he may face deportation after completing his prison term.

I just want to say that Im sorry to the community for my actions and I want to start my drug treatment, Ricon said.

The prosecution recommended the 33-month sentence, while the defense requested 30 months. Both sides agreed that time served should be applied.

The sentencing hearing was once again dominated by a dispute over how much of Ricons time in local custody should be credited toward his federal sentence. The disagreement centered on when he officially came under federal jurisdiction.

Nicole Breazeale, attorney with the Office of the Federal Public Defender, argued that Ricon should receive credit starting from April 2024, when he was arrested in connection to the federal case, which stems from incidents dating back to 2019 and 2020.

Prosecuting Attorney Devarup Rastogi countered that credit should begin from June 7, 2024.

Tydingco-Gatewood had previously ordered a review to determine when Ricon was transferred into federal custody and whether the time served at the Department of Corrections could be applied. During Thursdays continued hearing, the judge said documents indicated Ricon entered federal custody on June 7.

Im sorry if I sound frustrated because I am, Breazeale said. When he was arrested in April it was for this case.

Breazeale maintained that Ricon had been housed in Alpha Block at the Department of Corrections  a section used for federal inmates.

She also told the court that since his arrest in April 2024, Ricon had been cooperating with DEA agents.

He was in a hybrid situation, Breazeale said. If were talking logic, yes, he should get credit.

Rastogi disagreed. U.S. Marshal Janel Okada said prison mapping records from May 2024 showed Ricon was held in local custody, not federal.

The court spent extensive time examining whether Ricons two unresolved local cases should impact the calculation of his time served. Tydingco-Gatewood acknowledged that federal courts generally wait for local cases to be resolved before applying for custody credits.

Breazeale pushed back, stating that Ricon had already been released from local custody and arrested under a federal bench warrant.

With all due respect, were not going to wait for the local court, she said. What if in five years theyre still open.

Tydingco-Gatewood said while she was not ignoring the total time Ricon had spent in jail, any additional credit would be determined by the Bureau of Prisons. For now, she ruled that credit would begin in June.

When asked where he wanted to serve his sentence, he asked if he could go to a federal facility in Hawaii as he has a brother living there.

Tydingco-Gatewood granted the request and gave judicial recommendation for him to participate in residential and non-residential drug treatment programs, vocational training and educational training.

Take these months to get help, she said to Ricon. You tell me that you already want to get started in your treatment, here, take advantage of that.

Ricons federal charges stem from two arrests.

In 2019, officers pulled over a black Honda Civic and found Ricon shaking and sweating. He admitted there was methamphetamine in the vehicle. Police recovered a crystallized substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, four glass pipes with residue, two digital scales, plastic bags, and heat-sealed straws. Ricon admitted the drugs and paraphernalia were his and said he had bought the meth from a friend at a game room in Dededo. He was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony.

In 2020, officers stopped Ricon again for not having a front license plate. A search revealed a backpack with drug paraphernalia and a crystallized substance. Ricon admitted he had smoked meth that morning and claimed ownership of the items. He was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and driving without a valid license.
TALLINN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Estonia has imposed a temporary ban on flights along its entire eastern border, the ERR portal reported on Friday.

According to the military, this is due to the activity of Russian forces and Ukrainian drones in the Leningrad region. The ban will allow for more thorough monitoring of the airspace.

Flight restrictions in the forbidden zone will be in effect over the coming weeks every day from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., up to an altitude of 6,000 meters. The military said that it's too early yet to say how long the restrictions will remain in place.

Similar no-fly zones have been introduced by Latvia, which has closed its airspace along the eastern border from Sept. 11 to Sept. 18, with the option of extending the restriction. 




Haiti - FLASH : Massacre in Labodrie more than 40 killed and many injured





Between Thursday afternoon and Friday, September 12, 2025, Labodrie, a small village located between Arcahaie and Cabaret, was the target of a bloody attack by a heavily armed terrorist group affiliated with the criminal coalition "Viv Ansanm". The attackers perpetrated a veritable massacre, firing indiscriminately at a population they accused of being police informants.



According to a provisional report by Baptiste Joseph Louis, President of the Administrative Council of the Communal Sections (CASEC) of Boucassin (municipality of Cabaret), on a radio station of the capital, 42 bodies have already been counted, including children. An unknown number of people have been injured. Several others are missing. Houses have been burned. Survivors are attempting to flee the area, while the attackers are still present.



According to witnesses, the attack was in retaliation for the death of Vladimyr Pierre, alias "Vlad" the second leader of the Cabaret gang, and several of his men, killed on September 7 during clashes with law enforcement.



Looting, fires, rape, and summary executions have plunged the area into mourning and terror. Tensions remain high, with residents fearing a new wave of executions. Baptiste Joseph Louis is issuing an urgent appeal to central authorities to secure the area and recover the abandoned bodies, many of which have been devoured by dogs.



No official statement has been issued...



PI/ BT/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - University : Situation and urgent needs of the UEH





On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Smith Augustin, Presidential Transition Advisor, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, visited the Rectorate of the State University of Haiti (UEH) to discuss the institution's situation.



During this visit, Rector Dieuseul Predelus presented to Councilor Augustin the university's urgent needs. He recalled that several campuses of the various faculties had been evicted, looted, or besieged by gangs. This forced the UEH to rent space to ensure the continuity of classes.



Furthermore, as part of the university's expansion into the country's various departments, the Rector's team identified several sites for the construction of new campuses. The Rector emphasized, among other things, the crucial importance of structural investment in higher education as a pillar of national human capital development.



The UEH currently has 1,500 professors, including 1,200 part-time professors and 300 full-time professors. The Rector is considering increasing the number of full-time professors to ensure better support for students, particularly those nearing the end of their studies.



Following this visit, a draft UEH budget for the next fiscal year, 2025-2026, was submitted to Councilor Augustin. The provisional total is 8 billion gourdes and should contribute to improving the university's operations and promoting the revival of its activities, particularly through the acquisition of new premises, equipment, and necessary materials.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The European Works Council of the software group SAP is warning against a program of continuous job cuts at the company. According to a report in Handelsblatt, the employee representatives have expressed deep concern about the plan in an internal email and warn of long-term damage to the company.

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According to the report, this relates to a plan already announced in July by the Group Management Board around CEO Christian Klein to make smaller job cuts every year instead of large-scale reduction programs such as 2024. In one year, it could be one or sometimes two percent of jobs that are eliminated, CEO Christian Klein told the news agency dpa. In 2024, around 3,500 employees in Germany left the company with severance payments, and around 10,000 jobs are said to have been lost worldwide.

Overall, however, SAP still wants to increase the number of employees, especially in growth areas. According to Handelsblatt, CFO Dominik Assam compared the program to routines such as brushing teeth. It won't be anything special, the business newspaper quotes him as saying.

Short-term financial goals

The works council apparently takes a different view of the cutback plan launched in September under the name Project Mongoose. In our view, the measure appears to be geared more towards short-term financial goals than strategic transformation, Andreas Hahn, chairman of the European Works Council, told Handelsblatt. According to Hahn, the SAP Executive Board could use job cuts as a permanent instrument if financial targets require it.

When asked by the iX editorial team, SAP explained, As our industry undergoes a profound transformation driven by AI and cloud, we are focused on the continuous optimization of our processes and structures as well as strategic investments in future capabilities. As announced in July, we are making targeted investments in training and hiring in critical growth areas. As also announced in July, we are planning targeted measures that are expected to affect 12 percent of our global workforce in 2025.

Up to 2,200 jobs this year?

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SAP did not provide any information on the regional distribution, affected areas, or the specific number of people made redundant. The question whether the newly introduced performance evaluation program will be included in the selection of jobs to be cut also remained open. With currently around 109,000 employees, up to 2,200 jobs could be impacted.

Read also Leadership culture in tech companies: The rediscovery of the whip iX Magazin

The German workforce is currently covered by a job security agreement until 2026, which protects against redundancies. SAP would probably have to make severance payments to cut jobs in Germany.

According to Handelsblatt, SAP's European Works Council is also unclear about the exact extent of this. There is a lack of transparent and clear communication from the Executive Board about the planned savings and the impact on sites and customers. Eberhard Schick, chairman of the works council of the parent company SE, recently commented on the job cuts to dpa: If you want to replace one to two percent of the workforce every year, then that shows a change in culture at SAP.

(axk)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The findings are part of Finlands mandatory reporting under the EUs nature and bird directives, covering the period 20192024. The data show that more species and habitat types are deteriorating than improving, despite 30 years of legal obligations to protect biodiversity.

Finland has submitted its latest official report to the European Commission showing a continued deterioration in the state of natural habitats and species. According to the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), most habitat types remain in an unfavourable condition, particularly across southern and central regions.

The situation is most critical in the boreal zone, which covers the majority of Finland. There, three out of four habitat types assessed are considered to be in poor condition. Only the alpine zone in the far north shows better outcomes, largely due to reduced human impact.

Habitat condition can be improved by increasing protection, restoring damaged areas and coordinating land use more comprehensively, said Marita Arvela, senior environmental planner at SYKE, who coordinated the reporting work.

Key habitat types under the nature directive include wetlands, forests, grasslands and coastal areas. Restoration is now seen as essential, and Finland is developing a national restoration plan in line with the new EU regulation.

For birds, the results are similarly concerning. More species are declining than increasing. The primary causes are habitat loss and degradation linked to intensive forestry and agriculture. Climate change has also worsened conditions for northern species, while enabling some southern species to expand their range northwards.

Bird populations can still recover if habitats are protected and restored, said Aleksi Mikola, a researcher at SYKE. Water and shorebird species, in particular, would benefit from restoration of wetlands, removal of invasive species and improved hunting regulations.

The number of species under the nature directive in unfavourable status continues to grow. These include vascular plants, mosses, mammals, molluscs, beetles and butterflies. Some of the required measures are general, such as habitat restoration, while others must be tailored to individual species.

General actions are not always sufficient, said Ulla-Maija Liukko, head of species assessment at SYKE. Species-specific knowledge and long-term continuity in planning are essential to ensure effective targeting of restoration and protection efforts.

The reports are compiled every six years and submitted by all EU member states. This was Finlands fourth report under the nature directive and third under the bird directive. They draw on large national datasets produced in cooperation with several research institutions and government bodies.

The results also provide a basis for cost-effective investment planning. They inform which ecosystems and species need the most urgent support and help define the minimum areas of habitat types needed for favourable conservation status.

For the first time, SYKE has published a national summary of the habitat conservation assessments in Finnish. It includes expert-based estimates of reference area sizes for each habitat type, which define the minimum ecologically viable area. These reference values serve as benchmarks in setting national restoration goals.

SYKEs publication also introduces, for the first time in Finnish, the method used for assessing habitat conservation status and explains key concepts related to both the assessment and the EU restoration regulation, said Aija Kukkala, senior specialist at SYKE.

The bird directive covers all wild bird species in Finland and requires population sizes and trends to be monitored and reported. The nature directive applies to selected species and habitat types listed in the annexes of the directive, requiring regular assessments of whether conservation targets are being met.

Despite decades of protection, the data show that the condition of nature in Finland has not stabilised. The findings are expected to shape future restoration efforts under the EU biodiversity strategy and the forthcoming national restoration plan.

HT
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The seemingly relentless strikes in the northern Gaza Strip prompt thousands of Palestinians to flee south, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that in 24 hours by Thursday at 2 p.m. local time, its partners monitoring population movements tallied almost 11,000 people moving southward. They trekked through three humanitarian checkpoints with teams monitoring children for direct support or referral services for the injured, orphaned or separated from their caregivers.

"While multiple sites providing services have had to suspend operations or relocate, the United Nations is helping humanitarian partners keep community kitchens open, distribute clean water and provide health care to people in Gaza City and elsewhere across the strip," OCHA said.

Despite the violence and devastation, the office said that a UN team successfully delivered fuel to a series of critical service providers in Gaza City, including hospitals and other health facilities, as well as installations supporting water pumping, trucking, desalination, and the management of solid waste.

OCHA said the humanitarian community remains committed to serving people in need wherever they are, based on what they need.

The office said there is no let-up in the Gaza starvation crisis, which continues to worsen.

Gaza's health authorities reported that seven more people, including a child, died due to malnutrition and starvation over a span of 24 hours on Thursday, bringing the toll to 411, including 133 deaths since famine was confirmed last month.

The UN Children's Fund reported that more than 10,000 children in Gaza City have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the past two months, with 2,400 at high risk of death if treatment is interrupted.

OCHA said access for humanitarians remains challenging. Out of 21 missions that teams inside Gaza coordinated with Israeli authorities, only 10 were facilitated, including the movement of staff and supplies between the north and the south and within those areas. Two were denied, six impeded, and three canceled. "Unimpeded humanitarian access at a meaningful scale throughout Gaza is critical," the office stressed.

In the West Bank, OCHA said the situation remains tense.

In the north, Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in Tulkarm on Thursday, imposing a curfew and detaining scores of Palestinians, reportedly without individual screening. Many were forced to walk a long distance to a military base. Raids, business closures, and live fire were also reported. On Friday, checkpoints continued to restrict people's movements after an explosive device wounded two Israeli soldiers.

Meanwhile, Israeli demolition of Palestinian property in the West Bank continues, with over 1,300 Palestinian-owned structures having been demolished across the West Bank since this year, resulting in yet more displacement, said OCHA. 
The police have not released information on the location of the incident beyond confirming it happened in Espoo.

According to the Western Uusimaa Police Department, the incident occurred on Saturday during a police task that required the use of a firearm. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. The individual died at the scene.

A person has died in Espoo after being shot by police during an early morning operation.

A resident contacted Ilta-Sanomat and reported hearing gunshot-like sounds shortly after 03:00 in the Niittykumpu area. Emergency services arrived soon after.

The witness told the newspaper that several police cars, an ambulance unit, and rescue services were present at the scene. Police remained visible in the area until at least 05:00.

The Western Uusimaa Police Department has not disclosed the identity, age, or gender of the deceased. No further details have been provided about the events leading up to the shooting or the reason for the police presence.

The use of firearms by police will now undergo a preliminary investigation, in line with the Finnish Criminal Investigation Act. All incidents involving police use of firearms during duty are subject to such review. The case is being handled by the police crimes unit of the National Prosecution Authority.

This is the second death in Finland this year resulting from police use of force. In July, police shot and killed a man in Alppiharju, Helsinki. The man, armed with a knife, was reportedly approaching officers when police first attempted to stop him with a stun device. When this failed, an officer used a firearm.

In an interview earlier this year with STT, legal scholar Henri Rikander said that 13 people had died as a result of police shootings in Finland since 2000. The Espoo incident brings the number to 14.

Police use of deadly force remains rare in Finland. Authorities have provided no comment on when further information about the Espoo case might be released.

HT
Fighter jets and air defence systems from several NATO members are now being deployed to the region.

The operation, named Eastern Sentry, was initiated on Friday after Poland reported that 19 Russian drones entered its territory overnight between 9 and 10 September. The incident, which Poland described as deliberate, prompted a coordinated military response across the alliance.

NATO has launched a new multinational operation to reinforce its eastern border following a major Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace .

France is sending three Rafale fighter jets, Germany four Eurofighters, and Denmark two F-16s along with a naval vessel. The UK and other allies have pledged further support.

General Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of NATOs European forces, ordered the operation and said deployment would begin immediately. The operation includes ground forces and expanded communication between border countries.

There is no immediate military threat, a NATO spokesperson said, but defensive measures are necessary.

The drone incursion is the most serious airspace breach involving Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Although previous missile and drone fragments have landed in neighbouring countries, this is the first time NATO forces have actively intercepted multiple drones within alliance territory.

The drones entered deep into eastern Poland, with some crashing in residential areas and agricultural fields. One house in the village of Wohyn suffered significant roof damage. No injuries were reported. Civilian air traffic in Warsaw, Rzeszow, and Lublin was temporarily suspended.

Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, triggering emergency consultations among the 32 member states. The United Nations held a Security Council session on Friday in New York to address the escalation.

Polands Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki presented photographs of debris and damage from the incident. We know, and I repeat, we know that it was not a mistake, he said during the session.

The United States also issued a strong response. We will defend every inch of NATO territory, said acting UN Ambassador Dorothy Shea, who called the drone incursion a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

US President Donald Trump, who recently held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, suggested the incursion might have been unintentional. He told Fox News: When Putin wants to do it, [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy] didnt. When Zelenskyy wanted to do it, Putin didnt. Now Zelenskyy wants to and Putin is a question mark.

Russias Defence Ministry confirmed it had carried out strikes on Ukraine that night but denied targeting Poland. Ambassador Vasilly Nebenzia told the UN Security Council that the drones used had a range of no more than 700 kilometres, making it physically impossible for them to reach Polish territory from Russian positions.

Belarus, which also borders Poland and is allied with Moscow, stated that the drones may have been deflected by Ukrainian jamming systems and drifted into Polish airspace. It claimed to have warned neighbouring states as the drones approached.

In response, G7 finance ministers held virtual talks on possible sanctions against countries aiding Russias military operations. Canada, which currently chairs the group, said measures under discussion include tariffs and financial restrictions.

The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Lithuania have also committed military assets to Poland and neighbouring areas. Lithuania is receiving a German brigade and enhanced early warning capabilities.

Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus began large-scale joint military exercises on Friday, known as Zapad, which are held every four years. Official figures list 13,000 troops, though Polish officials estimate the actual number is several times higher. The exercises include drills near the Suwaki Gap, a strategic corridor between Poland and Lithuania that separates Russian exclave Kaliningrad from Belarus.

NATO officials said the Zapad drills do not pose an immediate threat but acknowledged the risk of miscalculation amid heightened tensions.

NATOs Mark Rutte said whether or not the drone incident was intentional, it was dangerous and unacceptable. He supported expanded drone defences along the eastern flank and endorsed EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyens proposal for a drone wall to protect vulnerable borders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over 400 drones and 40 missiles had struck 15 regions of Ukraine during the same period as the drone incursion into Poland. He confirmed civilian casualties and repeated calls for additional pressure on China to use its influence over Russia to end the war.

UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that the incursion demonstrated the growing regional impact of the war and called again for an immediate ceasefire. Attacks on civilians and infrastructure must stop, she said.

HT
The statement, endorsed by all 15 Security Council members including the United States, expressed deep regret at the loss of civilian life and underscored support for Qatars sovereignty and territorial integrity. The text was drafted by France and the United Kingdom.

The United Nations Security Council has issued a unanimous condemnation of Israels air strike on a residential compound in the Qatari capital, Doha. The strike on 9 September targeted members of Hamas but also resulted in civilian deaths, including a Qatari security officer.

The air strike marked a rare Israeli operation inside the territory of a Gulf state. The attack killed five Hamas operatives, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, and triggered a global diplomatic backlash. Qatar, which has hosted Hamas political leaders since 2012 and plays a central role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas, called the incident a violation of its sovereignty.

Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani travelled to New York to address the Security Council in person. Israel, led by blusterous extremists, has gone beyond any borders, any limitations, he said. We are unable to predict what Israel will do.

The US, long a defender of Israel in the UN, backed the statement but did not name Israel directly. The White House later confirmed that it had not been informed in advance of the strike. US President Donald Trump criticised the operation, saying it does not advance Israel or Americas goals and described it as a potential opportunity for peace if used to reignite negotiations.

Reports in the US press suggested that Israels Mossad agency had opposed the strike, favouring long-term surveillance and covert methods. According to sources cited by The Washington Post, Mossad believed the assassination could have been delayed until after ceasefire talks were completed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately ordered the strike by air, overruling the agencys objections.

Israel defended the operation. Its UN envoy Danny Danon told the Council: There is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha. He said the strike was part of an ongoing effort to eliminate Hamas leadership responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians.

The backlash has been widespread. The United Arab Emirates summoned the Israeli deputy ambassador, labelling the strike cowardly and a blatant violation of Qatars sovereignty. Thailand issued a similar condemnation, describing the attack as unlawful and destabilising. Spain also summoned Israels envoy over comments made by Netanyahus office in response to the international criticism.

The attack has also impacted negotiations over a possible ceasefire. Hamas described the strike as a direct hit on the ceasefire proposal backed by the US. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said the timing of the attack showed who was obstructing the agreement. Talks between Qatari officials and top US representatives, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, were held in Washington following the incident.

Despite the tensions, Hamas said its negotiating team survived the strike, although it confirmed five members were killed. On Thursday, al-Hayya led funeral prayers for his son and others killed in the attack under heightened security arrangements in Doha.

The fallout from the strike coincided with further Israeli attacks in Gaza. At least 65 Palestinians were killed on the same day as the Doha incident, with Gazas Health Ministry reporting a total death toll of more than 64,700 since the war began. Former Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi told Israeli media that more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded.

UNICEF warned that over 450,000 children in Gaza City are teetering on the edge of survival, citing both famine and bombardment. The World Health Organization says over 15,800 people are waiting for urgent medical evacuation. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that several injured children evacuated to Jordan were too malnourished for surgery.

The UN General Assembly has also responded to the crisis. On Friday, it voted overwhelmingly to endorse a resolution supporting a two-state solution and calling on Hamas to disarm. The vote passed with 142 states in favour, ten against, and twelve abstentions. The resolution excludes Hamas from any future Palestinian government and calls for its disarmament under international supervision.

Israel rejected the resolution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said it was a political circus detached from reality and claimed it would embolden Hamas.

Meanwhile, diplomatic preparations are under way in Doha for an emergency Arab-Islamic summit. Qatar has stated that a regional response to the Israeli strike is being coordinated. Foreign ministers will meet on 14 September, followed by heads of state the next day. Qatar said the summit would be grounded in international law and would involve collective action beyond condemnation.

HT
Governor's committee on Helene recovery meets here Monday

The Governors Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery will meet from 10:35 a.m. to noon Monday at BRCC's Blue Ridge Conference Hall, 49 East Campus Drive.

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Based on formal and informal public input from a diverse array of affected people, the committee advises Gov. Josh Stein on strategies to address the needs of communities affected by Hurricane Helene, including housing; small businesses; roads, bridges, and other infrastructure; near- and long-term relief funding; cross-sector coordination; accountability and transparency; and other issues.

The public is welcome to attend and observe. There will not be an opportunity for public comment, but questions and feedback can be submitted to wncrecovery@nc.gov.

Free visitor parking is available in Lots D and C, adjacent to the Technology, Education and Development Center on the Henderson County Campus. ASL interpretation, CART transcription, and Spanish interpretation will be offered.
Biltmore herd manager Mike Corn inducted into Hall of Fame

Mike Corn, who was inducted into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame on Sept. 13, is shown with his wife, Mary Louise Corn, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Courtney Van Dalen, assistant farm manager of Small Acres Dairy in Mills River. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Mike Corn, who has spent the last several decades managing the legacy Biltmore Estate Jersey cow herd at his Small Acres Dairy in Mills River, was inducted into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame on the opening weekend of the fair. Also inducted was Marjorie Burton, a prize-winning dairy goat breeder and exhibitor from Leicester.

Corn and Burton were both honored for their decades of supporting the agriculture fair and the livestock industry in Western North Carolina.

We are fortunate to have many agricultural families that put their heart and soul into the livestock programs and the Mountain State Fair, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. Marjorie Burton and Mike Corn are a big part of what makes these programs a success. I am honored to present them with this award and thank them for their support.

At the Mountain State Fair, Mike is well known for providing the mama cows for the popular Mooternity Ward.

When this exhibit was imagined for the fair more than a decade ago, likely no one knew then how popular and beloved it would be at the Fair, Troxler said.Every year through Mikes dedication and hard work fairgoers can learn about the dairy industry and watch the miracle of a live birth. It takes a lot of effort, volunteers and a little science to make this exhibit a success. Mike is the one to make sure all these pieces fit together.

Corn and his wife, Mary Louise, are also very active in the dairy show, ensuring countless youth have the opportunity to show. Hes deeply involved in youth mentorship, training young dairy judges and even loaning livestock to help students gain hands-on experience in showing and caring for animals.

Corns service and leadership havent gone unnoticed. In 1994, he was named Dairyman of the Year; in 2008, he received the Bill Martin Award for Service at the Mountain State Fair; and in 2018, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Mike embodies what it means to give back to the land and the people around him, Troxler said. We are proud to have him as part of our N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.



Marjorie Burton and her husband, Leonard, started Fire Pink Hollar in Leicester with up to 50 dairy goats in the late-1970s. Burton has shown goats at the N.C. Mountain State Fair since its beginning 31 years ago. Over the years, she has won premier breeder and exhibitor for the Oberhasli and La Mancha dairy goat shows. When Burton first added Oberhasli, the goats were a new breed with the American Goat Association. She has done a lot in improving the breed, specifically in Western North Carolina. Burton has also held numerous board positions with the Piedmont Dairy Goat Association.

Everyone who knows Margie will tell you that she is a stable force at the N.C. Mountain State Fair and that they look forward to seeing her each year, Troxler said. In addition to creating a love of goats and showing with her granddaughter, Tiffany, she has helped countless other youth. She is an example of someone that through her love of goats and the Mountain State Fair has made a lasting positive impact in her community and for the dairy goat industry in North Carolina. We are proud to have her as part of the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.
Interview: Global Governance Initiative key to building equitable int'l order -- South African expert

Xinhua) 09:35, September 13, 2025

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) offers vital guidance for building a more equitable international order, Somadoda Fikeni, an international relations expert and chairperson of South Africa's Public Service Commission, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Fikeni noted that the Global South, which has grown in both size and economic strength, has long called for reform of the international system, but progress has yet to materialize. "Western countries have spoken of their commitment to multilateralism for too long without taking concrete steps to change the system," he said.

He stressed that the ongoing international crises, including geopolitical conflicts and tariff-driven economic disruptions, show that the old system has become a threat to global peace, stability, progress, and cooperation.

"The GGI shows that China and the Global South are responding strategically," said Fikeni, stressing that the initiative calls for reforms that reflect current realities rather than maintaining a structure designed to favor the victors of World War II.

He said the initiative highlights the importance of recognizing multiple civilizations. By respecting cultural diversity and drawing lessons from their experiences, the international community can work together to tackle global challenges such as climate change, governance, and economic development, he said.

Fikeni noted that China has already played a significant role in global governance. While the United States has withdrawn from multilateral bodies and cut funding, China has pushed for reforms to make institutions fairer and more inclusive, offering solutions on climate and infrastructure, as well as support for countries facing sanctions, technology curbs, or supply chain disruptions.

He also pointed out that high-quality development is essential for reducing global inequality. "China's success in lifting more than 700 million people out of poverty demonstrates that securing basic living standards is fundamental to social development. In recent years, China has leveraged its strengths in resources, infrastructure, and technology to support modernization and reduce global inequalities," Fikeni said.

"High-quality development should ensure that countries can access data, technology, and opportunities to improve living standards rather than being exploited or left behind," he said.

The GGI, he noted, is closely interrelated with China's previously proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. "Together, they reflect China's strategic vision as a responsible major power committed to a more equitable, stable, and fair global order. They demonstrate leadership, foresight, and a willingness to take responsibility for shaping a multipolar world," he said.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday warned against abusing sanctions against Sudan after the Security Council adopted a resolution to renew the sanction regime for a year.

In an explanation of the vote after the adoption of the resolution, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said sanctions are a means rather than an end and should not be abused as a political tool for interference and pressure.

"The priority now is to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, mitigate the humanitarian plight and steadily advance the political process," said Sun.

He called on the international community to earnestly safeguard Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and support the mediation efforts led by the United Nations and the African Union to help Sudan restore peace and stability at an early date.

Noting that China voted in favor of the draft resolution, Sun said that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to mounting civilian casualties and an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis.

The council's decision to renew the sanctions in relation to Sudan's Darfur region will help stem arms flow into the war zone, prevent the intensification of the conflict and reduce harm to civilians, he said.

"We hope that (UN) member states will earnestly comply with the provisions of this resolution and effectively implement the relevant measures," he said. 
DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) on Friday officially sent off 22 train drivers to China for an 87-day advanced training program aimed at enhancing their operational proficiency in standard gauge railway (SGR) systems.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony held in the port city of Dar es Salaam, TRC Director General Machibya Shiwa emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism throughout the training period.

He noted that the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to build local capacity in the railway sector.

"Discipline is key, and the continuation of such opportunities will depend on evaluations and reports from experts," Shiwa said.

According to Shiwa, the training is designed to equip participants with internationally recognized qualifications, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, which could enable them to pursue employment opportunities both within Tanzania and abroad.

"The goal is to ensure that our drivers attain ISO certification, which will allow them to work in different institutions globally, even after retirement," he said.

Shiwa also cautioned that any misconduct during the training would lead to immediate repatriation, underscoring the drivers' role as ambassadors of Tanzania.

"Eighty-seven days may seem long, but they could also be short. I will not hesitate to recall anyone who violates training guidelines, as you are carrying the flag of Tanzania," he added.

The training program is expected to contribute significantly to Tanzania's efforts to strengthen human resource capacity in railway operations, as the country continues to expand its SGR network, said Shiwa. 
TOKYO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kansai International Airport in western Japan fully reopened its runways early Saturday after a United Airlines plane made an emergency landing due to a cargo room fire alert.

United Airlines flight 32, bound for Cebu in the Philippines from Narita International Airport near Tokyo, made the emergency landing at around 7:10 p.m. local time Friday at the airport in Osaka Prefecture.

All 142 passengers and crew evacuated by emergency slides, while five sustained minor injuries, according to a local fire department.

The cockpit received a warning about a fire in the cargo compartment at about 6:30 p.m. local time Friday while flying over the Pacific Ocean, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing transport ministry officials.

No firefighting activities took place, and an initial inspection found no signs that a blaze had broken out, the report said.

The airport closed its two runways following the emergency landing of the Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recognized the case as a serious incident requiring investigation, and the Japan Transport Safety Board appointed two officials to investigate the matter. 
Muhammad Sarfraz (2nd R), a Pakistani doctoral student at Tianjin University, poses for a photo at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 in north China's Tianjin, June 20, 2024. (Xinhua)

TIANJIN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Muhammad Sarfraz, a Pakistani doctoral student at Tianjin University in north China's Tianjin Municipality, debugged artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and developed a real-time AI-powered simulation system for integrated energy systems, aiming to optimize the stability of smart urban energy grids.

Growing up in the remote village of Dera Ghazi Khan in southern Punjab, Pakistan, Sarfraz faced frequent power outages due to floods and heavy winds.

"From an early age, I was curious about the world beyond my hometown and fascinated by how technology could improve everyday life," he recalled. "I often wondered if there was a more affordable and convenient solution to provide consistent power to these remote communities."

Driven by this curiosity, Sarfraz pursued higher education and research opportunities in China over the past decade. Now, as a PhD candidate at Tianjin University's School of Electrical and Information Engineering, he focuses on AI-driven innovations in renewable energy storage systems.

Sarfraz's academic journey began in Pakistan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Sukkur Institute of Business Administration University in 2016.

Eager to apply his skills, he spent two years working for a government department in Lahore. "This work was valuable," he says, "but it did not fully satisfy my desire to deepen my technical skills and gain advanced knowledge related to my field of interest."

Turning to China, he completed a master's degree in electrical and automation engineering at North China Electric Power University in Beijing. There, he researched renewable energy forecasting, discovering the potential of AI.

"AI is revolutionizing how energy systems are integrated, planned and controlled, enabling predictive insights such as estimating remaining useful life, which relates to my work on battery health assessment," he explained.

This led him to Tianjin University for his doctorate, drawn by its academic excellence, supportive environment for international students, strong career prospects, and global recognition in research and development. "Its forward-looking research culture and focus on cutting-edge technologies make it an ideal place for innovation and personal growth," he said.

Sarfraz's routine includes lab work on simulations, AI model training, and battery data analysis for AI applications in energy systems, specifically the prediction and optimization of renewable energy storage in urban systems.

Having studied in Tianjin for three years, Sarfraz fondly refers to the city as his "second hometown." Beyond his studies, he enjoys wandering the streets of Tianjin.

"Tianjin, to me, is a city of beautiful contrasts. It's where history and modernity shake hands. On one street, you can be surrounded by stunning European-style architecture that tells stories of the past, and just around the corner, you will find cutting-edge innovation, skyscrapers, and a fast-paced modern life."

"This blend of tradition and modernity has given me much inspiration for my research," he said, adding that the scenery fuels his creativity, reminding him how diverse perspectives can spark innovation.

On the shore of the Bohai Sea, world leaders gathered in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

"We will see the SCO Summit act as a powerful catalyst for deeper collaboration, not just in politics and economics, but especially in areas like AI technology, clean energy, education, and cultural exchange."

"As a researcher, I'm particularly excited about the potential for new scientific partnerships and talent exchange programs that could emerge. This summit is a brilliant opportunity to build bridges," he said.

Looking ahead, Sarfraz plans to continue in academia and research, focusing on sustainable energy systems and battery technologies. He hopes to bring AI-driven solutions back to Pakistan, illuminating those remote villages with efficient technologies that first sparked his curiosity. 
KABUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Police during two separate operations have discovered 39 kg of illegal drugs and arrested four alleged drug smugglers in western Afghanistan's Nimroz province, provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Gul Mohammad Qudrat said Saturday.

In the first operation, which was conducted on a road linking the provincial capital Zaranj to Dilaram district, police discovered 18 kg of opium poppy from a car and took into custody its owner, the official said.

In the second operation launched in the same area, police found 21 kg of opium poppy, an assault rifle and bullets from a car and arrested three individuals who were attempting to take the contraband outside the province, the official said. 
A drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows workers laying sand barriers at Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows workers laying sand barriers at Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Workers lay sand barriers in Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

A worker lays sand barriers in Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Workers lay sand barriers in Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows part of the Kubuqi Desert, where sand control projects unfold, in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

A worker unloads Mongolian willows (salix mongolica) at Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Workers lay sand barriers in Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Workers lay sand barriers in Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2025. In recent years, Hangjin Banner has been steadily advancing the prevention and control of desertification, implementing projects such as the construction of forest and grassland belts around desert borders, blocking belts across sandstorm paths, as well as photovoltaic belts for sand control purpose, all of which have substantially improved the ecological environment of the Kubuqi Desert. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)
SAO PAULO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday rejected U.S. pressure over the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro, saying Brazil "is not a banana republic" that bows to foreign interference.

In an interview with Bandeirantes TV, Lula dismissed threats of new sanctions from U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio after Brazil's Supreme Federal Court sentenced Bolsonaro to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup in 2022.

"I do not fear sanctions. The accusations against Brazil are false, and President Trump knows it," Lula said. "The president of one country cannot interfere in the decisions of another sovereign nation. The United States must understand it is not dealing with a banana republic."

Lula also brushed aside comments by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who warned Washington could use "military means" to defend free expression abroad, calling them unworthy of a direct response.

After Thursday's ruling, Trump told reporters he was "surprised" by the outcome and compared Bolsonaro's trial to his own legal troubles in his country.

Washington announced recently it would revoke visas for Brazilian justices and imposed Magnitsky sanctions on Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who led Bolsonaro's trial.

Trump has also cited the case as justification for slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian exports. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- As agreed by China and the United States, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will go to Spain to engage in talks with the U.S. side. The two parties will discuss economic and trade issues such as the U.S. unilateral tariff measures, the abuse of export controls and TikTok.

In a world rocked by economic uncertainties, the outcome of these discussions carries implications far beyond the two countries. Efforts to reach consensus and secure a win-win outcome through equal dialogue not only serve their common interests but also resonate with the expectations of the international community.

Since May, the two sides have held three rounds of economic and trade talks in Geneva, London and Stockholm. On June 5, the two heads of state spoke on the phone, providing strategic guidance for the two countries to steer the relationship toward the right direction.

It is through continuous communication that the two sides have gradually deepened their understanding of each other's concerns, reinforcing the momentum to reduce differences and enhance consensus. Facts have repeatedly proven that equal dialogue is the best way to resolve problems and eliminate confrontation. The inclusion of TikTok in the discussions in Spain once again demonstrates their continued commitment to resolving differences through dialogue.

Achieving positive outcomes from the talks requires joint efforts from both sides. However, the U.S. side has recently continued to pursue unilateral and bullying practices, including imposing sanctions on Chinese companies even right before the talks. Such actions are detrimental to reaching mutually beneficial results through equal dialogue.

On TikTok, China's position is clear and consistent: The Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and has never requested, nor will it request, any enterprise or individual to collect or provide data located abroad to the Chinese government in violation of local laws. China is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and will handle the TikTok issue in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

China urges the United States to work with China, resolve respective concerns through dialogue based on mutual respect and equal consultation, and find solutions that ensure an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, including TikTok, to continue operations in the United States. This will promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

At the heart of China-U.S. economic relations lies mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Complementary strengths and shared interests have driven cooperation between businesses and people on both sides. Maintaining the momentum of dialogue and expanding the scope of collaboration will help promote a healthy and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations and benefit both countries and the world.

The upcoming talks represent not only an in-depth dialogue between China and the United States but also a crucial interaction that concerns global confidence and stability. The world looks forward to both sides sustaining the momentum of dialogue, upholding the principle of equality and mutual benefit, and taking concrete actions to resolve issues, so as to achieve win-win outcomes, and strengthen stability for their economies and the global economy as a whole. 
CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Saturday reiterated calls for a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ahead of the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, scheduled for next week in Vienna, Egypt urged all countries in the region to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) without exception. The ministry emphasized that adherence to the treaty would promote transparency, prevent double standards in handling nuclear programs, and help curb regional tensions.

"Freeing the Middle East from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is an essential step to ensure regional and international security and stability," the statement said. It added that such measures would also help halt an arms race that threatens global peace.

Egypt expressed concern about the continued existence of nuclear weapons and called on the international community to take concrete action to fully implement NPT obligations.

The statement also highlighted Egypt's recent efforts to restore cooperation between Iran and the IAEA. On Tuesday, Iran signed an agreement to resume cooperation with the agency, after suspending ties following Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities and the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists in June.

Israel, meanwhile, has not joined the NPT, drawing criticism at the United Nations and fueling regional concerns over a potential arms race. 
Artists from China and Fiji sing a Fijian song together accompanied by Chinese classical instruments at a concert jointly held by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Fiji's Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts in Suva, Fiji, Sept. 13, 2025. (Photo by Gao Xin/Xinhua)

SUVA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Fiji's Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts have co-hosted a concert here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as well as the 10th anniversary of China Cultural Center in Fiji.

The event, themed "Xi'an Drum Music and South Pacific Melodies," attracted more than 500 participants on Thursday, including Chinese and Fijian officials, representatives from the Chinese community, and people from all walks of life.

Dressed in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes, artists from northwest China's Shannxi Province showcased the beauty of Xi'an Drum Music, a cultural heritage that has been passed down for thousands of years.

The music, also known as Xi'an guyue, is the regional Chinese ritual music genre featuring a type of wind and percussion ensemble named for its place of origin, Xi'an, capital of Shannxi. It was placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009.

The Fijian performers presented the Meke, a traditional Fijian dance and performance that combines singing, music, and storytelling to convey legends, history, and cultural values.

At the finale, artists from both countries collaborated to sing a Fijian song accompanied by Chinese classical instruments, which resonated with the audience and received prolonged applause.

Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian said that the collaboration between Chinese and Fijian artists highlighted the intersection of ancient Chinese civilization and the vibrant culture of Fiji, expressing a shared hope for the development of Sino-Fijian relations and world peace.

Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu, assistant minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, praised the friendship between China and Fiji, which promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding, wishing for fruitful outcomes in the partnership between the two countries. 

Chinese artists perform Xi'an Drum Music at a concert jointly held by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Fiji's Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts in Suva, Fiji, Sept. 13, 2025. (Photo by Gao Xin/Xinhua)
Chinese, U.S. teams to hold talks on TikTok and other issues

Xinhua) 09:44, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- As agreed by China and the United States, Chinese and U.S. teams will hold talks on TikTok and other issues in Spain, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

China's position on the TikTok issue is clear and consistent, the spokesperson said. China is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and will handle the TikTok issue in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and has never requested, nor will it request, any enterprise or individual to collect or provide data located abroad to the Chinese government in violation of local laws.

China urges the United States to work with China, resolve respective concerns through dialogue based on mutual respect and equal consultation, and find solutions that ensure an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, including TikTok, to continue operations in the United States. This will promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
LISBON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Fitch Ratings on Friday upgraded Portugal's sovereign credit rating to 'A' from 'A-', revising the outlook from positive to stable. The agency cited Portugal's continued fiscal discipline and substantial debt reduction as key drivers of the decision.

The move reflects the government's consistent efforts to cut public debt and maintain budget surpluses, policies that have boosted investor confidence and strengthened Portugal's international standing.

The decision follows Standard & Poor's unexpected upgrade in late August, when it raised Portugal from 'A' to 'A+' with a stable outlook.

According to Fitch, Portugal has recorded one of the most significant debt reductions among the countries it monitors, while preserving prudent fiscal policies and sustaining solid economic growth.

The Finance Ministry welcomed the announcement, calling it "another achievement for Portugal and recognition of the joint efforts of government, families, and businesses to promote growth, balance public accounts, and steadily reduce public debt."

Fitch's decision highlights Portugal's transformation since the 2010-2014 debt crisis, when the country required a bailout from the EU and IMF. A decade of fiscal consolidation has restored confidence, improved market access, and lowered borrowing costs.

Looking ahead, the stable outlook suggests Fitch expects Portugal to maintain its current fiscal trajectory, underpinned by improved economic fundamentals, enhanced fiscal management, and growth that has recently outpaced many of its EU peers. 
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes the latest U.S. move to place multiple Chinese entities on its export control list, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a media query regarding an announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce that it has added multiple Chinese entities in the semiconductor, biotechnology, aerospace, and commercial and trade logistics sectors to the list.

The United States has overstretched the concept of national security and abused export controls to impose sanctions on Chinese entities, the spokesperson said. "Under the pretext of safeguarding international order and national security, the United States is in fact engaging in unilateralist and bullying practices, placing its own interests above the development rights of other countries."

It was stressed that such practices suppress enterprises from China and other countries, disrupt normal business exchanges, severely distort global markets, harm the legitimate rights and interests of companies, and undermine the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.

The spokesperson noted that China and the United States are scheduled to hold economic and trade talks in Spain from Sept. 14, adding, "Against this backdrop, the U.S. decision to sanction Chinese enterprises raises questions about its true intentions."

China urges the United States to correct its wrongdoings immediately, and to cease its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies, the spokesperson said, stressing that China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. 
Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The burial ceremony began at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang at 10 a.m. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. 

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers present flowers to the memorial wall of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is held at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

People bow to the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

Guard of honor escort the caskets containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were laid to rest on Saturday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were brought back to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's newly proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) has captured growing attention in recent weeks, with observers hailing it as Beijing's latest and timely response to pressing global challenges and a call for building a fairer and more inclusive international system.

First unveiled at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Sept. 1, the GGI has since been reiterated by China in bilateral meetings, multilateral forums, diplomatic statements, and most recently at this week's virtual BRICS summit.

The initiative outlines five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking concrete actions.

Analysts believe the launch of the GGI reflects both the urgency of today's global challenges and the growing role of emerging markets and Global South countries in international affairs. Against a backdrop of overlapping crises and rising unilateralism, platforms such as the SCO and BRICS offer natural venues for advancing the initiative and amplifying the voices of the Global South.

TIMELY RESPONSE TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Analysts say the timing of the GGI reflects growing global crises marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, regional conflicts, and public health challenges.

Economic globalization in the past decades has deepened interdependence among nations and benefited billions of people; however, gap between the rich and the poor keeps enlarging, and persistent poverty continues to plague places like Africa.

Terrorism, refugee crises, rampant infectious diseases, frequent geopolitical conflicts, severe poverty, and climate change are becoming increasingly prominent challenges, said Wang Fan, president of China Foreign Affairs University.

"No country can remain immune; only by strengthening global governance can humanity truly work together in the same boat," Wang added.

At the same time, unilateralism and "country-first" approaches have gained ground in some regions, accompanied by unilateral bullying that disrupts the international order. Taken together, these crises have exposed deep flaws in the global governance system.

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, highlighted three core problems of the current global governance system: the underrepresentation of the Global South, the erosion of international law by unilateral actions, and lagging effectiveness in addressing urgent issues like climate change, the digital divide and emerging fields such as AI and outer space.

"Deficits in peace, development, security, and trust are deepening, while existing mechanisms struggle to respond," Wang Fan said. "Advancing reform of global governance is the only way to bridge these gaps."

SCO AND BRICS: PLATFORMS FOR INCLUSIVENESS

The choice of the SCO summit as the platform to announce the GGI was well-considered and meaningful. With members including China, Russia, and India, the SCO represents nearly half the world's population and a quarter of global GDP.

This year's SCO Tianjin summit was the largest ever, attended by leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations, mostly from the developing world.

A similar dynamic exists within BRICS. This makes them both ideal platforms to promote an initiative aimed at more equal and inclusive global governance.

The GGI also directly responds to long-standing concerns of developing nations, whose voices have often been marginalized in global decision-making.

Despite their growing contributions, emerging economies, particularly the Global South, remain underrepresented in institutions like the IMF and World Bank, where BRICS countries' voting shares are underestimated, said Ren Lin, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"When the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, it had only 51 member states, and few Global South countries had gained independence from colonial rule," Wang Yiwei pointed out.

Today, developing countries drive much of the world's growth and represent the majority of its population. Their demands for fairness and inclusiveness can no longer be ignored.

The GGI seeks to make the international system more inclusive and effective by expanding the participation of developing countries in global decision-making, thereby ensuring that multilateralism and equality are truly practiced, said Abu Bakr al-Deeb, a political economy researcher and advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

PART OF CHINA'S GLOBAL VISION

The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by China over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

In 2021, the Global Development Initiative was launched to promote global development amid the pandemic and a sluggish economic recovery.

In 2022, the Global Security Initiative followed, advocating win-win solutions to reduce risks and resolve conflicts.

In 2023, the Global Civilization Initiative was introduced in response to rising "clash of civilizations" rhetoric and widening cultural divides, calling for inclusiveness, coexistence, and mutual learning among civilizations.

From development and security to civilization and governance, China has consistently stepped forward with proposals rooted in Eastern wisdom and focused on practical solutions.

Together, these initiatives embody China's vision for building a more just, inclusive, and future-oriented international order, and advancing the shared future for humanity. 
PYONGYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The official news agency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday condemned the recent bilateral and multilateral joint military drills held by the United States, Japan and South Korea, saying that "the destruction of the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula and in the region will never be allowed."

The U.S.-led hostile forces are desperately intensifying military cooperation on the assumption that nuclear weapons would be used, posing a serious threat to the security environment of the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the region, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary.

The United States and Japan are staging actual maneuvers Resolute Dragon on the largest scale ever seen from Thursday, with huge forces and latest war hardware involved, it said, adding that the United States is going to hold with South Korea the third nuclear operation drill dubbed Iron Mace simulating a full-scale nuclear war from Monday.

The United States, Japan and South Korea will also launch the third multi-domain joint military exercises Freedom Edge, said the commentary.

The military actions targeting the DPRK and the regional states are dramatically increasing in scale on the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity, indicating that the U.S.-Japan-South Korea nuclear military alliance with the United States as its axis has entered full operation, it said.

"This is evidently an alarming development that seriously threatens the security of the Korean Peninsula and the region," it noted.

The present situation urgently requires the DPRK to further enhance the readiness of its nuclear force and to thoroughly counter the aggressive military activities of the United States, Japan and South Korea with absolute military strength, it added. 
Boeing workers at its St. Louis area defense factories will stay on strike after union members voted Friday to reject a new contract offer from the US aviation giant.

The strike began August 4, involving some 3,200 workers in Missouri and Illinois represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837.

This marks the third time that workers have rejected a company offer, and Boeing said in a statement that no further talks were scheduled for now.

"Boeing's modified offer did not include a sufficient signing bonus relative to what other Boeing workers have received," the union said Friday in a statement, in which it also cited the lack of improvement in other benefits.

IAM is among the biggest unions in North America, representing some 600,000 members in aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, transportation, health care, manufacturing and other industries.

Products produced at Boeing's St. Louis operation include the F-15 and F-18 combat aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System and the MQ-25 unmanned aircraft.

The site was originally part of the McDonnell Douglas company, which Boeing acquired in 1997.

"We're disappointed our employees have rejected a five-year offer, including 45 percent average wage growth," said Dan Gillian, a senior St. Louis site executive with Boeing.

He stressed that the company had adjusted its offer based on feedback, to address workers' concerns.

"We will continue to execute our contingency plan, including hiring permanent replacement workers, as we maintain support for our customers," Gillian added in a statement.

Boeing announced last week that it was launching a recruitment drive to find "permanent" manufacturing workers to replace the striking employees.

The latest strike comes on the heels of a much larger stoppage in Boeing's commercial aviation business involving some 33,000 workers.

In 2024, they halted production at Pacific Northwest factories for more than seven weeks.
The UN General Assembly voted Friday to back a resolution which seeks to breathe new life into the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine -- without the involvement of Hamas.

The text was adopted by 142 votes in favor, 10 against -- including Israel and key ally the United States -- and 12 abstentions. It clearly condemns Hamas and demands that it surrender its weapons.

Although Israel has criticized UN bodies for nearly two years over their failure to condemn Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, the declaration, presented by France and Saudi Arabia, leaves no ambiguity.

Formally called the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the text states that "Hamas must free all hostages" and that the UN General Assembly condemns "the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on the 7th of October."

It also calls for "collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the Two-State solution."

The declaration, which was already endorsed by the Arab League and co-signed in July by 17 UN member states, including several Arab countries, also seeks to fully exclude Hamas from leadership in Gaza.

"In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State," the declaration states.

Palestinian vice president Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the decision, saying the resolution "expresses international willingness to support our people's rights and constitutes an important step towards ending the occupation and achieving our independent state."

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein meanwhile slammed the vote, saying in a post on X that Israel "utterly rejects" the declaration, calling it evidence that the General Assembly had become "a political circus detached from reality."

The vote precedes an upcoming UN summit co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris on September 22 in New York, in which French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to formally recognize the Palestinian state.

"The fact that the General Assembly is finally backing a text that condemns Hamas directly is significant," even if "Israelis will say it is far too little, far too late," Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, told AFP.

"Now at least states supporting the Palestinians can rebuff Israeli accusations that they implicitly condone Hamas," he said, adding that it "offers a shield against Israeli criticism."

In addition to Macron, several other leaders have announced their intent to formally recognize the Palestinian state during the UN summit.

The gestures are seen as a means of increasing pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza, which was triggered by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.

The New York Declaration includes discussion of a "deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission" to the battered region under the mandate of the UN Security Council, aiming to support the Palestinian civilian population.

Around three-quarters of the 193 UN member states recognize the Palestinian state proclaimed in 1988 by the exiled Palestinian leadership.

However, two years of war have ravaged the Gaza Strip, in addition to expanded Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the stated desire by Israeli officials to annex the territory.

That leaves many fearing that the existence of an independent Palestinian state will soon become impossible.

"We are going to fulfill our promise that there will be no Palestinian state," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, may be prevented from visiting New York for the UN summit after US authorities said they would deny him a visa.
The top UN court on Friday backed France in a long-running dispute with Equatorial Guinea over a multi-million-euro Paris mansion seized during a corruption probe into the country's vice-president.

Equatorial Guinea had asked the International Court of Justice to issue emergency orders to prevent France selling the luxury building, also seized in 2012, which boasts a cinema, a spa, as well as marble and gold taps.

But ICJ judges threw out the request.

"After closely examining the arguments of the parties, the court concludes that Equatorial Guinea has not demonstrated... that it possesses a plausible right to the return of the building," said President Yuji Iwasawa.

"For these reasons the court -- by 13 votes to two -- rejects the request for the indication of provision measures," said Iwasawa.

The two countries have been squabbling over the building near the Arc de Triomphe for more than a decade.

French authorities seized the mansion, with an estimated value well above 100 million euros, during an investigation into vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, known as Teodorin, for corruption.

In 2021, France's top appeals court gave Teodorin, eldest son of longstanding President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, a three-year suspended sentence and 30 million euros ($35 million) in fines.

The court convicted Obiang of plundering tens of millions of dollars from the oil-rich but poverty-stricken country to fund his jetset lifestyle in France

Malabo had asked the ICJ to force France to "take all necessary measures to ensure that the building is not offered for sale" and allow "immediate, full and unimpeded access" to the mansion.

They complained that French officials had entered the building in June, changing the locks and smashing security cameras.

In hearings in July, Malabo's ambassador to Paris, Carmelo Nvoco-Nca, said France's approach "may be described as paternalistic and even neo-colonial."

"We cannot accept such disdain for our sovereignty from France," said Nvoco-Nca.

Diego Colas, legal adviser at the French foreign ministry, had said in response that Equatorial Guinea's case was "clearly ill-founded.

"France regrets that at a time when the Court's docket is so full of numerous major cases, Equatorial Guinea is once again soliciting your office, for the sole purpose of revisiting the issue of the building," said Colas.

A request for emergency orders -- provisional measures, in the court's jargon -- takes precedence over all other court business.

The ICJ is wrestling with a busy caseload, including a high-profile case brought by South Africa against Israel, alleging its actions in Gaza have breached the UN Genocide Convention.

The court also issued a key ruling on countries' climate change obligations in July.

While the ICJ is the highest United Nations court, whose rulings are binding, it has no way of enforcing its decisions.

For example, it has ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine -- to no avail.
Shinning down a lamp-post, the tiny gorilla almost seems to be laughing as he dodges past his keeper at an Istanbul zoo he's called home since being rescued from traffickers.

He was five months old when he was discovered, days before Christmas, crammed into a wooden crate in the cargo section of a Turkish Airlines plane en route from Nigeria to Thailand, his terrified face making headlines across Turkey and beyond.

Nearly nine months on and Zeytin (Turkish for olive), as he was named, is an entirely different creature from the traumatised infant brought to Polonezkoy Zoo in the hills outside Istanbul to recover from his trafficking ordeal.

His recovery means he will be soon sent back to Nigeria where he began his journey, Turkish officials say.

Zeytin is believed to be a Western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered subspecies native to the rain forests of central Africa whose numbers have plummeted in recent decades because of deforestation, hunting and disease.

West and Central Africa are major sources of trafficking, with a 2013 UN environment programme report -- the latest official figures available -- saying 3,174 great apes were lost annually to illegal trade, based on the numbers seized, with a great many more going undetected.

"It was the first time a gorilla has been confiscated at Istanbul airport," Fahrettin Ulu, regional director of Istanbul's Nature Conservation and National Parks directorate, told AFP.

"He was found inside a small box and he was terrified: you could see it in his eyes."

The baby gorilla was moved into a special section within the zoo where he was "nurtured with motherly affection", he said.

"When he first arrived, he weighed 9.4 kilograms and now he weighs 16. And his height has increased from 62.5 to 80 centimetres. In other words, Zeytin, who was once a baby, has become a young gorilla."

Inside an open area of the zoo, Zeytin races across the grass like an energetic toddler, swinging from nearby tree branches and playing tag with his keeper, only occasionally slowing down to munch on a piece of cucumber or orange.

Ulu explained that under the CITES treaty limiting the trade of protected species, animals rescued from trafficking must be sent back to the exporting country.

The repatriation process, he said, was being coordinated with the Nigerian authorities and the CITES Secretariat.

"We followed the legal procedures and investigated information regarding the rehabilitation centre in Nigeria, after which we decided to send him back," he said.

According to UK-based monitoring group TRAFFIC, buyers are increasingly looking to acquire baby great apes as pets, or for zoos, circuses, shows -- or to use for social media content.

"Gorilla babies can be trafficked easily because they are young, very manageable and easy to transport so the trend is increasing," said Denis Mahonghol, TRAFFIC's central Africa director, adding that the trade was "increasingly linked to organised crime networks".

Although the Turkish authorities have said Zeytin will be repatriated later this month, Mahonghol said the date remained unclear.

He said the Nigerian authorities had told his organisation they were still waiting for Turkey to supply the timeline.

To ensure a safe repatriation process, it was crucial for the country of seizure to work closely with the country of origin, which should have its own rescue facilities in place or support from a suitable local NGO, he said.

"In the case of this gorilla, the first thing is to put him in a quarantine area in a rescue centre, and secondly to carry out DNA testing to confirm his origin," Mahonghol told AFP.

An NGO called Pandrillus Foundation will temporarily care for the gorilla, carry out the testing and release him into the wild, he said.

Pandrillus Foundation director Liza Gadsby told AFP they were waiting for Zeytin's arrival and would house him with another young gorilla of the same subspecies.

"At Drill Ranch we have another gorilla, a three-year-old female named Bili who was confiscated by customs in Lagos two years ago. DNA testing has shown she is a Western lowland gorilla," she told AFP, saying it was "highly likely" that testing would confirm the same of Zeytin.

"We postponed our plans to transfer Bili to a habitat country sanctuary when we learnt of Zeytin so that he could join her while completing his quarantine. They would both benefit immensely from being together before their next transition," she explained.

"These two little orphans have suffered so much already in their very young lives."
A student poses for photos with her younger sister at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A student signs her name on a memorial board at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Freshmen of Mohe culture and tourism school pose for a group photo at Mohe Railway Station in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Students pose for a group photo with a welcome installation at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Freshmen of Mohe culture and tourism school and their parents gather at the exit of Mohe Railway Station in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Students attend a welcome event at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A student registers at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A student presents her letter of admission at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Students sharing the same dormitory pose for a group photo at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

Students line up to receive campus supplies at Mohe culture and tourism school in Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 13, 2025. Mohe culture and tourism school, the northernmost vocational school in China, ushered in its first school year with 239 freshmen from all over China.

Based in Mohe, a city with rich cultural tourism resources, the school worked closely with four universities and three local enterprises to offer three majors including tourism management, hotel management and digitized operation, as well as cuisine techniques and nutrition, in an effort to retain talents for this border city. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)
GAZA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 45 Palestinian civilians, including 29 from Gaza City, were killed Saturday by Israeli gunfire and shelling in various parts of the Gaza Strip, the official WAFA news agency quoted medical sources as reporting.

Meanwhile, Palestinian officials reported widespread destruction in residential areas, a rising death toll and mounting pressure on hospitals as the Israeli military expanded its operations in Gaza City, warning residents to leave.

Gaza's Civil Defense agency accused Israel of targeting schools sheltering displaced people and crowded residential buildings, killing dozens and wounding hundreds. In a statement, it said the army was seeking to empty the city through "comprehensive destruction."

Also in the day, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said in a statement that since the start of its ground offensive on Aug. 11, the Israeli army has destroyed more than 1,600 residential buildings and 13,000 tents for displaced families, forcing over 350,000 people to flee from eastern Gaza City to central and western areas.

It said major neighborhoods, including Shuja'iyya, Zaytoun, Tuffah, Rimal, and Sheikh Radwan, were facing systematic destruction, which it called a violation of international humanitarian law.

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated on Saturday that more than 250,000 residents had left Gaza City "for their safety." He urged civilians to use Al-Rashid Street to head to the "humanitarian zone" in Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza or to "empty areas" in central Gaza. He said Gaza City has become "a dangerous combat zone" and that the army is determined to defeat Hamas there.

Ahmed al-Farra, head of the pediatric department at Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza, warned Saturday of severe shortages of medical equipment and therapeutic foods. He told Xinhua that the number of malnourished children has exceeded the hospital's capacity and that deaths are expected to rise.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) described the situation in Gaza City as "catastrophic."

"Airstrikes are ongoing everywhere, including without prior warning. Almost every moment, a home is bombed. It is terrifying," UNRWA said in a statement. "People have nowhere to go. ... There is no safe place. This war must stop."

The war began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health authorities. 
MCLA Professor Receives National Guild of Book Workers Mid-Career Award

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski, founder of PRESS: LetterPRESS as a Public Art Project, has been honored with the Guild of Book Workers Mid-Career Award, a newly established national recognition celebrating excellence in the book arts and printmaking field.

Mowinski is among the first recipients of this award from the Guild of Book Workers (GBW), one of the leading professional organizations in book arts and printmaking.

Central to Mowinski's artistic practice is a philosophy she describes: "I want to die lightly  but more importantly, I want to live lightly." This commitment to sustainable creation drives her innovative approach to art-making, where she works almost exclusively with repurposed materials rather than purchasing new supplies.

"In a world where convenience and consumption rule, living lightly can be difficult," Mowinski explains. "As an artist and educator, I actively resist that tide."

Her work transforms the overlooked and discarded into meaningful art. Materials in her pieces have included paper made from her own 50-year-old baby diapers, fused plastic bags, discarded cords, acupuncture tubes, old clothes, and various studio scraps  all given new life through her creative vision.

Mowinski's sustainable practice was shaped during her graduate studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she studied under book artist Hedi Kyle. As Kyle's teaching assistant, Mowinski was introduced to the concept of "Plunder Books," a generative process involving the creation of books from found materials.

"This playful constraint radically expanded my understanding of what a book can be," Mowinski reflects. "It honed my structural skills, deepened my relationship to the form, and reinforced the beauty and meaning embedded in forgotten things."

Since then, she has shared this approach with hundreds of students and workshop participants across multiple states and internationally.

When asked about receiving this recognition, Mowinski's said: "I was shocked when I read the email. I apply for so many things and get lots and lots of rejections."

She said she almost didn't apply for the award at all, thinking: "I will never get that. There are so many people whose work is better than mine."

Mowinski said the award represents more than recognition of her physical artwork.

"I see this award as a celebration of not just the physical work that I make, but the communities that I have created and impacted: PRESS: LetterPRESS as a Public Art Project and the ripple effects from that, 'Women Walking to Water,' and my work here at MCLA," she said.

She said the recognition validates an aspect of her practice that sometimes feels unconventional.

"It also feels like a validation for what I often think is a weird part of my art practice: picking up trash, repurposing plastic, thinking about my impact on the earth," she said.

As part of the recognition, Mowinski will attend the annual Standards conference in October. She hopes to develop new techniques for creating strong paper from recycled materials, continuing her commitment to sustainable art-making that challenges conventional practices while creating meaningful work.
Workforce Board Hears Internship, Career Center Gains

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire Career Center's internship program prepares high school students for the workforce by introducing them to employers and enrichment opportunities.

The North County Internship Program, in its 11th year, had seven participating youths.

Youth Program Director Heather Shogry-Williams told the Berkshire Workforce Board at its meeting last week that the program recently received a donation of $5,000 from Crane & Co. to help two of the students to continue with their work experiences during the first part of their school years.

Youth program specialist Kathleen Toomey said the interns were happy with their work. Many worked at Porches Inn, Lickety-Split at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Roots Teen Center, and Brayton Elementary School, all in North Adams.

Toomey said the employers were happy with the youths' work and that the teens were very interested and connected with the other programs they were in.

"Just shows, really on both sides, how we're benefiting the youth and the employer. Here are a couple other just things I'll just quickly mention, is that in our interviews with the youth, they really stress the importance of the Career Center staff and their support. I didn't even ask, and they brought up other workshops that were outside of this program, that they got connected to through the program," Toomey said.

Williams texplained the career readiness enrichment that staff across the county worked on to expand on their career readiness models and systems.

"A lot of enrichment work has taken place, which helps to expand upon their career readiness models every year. We were very fortunate to be able to utilize some of our additional connecting activities funds this past year to support additional summer work for our career readiness coordinators and team members in our central and North County schools as well," she said. "Some of this work included developing career readiness lessons for middle school students, community-service learning projects and enhanced career readiness activities.

"So a lot of this career readiness enrichment work continues to take place over the summer, and you know, as I mentioned, it's really helping to set the stage for school districts' continued expansion of our career readiness model."

The Pittsfield Public Schools interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips, who attended the meeting, said she was excited to collaborate with the team.

"I was encouraged to hear that collaboration is one of your priorities, because that's also one of my core values as I lead school district work, and I recognize the importance of the alignment of schools with workforce needs. So that is something I'm very committed to continuing, not only for our high schools, but also for our middle schools," Phillips said. "Right now we are going through a middle school restructuring, and we'll have a fifth, sixth grade campus and a seventh, eighth grade campus, and as we design the school program, the instructional program.

"We're very much interested in providing early career exploration opportunities for our seventh and eighth graders and aligning that work with our high school Pathways."

Industry Relations Manager Bryana Malloy said training and partnerships have been working really well for postsecondary Career Technical Initiative training at McCann Technical School in North Adams and Taconic High in Pittsfield.

"We have enrolled 328 trainings throughout nine training programs. So as you can see, certified nursing assistants. We have very high numbers. It's a very high need here in the region. So we've enrolled 148 and of that, 134 have completed," she said. "We also offer partnerships with Berkshire Health Systems and CHP for medical assistant training, where we have 69 enrolled, 32 are still in progress, with 25 completed."

Other good news was that Career Center had surpassed its goals supporting businesses and jobseekers in several ways during fiscal 2025.

Executive Director Pamela Wojtkowski told the board that the center had served 875 business, 200 more than its goal. It also exceeded its goals to serve 225 new businesses by 61 and 450 repeat businesses by 139.

The center held 117 recruitment activities during the year, and 799 marketing and outreach activities. The career center also served thousands of job seekers.

"Total job seekers served, our annual plan was to serve 3,250 and we actually did serve 4,194 total visits to the Career Center. We had 13,979 various visits to the Career Center. And total workshops that we did to prepare job seekers was 2,401," Wojtkowski said.

The center will hold an English for Employment Workshop will starting Tuesday, Sept. 16, and the veterans annual job and resource fair will take place Oct. 13. Forty translation devices were purchased after an employer requested them and they will be utilized at various sites to help with recruiting and onboarding.

In other business, the board welcomed six new members to the board; Betsy Andrus, executive director of the South Berkshire Chamber of Commerce; Kaylyn Kern, director of operations for Bosquest Sport; John Cadiz, director of human resources at 18 Degrees Inc.; Brenda Stokes, executive director of human resources for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Makayla-Courtney McGeeney, marketing consultant for the North Adams Chamber of Commerce, and Libby Hernandez, migrant seasonal farm worker outreach specialist for the state Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development.
Congressional candidate Jeromie Whalen takes questions at Hot Plate Brewing on Thursday. The South Hadley high school teacher is challenging Richard Neal in next year's Democratic primary. Whalen was on a 20-town whistlestop tour this week that was ending at noon Saturday in Springfield City Hall. He also stopped in Great Barrington. Whalen said he's listening to constituents concerns and has pledged to eschew corporate donations. PreviousNext

Northampton Teacher Mounts Challenge for 1st Mass Seat



Jeromie Whalen is driving a distinctive yellow Toyota 'Vanana' as part of his campaign branding.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  For Jeromie Whalen, his race for the seat in the state's 1st Congressional District is more than a campaign: It's a movement.

"I'm a public servant, I'm not a politician, and I say that with pride, because over the last 36 years, we've seen what a politician and a suit and tie that's beholden to corporations has gotten us," Whalen said.

In his yellow "Vanana" van, the South Hadley resident took to the road for his first campaign tour, visiting more than 20 towns and cities and culminating in a campaign rally Saturday at noon at Springfield City Hall. On Thursday, he was at Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington early in the afternoon and stopped at Hot Plate Brewing in Pittsfield at 3.

He said his campaign is not just a rethinking of what the Democratic Party stands for and redefining the party as whole.

"It's also a rethinking of how we approach campaign finance and some of the larger systems that we think that we're stuck with because of rulings like Citizens United and the likes, and saying that we can do it our way," Whalen said.

"We can get small donors to band together to fund campaigns in a grassroots way, in an authentic and meaningful way that is beholden to the people and not to corporations."

It's a reconsideration and rethinking of what the true heart of the Democratic Party is and rejecting the things that politicians, like veteran Congressman Richard Neal, whom he's challenging in next year's Democratic primary, are doing on a donor basis, Whalen said.

"The other thing that's not lost on me is that when I win this seat, it sets a precedent. There's different types of power that are wielded," he said.

One type of power is the experience and longevity of a person within the seat, but Whalen pointed to examples like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who ousted a 10-term congressman , saying when a true leader stands up, they can turn heads.

"That is just as powerful as any kind of ranking member of a committee and so, this is our chance to redefine a bunch of different things: redefine politics, redefine the Democratic Party, but also put Western Mass on the map," he said.

"Bring the funding that we deserve in, set the tone for the entire nation, and really set Western Central Mass as an example."

On his website , Whalen highlights the more than two dozen topics that he built his platform on. Health care, economy, and education were the main topics of his stop Thursday.

Whalen has experienced the "broken health-care system" firsthand, with his mother's recent diagnosis of cancer. The bills should never be in the back of the patients and their family's minds, he said.

"We see that every other developed country in the world has, to some degree, a universal health care system, and we have to ask ourselves, why don't we," Whalen said.

"The number of times that I have had conversations with people that are more worried about the bill that they're going to get after a hospital stay, then the health of themselves or a loved one is unacceptable. The economics behind it makes sense. It's not something that is unattainable within the richest country in the world, and we need to prioritize the universal health care system."

The country needs to have a comprehensive tax reform that shifts the burden from the working class over to the billionaires, he said.

"I see the Amazon driver go by every day, and on a hot day, I get him that Gatorade, and I say, 'thank you, and I appreciate you.' Meanwhile, [Amazon owner] Jeff Bezos is out there at an Italian wedding for $50 million," Whalen said.

There is a disconnect with the wealth in this country and there is a need to focus on how how money can be put back into the pockets of the middle and working class.

"That also means looking at living wages, not just minimum wage, but living wage," he said highlighting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's calculator that calculates "the exact amount" needed to not just survive but live comfortably, grow into a first home, raise a family, and all the things that is connected to the idea of the American Dream.

"I want that American Dream for everybody, and what that means is taxing billionaires their fair share," he said.
Lebanese army soldiers oversee the handover of weapons from Beddawi Camp in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli on Sept. 13, 2025. Palestinian factions in refugee camps in northern and southern Lebanon handed over weapons to the Lebanese army on Saturday, local media reported. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, the handover began at Beddawi Camp in northern Lebanon, from inside the Fatah Movement headquarters. (Photo by Khaled Habashiti/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian factions in refugee camps in northern and southern Lebanon handed over weapons to the Lebanese army on Saturday, local media reported.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, the handover began at Beddawi Camp in northern Lebanon, from inside the Fatah Movement headquarters.

The weapons were transported under army escort to barracks in the northern city of Tripoli, supervised by the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, the Palestinian Embassy, and the Palestinian National Security Forces. The army received three truckloads of weapons from the camp, the report said.

Mustafa Abou Harb, secretary of the Fatah movement and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) factions in northern Lebanon, said they handed over "what was required," adding that the remaining PLO weapons in Beddawi were "individual weapons."

Meanwhile, Elnashra news website reported that the Lebanese army received trucks of weapons from Ain el Helweh camp in the southern city of Sidon and is inspecting them at a nearby barracks.

The handovers follow the resolutions of the Lebanese-Palestinian summit on May 21 between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which affirmed Lebanon's sovereignty over all its territory, the extension of state authority, and the principle of state control over arms.

As of this February, the UNRWA Lebanon Field Office reported that 222,000 Palestinians reside in Lebanon, many living in densely populated refugee camps that have historically operated with a degree of autonomy and outside full state control. Armed groups within these camps have long maintained weapons for security and political purposes, complicating Lebanon's efforts to assert state authority.

On Aug. 5, the Lebanese cabinet approved a plan, despite opposition from Hezbollah and Amal Movement ministers, tasking the army with preparing a strategy to bring all weapons, including Hezbollah's, under state control before the end of the year. 

Lebanese army soldiers oversee the handover of weapons from Beddawi Camp in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli on Sept. 13, 2025.

Palestinian factions in refugee camps in northern and southern Lebanon handed over weapons to the Lebanese army on Saturday, local media reported.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, the handover began at Beddawi Camp in northern Lebanon, from inside the Fatah Movement headquarters. (Photo by Khaled Habashiti/Xinhua)

The photo shows Lebanese army trucks transporting heavy weapons handed over from the Ain el Helweh camp in Sidon, Lebanon, on Sept. 13, 2025. Palestinian factions in refugee camps in northern and southern Lebanon handed over weapons to the Lebanese army on Saturday, local media reported. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

The photo shows a Lebanese army tank overseeing the handover of weapons from the Ain el Helweh camp in Sidon, Lebanon, on Sept. 13, 2025. Palestinian factions in refugee camps in northern and southern Lebanon handed over weapons to the Lebanese army on Saturday, local media reported. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
A rapid investigation allowed the tracking down of the three attackers of the 17-year-old from Villaricca within 48 hours. The local police identified and reported three people who insulted and beat the boy, originally from Mali, during the giglio celebrations last Tuesday. After intense investigations supported by the analysis of surveillance footage, the officers, led by Commander Amati, managed to trace the alleged perpetrators. Who are the three attackers? They are three residents of Villaricca: a 36-year-old with a criminal record and two 31-year-old women with no criminal record. The three are charged with assault and racial injury. It was Tuesday evening, and the 17-year-old was performing civil protection service with other boys and the leaders of the community where he resides when he was the victim of a racist attack. Not only insults like 'f***ing n****r' were hurled by the attackers, but also punches to the nose and eye of the boy. The violence was triggered by the young man's refusal to allow one of the two women to pass through the area for safety reasons, as there were already hundreds of people around the giglio. The woman accused Ntji of placing his hand on her shoulder to stop her, and the two men, insisting on passing at all costs, claiming they had to carry the giglio, punched the 17-year-old in the nose and eye, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious, continuing to trample and insult him. What happened 'F***ing n****r, don't speak n****r,' they allegedly said to him. The coordinator of the community where Ntji has been staying for a year immediately came to his aid, but by then the thugs had already beaten the young man. Arrogance mixed with racism forced Ntji to seek medical treatment at San Giuliano. He was given a seven-day prognosis for the various bruises sustained. But the emotional wounds from the incident will be harder to heal. His eyes are still terrified. And the episode convinced him that 'Italy is a racist country, I want to escape,' he says. The community leader is equally shaken by the incident but proud of the young man's behavior: 'When we managed to escape, Ntji held my hand and said he wanted to return to the cordon because it is our duty, and this made me feel even worse,' recounts a moved Maddalena Fusco. Who is the 17-year-old A year ago, the 17-year-old left with a small bag from a village in Mali where he lived with his family. A bag of hopes and expectations more than material goods. From Tunisia, he arrived by boat in Lampedusa, from there transferred to a center in Rome, and finally arrived in Villaricca. Next year he will become an adult, but with the leaders of the cooperative, they have already decided on the path to take: a course to become a pizza maker. Ntji is enthusiastic but in his heart does not rule out doing it outside of Italy. 'I am afraid to walk alone now,' he says. Ntji has had no contact for a year with his family, who live in a village without internet.

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated
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China's newest aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the navy said on Friday.

The body of water separates China from Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its control.

The sailing could serve as a warning to the US and others against support for Taiwan, though China played down any such motive.

The Fujian, which is doing sea trials ahead of its commissioning, was heading to the South China Sea to conduct training and scientific experiments, the navy said in a short post on social media.

The navy said the carrier's activities were not targeting anyone else. A social media account affiliated with state media quoted an expert saying the Taiwan Strait was the normal and most reasonable and efficient route for the carrier to reach the South China Sea.

It was the first time the Fujian had passed through the strait, the post by the Yuyuantantian account said.

The US Navy sends warships through the strait periodically, as do some of its allies, in a warning to Beijing against any attempt to use force to establish its claim to the island.

Taiwan and China split in a civil war that brought the communists to power in 1949. The defeated Nationalist government fled to Taiwan and set up its own government on the island.

The US does not officially recognize the government in Taiwan, but it provides weaponry for its defence and says that any resolution of the differences between China and Taiwan should be peaceful and not by military force.

China's military said last week that it was on high alert after the Canadian frigate Quebec and the Australian destroyer Brisbane sailed through the strait. It accused the two warships of provocative actions that it said heightened security risks.

Japan's military said it had spotted China's latest carrier for the first time on Thursday afternoon.

The Fujian, together with two guided-missile destroyers, was sailing southwest about 200km (125miles) from the disputed Senkaku islands, or the Diaoyu islands in Chinese. Both countries claim the remote and uninhabited territory.

Its latest sea trial, the ninth since May 2024, sparked renewed speculation that the ship will be officially put into service soon.

The state-owned Global Times newspaper quoted an expert saying the commissioning is expected by the end of this year. It noted that China's previous carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned in late 2019, one month after it made its first trip though the Taiwan Strait en route to the South China Sea.

The Fujian is China's third aircraft carrier, joining the Shandong and the Liaoning.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military struck a high-rise building in Gaza City on Saturday, saying it housed Hamas command and control centres used to target Israeli forces, in the latest of a series of attacks on residential towers in the densely packed Palestinian city.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that within the building, Hamas established military infrastructure used to advance and execute attacks against IDF troops in the area. It provided no immediate evidence to support the claim. Hamas has previously rejected such allegations, calling them "fabricated pretexts" for attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA said Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Al-Noor Tower in Tel al-Hawa, a multi-storey residential building sheltering displaced families.

The IDF said it took measures to limit civilian casualties, including advance warnings to residents, precision-guided munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence assessments prior to the strike.

The attack follows a wave of similar strikes on high-rises in Gaza City in recent weeks, as Israel intensifies its ground and air offensive against Hamas in the territory's largest city. In previous incidents, residents reported receiving less than an hour to evacuate before strikes.

On Friday, the IDF said it had hit more than 500 Hamas targets across Gaza City in the past week, including sniper positions, tunnel entrances, weapons caches, and other militant infrastructure.

WAFA reported a surge in Israeli bombardment across northern Gaza on Saturday, with strikes on residential buildings and towers in Gaza City. It said several civilians were wounded when warplanes hit a house on Al-Thawra Street in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood, while drones targeted homes near Al-Yarmouk.

The agency also reported Israeli armoured vehicles firing on Palestinians queuing for humanitarian aid in central Gaza, though the IDF had no immediate comment.

Medical sources cited by WAFA said Israeli strikes killed at least 47 Palestinians and wounded 205 others across Gaza in the past 24 hours.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent campaign in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health 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

A lawyer representing families of those killed in Junes devastating Air India crash has dismissed claims that the pilots may have deliberately or mistakenly shut off fuel controls before the aircraft plunged into a building, killing 260 people.

Mike Andrews, who is pursuing lawsuits against Boeing on behalf of more than 100 families, said in an interview with The Independent that the suggestion of self-sabotage or gross pilot error is not only unsupported by evidence but also unjust to the dead.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India, took off from Ahmedabad on 12 June bound for London. Less than two minutes into the journey, the aircraft lost power, veered off course and struck a medical college building near the runway.

All 229 passengers, 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground were killed. Among the victims were 52 British citizens. Only one man, Leicester resident Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived after being thrown clear of the fuselage.

It was the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner, Boeings flagship long-haul aircraft introduced in 2011 and hailed for its fuel efficiency and modern design. The carbon-fibre twin-engined 787 was designed partly as a replacement for Boeings veteran 767  but also to introduce passenger-friendly benefits such as larger windows and higher cabin pressure.

open image in gallery The Air India plane crashed into a medical college on 12 June 2025 ( AP )

The Dreamliner was also friendly to airlines bottom lines, burning about 20 per cent less fuel than the 767, and allowed airlines network planners to dream of ultra-long routes.

But Mr Andrews argues that the aircraft had been dogged by technical concerns, particularly involving its potable water system  that supplies safe, drinkable water for passengers and crew  and its proximity to sensitive electronics.

He pointed to a trail of Boeing bulletins to airlines dating back years and recent regulatory warnings from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all raising alarms over water leaks.

open image in gallery Tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident in Ahmedabad ( Reuters )

Going back to 2016, 2017 and 2018 there were bulletins to air carriers in the United States to perform waterproofing maintenance, Mr Andrews said.

In particular, it speaks to couplings that join water lines underneath lavatories and galley areas. Ive purchased some of these couplings myself  theyre simple clamshell devices that hold two lines together.

But the way the final shroud is fitted can loosen the latch, and over time that leads to leaks. We know from FAA notices and directives that water has been found on 787s leaking into equipment bays, and in some cases equipment had to be replaced.

The compartment he refers to is the aircrafts electronics equipment bay, or EE bay. It sits beneath the cabin floor and houses the computers that control almost every aspect of the flight, including the full authority digital engine control, known as Fadec.

open image in gallery Air India pilots Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder also died in 12 June crash ( Supplied )

The Fadec is essentially the aircrafts engine brain. Unlike older jets, where pilots manually controlled fuel flow, modern engines depend on this computer to regulate thrust, fuel injection and performance.

Fadec is a sophisticated digital computer system in aircraft that automatically controls all aspects of engine performance by receiving data from sensors, calculating optimal settings, and adjusting fuel flow and other engine parameters to maximise efficiency and performance while ensuring safety.

According to the FAA, if the Fadec fails, the engine fails.

open image in gallery Friends and family members mourn near the coffin of co-pilot Clive Kunder ( Reuters )

Mr Andrews said a water leak does not have to destroy equipment outright to be dangerous. Even if it doesnt ruin the component, it can trigger a reset. And that cascade can initiate an engine shutdown. In Ahmedabad, we saw both engines shut down or lose thrust within seconds  that is extraordinarily unlikely without a common cause. Water reaching those systems is one plausible explanation.

The FAA itself highlighted the risk only weeks before the crash.

On 14 May, the regulator issued an Airworthiness Directive  an order that requires mandatory checks  warning that water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings had been reported, and that such leaks could cause equipment in the EE bays to become wet resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight.

open image in gallery The father and mother of pilot Sumeet Sabharwal offer prayers as they stand next to the body of their son in Mumbai ( Reuters )

The directive ordered inspections of Dreamliners for missing sealant and moisture barriers.

Yet Mr Andrews said the directive lacked urgency.

My understanding is that this directive wasnt due to take effect until about six days after our crash. Obviously theres insufficient urgency when something has apparently been known by Boeing for years. Aviation safety affects everyone.

And one concern is that the FAA has authority inside the United States, but outside the US things often lose urgency, whether its political protection or simply a breakdown in communication.

The Independent has reached out to Boeing seeking a response on the allegations.

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has floated a different possibility.

A preliminary report, published in July, said both of the planes fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after take-off, stopping fuel supply to the engine.

In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so, the report read.

That has fuelled theories of self-sabotage by pilots, or that one of them mistakenly switched the fuel supply off.

Mr Andrews cautioned against drawing such a conclusion.

open image in gallery The plane, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off ( AP )

We dont know what that exchange refers to. If there has been a reset of the Fadec or the electrical bus  essentially the main breaker system  then in that moment one pilots panel could shut down. Is it possible he was saying, Why did you turn it off? about his own controls? We dont know. Thats the point. It is premature conjecture to solely blame the pilots when we dont yet have all the data.

He said such insinuations are deeply damaging for victims families.

The way the preliminary report was issued, the way it leaves out critical data, the way it insinuates rather than calls out what happened, has caused our clients to all question transparency.

They are not convinced by the pilot error narrative. And I have cautioned them all to be patient, because it is just as wrong to blame the pilots without information as it would be for me to unequivocally blame Boeing without data. What we are saying is: wait for the full evidence.

open image in gallery Family members and relatives of Akash Patni, a victim of the Air India plane crash, grieve during his funeral procession in Ahmedabad ( AP )

Part of that evidence may come from whistleblowers. Mr Andrews confirmed that four individuals with what he described as vital technical and engineering information have contacted his team since the crash.

While he declined to identify their backgrounds, he said they included individuals from different layers of the aerospace industry.

That doesnt necessarily mean they are inside Boeing, he said. The aviation industry has layers  subcontractors, maintenance engineers, suppliers. Weve been contacted by people whove done their own analysis as well as people with direct aerospace experience. Whats important is to keep our field of view broad so we dont miss something by focusing too early on one theory.

While Mr Andrews confirmed that they have not yet filed a lawsuit in court, his legal team is gathering evidence and has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in the United States to obtain data from the flight recorders.

The Indian authorities have so far said they intend to keep the analysis within India.

There are also other concerns. Mr Andrews said his team is curious about whether leaks could have affected the lithium-ion batteries located in the tail section of the Dreamliner.

open image in gallery Sole survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh bids an emotional farewell to his brother, who died in the crash ( Reuters )

Those batteries, already known for their susceptibility to thermal runaway  an uncontrollable heating event  could pose additional hazards if exposed to moisture. Were curious whether water leaking into that area could trigger problems, he said.

The sole survivors account has also shaped Mr Andrews thinking. In an interview with the BBC, he said that lights inside the aircraft started flickering moments after take off. Within five to 10 seconds of being airborne, it felt like the plane was stuck in the air.

The lights started flickering green and white...suddenly [we] slammed into a building and exploded, he said.

Mr Andrews said the accounts of lights flashing and changing colour are all data points suggesting electrical issues.

Once we receive the timeline for why the ram air turbine deployed  a small emergency windmill that only comes out in certain electrical failures  well be in a better position to know what precipitated this.

For families, the legal battle is about more than money.

open image in gallery A member of the National Disaster Response Force is seen at the crash site ( AP )

Mr Andrews said they have two overriding goals: One is to learn what happened, why it happened, how it happened. The second is to prevent this from ever happening again. Every client has told us that. They want transparency and accountability. They want to know whether this tragedy could have been avoided.

Some are also facing frustration regarding compensation from Air India. Mr Andrews said disputes within families over entitlements, combined with delays, have left some with no answers, no compensation, no nothing  just a loss.

As lawsuits take shape, Mr Andrews said manufacturers must not be allowed to push blame downstream. If a coupling is defective, thats on the subcomponent maker. If Boeing sells a completed aircraft that allows water to drip into flight computers, thats on Boeing. What they cannot do is release defective equipment and expect airlines to engineer their way around it. That is not right.

He said reforms will depend on the eventual findings, but the broader issue is oversight. The Dreamliner, like other US aircraft, was partly certified under a system known as ODA, where Boeing itself had authority to approve designs on the FAAs behalf.

A big question is whether this should have been caught during certification, Mr Andrews said asking, if Boeing knew of leaks, why wasnt there more urgency about water dripping into flight computers? That to me is a serious issue.

The Independent put these concerns to Boeing in a detailed questionnaire. The airline said it would defer to the AAIB to provide information about [Flight] AI171, citing international protocols around crashes.

For now, families are still waiting. Mr Andrews said their patience is not infinite. They've earned the right to know what happened here and each of them... wants to prevent this from ever happening to any other family.
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Imran Khans son has alleged that the former Pakistan prime ministers living conditions in solitary confinement at the Adiala jail were so poor, they were comparable to the death cells occupied by convicts serving capital punishment.

Kasim Khan, the political leaders 26-year-old son, claimed his father has not been allowed to see his doctor and his access to lawyers was restricted.

He told The Independent: The conditions my father is kept in are extremely harsh. He is confined to what is effectively a death cell, with poor hygiene and no proper facilities. For almost a year now, he has not been allowed to see his personal doctor.

There have been periods where we, his children, went six months without a single conversation with him. All of this is meant to physically torture him and mentally break him. But despite it all, he has remained steadfast, holding on to his faith and his belief in the people of Pakistan, democracy and rule of law, he said.

open image in gallery Imran Khan's sons Kasim Khan (L) and Suleman Khan speak in a rare interview ( YouTube/Mario Nawfal )

Its extremely hard to see our father treated like this. Hes sacrificed everything for his country. To watch him now, locked in a death cell is extremely painful.

Maryam Riaz Wattoo, Khans wife Bushra Bibis sister, said on Friday two new appeals to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture were filed by her and Khans sons  Kasim and Sulaiman  on behalf of the couple, alleging torture and inhumane treatment in custody. A UN human rights working group previously ruled Khans detention was arbitrary and unlawful, calling for Khans immediate release and compensation under international law.

Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party spokesperson, said Imran Khan and his wife have endured inhumane conditions for far too long and it is only getting worse.

This physical and mental torture of trying to break them has never been witnessed in our history before. Although the imprisonment is illegal, but as a worse case they deserve their basic prisoner rights not to mention basic humans right and dignity, he said.

Khan, 72, was ousted in 2022 via a no-confidence motion and arrested in May 2023 on corruption charges, sparking nationwide protests. After being briefly released, he was jailed again in August 2023 amid ongoing legal battles. Khan accused the military and the US of conspiring against him  claims both denied  and his party has faced a harsh state crackdown, with over 100 senior members recently sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Kasim said he joined Ms Wattoo in petitioning the UN because this is no longer just about my father.

Its about the human rights abuses happening in Pakistan and the open attack on democracy. When an elected leader is kept in a death cell, denied medical care, and cut off from his children for months at a time  and when thousands of ordinary people are abducted or pushed into military courts  it shows that no one is safe.

open image in gallery Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan (R) along with his wife Bushra Bibi (C) signs surety bonds for bail in various cases, at a registrar office in the High court, in Lahore on July 17, 2023 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Every member of our family has faced political persecution in one form or another, Ms Wattoo told The Independent. She alleged that 51-year-old Bibi  who is also in prison  is enduring severe political persecution under inhumane conditions, including overcrowded cells infested with rats and insects, denial of medical care, solitary confinement, and restricted family contact.

She said their mothers health was deteriorating, and I fear she may never get to see Bushra again in this lifetime.

Living here in the UAE, whenever I step outside and feel the searing heat, I cannot stop thinking of Bushra trapped in a small concrete cell, often without electricity or cooling, she added.

She (Bushra Bibi) has suffered electric shocks as rain-water seeps into the electric circuits. She is forced to use contaminated water for daily use including for ablution, and repeatedly denied access to her family and legal counsel in violation of court orders and constitutional guarantees. Her trials are deliberately delayed, closed to family and the public, and conducted under unfair restrictions, undermining her right to due process, she alleged.

Khan has, according to his lawyers, over 200 cases against him. The latest petitions to the UN request the agency to investigate the couples cases and to pressure Pakistan to immediately cease any further torture or ill-treatment.

The Independent has contacted authorities at the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, Punjab, for comment.
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It was around 7.45am when the first small boat appeared. The sun was rising above Gravelines, a coastal town that lies at the mouth of the River Aa between Calais and Dunkirk. It was the first calm day in more than a week.

Three military reservists, in khaki uniforms and black vests bearing the word Gendarme  officers salaried by the UK  had been standing on the riverbank a couple of hundred metres from where the waterway opens onto the English Channel. They were alerted to the vessel by a passing jogger.

It was just a speck on the river in the distance at first, but it soon came close enough to reveal it was an inflatable raft with around a dozen young men on board.

One of the three military reservists watched the inflatable through his binoculars as it sailed past them. Another started typing something on his phone. The officers then began marching along the riverbank behind the boat  but this did nothing to deter those on board.

At this point, people started to appear on the huge expanse of Gravelines beach ahead, walking, some running, towards the coastline. Mostly men at first, then women and small children.

open image in gallery A group of migrants, including women and children, heads across the beach to a boat waiting in the shallows ( Calais Migrant Solidarity )

In a town at the top of the beach, a handful of police officers  probably also salaried with UK money  were trying to stand in the way of one group. But faced with more than a dozen people making a beeline for the sea, it was an impossible task.

Soon enough, those on the beach were wading into the water towards the vessel to join the existing passengers. It quickly became overcrowded.

A helicopter appeared and hovered low around the vessel, but people continued to board. A gendarmerie boat arrived and attempted to block some from boarding, but without endangering the lives of people on the overloaded boat, it was clear that nothing could be done to stop them.

By 9.30am, the boat was sailing towards Dover.

Over the next hour, another dinghy made its way up the river, this time with about 25 people on board, and the same process played out. About an hour after that, another boat appeared and picked up more people from the beach, before sailing towards the UK.

That same day, 17 small boats made it to the UK, with 1,097 people on board. The British press was dominated by headlines decrying yet another record for Channel crossings, with total arrivals so far this year under Labour exceeding 30,100.

open image in gallery A French police vessel passes lifejackets to migrants on a dinghy as they cross the English Channel ( Getty )

Shabana Mahmood, who was appointed as home secretary just 48 hours earlier, described the numbers as utterly unacceptable and pledged to explore all options to restore order.

Her words are all too familiar. Theres been a string of announcements by UK ministers in recent years promising to curb the crossings  but to no avail.

Sir Keir Starmers government has pledged more beach patrols, enhanced surveillance technology and new specialist intelligence units in the past year alone.

Huge sums of British money have been handed to France to tackle the issue, with around 476m committed for the period 2023-25.

The funds have been spent on, among other things, the deployment of hundreds of gendarme reservists, helicopters and quadbikes  all of which were out in full force at Gravelines over the weekend. Yet they proved able to do nothing to prevent the departures.

People have been going from here to the UK irregularly for the last 30 years. It isnt going to stop now A French officer

So far, all there is to show for the funds and initiatives aimed at stopping the boats are more arrivals and a higher rate of death, as demonstrated by the record number of fatalities recorded last year. This week alone, four people have died attempting the journey, including a woman and two children.

While French police succeed in preventing some crossings, usually by destroying boats before they reach the water, this has led to more people cramming onto each boat that does make it into the water, placing people at higher risk.

Yet the pursuit of tougher tactics continues. Under pressure from the UK, France announced earlier this year that border police, gendarmes and coastguard vessels would intercept small boats within 300 metres of the coast. How such interceptions can work without placing people on board at severe risk is unclear.

One gendarme standing by the edge of the river on Saturday morning, as the boats passed, told me that the change would put lives at risk. These are overloaded boats, people would panic, and then what? he said with raised eyebrows. And who would be held responsible? The police officers carrying out the manoeuvre, not the state.

He didnt think it would be effective at bringing an end to the problem either, hinting that smugglers would simply find ways around it.

Ministers also recently announced the so-called one in, one out deal, under which small boat arrivals will be returned to France in return for the UK taking the same number of migrants from France.

But only 50 people each week are actually expected to be returned under the scheme, and anyone without documents  such as most Sudanese nationals, for example  will not be eligible to apply for the legal route.

open image in gallery Shabana Mahmood has made tackling immigration issues her top priority ( Reuters )

Both initiatives, to be carried out properly, would also no doubt be hugely costly, requiring yet more taxpayer funds from both Britain and France: for more French police boats, more detention capacity in the UK, not to mention the cost of transporting people across the Channel in both directions under the returns deal.

And even with all this, the chances of these new plans succeeding in deterring people from trying to cross and  in the case of the interceptions  managing to do this without putting lives in considerable danger, are slim to none.

Ali, a young Sudanese man residing in Calais, has attempted the journey by small boat twice. He told me one attempt failed due to poor weather, and the other due to the captain taking the boat in the wrong direction.

He explained that he had been hoping to stay in France, but his asylum claim here was recently rejected. The EUs Dublin policy means that any attempt to claim asylum in another EU country will not be successful, so he now sees the UK as his only hope.

When asked if he thinks anything would put him and others off from making the journey, Ali shrugged. If the UK sends me back to France, then OK. But then what? Will France send me back to Sudan?

I see the drones and all the things that the UK buys for France. So much money, but it makes no difference. When you have no other option, like me, what else can we do?

Witnessing the scene at Gravelines on Saturday morning, it was clear that the UK taxpayers money thrown at trying to stop people like Ali from making the journey has been in vain. It was also evident that any future attempts to bolster security and introduce tougher tactics will, like all those before them, fail to deter and serve only to further endanger lives.

As one of the gendarmes said, just as the second boat left for the white cliffs of Dover: People have been going from here to the UK irregularly for the last 30 years. It isnt going to stop now.
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Stephen Lawrences mother has shared her disbelief after she was contacted by Prince Harry, who uncovered evidence she had been allegedly spied on by the Daily Mail.

Doreen Lawrence, a campaigner for reforms in the police service, has told the BBC that she was floored by what the Duke of Sussex discovered, as she is joining him and other public figures in suing the publications publisher, Associated Newspapers, at the High Court in London.

Associated Newspapers has denied claims that it hacked phones and called them preposterous smears.

Baroness Lawrence is one of six people, including Liz Hurley, Sir Elton John and politician Sir Simon Hughes, who brought legal action against Associated Newspapers in 2022.

She alleged the Daily Mail had illegally spied on her to gather information about the investigation into the 1993 murder of her son.

Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death aged 18 in a racist attack in Eltham, southeast London. The paper is accused of commissioning investigators to tap her home phone, hack her voicemails and monitor her bank accounts and phone bills.

The Duke of Sussex alerted Doreen Lawrence to the alleged offence ( AP )

Baroness Lawrence told the BBC that Prince Harry was busy looking at his own case and then my name kept cropping up and felt that I should know about it. She subsequently met lawyers Anjlee Sangani and David Sherborne, who told her she had been spied on.

She expressed her disbelief: Why would anybody want to be listening to my calls, hacking into my phone?

It just floors you, because you dont expect that, but not somebody like me anyway, she added. You know, all Im trying to do over the years is just to try and get justice for my son.

The Independent contacted Associated Newspapers for comment.

The campaigner has said the paper had added to the trauma her family has gone through and called on the paper to issue a public apology over the allegations. Associated Newspapers is defending the legal action.

The High Court previously heard the campaigner had been alerted to a potential legal claim against the Daily Mails publisher by a text from the duke.

In July, a High Court judge said that Prince Harry must hand over documents relating to alleged payments made for evidence in his legal claim.

A trial of the claims is expected to start in January and last for nine weeks.
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A woman who was arrested by the Taliban alongside an elderly British couple has warned that they are literally dying in prison.

Faye Hall was arrested with Peter, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, by the Taliban in February, when they were returning to the couples home in Bamyan province in central Afghanistan.

Ms Hall, an American woman, spent two months alongside Ms Reynolds in prison before she was released as part of a negotiated agreement facilitated by Qatari officials.

However, she has warned time is running out for the elderly couple, who still remain in prison without knowing why they are being held.

open image in gallery The couple were detained earlier this year ( Rebuild Consultants )

"We just have these elderly people, theyre literally dying, and time is running out, Ms Hall said, as she described the harsh conditions they were held in.

She said she witnessed the couples health deteriorate rapidly whilst in prison, where she said they slept on used mats on the floor in cramped cells.

Ms Hall said Ms Reynolds had lost a significant amount of weight and was one day unable to stand or walk.

She has now pleaded to US president Donald Trump and the UK government to work together to do more to push for the release of the couple.

Asked if she had a message for them, she said: I love them, I know they will be out very soon, dont ever give up.

open image in gallery Faye Hall spent two months alongside the Reynoldses in prison before she was released as part of a negotiated agreement facilitated by Qatari officials ( AP )

The Reynoldses have spent seven and a half months in detention without being charged and were held separately in a maximum-security prison until late May.

They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, but this has gone on for months.

The British couple had been living in Afghanistan for the past 18 years, running education and training projects and decided to remain in the country even after the Talibans takeover in 2021.

The UN has called their detention inhumane, and the Foreign Office told the BBC it has met with their family to discuss the case.

open image in gallery The Reynoldses were living in Afghanistan for the past 18 years, running education and training projects and decided to remain in the country even after the Talibans takeover in 2021 ( Family handout/The Independent )

Their children have spoken previously about fears they have for their parents health. Mr Reynolds, who has suffered heart attacks in the past, appears to have developed some symptoms of Parkinsons disease, according to his son Jonathan.

He said in July that his father had experienced shaking in his hands, arms and face to the point he was on the floor and he couldnt get up.

He added that his mothers hands and feet were going blue, due to malnutrition and some kind of anaemia.

He added: The reality is they may die in that prison, and this is why Im pleading with whoever has the ability to release them and bring them home now.

In July, the Talibans foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, rejected allegations of mistreatment regarding the couple, claiming they are in constant contact with their families and their human rights are being respected.
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The frontman of the band James has said the group is examining its options after Tommy Robinson used its song in a video without permission.

The far-right figure used the indie bands smash hit Sit Down in a video posted on X to highlight the size of the protest he organised in London on Saturday.

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people gathered in Whitehall for the Unite the Kingdom event spearheaded by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon.

open image in gallery The disgusted frontman of the band James has said the group are examining their options after Tommy Robinson used their song in a video without permission ( Getty )

At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured at the demonstration.

Robinson posted the video on X made up of aerial footage of the rally to show the size of the crowd  and used James song Sit Down to accompany it.

The former English Defence League leader captioned the clip: Britain is awake, we are no longer afraid, you will not take our right to free speech @Keir_Starmer WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK.

But James frontman Tim Booth hit back in his own post on X, describing the far-right rally as the antithesis of what his bands song stands for.

open image in gallery Around 110,000 people were estimated by police to have gathered in Whitehall for the Unite the Kingdom event spearheaded by Robinson ( PA Wire )

He wrote: Disgusted to see the cynical use of Sit Down by @TRobinsonNewEra.

No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.

The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and its the antithesis of this organization.

Saturdays rally, which featured a guest appearance from Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, was faced by a counter-protest with 5,000 anti-racism campaigners.

The two groups were divided by a line of police horses and officers  some carrying riot shields  with one side waving placards that said refugees welcome. Stop the far right and the other flying Union and St Georges flags, as they stared each other down and continued to chant.

open image in gallery Tommy Robinson (right) attends the Unite The Kingdom rally on Saturday alongside Laurence Fox (left) and Katie Hopkins (centre) ( Getty Images )

If a bands work has been copyrighted and is used unlawfully, they can initially issue a formal request in the form of a case and desist letter for the accused party to stop using their work, according to the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP).

It can then file a lawsuit for copyright infringement if no appropriate action is taken, which can lead damages payments or prevent the infringing party from using their work in future if successful.

Synchronisation licenses are necessary for using music in audio-visual projects, including in online videos where music is synchronised with visual content, the ICMP said.
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Keir Starmer is facing growing questions over his leadership of the Labour party and the country after a disastrous fortnight.

In the last two weeks his deputy prime minister had to resign after she admitted she had not paid enough tax, his ambassador to Washington was sacked in a row over his links to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his long-planned government reset appears to have fallen flat.

The PM is now facing increasing demands to explain what he knew and when over Lord Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein  and defend his decision to appoint the Labour grandee, forced to resign from government twice already.

Some Labour MPs believe a major change is needed in their government including, potentially, a change of leader.

A new campaigning group within the party, Mainstream, was launched by Andy Burnham this week and could become a vehicle for precisely that new direction.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from his own party in a week where he stood by British ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson - then sacked him ( PA Wire )

What is Mainstream?

The group says it is the home for Labours radical realists and is serious about winning a democratic socialist future.

It has used polling carried out by Survation on behalf of another Labour group, Compass, as its springboard.

That poll in August showed overwhelming support among Labour members for the party to have a more radical offer on issues including economy and child poverty, among other issues.

We believe the voices of these radical realists, the vast majority of the Labour Party, must be heard and heeded, a statement from the party read.

open image in gallery Andy Burnham has been dubbed the King in the North - but does he have wider ambitions? ( AFP via Getty Images )

What has Mainstream said since its launch?

A lot. Earlier this week it released a very punchy quote about the Lord Mandelson affair, which accused Starmer of running a narrow and brittle political project and putting party factionalism over country - which did little to dampen speculation about future leadership bids.

At the time Luke Hurst, Mainstreams national coordinator, was quoted as saying: Peter Mandelsons inevitable sacking is what happens when you put your party factions interest before your party and before the country.

If Starmer keeps running a narrow and brittle political project it will break him and could break the Labour Party. We need a government and party of all the talents and all the views.

Could Burnham use it to help launch a leadership bid?

In a word  yes. It is already being seen by many Labour MPs as key plank of a possible move by Mr Burnham, dubbed by some within Labour "the King in the North".

The new network is viewed as a vehicle that could be swiftly changed into a leadership operation if one was needed.

Previous groups like Momentum and Labour Together were seen as helping Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer win the leadership respectively.

One Labour MP told the Independent: I think the leadership is in a death spiral. All the talk, all the missions, all it came down to was growth- and that is stalling.

I dont agree with every Andy Burnham says. But if it comes down to it, if Reform do well at the next election and we have to work with other parties like the Lib Dems and the Greens? The current leadership cant do that, not with a lot of their hardline stances. But Andy Burnham can at least work with other parties.

open image in gallery Former Commons leader Lucy Powell has announced a bid for the Labour deputy leadership (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Archive )

What about the fact that he is not even an MP at the moment?

Mr Burnham was an MP, and a minister under the last Labour government, but he left Parliament years ago to become the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Many MPs believe a return to Westminster will be straightforward - if he is not blocked by the leadership.

The talk of the MPs tearoom is that a local MP with health issues will stand down, allowing Mr Burnham to charge back to London by winning a by-election.

There is also speculation among some MPs that Lucy Powell, another Manchester MP, who he had back in the deputy leadership race, could swap try to jobs with Mr Burnham and seek to replace him as mayor.

There is dispute about the timing, however, with some believing the best time is before May  when Labour is expected to get hammered in a series of elections, including in Scotland and Wales.

Other argue he should hold off until then, which could offer some much-needed respite for the embattled Sir Keir.
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Lord Mandelson could be in line for a substantial taxpayer-funded payout after he was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer over his relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Keir, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UKs man in Washington, sacked him after the publication of emails which showed Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

No 10 said the emails revealed materially different information from what was known when the peer was appointed.

But by deciding not to resign in the wake of the emails, Lord Mandelson could have to be compensated, experts have warned.

open image in gallery Lord Mandelson was removed from his position as ambassador to the US earlier this week ( PA Wire )

Allies of Lord Mandelson have made clear he argues that he was open about the fact of his long association with Epstein when he was vetted for the job as the UKs ambassador to Washington.

HR staff are said to have been brought in to ensure there is legal justification for his sacking, The Times reported on Saturday, adding that there were concerns in government that Lord Mandelson did not intend to go quietly.

In the past, senior civil servants have received large payouts after leaving government in the wake of controversy.

Sir Philip Rutnam, the former top civil servant at the Home Office, who quit amid bullying claims against home secretary Priti Patel, which she denies, settled his case for 340,000, official figures later showed.

And Sir Philip Barton, who had been the top official at the Foreign Office, got a voluntary exit payment of more than 260,000 after he stepped down eight months before his five-year contract was due to end.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer sacked Lord Mandelson less than a year after nominating him as Britains US ambassador ( PA Wire )

There is speculation that as ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson may have been on a fixed-term contract, which the government may have to compensate him for ending early.

Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, said there was likely to be a negotiation over a financial package as Lord Mandelson departs government.

He said: As an ambassador, Mandelson will have been in a different position from most civil servants as he served at the pleasure of the prime minister and could be dismissed from his role.

But that does not mean that normal employment law can be ignored and, depending on the nature of his contract and reasons for dismissal he could be in line for compensation. This is something we have seen with other senior civil servants before who fall out of favour with ministers. While they leave their job immediately there is then a negotiation over an exit package.

The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
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At least 193 people have died and dozens are missing after two separate boat accidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week, authorities and state media have reported.

The accidents happened on Wednesday and Thursday, about 150 kilometres apart in the Equateur province, in the northwest of the country.

A boat with nearly 500 passengers caught fire and and capsized Thursday evening along the Congo River in the provinces Lukolela territory, said Congo's humanitarian affairs ministry in a report.

Some 209 survivors were rescued following the accident, which involved a whaleboat near the village of Malange.

A day earlier, a motorised boat capsized in the Basankasu territory of the province, in which at least 86 people died, most of them being students according to state media. Several people were reported missing, although the exact number remains unclear.

State media attributed Wednesdays accident to improper loading and night navigation although it remains unclear what cased either accident and whether rescue operations are ongoing. A local civil society group blamed Wednesday's accident on the government and claimed the toll was higher.

Images appeared to show villagers gathering around bodies and mourning at the scene of the accidents.

open image in gallery ( AP )

More and more boats appear to be capsizing in the central African nation as more people abandon the few available roads for cheaper, wooden vessels crumbling under the weight of passengers and their good. Life jackets are rare and the vessels are usually overpacked in such trips, many of which take place at night.

The nocturnal nature of these boat journeys means rescue efforts become more complicated when accidents do occur and more bodies are left unaccounted for.

Just last year, Congolese officials warned against the practice of overloading and vowed to punish those who violate safety measures for water transportation.

The warning came as more than 80 people died last June after a boat carrying more than 270 passengers capsized on a river near Kinshasa, Congos capital.

Despite warnings from Congolese officials, boats continue to be overloaded as in remote areas, where most passengers come from, many are unable to afford public transport.
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A teenager suspected in a shooting attack at a Denver high school that left two students in critical condition reportedly was fascinated with previous mass shootings, including Columbine, and expressed neo-Nazi views online.

A new report from the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism suggests Desmond Holly, 16, had been active on an online forum where users watch videos of killings and violence, mixed in with content on white supremacism and antisemitism.

Holly fatally shot himself following the shooting at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County on Wednesday. It is still unclear how he selected his victims.

The county was also the scene of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre that killed 14 people.

Further investigations by the ADL uncovered how Holly's TikTok accounts contained white supremacist symbols, and the name of his most recent account included a reference to a popular white supremacist slogan.

The account was unavailable on Friday as TikTok confirmed accounts associated with Holly had been banned.

open image in gallery Students were escorted to board a bus after a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen ( Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via AP )

Hollys family could not be reached. The Associated Press left a message at a telephone number linked with the house that police searched after the shooting.

A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Mark Techmeyer, declined to comment on the ADL's findings or discuss its investigation into the shooting. The office previously said that Holly was radicalised by an unspecified extremist network" but released no details.

Two recent suspects in school shootings were active on the so-called gore forum that Holly used  Watch People Die, according to the ADL. Holly appears to have opened his account in the month between shootings in Madison, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee, the ADL said.

A few days before Wednesday's shooting, Holly posted a TikTok video posing in a similar way to how the Wisconsin shooter posed before killing two people in December. He included a photo of the Wisconsin shooter in a post in which Holly wore a black T-shirt with WRATH written on the front.

He also posted videos showing how he had made the shirt that was like one worn by a gunman in the Columbine shooting, the ADL said.

There is a through-line between those attacks, said Oren Segal, the ADLs senior vice president of counter-extremism and intelligence. Theyre telling us there is a through line because they are referencing each other."

open image in gallery Law enforcement and emergency personnel respond to a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen ( Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via AP )

Emails sent to Watch People Die seeking comment weren't immediately returned.

Holly was also active on TikToks True Crime Community, where it says users have a fascination with mass murderers and serial killers, the ADL said.

Some TikTok posts shared by the ADL show one user encouraging Holly to be a hero, a term it says white supremacists use to refer to successfully ideologically motivated attackers.

The person also told Holly to get a patch with a Nazi-era symbol that was worn by the men who carried out the 2019 attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the 2022 attack on a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.

Holly posted a photo of two patches that he had, but said the Velcro on the back had fallen off.

I'm gonna use stronger glue when I fix it, he said.
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Four terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the military has said.

The operation was conducted in Mastung district on the reported presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement on Friday.

During the operation, security forces engaged the terrorists' hideout, and following an exchange of fire, four terrorists were killed, the statement said.

Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who had been involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area, according to the ISPR.

A sanitization operation was underway to clear the locality of any remaining terrorists. 
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The University of California, Berkeley, provided personal information to the Trump administration about roughly 160 students and professors as part of a federal investigation into campus antisemitism, outraging critics and faculty who compared the move to the anti-communist purges of the McCarthy era.

Judith Butler, a prominent Jewish feminist and queer scholar at Berkeley with numerous family members who died in the Holocaust, was among those whose information had been shared. Butler has been a critic of Israel and has said its invasion of Gaza amounts to genocide.

We have a right to know the charges against us, to know who has made the charges and to review them and defend ourselves, Butler told The Guardian. But none of that has happened, which is why were in Kafka-land  It is an enormous breach of trust.

Members of the campus community were notified about the disclosure in a series of emails on September 4 from the Berkeley Office of Legal Affairs, The Daily Californian student newspaper reported.

The messages told recipients that the university, at the direction of the University of California Office of the President, had shared information in mid-August with the federal Department of Education regarding their potential connection to allegations of antisemitism.

open image in gallery UC Berkeley disclosed information on roughly 160 people as part of Trump administration antisemitism investigation, alarming critics and alumni ( Getty/iStock )

One graduate student who received the message accused the university of targeting Muslim and Arab individuals over their support for Palestine.

I think (the message was sent) to anybody who has ever been accused of antisemitism, which of course, includes a lot of Palestinians, the student told the paper. Whenever we teach about Palestine, it usually leads to an investigation. I think they flagged and sent all of that information to the federal government.

The Independent has contacted UC Berkeley and the Department of Education for comment.

Like all public universities, the University of California is subject to oversight by state and federal agencies, a spokesperson for the UC presidents office told The Independent. Our campuses routinely receive document requests in connection with government audits, compliance reviews, or investigations. UC is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, faculty, and staff to the greatest extent possible, while fulfilling its legal obligations.

Critics of the investigation alleged Berkeley, famed for its history as a center of the 1960s campus Free Speech movement, was giving in to a Red Scare-style ideological witch hunt.

open image in gallery Trump administration has been investigating Berkeley since March ( Getty Images )

Steven Katz, an assistant dean at the Berkeley journalism school, called the compliance shameful on social media.

McCarthy-ism is back! actor and liberal activist Mia Farrow wrote on Bluesky. Shame on UC Berkeley!

The Education Departments Office of Civil Rights has been investigating Berkeley, along with scores of other top universities, over their handling of campus antisemitism allegations since February.

During testimony before Congress in July, UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons said the university had more work to do to stop antisemitism, while defending free speech and insisting pro-Palestinian views are not necessarily antisemitism.

The investigation into the premier California university comes as the Trump administration has sought over $1 billion in frozen funding and settlement funds from the University of California, Los Angeles, over its response to antisemitism.

The Trump administration has cracked down on universities across the country over their response to widespread pro-Palestine protests throughout 2023 and 2024, alarming civil rights advocates by seeking to deport immigrant student activists who were not charged with crimes and whose apparent ties to the movement included op-ed articles and leading peaceful protests.
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In a shocking moment on Fox News on the morning of September 10, Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade apparently advocated for the killing of mentally ill homeless people during a discussion.

He also suggested it could be done through involuntary lethal injection.

The remarks were made during a segment about the recent murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in North Carolina by a homeless person with schizophrenia and an extensive criminal history.

Co-host Lawrence Jones said that while there is compassion regarding the mental health crisis, we shouldn't have to live in fear while authorities figure out what to do.

Put him in a mental institution, put him in a jail, and you guys figure it out. But people having to duck and dive on the trains and the buses, walking through the street, this is one case, but this is happening all across the country, and it's not a money issue. They have given billions of dollars to mental health and the homeless population, Jones said.

A lot of them don't want to take the programs, a lot of them don't want to get the help that is necessary. You can't give them a choice. Either you take the resources that we're going to give you and  or you decide that you are going to be locked up in jail. That's the way it has to be now, he added.

Kilmeade interjected: Or involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill em.

Yeah, Jones adds.

Fellow co-host Ainsley Earhardt then said: Yeah, Brian, why did it have to get to this point?

Kilmeade then said that people in cities with large homeless populations were voting for the wrong elected officials, telling people in North Carolina to wake up.

You can't put  keep putting these people in power, he continued. They woke up in Los Angeles, they got a stronger D.A. They woke up, and they got rid of Chesa Boudin in San Francisco. Hopefully, they will get rid of this terrible guy, Alvin Bragg, in New York.

He then advocated for North Carolinians to vote for Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 Senate race in the state, blaming Democratic Governor Roy Cooper for these terrible laws.

Cooper is leaving the governors mansion and running with the hope of replacing Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who has announced his retirement. In early polling, Cooper has a lead over Whatley, though neither has secured their partys primary race yet, which takes place in March 2026.

Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade advocates for involuntary euthanasia for homeless people with mental problems on Sept. 10, 2025 ( Fox News Channel )

These are the people in North Carolina. Purple leaning red state. They got a big choice. On this element, it is political. Because it's political, because politics has to change this, said Kilmeade.

There was outrage online over the comments, with calls for Kilmeade to resign.

Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia tweeted: Americas homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

He continued: Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murderits sick.

Author Shannon Watts posted: [Brian Kilmeade] is advocating for extrajudicial killings on FOX, yet Matthew Dowd was fired by MSNBC [for] pointing out Charlie Kirks dangerous rhetoric. This moral asymmetry in the media and online is destroying democracy.

Sarah Longwell, founder and publisher of the conservative site The Bulwark, wrote: My god. What is happening?

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has received plenty of criticism for his own policies on homelessness, posted the Biblical quote Proverbs 21:13: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

The Independent has approached Fox News for comment.
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California lawmakers have passed a bill to stop Immigration agents and other law enforcement from hiding their faces using masks.

Under President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda, the Department of Homeland Security has been carrying out ICE raids across the country, notably in major cities such as Los Angeles.

The tension between federal agents and Los Angeles residents reached a fever pitch in June when crowds of Angelenos took to the streets, protesting against the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

One point of contention has been mask-wearing among federal agents to hide their identities, which the Trump administration says is meant to keep the officers safe.

open image in gallery California lawmakers have passed a bill to stop Immigration agents and other law enforcement from hiding their faces using masks ( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images )

On Thursday, the Democratic-controlled California Legislature passed a bill that bans local and federal law enforcement from wearing neck gators, ski masks and other facial coverings while on duty. There are exceptions for undercover agents, medical masks and tactical gear.

The idea that in California we would have law enforcement officers running around with ski masks is terrifying, state Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat, told the Los Angeles Times. It destroys confidence in law enforcement.

The bill still needs to be signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, and its unclear whether California can even enforce this authority over federal officers.

CBS News Camilo Montoya-Galvez had asked Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in a July interview for his response to the criticism that law enforcement, including ICE, should be identifying themselves and that wearing masks poses a danger. One claim critics have made, which Montoya-Galvez pointed out, was impostors pretending to be immigration agents.

open image in gallery Some have criticized mask-wearing among federal agents to hide their identities, which the Trump administration says is meant to keep the officers safe ( Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images )

Lyons called that scenario one of our biggest concerns, adding, Im not a proponent of the masks; however, if thats a tool that the men and women of ICE [use] to keep themselves and their families safe, then Ill allow it.

He also pushed back on criticism that officers dont identify themselves.

Calling out the lawmakers who pushed for legislation banning masks, Lyons said, Id also want elected officials to help us hold those people accountable that do dox or threaten an ICE agent or their family.

California lawmakers also passed a bill Thursday that requires on-duty officers not in uniform to display their agency and either a badge number or their name. There are also some exemptions for that new requirement.
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Jimmy Kimmel and Disney execs could not agree on the correct response to take in the fallout from the comedians remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk, resulting in the cancellation of his late night show, reports say.

Kimmel was reportedly due to make a statement during Wednesdays show, but neither side could agree on language that would not exacerbate the situation further by the time taping was due to begin, sources told Reuters.

It came after comments made by the talk show host in his monologue Monday sparked fierce backlash online and led to death threats that raised concerns for the safety of Kimmel and his staff, the source said.

ABC has since suspended Kimmels show indefinitely.

During the monologue, Kimmel, who has frequently targeted Trump, said: "We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

open image in gallery Kimmel was reportedly due to make a statement during Wednesdays show in response to backlash about his remarks on Charlie Kirk, but both sides could not agree on the language that would not exacerbate the situation further by the time taping was due to begin ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite negotiations over what Kimmel should say Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-Chairman Dana Walden ultimately agreed that the best approach would be to take the show off the air, Reuters reports.

According to sources, the decision left the comedian livid.

The intention was to find a way to bring Kimmel back at a later date, and Bloomberg News reported Thursday that executives are due to meet with the comedian to discuss the future of his show.

open image in gallery Following ABCs decision to pull the show, many in Hollywood decried the decision, saying the company was bowing to political pressure and that it was an assault on free speech ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Kimmel has seen support from multiple celebrities, including fellow late night hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Stephen Colbert, whose show is being canceled next year ( Getty Images )

Following ABCs move to pull the show, many in Hollywood decried the decision, saying the company was bowing to political pressure and that it was an assault on free speech. Kimmel has seen support from multiple celebrities, including fellow late night hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Stephen Colbert, whose show is being canceled next year.

Colbert called ABCs decision to pause Kimmels show blatant censorship and said he stands with his colleague 100 percent at the taping of his CBS show Thursday night.

However, despite the furore, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, said Wednesday that Kimmel had misled viewers about the alleged shooters MAGA affiliation. Carr also raised the possibility that the FCC could revoke the broadcast licenses of local television stations that carry such garbage.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel.

During a state visit to the UK Thursday, President Donald Trump, said Kimmel had been punished for saying "a horrible thing" about Kirk.
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Charlie Kirks widow fought back tears as she broke her silence two days after the assassination of her husband and vowed to continue the right-wing movement he founded.

Erika Kirk spoke publicly Friday for the first time since Kirks killing, standing beside the empty chair where her husband would broadcast his show.

Speaking from Phoenix, Arizona, the address was streamed across the platforms of the conservative group Turning Point USA, founded by the MAGA influencer.

If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea, Erika Kirk said. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.

The movement my husband built will not die, she vowed. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die.

Ill make Turning Point the biggest thing this nation has ever seen, the widow said, adding that the organizations American Comeback Tour would continue this fall despite Kirks assassination.

open image in gallery Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk breaks silence on slaying of activist ( Turning Point USA )

The next stop on the tour is less than six days away at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, according to the organizations website.

Turning Points annual conference, AmericaFest, would also go ahead in December, according to Kirks widow.

It will be greater than ever, she said.

The mom, who has two young children with Kirk, said that their three-year-old daughter asked, Wheres daddy? when she arrived home Thursday evening after escorting her husband's casket back to Phoenix with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on Air Force Two.

open image in gallery Erika Kirk wiped away tears as she spoke for the first time since her husbands assassination ( Turning Point USA/YouTube )

I said, Baby, daddy loves you so much, she told their daughter. Dont you worry. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.

She became visibly emotional when she thanked President Donald Trump for his support.

I want to thank President Trump and his incredible family, said Erika Kirk. Mr President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him too.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk ( AP )

More than 200,000 people tuned in to watch the livestream on YouTube.

Kirk met his wife, a fellow evangelical Christian, in New York City in 2018.

They were engaged the following December and married in May 2021 in her native Scottsdale, Arizona.

The appearance comes as suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, is now in custody and expected to appear virtually in court on Tuesday.

His father told a family friend that Robinson confessed to the crime after confronting his son, having recognized him in photos released by the FBI and Utah Department of Safety. That family friend then informed authorities, Utahs Governor Spencer Cox announced at a press conference.

This is a breaking story, more follows
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During his confirmation hearings in January, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made senators a promise: that he would not take actions to restrict access to vaccines.

Seven months into his tenure as Health and Human Services secretary, the pledge appears to be looking increasingly tenuous.

RFK Jr., a vaccine skeptic, has implemented sudden regulatory changes that have divided the country along party and regional lines, leaving public health experts warning of unprecedented confusion as states stray from the Trump administrations guidelines.

No agency under RFK Jr.s leadership has been more disrupted than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which traditionally recommended vaccines for Americans.

In June, all 17 members of its independent advisory panel on immunization were dismissed and replaced with several known vaccine skeptics. RFK Jr. claimed the reshuffle was necessary to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science.

open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled during a Senate hearing amid his controversial moves as health secretary ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )

He also cancelled $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccines being developed to counter viruses that cause diseases such as the flu and Covid-19. By late August, the CDCs former director, Susan Monarez, was removed from her post just weeks into the job.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration narrowed its approval of updated versions of Covid-19 shots for people under 65 to those with at least one underlying condition. No one else is eligible for  even those living with a high-risk individual.

As virus season rapidly approaches, states have been left in flux. Some officials, clinicians and insurers have been mobilizing behind the scenes to preserve access to vaccines; others appear to have done the opposite.

Last Wednesday, a day before RFK Jr.s contentious Senate Finance Committee hearing, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii announced they would band together as the West Coast Health Alliance to issue vaccine recommendations of their own and counter the destruction inflicted on the CDC.

open image in gallery Americans have been left trying to navigate the federal governments break from decades of U.S. public health vaccine policy ( Getty Images )

The new coalition of Western, Democratic states is intended to provide residents with scientific data about vaccine safety and efficacy, and to issue guidance on vaccines for respiratory illnesses like Covid-19 and the flu, and a variety of childhood immunizations.

Hours later, Florida announced it would become the first state to abolish school vaccine mandates, seemingly at odds with Florida parents, who, according to a recent KFF-Washington Post poll, expressed overwhelming support for childhood vaccine requirements.

Spearheading the shift, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo denounced mandates as a violation of bodily autonomy and declared during a Tampa news conference that every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also endorsed the plan, though it was not clear whether it would require legislative input.

open image in gallery Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo denounced mandates as a violation of bodily autonomy ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Elsewhere, states have stepped in the opposite direction.

Officials in New Mexico, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Colorado have issued orders that allow pharmacies to administer Covid-19 vaccines without prescriptions.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday ordered insurers to cover all immunizations recommended by the state Department of Public Health  from routine childhood shots to measles  regardless of whether they carry federal endorsement.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joined the Democrat-run states in signing an executive order last Friday to protect near-universal access to Covid-19 vaccines in the state. The declaration of disaster is in effect until October 5 and will allow pharmacists to administer vaccines for the virus to patients ages three and up.

open image in gallery New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order last Friday to protect near-universal access to Covid-19 vaccines in the state ( AP )

In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz signed a similar executive order on Monday to preserve access to Covid-19 vaccines.

The New Jersey Department of Health went a step further Wednesday, expanding access to vaccines for the disease for anyone six months of age or older.

Virginia Health Commissioner Karen Shelton also cleared the way Wednesday for adults aged 65 and over and those with certain medical conditions aged 18 to 64 to receive coronavirus vaccines in pharmacies without needing a prescription.

Illinois remains undecided: its health department continues to consult medical experts and expects to issue formal guidance by the end of September.

In the absence of federal leadership, we will have 50 states doing 50 different things, Kyle McGowan, a former chief of staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the first Trump administration, told the Washington Post.

We saw this during the early stages of Covid-19 as well with states just doing what they hoped was right because of the chaos at the federal level.
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A lone Democrat competing for a state senate seat in a deeply Republican Atlanta suburb garnered nearly 40 per cent of votes in a special primary election in August, amplifying her party's hope that discontent with President Donald Trump could spur future wins.

However, it remains uncertain if Debra Shigley's success truly foreshadows a Democratic wave. Georgia Republican strategist Brian Robinson highlighted that Democrats often perform well in low-turnout special elections, and parties typically fare better locally when not in control of the executive branch.

To read the tea leaves too much is a fools errand, because its such a low turnout, Robinson said.

All it shows is that Democrats are more angry than Republicans are, and fear and anger are the most important motivators in voter turnout.

Democrats have consistently exceeded expectations in special elections nationwide since Trump took office, with data revealing a significant swing in their favour. The Downballot, tracking 39contests, indicates Democrats have, on average, performed 15.7percentage points better than Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential candidate performance.

While Republicans largely held their seats, Democrats successfully flipped a state senate seat in Pennsylvania in March, and two in Iowa during January and August.

This trend is now playing out in Georgia's District 21, where Democrat Shigley has advanced to a September 23 runoff against Republican Jason Dickerson, who is expected to be favoured. The seat became vacant after Trump appointed state Senator Brandon Beach, who secured over 70 per cent of the vote in 2024, to serve as US treasurer.

open image in gallery Debra Shigley competed against six Republican candidates ( AP )

Georgia's special legislative elections lack party primaries, meaning Shigley competed directly against six Republican candidates. Investment company president Dickerson secured second place with 17.4 per cent of the vote.

Shigley is a lawyer and mother of five who started a business that delivers hair care services to women of color. She lives in the affluent suburb of Milton, and it is her second political race after she lost in 2024 to Republican state House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones.

Shigley promises to champion working families and push to lower the costs of housing, health care and groceries. But she says her campaign is also generating enthusiasm because it's letting Democrats organize and make their voices heard in a moment when folks have felt a lot of despair.

The chaos thats happening right now is causing folks not just pain in their pocketbook but the anxiety when you look at the headlines and feel its just one chaotic measure everyday, Shigley said at a recent campaign event in the district, which includes suburbs in Fulton and Cherokee counties about 20 miles (30 kilometers) north of downtown Atlanta.

Connor Roberts, who knocked on hundreds of doors for Shigley over the summer before starting his freshman year at college, said people may not be switching which party they vote for, but many who lean liberal are really fired up about Trump's actions and are voting in special elections when they usually wouldn't.

Dickerson, for his part, has made standard conservative appeals on the campaign trail, advocating for lower taxes, less bureaucracy, stricter immigration enforcement and election integrity. He is self-funding his race.

Dickerson is stepping up to serve our community rather than lobbyists or special interests, his campaign website says.

Dickerson has said his experience as a businessman would help him work with other legislators to pass conservative policies. He also touts his track record helping people access housing and scholarships through his foundation.

The Democratic Party in Cherokee County, home to most of the district, has historically been weak, according to party chair Nate Rich.

open image in gallery Georgia Republican Party chairman Josh McKoon ( AP )

But Rich said it has come alive for Shigley's campaign, which has drawn hundreds of volunteers and unprecedented enthusiasm from voters. In his view Democrats need a platform that promises to do more than just oppose Trump, and Shigley's emphasis on helping working families does just that.

The small army that we built, we're training them up, Rich said.

Even if Shigley loses, Democrats hope grassroots organizers will multiply statewide with races coming up in 2026 for governor, U.S senator and other offices.

The way we win the governors seat and the U.S. Senate seat is by organizing up and down the ballot, and its races like Debras that are going to lay the groundwork that is going to build the broad-based coalition that we need to win, said former state Sen. Jason Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat and gubernatorial candidate who has campaigned for Shigley multiple times.

Georgia Republican Party chairman Josh McKoon said Republicans also need to mobilize their voters to avoid losses like the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff, but the state still leans conservative.

If Democrats are saying that because she got 39 per cent of the vote in a rock-bottom-turnout special election, that's good news, then theyre having to look really hard to find good news for Georgia Democrats, McKoon said.

How voters feel about Trump a year from now will matter most for the 2026 elections, said Charles Bullock III, a political science professor at the University of Georgia.

McKoon noted that the GOP picked up ground in the 2024 presidential election and is confident voters still largely support Trump statewide. But Bullock said there are signs that people across party lines are displeased with the president's immigration crackdown and tariffs, which could continue to drive up prices.

Whats going to be at play in 2026 is does Trump deliver on his promises, and if he does, are they still popular? Bullock said.

Only if Democrats flip more seats across the country, he said, will Shigleys race tell us something broader.
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Donald Trump has shared a video calling for the president to reinstate a Cold War-era media accountability law in response to the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, with a petition calling for its revival gathering more than 5,000 signatures within 13 hours.

Following the 31-year-old Kirks killing at Utah Valley University and the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, TikTok user Ellie May called for the president to reintroduce the SmithMundt Act, a U.S. law once intended to prevent domestic dissemination of U.S.-backed foreign media, and to give it a new name: the Charlie Kirk Act.

Mays video went viral and was shared on the presidents Truth Social account.

In her video, May accused media outlets of spreading propaganda and conspiracy theories that spread rapidly across social media platforms.

AIgenerated images and false claims misidentifying the suspect were among the content circulated, some of which gained additional reach via Grok, Xs AI chatbot. It reportedly acknowledged errors only after several false posts had already gone viral.

open image in gallery MAGA supporter Ellie May is calling on President Donald Trump to reinstate the Cold War-era SmithMundt Act after Charlie Kirk's death ( Getty Images/TikTok/@official_elly_may )

I think the only way to bring forward decent change in this country is to start speaking up, May told The Independent in a direct message on X.

We had one Charlie Kirk before he passed since his death, May added. We have seen more people who have never put their faces in front of a camera start speaking truth to power. I think this is, not to play words on his organization, a turning point in our country.

Changing the law would require an act of Congress.

In her TikTok video, where she largely reads from the Change.org petition she created, May, who told The Independent she only began engaging in elections in 2016, when she became eligible to vote, claims that media outlets frequently label individuals as fascists, Nazis, white supremacists, or bigots without evidence, fueling public hostility.

She argued that accountability should extend beyond traditional news outlets to include content creators who disseminate propaganda and halftruths online.

Each violation should be subject to a fine amounting to at least 35 percent of the company's value, May read from the online proposal she wrote. Baseless accusations, such as labeling individuals as bigots, fascists, or racist, without verifiable proof, tarnish reputations and endanger lives. Such acts should not be tolerated and must invite strict accountability measures.

Her petition, which has 5,000 signatures in less than a day since its launch, also includes the proposal of stringent penalties for social media companies that censor information unfairly.

Each violation should be subject to a fine amounting to at least 35 percent of the company's value, May wrote. Baseless accusations, such as labeling individuals as bigots, fascists, or racist, without verifiable proof, tarnish reputations and endanger lives. Such acts should not be tolerated and must invite strict accountability measures.

May told The Independent that the response to her petition has been a lot more digestible than she expected.

Each time I check, its going up by about 100 signatures, so I feel like this could become a pivotal moment in American history, she said. If I were to ratio it percentage-wise, its about a 70-30, and the 70 percent are behind it.

May called on Trump in her video to restore the SmithMundt Act, which she falsely claimed was abolished in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Joe Biden, and to rename it in Kirks honor.

open image in gallery Mays proposal also includes severe penalties for social media companies that engage in censorship or allow unverified defamatory labels ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Obama did not abolish the Smith-Mundt Act. Instead, his administration oversaw the passage of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012, which amended parts of the original law.

Nothing in that bill applies to what private media organizations in the can or cannot publish.

The original 1948 act created a ban on the domestic dissemination of informational materials produced by the U.S. government intended for foreign audiences, like those from the Voice of America.

The amendment, becoming effective on July 2, 2013, lifted the decades-old ban, so Americans can access content from the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the media organizations that it supports.

May also posted a follow-up video to X on Saturday addressing backlash she received for allegedly promoting media censorship, captioning the post, Do not put words in my mouth that I didnt say.

So heres what we're not going to do: We're not going to conflate what I said with your feelings, May said. I'm not calling for censorship, I'm calling for media organizations to be held accountable for the ignorant s**t that they say.

May criticized viral claims suggesting Robinson was a MAGA-aligned, ultra-conservative Republican, as well as proliferation of AI-doctored photos related to Robinsons political views, including altered images of the shooter in MAGA apparel and allegedly fabricated screenshots showing donations to pro-Trump causes, which May insisted are entirely fake.

That photo does not f***ing exist, she said.

open image in gallery Kirks alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail

Erika Kirk, Charlies widow, vowed Friday to continue his legacy by advancing the right-wing movement he founded in an emotional tribute from Phoenix, Arizona.

As she addressed supporters, Erika, who is also the mother of their two young children, promised to grow Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization her husband started, into the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.

Robinson is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. He is expected to be formally charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.

Aggravated murder is a capital felony under Utah law, which means if convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.
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An Office Depot worker who was seen in a video apparently refusing to print a poster of the assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk for a vigil has been fired, according to the retailer.

Upon learning of the incident, we immediately reached out to the customer to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction, the company said in a statement on X. We have also launched an immediate internal review and, as a result, the associate involved is no longer with the organization.

The incident in question took place Friday afternoon at an Office Depot location in Portage, Michigan.

In a video of the incident shared by Kelly Sackett, chairwoman of the Kalamazoo County Republican Party, an Office Depot worker can be heard saying, We dont print propaganda. Its propaganda, Im sorry. We dont print that here.

This is for a prayer tonight, for a prayer vigil, one of the individuals trying to print the poster says in response.

open image in gallery Employees at store refused to print poster of Kirk for prayer vigil at local park, claiming it was propaganda and violation of company policy, local GOP says ( WWMT )

Matthew DePerno, a lawyer representing the party, told The Independent that the confrontation occurred when a group of youth GOP leaders attempted to organize a vigil in honor of Kirk.

DePerno, who personally knew Kirk, said the late activist was a positive force who recruited numerous young people to conservative politics with regular events at college campuses like the one where Kirk was fatally shot in Utah this week.

The lawyer called it outrageous that a major chain would prevent someone from printing a simple poster featuring Kirks name and date of birth.

These kids wanted to be involved in the event, in the prayer vigil, and Office Depot should not have told them that this was political propaganda or refused to print it, DePerno said.

They hired employees who displayed and pushed their own politics on customers.

open image in gallery Despite Office Depot incident, local organizers later printed Kirk poster elsewhere and held vigil in Kalamazoo park ( WWMT )

The lawyer added that when he called Office Depot customer service, he was routed to a call center outside the U.S. and told company policy prevented printing such posters, even though DePerno said the local GOP has used Office Depot to print past political materials like posters and yard signs.

The group then went to a FedEx store and printed their posters, which were used for a vigil event in Bronson Park in Kalamazoo on Friday evening.

Multiple employees were involved in the decision to deny printing the poster, and DePerno hopes they also face accountability.

We wanted a message of unity, organizer Dayne Webb, youth chair of the Kalamazoo Young Republican Party, said at the vigil event, WWMT reports. You know thats what Charlie was all about, is bringing people together, no matter if they disagreed or agreed. At this time when people want to turn to violence, or turn to divisiveness, and demonize the other side, we cant do that.

Despite everything, the vigil happened and it was beautiful, Webb later wrote on Facebook, sharing a link to the news story about the Office Depot incident.
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Donald Trumps border czar has admitted that ICE is running out of space to house migrants arrested as part of the ramping up of the presidents deportation sweeps.

Were almost at capacity, Tom Homan told reporters at the White House earlier this week, but added that we got beds coming online every day.

It comes as Trumps push to implement his aggressive immigration agenda continues apace, with ICE agents being deployed to major metropolitan cities, including Chicago and Boston. In the Windy City, the newly launched operation Midway Blitz aims to crack down on those taking advantage of so-called sanctuary cities.

Officials of such states and cities, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as well as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, have hit back against what they perceive as government overreach.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps border czar has admitted that ICE is running out of space to house migrants arrested as part of the ramping up of the presidents deportation sweeps. It comes as Trumps push to implement his aggressive immigration agenda continues apace, with ICE agents being deployed to major metropolitan cities including Chicago and Boston. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Shame on Governor Healey and Mayor Wu, Homan said Tuesday. Shame on both of them. They should be calling the White House thanking Trump, thanking ICE for making the community safer.

Under the direction of White House special advisor Stephen Miller, ICE agents were tasked with making 3,000 immigration arrests per day, with reports that officials were asked if that number could go even higher.

Its interesting timing because we dont have the bed space to support all the arrests, an anonymous administration official told Politico, echoing Homans remarks to reporters.

Figures from late August showed that the Trump administration is holding more than 61,000 people in detention, often giving rise to instances of medical neglect and other poor conditions. The government has fewer than 65,000 beds to house immigrants, the official told Politico.

open image in gallery Tom Homan told reporters at the White House earlier this week that the administration was close to capacity, but added that we got beds coming online every day ( Getty Images )

Despite the number of people being held having almost doubled  some 39,000 were held by ICE during the final days of the Biden administration  capacity has not increased in any significant way.

In Florida, the expansion of the now-infamous Alligator Alcatraz has been halted by a federal judge on environmental grounds. The facility has capacity for about 2,000 detainees, though state officials initially said they hoped to hold as many as twice that level to make up for overcrowded detention facilities elsewhere.

The prison held about 900 people in mid-July, according to members of Congress who visited. The population dwindled to around 300 by the end of August, according to a Florida congressman.

open image in gallery In Florida, the expansion of the now-infamous Alligator Alcatraz has been halted by a federal judge on environmental grounds ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

open image in gallery The facility has capacity for about 2,000 detainees, though state officials initially said they hoped to hold as many as twice that level to make up for overcrowded detention facilities elsewhere ( REUTERS )

The lack of space comes even despite Congress approving $45 billion in new funding for ICE detention centers. Altogether, Trumps Big, Beautiful domestic policy bill set aside more than $170 billion for immigration enforcement over the next decade.

In a statement shared with Politico, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the funding bill would help ensure an average daily population of 100,000 immigrants and provide 80,000 new ICE beds.

In mere weeks ICE had greatly expanded detention space by working with our state partners McLaughlins statement said, pointing to Alligator Alcatraz and the Deportation Depot in Florida, as well as the Louisiana Lockup in Louisiana.
Chinese state councilor urges improving assistive devices for people with disabilities

Xinhua) 09:45, September 13, 2025

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also director of the State Council's working committee for disabled people, attends the 2025 Care &Rehabilitation Expo China (CR Expo) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin on Friday urged efforts to develop the rehabilitation and assistive device industry for people with disabilities, thus further boosting their wellbeing.

Shen, also director of the State Council's working committee for disabled people, made the remarks while attending the 2025 Care &Rehabilitation Expo China (CR Expo), which was held in Beijing.

During the event, Shen watched the presentation of homegrown high-tech devices such as robotics with brain-computer interface and exoskeletons. She also took time to learn about the research and application of intelligent wheelchairs and other items.

Shen stressed the need to accelerate the industry's development, refine the subsidy system for relevant devices, and better meet the multi-level, diversified and high-standard demand of people with disabilities and elderly people with disabilities or dementia.

She also urged for enhanced efforts to better assist people with disabilities through sci-tech empowerment and to strengthen sci-tech and industrial innovation in this field.

Hosted by the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the CR Expo runs from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14 in Beijing. It brings together the most advanced and most updated technologies, achievements and products from the rehabilitation, assistive device, elderly care and health industries.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
by Xinhua writer Hu Xiaoming, Li Hanlin

MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China holds strategic importance for BMW, the German automaker's top executive said, stressing the country's role as a global innovation engine and a deepening partnership that supports the company's future growth.

Speaking to Xinhua at the 2025 International Motor Show Germany in Munich, Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, said the Chinese market is "not only our largest single market, but also a source of strong innovation," noting that BMW has invested heavily in the country.

"We have the largest footprint outside Germany in China. Since 2010, BMW has invested around 116 billion yuan (16.3 billion U.S. dollars) at our Shenyang production base, making it our largest investment outside Germany," Zipse said.

He noted that in China, BMW has its largest production base and R&D team outside Germany, with over 3,000 engineers across R&D centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing, as well as three dedicated software development companies.

"We are deeply rooted in China, understanding customer needs and market dynamics. The combination of German engineering expertise with China's extensive supplier network and local innovation creates a unique global advantage," Zipse said.

China's innovation is crucial for BMW's global strategy, he said. "Currently, the biggest innovations we see come out of China. Combining our strengths allows us to develop products that set new standards globally."

Zipse underscored China's role in BMW's commitment to globalization. "China, with its 1.4 billion people and status as the world's largest single market, naturally holds an extremely important place for us," he said.

He acknowledged the intensifying competition in China's automotive sector but stressed that it is not a barrier.

"China is highly competitive, but we not only embrace competition, we also collaborate with local partners to create more market opportunities," he added, citing long-term cooperation with Chinese battery manufacturers CATL and EVE Energy.

Partnerships with Chinese companies, including Alibaba, Huawei, DeepSeek and Momenta, have enhanced cabin digital interaction and urban autonomous driving capabilities, he noted.

"These partnerships are not only local; they are global collaborations. We value this highly professional, efficient and growth-oriented cooperation. Open collaboration is the path to future success," he said.

Zipse highlighted the upcoming launch of the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 long-wheelbase model in China next year, calling it "the most Chinese product ever" and a concrete example of BMW's "in China, for China" approach.

The Neue Klasse iX3, a midsize electric SUV, boasts a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of more than 900 km, a 108-degree large cylindrical battery, and ultra-fast charging capable of over 400 km in 10 minutes.

"This car could not exist without the full support of Chinese suppliers. We always position these products as global models, not simply 'Made in China,'" Zipse said.

"It signals our long-term commitment to China. It shows that BMW is competitive and on eye-height with strong Chinese players, and that we aim to make BMW even stronger in China in the years ahead," he added. 
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President Trump on Saturday praised FBI Director Kash Patel following the capture of a suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

"I am very proud of the FBI," Trump told Fox News Digital. "Kashand everyone elsethey have done a great job."

Patel, a Trump loyalist with less experience than previous FBI directors, has faced criticism, including from the right, over his handling of the manhunt that ultimately captured suspect Tyler Robinson.

The search, which ended after less than two days when Robinson allegedly confessed to his father and later turned himself in to police, saw a series of embarrassing moments for the FBI, including Patel prematurely announcing a suspect had been captured only to backtrack.

Historically, the FBI has been very cautious about releasing information to ensure that when they do, it is accurate, former FBI agent Katherine Schweit, author of Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis and How to Talk About Guns With Anyone, told The Independent earlier this week, pointing to the unusual nature of Patels posts about the investigation.

open image in gallery Kash Patel has faced criticism for an incorrect disclosure of information and internal firings at the FBI amid the manhunt for the gunman that killed Charlie Kirk ( REUTERS )

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, Patel reportedly berated his fellow agents for not immediately showing him a photo of the suspect that had been found, even though the image was reportedly already in Patels briefing materials, The Washington Post reports.

Morale is low inside the bureau, and Patel is seen as crumbling under pressure, sources told the newspaper.

The assassination, one of the biggest tests yet of Patels leadership, came as the director had led a series of firings of top agents, including three decorated FBI leaders who sued earlier this week, claiming they had been targeted for perceived disloyalty to Trump. Leadership reshuffles meant that the Salt Lake City FBI field office, which helped lead the Kirk shooter manhunt, was led by an agent with less than a month on the job.

Influential right-wing activist Christopher Rufo wrote on X that Patel had performed terribly in the search.

open image in gallery FBI has faced firings, lawsuits, and mass reassignment of agents to immigration duties during Trump administration ( REUTERS )

We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done, Rufo continued. I've been on the phone the last few days with many conservative leaders, all of whom wholeheartedly support the Trump Administration and none of whom are confident that the current structure of the FBI is up to this task.

Thoroughly unimpressed with Kash Patel after this, conservative media figure John Cardillo wrote on X. Public info releases from the Bureau have been clumsy and sloppy.

Others on the online far-right reportedly mocked Patel for saying, after the gunmans capture, that the FBI director would meet Kirk in Valhalla, the afterlife realm for warriors in Norse mythology.

According to the suit from former agents, Patel and a top deputy, former podcaster and Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, allegedly told FBI officials that they should be posting more about their successful investigations and other FBI wins on social media.
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The Trump administration has reportedly drafted plans to activate roughly 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops and send them to the states urban centers like New Orleans, the latest potential expansion of the unprecedented White House effort to use military troops in law enforcement in Democratic-led cities around the country.

In an undated memo obtained by The Washington Post, the Department of Defense described a potential plan, lasting through September 2026, to activate such troops if the Republican governor of Louisiana requests them.

The documents described the plan as having a unique advantage of working with the states Republican Governor Jeff Landry, whose support could allow the federal government to invoke Title 32 of the U.S. Code, allowing the National Guard to operate under state control with federal funds, avoiding running afoul of a bedrock federal law stopping the military from being involved in domestic law enforcement.

Leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy, the Pentagon said in a statement to the paper, affirming the documents authenticity. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise.

The Independent has requested comment from Landrys office.

open image in gallery An undated Trump plan reportedly calls for 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to deploy across cities in operation lasting until late 2026 ( AFP/Getty )

The president has been floating sending troops to New Orleans, a Democratic-led city in a Republican state, since earlier this month, following deployments of troops in Washington and Los Angeles, as well as so-far-unrealized threats to send the military into Chicago.

Landry recently wrote on X that Louisiana wanted Trumps help from New Orleans to Shreveport!

Trump claimed this week that New Orleans is in really bad shape, though the police department there in May reported a 20 percent decrease in violent crime so far this year compared with the same period last year.

The president has also said troops will be sent to Memphis, another blue city in a red state. Murder in the city is currently at a six-year low.

We're gonna fix that just like we did Washington, Trump told Fox and Friends on Friday of Memphis. I would've preferred going to Chicago."

open image in gallery Trump administration has pointed to Memphis as next city to experience federal National Guard anti-crime operation, following controversial deployment in Washington, D.C. ( AP )

The mayor of Memphis, Paul Young, has said he opposes a federal military action in the city to fight crime.

I did not ask for the National Guard and I dont think it is the way to drive down crime, he said at a news conference. However, that decision has been made.

Last week, the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over sending the Guard into the capital, arguing the operation was an illegal military occupation which violated federal prohibitions on using troops for law enforcement.

A federal judge ruled in early September that the administration willfully broke the law by sending National Guard troops into Los Angeles over the objection of state officials to respond to anti-immigration raid protests, writing that the operation raised the specter of creating a national police force with the President as its chief.

The administration has appealed the ruling.
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In a sleepy village just outside Paris, the local Mayor is handing out brick phones to a crowd of bemused teenagers.

Last year, residents of Seine-Port voted in a referendum to ban smartphone use in public. The decision was driven by a noble cause: to wrestle villagers young and old away from devices that increasingly consume every minute of their daily lives.

Announcing the decision, Mayor Vincent Paul-Petit pledged to halt the smartphone invasion. But nineteen months after its implementation, he fears it could cost him the local election next March.

It is not easy for people to accept the mayor removing smartphones from their lives, he told The Independent.

open image in gallery Vincent Paul-Petit, the mayor of Seine-Port ( Supplied )

Under the rules he introduced, villagers are not legally banned from using smartphones but business owners including butchers and bakeries are encouraged to refuse service to anyone scrolling on their phones. He claims many locals obey these orders politely.

Phone calls are permitted on the streets, but residents are expected to avoid scrolling on the internet. The town also provides teenagers with a phone that can only make calls on the condition that their parents do not buy them a smartphone. Around half of all families in the village have opted in, according to the mayor, with a new framework restricting children from using their phones in the morning before bed, in the bedroom and while eating dinner.

Mr Paul-Petit, who belongs to the centre-right Les Republicains party, has faced questions over whether he has an acceptable mandate for such a drastic intrusion into villagers lives. Seine-Port has a population of around 1,900 people but jut 20 per cent of the villages electoral register turned out to vote for the ban - meaning approximately 150 people were responsible for the decision.

He is well aware the ban was a controversial move. Some parents do consider that it is their own business, that its not a subject to be addressed by the Mayor. Others of course consider, and thats my perspective, that they need help to resist the digital tsunami, he said.

open image in gallery More than half of 18-39-year-olds in France show signs of mobile phone addiction (stock image) ( (Alamy/PA) )

Nevertheless, Mr Paul-Petit expects to be punished at the polling booth. It will not bring me any additional support, he said.

Still, he believes the town is a better place for having banned phones and said the policy was a response to growing calls to protect young people from digital addiction.

I know some parents say (to their children) the Mayor says no, it is forbidden, so you dont have a smartphone, and I think thats great.

He said some parents were pleased to get support in the fight they are facing to protect their own children from this digital tsunami.

Experts fear that smartphone addiction could soon become an epidemic among children. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that 57 per cent of French people aged 18-39 showed signs of addiction, while 67 per cent of French adults exhibited compulsive smartphone use.

Mr Paul-Petit says he has noticed a change in behaviour since introducing the policy and improved communication in the village. The two main successes of the ban have been people staying off their phones in shops and schools.

He also claims the ban has helped two teenagers he knows get rid of a severe digital addiction.

open image in gallery Parts of the United States have recently joined countries across the world in banning phones in the classroom ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But for many people, he says the ban is seen as a joke.

A lot of people dont always understand why a mayor is doing this, he said. But others say thank you. Each family is facing some difficulty in managing these tools.

His town is not the only one to attempt such an ambitious policy. Last month, Toyoake, in Japan, submitted a bill to its local assembly to propose limiting smartphone usage to two hours per day.

Toyoakes Mayor, Masafumi Koki, appears to be facing the same dilemma as Mr Paul-Petit. The town received more than 120 calls and emails in just the first four days of the announcement, with about four in five expressing opposition.

While phone bans outside the small town of Seine-Port have yet to extend to the over-18s, many countries have seen a clampdown on their usage in schools, with blanket bans in place in several countries.

Schools in New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands, and several parts of the United States have all faced restrictions in the classroom, with Australia taking it one step further in December as it imposes an outright ban on social media for under-16s.

But Mr Paul Petit has a word of advice for Mr Koki and any other leader who may be seeking to introduce a similar ban.

It will not make you a popular mayor.
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Laser beams, robodogs and drone-zapping microwaves, these are the types of weapons that could be deployed on battlefields in the not too distant future. Some are already here.

The threat of a wider war in Europe feels increasingly real to many on the continent, after Russias drone incursion into Poland sparked fears that Russian aggression will continue to spill beyond Ukraines borders.

The Ukraine war has revolutionised military conflict, with futuristic weapons, such as fibre-optic drones which are immune to jamming and radio frequency detection, drone protection nets, and ground robots, all used by Moscow and Kyivs forces.

Now, weapons being developed and tested by the biggest militaries in the world are making science fiction a reality, with ever increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI).

open image in gallery Russian drones are already wreaking havoc across Ukraine, like this attack on a residential building in Kyiv ( Reuters )

Defence experts have acknowledged the dystopian reality created by the use of robotic and autonomous weapons, as critics warn against delegating life-and-death decisions to machines.

Lt Col Jahara Franky Matisek, is a US Air Force command pilot and command centre director at the US Northern Command.

He told The Independent: Ultimately, science fiction has to now meet supply chains, where minerals, rare earths, and other metals become strategic chokepoints  mostly controlled by China  for acquiring the needed materials to make drones, batteries, lasers, AI-enabled hardware, and numerous other futuristic weapon systems.

Lasers and microwaves make drones cheap to defeat, not to mention EW (electronic warfare) interrupting drones as well; and of course AI accelerates decision-making, he said. But judgement and logistics remain irreplaceable.

His sentiments were shared by Patrick Wilcken, a researcher on military, security and policing at Amnesty International, who warned of the moral, ethical and legal risks posed by such weapons.

These range from practical issues related to the risks of bias, discrimination and overly rigid categorisation of people to more fundamental questions of dehumanisation and the undermining of human dignity, he said.

Here, The Independent looks at some of the weapons making their way to the battlefield.

Drone Warfare

open image in gallery A Geran/Shahed-type drone that crashed inside Poland after it was launched at Ukraine by Russia this week ( Telewizja Republika )

The use of drones by Ukraine and Russia has transformed conventional warfare, serving in both countries defence and offence capabilities.

Both sides have scaled up the mass production of drones, including one-way attack drones, reconnaissance drones, cheap kamikaze models, first-person view drones for precision strikes, and many more.

Electronic warfare jamming has also become crucial to the conflict, allowing each side to divert the others drones.

Drones can cost anything from a few thousand US dollars to more than $100,000 (74,000), depending on their purpose and how advanced they are.

The Ukrainian defence ministry claims that around 95 per cent of drones it uses on the frontline are produced domestically. Russia, meanwhile, has significantly grown its domestic drone production since its full-scale invasion in 2022, reducing its reliance on Iranian-made Shahed drones.

This has allowed it to fire tens of thousands of drones at Ukraine, with increasingly large numbers of projectiles used in its nightly barrages leading to a record of 823 on Tuesday this week.

Armed Robot Animals

open image in gallery The US has been testing a robot dog armed with an AI-enabled gun turret in the Middle East ( US Army )

Earlier this month, China displayed an array of its latest weaponry in a massive military parade in Beijing. Featured among the fighter jets and goose-stepping troops were its robot wolves.

According to Chinese state media, these four-legged robots can fire precise shots and work in rough terrain. They are designed to assist in complex and dangerous battlefield conditions, with the aim to replace human soldiers to reduce combat casualties.

Weighing up at 70kg (154lb), the wolves can hit targets which are up to 100 metres away, Chinese media states.

Theyre suited for urban reconnaissance, breaching, or remote weapons but are limited by battery life, vulnerable communications, and small payloads, said Lt Col Matisek.

Their value hinges on robust sensors and secure networks, not just the platform. A lot of their drone tech in each domain looks impressive for parades, but is still too niche on battlefields  best for urban recon, not open-field charges.

Robot canines are not a new concept  the US has been testing their own versions, while Israel has been experimenting with robotic, unmanned combat systems to protect soldiers and military dogs in Gaza.

Mechanical animals cost thousands of pounds to produce, but they can come as cheap as the gun-toting robot dogs sold in China by tech company Unitree Robotics for as little as $1,600 (1,300).

Flying Chernobyl

open image in gallery The Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile, dubbed the Skyfall by Nato ( Russian Defence Ministry )

Dozens of nations have advanced cruise missiles in their arsenal, but Russia claims to be developing an invincible kind that is nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed and could, apparently, circle the Earth for an indefinite period of time.

The 9M730 Burevestnik  codenamed SSC-X-9 Skyfall by Nato  is believed to be a subsonic cruise missile, with a potential range of 23,000km (15,000 miles) or more. Little is known about its capabilities, cost, or how realistic they are, but it has attracted ridicule from Western officials.

Why on Earth would you have a nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped cruise missile? That is nothing more than a flying Chernobyl, Marshall Billingslea, a former US arms control envoy, said in 2020.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said the weapon is invincible to current and future missile defences, and that it has an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.

Experts, however, say its a bit more complicated than that.

The point about an unpredictable trajectory of Burevestnik is that since it is designed to have an unlimited range thanks to its nuclear propulsion, it could take a long detour and fly around the areas where air defences are deployed, Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, told The Independent.

Assuming, of course, that these areas are known in advance and that the density of air defences is relatively low.

High-Powered Microwaves

open image in gallery The USs Tactical High-Power Operational Responder, or Thor, a high-powered microwave weapon that can disable a swarm of drones ( US Air Force )

Several countries are testing new high-powered microwave weapons that can take down swarms of drones.

They work by emitting directed bursts of electromagnetic energy to disable the electronics of drones mid-flight.

The US has been testing several types of these weapons, including the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (Thor), Leonidas and Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Powered Microwave, or IFPC-HPM.

High-powered microwaves can cost millions to make, with the first Thor developed for around $18m (13m) and subsequent models costing around $15m to produce. The Leonidas system will have a purchase price of between $10m and $20m per system, according to Andy Lowery, the CEO of Epirus, which was contracted to produce several prototypes in 2023.

The UK is also developing its own version, called the RapidDestroyer.

While still in the experimental stage, there are drawbacks to these technologies, namely power demands, limited range and risks of electromagnetic interference with friendly systems, said Lt Col Matisek.

These will be critical for airbase and convoy defence against massed drones. So essentially the microwaves are swarm-killers  one pulse can fry multiple drones, he added.

However, power and your own electronics are the weak links in this microwave killchain.

Laser Beams

open image in gallery The DragonFire laser weapon can hit aerial targets ( Ministry of Defence )

Laser weapons are directed-energy systems that use beams of light to damage or destroy targets, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional ammunition.

The UK plans to fit four warships with the cutting edge DragonFire laser weapon from 2027, to better protect the vessels from missiles and drone attacks. DragonFire beams can hit a 1 coin from 1km away, with each shot costing less than 10, according to the Ministry of Defence.

It is unclear exactly how much each unit will cost, but its production was funded by a 100m joint investment by the MoD and the defence industry.

It offers speed-of-light precision and deep magazines but struggles in fog, rain, or smoke and demands significant power and cooling, said Lt Col Matisek.

It will be a game-changer for cost-effective drone defence in clear conditions, less so in adverse weather. So it would probably be useful for countering the stuff the Houthis are shooting at Western vessels passing by in the Red Sea.

Countries including the US, China, and Israel are also developing their own laser weapons.
'People's eyes light up when they realise they can get a 1m pension pot with only 220k of net income'

Have you reached the pension pot target for your age bracket?

The prospect of saving 11 times your salary is daunting for most Irish workers. Photo: Getty

Meadhbh McGrath Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Around six in 10 Irish workers feel theyre not on track for a reasonable standard of living in retirement, according to a recent survey.
Katriona OSullivan: 'I got sent a picture by a teacher who had set up a wash station at her school  knickers, soap, toothpaste. Its just massive'

When her memoir Poor hit shelves in 2023, it blew open conversations about class, inequality, education, and childhood trauma. Here, the author talks about the fears she had about sharing her story, the emotional rollercoaster of her book being adapted for the stage and why she said no to running for office

Katriona O'Sullivan interview ahead of stage adaptation of her book Poor

Tanya Sweeney Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Just over two years ago, I interviewed Katriona OSullivan  then a senior lecturer, but now a professor in Maynooth Universitys department of psychology  in her sparse on-campus office. We talked, and cried a little, as she detailed the story that would become her memoir, Poor.
Father of boy missing in Dublin to return from Brazil to aid garda search if required

Investigators have been searching site in Donabate for 10 days

Missing boy's father willing to return to Ireland to assist gardai

Robin Schiller Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

The father of a young boy missing from north Dublin and presumed dead has expressed a willingness to return to Ireland and assist gardai, the Irish Independent understands.
When we went on to liven up the crowd, I flashed my arse  Bad Manners Buster Bloodvessel on offending the Pope and the enduring appeal of Special Brew
Irelands Hotel Hall of Fame: Four Irish hotels now make the cut as all-time classics

The Irish Independents Hotel Hall of Fame is an honour roll of iconic stays from our Hot 100

The Gallery at Adare Manor

Pol O Conghaile Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Our Hot 100 list of the best hotels in Ireland for 2025 is published today.
by Ahmed Shafiq

CAIRO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- In the summer of 2005, a wave of raw hope engulfed us in Gaza, a feeling that now seems almost alien. As a young journalist, I was positioned at the heart of it, witnessing what was hailed as a historic turning point: the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The newsroom was a crucible of anticipation as we obsessively tracked then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan, our future seemingly hanging in the balance as we monitored live reports and field dispatches.

We processed the raw emotion of the withdrawal: the defiant shouts of settlers refusing to leave homes that had become monuments to a military presence, the tearful farewells under the watchful eyes of Israeli soldiers, and the deliberate demolition of the very structures that had symbolized our oppression.

Each update was a new verse in a complex story of liberation and loss. On Sept. 12, 2005, the symbolic conclusion arrived as the last Israeli soldiers departed, leaving behind a blank canvas where a new Gaza could, we hoped, be painted.

For us, the people of Gaza, this was not just a political event, but rather an existential shift.

Before that moment, my life, and the lives of all Gazans, were defined by the suffocating rhythm of occupation. A simple assignment meant a constant, gnawing fear of the next checkpoint -- each one a potential trap where soldiers held the power to humiliate or detain you.

The initial days were a blur of celebration. The highways of Gaza, normally choked by checkpoints, were alive with parades. Cars adorned with Palestinian flags wound their way through the city, their horns blaring a symphony of freedom.

Unforgettable was the sight of people, entire families, entering the evacuated settlements for the first time. For generations, these urban lands had been a forbidden territory, another world hidden behind fences and watchtowers. It was a moment of profound psychological repossession, a tangible taste of a sovereignty we had only ever dreamed of.

Nevertheless, the hope of 2005 was tragically short-lived. The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, rather than birthing stability, exposed a political vacuum that spiraled into internal strife.

Israel seized on this fragmentation, imposing a comprehensive blockade that sealed Gaza's land, sea and air. What followed was a slow asphyxiation, compounded by repeated military offensives, including operation "Cast Lead" in 2008, "Pillar of Defense" in 2012 and "Protective Edge" in 2014. Relentless assaults targeted and destroyed homes, infrastructure, schools, hospitals and even Gaza's sole power station, plunging the territory into long hours of darkness.

The echoes of my late father's words still resonate within me. He always pleaded with me to stay in Gaza, clinging to hope even in despair. He would tell me that things were bound to get better one day, that a more brilliant tomorrow was certain to come.

But the 2014 war broke his will. He surrendered to his fear for me, for my perilous life as a field reporter, especially after witnessing the deaths of colleagues during that year's offensive. I can still hear the bitter, feeble tone of his voice when he said: "You're better off traveling and finding a job somewhere else. Gaza is no longer safe for you."

With an Egyptian citizenship, the painful decision was made to leave, seeking refuge for my family -- my wife and two children -- in Cairo.

I had always held onto the belief that these wars were just temporary and that the dream of an independent Palestinian state would one day be realized. Then came Oct. 7, 2023, and the war that followed. This one feels different -- not a cycle, but an unraveling. The political rhetoric from Israeli officials of mass expulsion and annexation, and the echoes of U.S. President Donald Trump's plans to displace Gazans, have turned a political struggle into an existential crisis.

The promise of 2005 has not only been unfulfilled, but has been brutally overturned. And like hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, I am overwhelmed by the deep fear that I will never again be able to see Gaza.

At just 14 years old, my son lives a life of stark contrasts. He understands the cruel twist of fate that has granted him a measure of safety, a new homeland that has embraced him, even as war consumed the place he once called home. He sometimes feels a sense of luck, a quiet gratitude for a life that continues.

Yet, that relief is shadowed by a boyhood marked by unimaginable loss. He carries the weight of memories and the ghosts of friends and relatives who did not survive the war in Gaza. And so, too often, he circles back to a question no child should have to ask: "Will we ever be able to visit Gaza again?" 
Perhaps it is the pace of change in todays world that makes some believe core principles can be devalued on a political whim.

No justification or degree of polarisation can excuse the assassination of Charlie Kirk this week. The autocrat will always reserve the right to superimpose their own code of ethics on a situation after distorting it through a prejudicial lens.

No doubt, Russian president Vladimir Putin would have little difficulty in coming up with a credible explanation as to why the 24 pensioners queuing for their money had to be blown up in Ukraine earlier this week.

Russian president Vladimir Putin. Photo: AP

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, September 13

They were among the more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians to have been killed in the three-year war, according to United Nations figures.

Frankly brutal, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post after the attack. He appealed to the international community to make Russia pay economically through additional sanctions.

The world should not remain silent, Mr Zelensky said. The United States needs a reaction. Europe needs a reaction. The G20 needs a reaction.

But there has not been one.

It is important that we retain some recognition of the principle of sovereign borders

The trouble is, when we do and say nothing, the principles that hold what precious little order we have in the world become even weaker. We move ever closer to a tipping point.

History shows that when this occurs the unconscionable can become normal. In the moral bankruptcy of violence, and war, new hallmarks are agreed upon. The currency of disinformation is traded more freely, and what is true becomes ever more debased.

President Trump was immediately prepared to give Putin the benefit of the doubt, it could have been a mistake, he said.

However, Polands prime minister Donald Tusk was unabashed in rebuffing the US presidents musings: We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasnt. And we know it.

With peace talks making no headway, and Moscow becoming ever more reckless, it is important that we retain some recognition of the principle of sovereign borders; even if only through lip service.

For yesterday more than 40 Palestinians were killed by Israelis. The death toll is now said to be 65,000.

Also yesterday, the United Nations General Assembly voted to endorse a declaration outlining tangible, time-bound, and irreversible steps towards a two-state solution. Tragically, the vote is more symbolic than meaningful.

Every acknowledgment of the right of Palestine to exist is amid the thunderous bombardment of Gaza City. It is more important than ever that the bell of principle continues to be struck, even if some give it the deaf ear.

In a lesser context, news that a public broadcaster in the Netherlands is to join RTE in a boycott of Eurovision if Israel remains as a participant also matters.

Humanitys principles, and values, must not adapt to circumstances; it is the circumstances that must be changed.
A repeat offender with 76 previous convictions has been jailed for a month after threatening to shoot a garda while drinking in public.

Dwayne McConville (39), of Davitt Park, Ballybrack, pleaded guilty at Dun Laoghaire District Court to being intoxicated in a public place and to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

The offences took place on Georges Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire, on October 15, 2024. Garda Dylan Walsh told the court he saw McConville drinking from a bottle of beer as he crossed the road. He said the defendant was stumbling and unsteady on his feet.

When he stopped him on the footpath, McConville began shouting, Im going to shoot you", in front of members of the public.

The court heard McConville has 61 prior convictions for public order offences and 76 in total. In December 2023, he was given the benefit of the Probation Act and placed on a two-year peace bond for Public Order Offences.

Michael OBrien BL, defending, said his client had become ill about a year ago. McConville told the court he believed he had throat cancer, though admitted this has not been diagnosed. Counsel said McConville is now completely off alcohol.

Judge Anne Watkin remarked: Well, you were well enough to get out of bed and commit an offence". She said McConville had been given a chance on a probation bond, but he went out and committed the very same offence again.

The judge, noting these were his 62nd and 63rd public order offences, sentenced him to one month in Mountjoy Prison.

Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal at 500 own bond and 500 independent surety, with half of each to be lodged in cash.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Hawks Well Theatre will also host a Pop Singalong with Sinead Conway.

Hawks Well Theatre is proud to celebrate Culture Night on Friday, September 19 with two special events at the theatre, inviting audiences to come together for an evening of creativity and community, and fun.

The theatre will host Hands of History, a historic sculpture by Raymond Watson. Born of fragile hope, this striking artwork captures the hands of political leaders who negotiated the Good Friday Agreement, a pivotal moment in Irelands peace process.

The installation presents more than 30 bronze hand-casts, mounted on three granite stones, featuring political party leaders such as Gerry Adams, John Hume, David Trimble, Monica McWilliams, David Ervine, and more  former opponents who chose dialogue over division and reached across the divide toward common ground.

Hands of History will be on display in Sligo from Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, with the Culture Night event running from 5pm to 10pm. Admission is free, and the project is proudly supported by Culture Night, Sligo County Council, and the Arts Council.

For younger audiences, Hawks Well Theatre will also host a Pop Singalong with Sinead Conway. Calling all Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo fans, this fun-filled singalong invites children to unleash their inner pop star. Sessions run at 4pm for ages 79 and 6pm for ages 1012.

These two events offer something for everyone, from a moving exploration of peace and history to an energetic celebration of music and performance.

Culture Night Sligo is funded by The Arts Council and delivered by Sligo County Councils Arts Service with local partners.
Joanna Sweeney is leading a 'Sligo Soundscapes: An evening of Music, Memory and Place' in Sligo Abbey as part of Culture Night.

Culture Night in Sligo Abbey this year will take visitors on an almost 800-year musical journey through the tunes, repertoire and composers of County Sligo.

Starting at 6pm on the evening of September 19th, 'Sligo Soundscapes: An evening of Music, Memory and Place' will be led by music scholar and multi-instrumentalist Joanna Sweeney. accompanied by Cliodhna Quinlan on flute and fiddle, and Mark Murphy on guitar and piano.

Joanna, from Riverstown, comes from an area which itself has a rich, influential and proud traditional music heritage; she plays bodhran, whistle and fiddle, and also sings.

For Culture Night, she said: We will take you on a journey of the music of County Sligo from the time of the building of the Abbey right up to the present day.

A professor of Tourism and Marketing at Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Joanna is currently on sabbatical for five years. Her main teaching subject areas were event management, culture and heritage, and the Irish tourism industry.

She recalled how when the Covid epidemic struck, many people reflected on what they were doing.

I decided to go back to the University of Limerick where I studied for a Masters in Irish traditional music performance. After that, I started working on different projects around Sligo. I was on a residency in the Hawk's Well, and it was while there that I embarked on the Sligo Soundscapes project, mapping out the repertoire and music of County Sligo. We have a very rich, intangible cultural heritage, particularly in Irish traditional music, which is renowned all over the world. And the Sligo style is probably one of the best known. When Michael Coleman, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran went to America and recorded that music, it was the first time many people had heard music like it.

The Culture Night event in Sligo Abbey on September 19th starts at 6pm (note revised time), finishing at 8pm. Booking, by email only at sligoabbey@opw.ie, is essential.

Sligo Abbey's Head Guide, Dr Andrew Whitefield, explained the importance of the Sligo Soundscapes event to the Abbey's role in promoting Irish culture and heritage to all.

He said: Sligo Abbey's recent Heritage Week programme of events attracted nearly 5,000 visitors, ranging from our closest neighbours to visitors from the other side of the world. Sligo Soundscapes promises an enchanting musical journey through time, which fits perfectly with the Abbey's long tradition at the heart of cultural life in Sligo.

The event is supported by Sligo County Council Arts Service, the Arts Council and the OPW.
A controversial solar farm in Tipperary has been granted planning permission on appeal, despite strong opposition from local residents  a decision that has been described as deeply disappointing.

An Coimisiun Pleanala (formerly An Bord Pleanala) have given the green light to Power Capital Renewable Energy Limited for the construction of a solar farm near the village of Dualla.

Tipperary County Council originally granted permission for the development, which was appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala by seven community groups and residents, including Dualla Together, Dualla Village Preschool, Kelly Reay, Conor and Kate Breen, and Enda Howley.

The appeals centred around several issues, including that the development would present a risk to drinking water, that it would have a significant impact on the learning environment for children in the area, that the size of the proposed development wasnt justified by the applicant, that the plans should be deemed invalid, that the solar farm would have an extreme impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area, and that the solar farm could lead to flooding on other lands in the area.

In response, Power Capital said that with a revised layout, there would be no risk to the Dualla Public Water Supply, that the solar panels would have a minimal impact on the natural environment, and that one of the appellants used selective extracts from plans to say that the plans should be deemed invalid.

The planning appeals board granted permission for the development, saying that it would be in accordance with national, European and regional policies in relation to renewable energy.

The inspector from An Coimisiun Pleanala said that the development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area or otherwise of property in the vicinity or have an unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or cultural or archaeological heritage, and would not have a significant adverse impact on ecology.

The development also would not have a significant adverse impact on water quality, would be acceptable in terms of traffic impacts and safety and would make a positive contribution to Ireland's renewable energy and security of energy supply requirements, the inspector added.

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The application was granted subject to 24 conditions, including that the planning permission for the operation of the development only be for 40 years from when they are commissioned, that noise levels during construction not exceed a certain level, and that building works only take place between the hours of 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.

In response to the granting of permission, Dualla Together said they were deeply disappointed with the decision.

"While the decision is deeply disappointing, in many ways it does not come as a surprise. The planning approval with twenty-four planning conditions are now being reviewed in detail to fully understand their implications for our local environment, infrastructure and quality of life, they said.

"It is important to note that this permission pertains solely to the lands designated and works associated with the solar arrays. We have not been informed or aware of any associated plans for the necessary substation / battery storage infrastructure, which we understand will require a separate application to An Coimisiun Pleanala, they added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Justin Baldonis lawyers bid to depose Taylor Swift in the ongoing lawsuit with his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively, has been rejected by a judge.

Judge Lewis Liman ruled on Friday that Baldonis lawyers waited too long to schedule Swifts deposition and wont be extending the deadline beyond 30 September.

Having failed to demonstrate appropriate diligence, the requested extension is denied, said Liman.

In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit claiming Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of the Coleen Hoover adaptation, in which Baldoni played her characters abusive partner.

In a defamation lawsuit, which has since been rejected, Baldoni alleged that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, tried to destroy his career using false allegations of sexual harassment.

On Friday, Swifts lawyer rejected claims that she has agreed to hand over evidence as part of the legal dispute.

As counsel for the parties know, since the inception of this matter, we have consistently maintained that my client has no material role in this action, read a letter submitted Friday by Swifts legal team and obtained by US Weekly.

Further, my client did not agree to a deposition, but if she is forced into a deposition, we advised (after first hearing about the deposition just three days ago) that her schedule would accommodate the time required during the week of October 20 if the parties were able to work out their disputes, the filing added. We take no role in those disputes.

The denial comes in direct response to court documents filed by Baldonis legal team on Thursday, asking for an extension on the discovery period to accommodate Swifts deposition the week of 20 October due to Ms Swifts pre-existing professional obligations".

Swift, whose new album The Life of a Showgirl will be released on 3 October, has agreed to appear for deposition but is unable to do so before October 20, 2025, they claimed.

The Gossip Girl stars lawyer also disputed Baldonis teams assertions that Swift has agreed to sit for a deposition, saying they are without evidence.

Even if one were to take the Wayfarer Defendants representation at face value, they have not come close to establishing good cause for their requested relief, they said in documents filed Friday.

Baldonis team was said to be interested in text messages that Lively may have exchanged with Swift about the working conditions on the set of It Ends With Us.

As part of the discovery process, Baldonis legal team had subpoenaed Swift for her communications with Lively.

That subpoena was dropped in May, after Swifts representative hit back by saying it had been designed to use Taylor Swifts name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.

In addition, Livelys team were unsuccessful in their attempts to exclude Swift from the case entirely.

Swift was dragged into the legal battle early on, when Baldoni claimed he was invited to Livelys house in 2023 to discuss script changes, where both Livelys husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Swift were present to serve as her dragons.

They denied that Swift had any involvement in the movies production, telling The UK Independent that her only connection to the project was her song My Tears Ricochet, which was used in the soundtrack.

Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film, the spokesperson said.

She did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history.
Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil
New alleged Jeffrey Epstein emails cast fresh light on his interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell

More than 18,000 messages between the notorious pair

Notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Joe Sommerlad UK Independent Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 09:25

A new tranche of emails from a personal Yahoo account allegedly belonging to Jeffrey Epstein has cast fresh light on the late paedophiles life, particularly his complicated relationship with accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
Donald Trump has said he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Russia, and also placed tariffs on China of 50pc to 100pc for its purchases of Russian petroleum.
Polish prime minister rejects Donald Trumps claim incursion was a mistake

Nato announced plans to beef up the defence of Europes eastern flank yesterday, two days after Poland shot down drones that had violated its airspace in the first known action of its kind by a member of the Western alliance during Russias war in Ukraine.
URUMQI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Flaming Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region loom heavy in the constant autumn heat, yet, surprisingly, rows of cobalt-blue barrels provide cool temperatures for fish more suited to alpine lakes.

Snow-melt percolates through ancient Karez wells, resurfacing in Bazha Village of Shanshan County at temperatures no higher than 19 degrees Celsius -- even in summer. Cold-water species like perch and trout, once absent, now thrive in these Gobi Desert microclimates.

Such facilities are also the result of Xinjiang's vigorous development of its water-based industries.

Bazha, home to the breeding base of the Shiquan Cold-Water Fish Breeding Cooperative, is nestled in the Turpan Basin, a region enduring over 100 days of scorching heat exceeding 35 degrees Celsius annually, with summer extremes on record reaching 49.6 degrees Celsius. Ground temperatures frequently soar to 70 degrees Celsius, earning the basin its nickname: Land of Fire.

Yet, paradoxically, the base thrives as a cold-water fish breeding hub, cultivating species like river perch and largemouth bass that typically inhabit cooler northern latitudes and higher altitudes, where water temperatures do not exceed 20 degrees Celsius.

Bazha's secret lies in the earth. Meters away, ancient Karez wells -- underground aqueducts carved by hand centuries ago -- collect melted ice and snow that has flowed down from the Tianshan Mountains. By the time it trickles into the barrels, the water has not been warmed by the desert heat. No machines hum and no electricity is needed. Gravity alone keeps the fish cool.

"The breeding water circulates approximately every five hours, ensuring that even in the hot summer, water temperatures do not exceed 19 degrees, and they stay above 15 degrees in the winter. It meets the growth requirements of cold-water fish perfectly," said Song Zhijun, head of the cooperative.

Over 210 tonnes of premium cold-water fish from the Turpan Basin were sold from January to June this year. Rainbow trout and river perch are now distributed to inland cities like Xi'an, port cities such as Shanghai, Qingdao and Dalian, and even exported to overseas markets including Russia and Japan.

Cold-water fish generally have longer growth cycles and are more sought-after in terms of taste, giving them a high economic value compared to other types of fish. But thanks to stable water temperatures, the land-based flow-through breeding model used in Turpan has led to shorter breeding cycles than those observed in natural bodies of water in places like Ili and Altay in northern Xinjiang.

"It usually takes three years for river perch in northern Xinjiang to grow from fry to marketable fish, but we only need 18 months," Song said. "Fish won't stop growing or refuse to eat due to excessively high or low water temperatures."

Alongside the Karez wells, cold water also gushes from high-altitude springs in Turpan. Local companies have leveraged these precious cold water resources to develop land-based, circular ecological breeding practices in various locations. They are also engaged in the deep processing of cold-water fish products, gradually forming a mature industrial chain.

Breeding bases have also been opened between the foothills of mountains and oases, where natural water flows can be established. After flowing through these breeding bases, the Karez water and spring water is channeled back into irrigation canals.

There are no temperature-control costs, and no investment is needed to improve water quality, one local cold-water fish breeding company told Xinhua.

The Karez well system, recognized as one of China's three great ancient engineering feats, exemplifies Turpan's hydraulic wisdom in arid-zone water management over the centuries.

Now that tap water is widely accessible in households, the Karez wells serve mainly agricultural irrigation functions, and flow-through breeding is an ideal complement to agricultural water use.

Compared to traditional pond breeding yields, Turpan's land-based flow-through breeding model can increase production 30-fold. And aquaculture does not increase water consumption -- after fish breeding, the water is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements, increasing its fertility, promoting crop growth and improving farmland output benefits.

"Irrigating grape fields with water that has been used for fish breeding can effectively improve the fertility of the fields, reduce the fertilizer input for fruit farmers, and enhance the quality of the grapes," said Nan Qingyu, head of Turpan City's aquatic technology promotion office.

In 2024, Xinjiang's output of aquatic products totaled 192,500 tonnes. Relying on the region's unique natural environment and supported by a series of technological advancements, aquatic products such as crabs, whiteleg shrimp, rainbow trout and Australian freshwater crayfish are gaining rising market favor. 
Belarus has been accused of the forced deportation of dozens of political prisoners released in a US-led deal, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said yesterday.

Belarus freed 52 political prisoners on Thursday as part of a deal brokered by the US, which lifted some sanctions on the countrys national airline. The deal is the latest step towards a possible rapprochement between Washington and Minsk, a close ally of Russia that has faced Western isolation for years.
Romes mayor has promised that the Tiber will be clean enough for swimming within five years  a pledge that was immediately met with scepticism given the rivers long history of pollution and health warnings.
Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro jailed for 27 years over plot to stay in power after losing election

Four of the five Supreme Court justices reviewing the case found the far-right politician guilty on all five counts

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years in jail. Photo: Reuters/Adriano Machado

Mauricio Savarese and Gabriela Sa Pessoa Associated Press Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

A panel of Brazilian Supreme Court justices sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison late on Thursday, after convicting him of attempting a coup to remain in office despite his 2022 electoral defeat.
Palestinians inspect the site of an evacuated house, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, yesterday. Photo: Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters

Israeli strikes killed at least 40 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip yesterday, local health authorities said, most of them in Gaza City, where many residents are staying put despite Israeli evacuation orders because they have nowhere safe to go.
Israeli soldiers are refusing to answer call up for next stage of offensive in Gaza

One group calling for end to war is comprised of mothers trying to keep their sons out of war zone

A boy runs from an evacuated building housing displaced Palestinians after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters

Sam Mednick Associated Press Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 06:30

As Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for its invasion of Gaza City, a growing number of soldiers  and their mothers  are saying no.
Latest | Charlie Kirks widow says her cries will echo around the world like a battle cry in first public remarks since shooting

Donald Trump claimed high degree of certainty killer was caught before Robinson (22) was named

'You have no idea what you have unleashed', warns Charlie Kirk's widow

Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer Reuters Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 10:37

Charlie Kirks widow has said her cries will echo around the world like a battle cry in a pointed message for the evildoers responsible for the assassination of the conservative activist.
What do we know about Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson?

Family members have said he became more political in recent years

Suspect in Charlie Kirks killing had become more political, authorities say

Megan Howe Evening Standard Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 08:04

Tyler Robinson  the prime suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday  is a 22-year-old who lived at home and had become more political in recent years. He had previously accused Mr Kirk of being full of hate, according to family members.
Kerala lottery result today, September 13, 2025 OUT:

Kerala Karunya KR 723 winning numbers, September 13, 2025

1st Prize (75,00,000): KX 939961

2nd Prize (10,00,000): KS 515515

Consolation Prize: KN 939961, KO 939961, KP 939961, KR 939961, KS 939961, KT 939961, KU 939961, KV 939961, KW 939961, KY 939961 KZ 939961

3rd Prize (5,000): KS 156746

Fourth Prize (Rs 2,000): 0874 1020 1621 1804 2053 2562 2801 2975 3118 6082 6462 7708 7779 7909 8466 8511 9499 9721 9803 9867

Fifth Prize (Rs 5,000): 0836 2769 3031 3079 4657 9757

Sixth Prize (1,000): 0180 0351 0552 1399 2581 2679 2813 2997 3128 3138 3228 3254 3259 4249 5181 5188 5217 5219 5356 5691 7188 7400 8690 8873 9105 9117 9330 9563 9652 9827

Seventh Prize (500): 0080 0086 0216 0280 0326 0328 0802 0906 0954 1441 1671 1689 1717 1918 2165 2306 2316 2456 2579 2781 3449 3518 3567 4085 4272 4358 4401 4517 4544 4673 4724 4726 4813 4952 5591 5710 5841 5929 6052 6214 6261 6298 6407 6472 6557 6600 6614 6838 6942 7007 7216 7413 7424 7549 7711 7897 7915 7944 7989 8098 8355 8513 8538 8589 8617 8760 8824 9085 9110 9145 9204 9226 9301 9434 9582 9698

Eighth Prize (200): 0347 0392 0615 0693 0754 0899 0934 0981 1321 1381 1681 1848 1854 1924 1974 2066 2319 2345 2421 2526 2548 2832 2872 2934 2998 3245 3413 3454 3510 3534 3597 3740 3835 3884 3891 4022 4091 4237 4328 4502 4610 4820 4832 5056 5106 5142 5148 5156 5172 5175 5176 5220 5316 5584 5694 5769 5872 5956 5977 5991 6061 6184 6436 6549 6590 6606 6653 7000 7303 7382 7505 7521 7588 7777 7824 8383 8386 8492 8715 8726 8752 8820 8921 8980 9118 9326 9382 9394 9796 9853 9877 9989

Ninth Prize (100): 0045 0090 0154 0240 0482 0497 0599 0785 1254 1300 1373 1491 1542 1543 1615 1640 1652 1788 1830 1882 1960 2003 2139 2181 2182 2276 2440 2496 2500 2577 2583 2692 2718 2728 2849 2855 2921 2964 3002 3021 3166 3167 3325 3360 3415 3604 3608 3637 3743 4157 4174 4216 4238 4388 4404 4441 4459 4518 4524 4681 4697 4878 4957 4964 5208 5223 5262 5611 5703 5741 5781 5788 5813 5821 6033 6077 6137 6199 6226 6321 6416 6445 6483 6562 6596 6696 6840 6845 6865 6930 6957 6995 7038 7159 7213 7280 7284 7302 7313 7372 7504 7543 7553 7628 7650 7660 7675 7685 7843 7880 7889 8018 8054 8214 8225 8250 8374 8404 8441 8499 8517 8543 8645 8683 8712 8748 8811 8954 8997 9052 9101 9111 9131 9276 9356 9442 9510 9548 9591 9681 9685 9752 9855 9890

How to claim your Kerala lottery prize for September 13, 2025?

Verify your winning ticket number with the official Kerala lottery results published on authorized websites or newspapers.

Keep your original ticket safe and sign your name, address, and affix your signature on the back of the ticket to prevent misuse.

Submit the claim within 30 days of the draw date.

For prizes up to 5,000, claim the amount directly from any authorized lottery agent or retailer.

For prizes up to 1 lakh, claim at the concerned District Lottery Office within Kerala.

For prizes above 1 lakh and up to 20 lakh, submit your claim to the Deputy Director of State Lotteries with necessary documents.

For prizes above 20 lakh, claims must be submitted directly to the Director of State Lotteries.

Required documents generally include the original signed ticket, a filled claim form, two passport-sized photos attested by a Gazetted Officer, a self-attested copy of your PAN card for tax purposes, valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID), and bank account details with IFSC code.

Income tax at 30% will be deducted from prizes above 10,000.

kerala lottery result today live 3 pm: Upcoming Kerala lottery draws

September 14, 2025 (Sunday): Akshaya lottery draw

September 15, 2025 (Monday): Win-Win lottery draw

September 16, 2025 (Tuesday): Sthree Sakthi lottery draw

kerala lottery result today live: What time are Karunya KR 723 results published?

FAQs

The Kerala Lottery result for today, September 13, 2025, is out for the highly anticipated Karunya KR 723 Saturday bumper lucky draw. This vibrant lottery draw, held at 3 PM at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, offers dream-winning prizes including a grand 1 crore rupees first prize.Along with the top prize, the draw also features substantial second and third prizes of 25 lakhs and 10 lakhs respectively, plus several consolation and minor prizes. Lottery enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement to see if their numbers match the winning list of this popular Kerala State Lottery event, known for its transparent and fair draws.The winning numbers for the Karunya KR 723 draw for September 13, 2025 include:To claim your Kerala lottery prize for the draw held on September 13, 2025 (Karunya KR 723), winners should follow these steps:The upcoming Kerala lottery draws after September 13, 2025, are scheduled as follows:All these draws will be conducted at 3:00 PM IST at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, Kerala will host special bumper draws like the Onam Bumper scheduled towards the end of September 2025, with the next Karunya lottery draw KR-724 set for September 20, 2025.The Karunya KR 723 Kerala lottery results for September 13, 2025, are published live at exactly 3:00 PM IST. The draw takes place at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, and the winning numbers are announced shortly thereafter.Q1. What is the Kerala lottery result for September 13, 2025?Answer: The Karunya KR 723 lottery result for today was announced at 3 PM, with the first prize worth 1 crore, followed by other major and minor prizes across multiple categories.Q2. When and where is the Kerala Karunya KR 723 draw held?Answer: The draw took place on September 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, under the supervision of Kerala State Lotteries.Q3. What are the prize details for todays Karunya KR 723 lottery?Answer: The first prize is 1 crore, the second prize 25 lakh, the third prize 10 lakh, with additional lower-tier prizes ranging from 5,000 down to 100, along with consolation prizes.Q4. How can winners claim their Kerala lottery prize?Answer: Winners must submit their original signed ticket, claim form, photo ID, PAN card, bank details, and attested photos within 30 days of the draw at the concerned Lottery Office or Directorate, depending on prize amount.Q5. What upcoming Kerala lottery draws are scheduled after September 13, 2025?Answer: The next draws include Akshaya on September 14, Win-Win on September 15, Sthree Sakthi on September 16, and the Karunya KR-724 on September 20, along with the Onam Bumper special draw later this month.Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events
( Image credit : BTS Jungkook at Calvin Klein show in New York City. Credit: X|@CalvinKlein )

Social media explodes with Jungkook fever

Jung Kook is back. Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2026 by Veronica Leoni. New York City. pic.twitter.com/tbGmrsNWG0  calvinklein (@CalvinKlein) September 13, 2025

Jungkook for the CK fashion show and After party 



DAY NIGHT pic.twitter.com/cCBLkIfAz5  Daily JK Praise  (@_dailyjkpraise_) September 13, 2025

Jungkook's appearance at the Calvin Klein show has generated over 1 million posts on Twitter. He was the most mentioned musician today on the platform. pic.twitter.com/IV9QhBCwwn  About Music (@AboutMusicYT) September 12, 2025

Jungkook and Calvin Klein: an unstoppable duo

( Image credit : BTS Jungkook wearing the Premium Monologo Tee. Credit: X|@CalvinKlein )

Jungkook teases BTS' highly anticipated comeback

Jungkook talking about BTS upcoming album:



"Rather than a goal, we are preparing an album, so I think we should try our best to make the best album possible, and we should also make sure that we are in the best condition possible." pic.twitter.com/5sa38tNNRj  Pop Core (@TheePopCore) September 12, 2025

( Image credit : BTS is back! Credit: Weverse )

The maknae of BTS, Jeon Jungkook, proved once again why he's called the "golden" one. As Calvin Klein's global ambassador, he arrived at the brand's New York Fashion Week show dressed in a flowing beige suit, exuding effortless confidence. The youngest member of BTS may be the baby of the group, but on this stage, he commanded attention like a seasoned fashion king.Social media went crazy as soon as Jungkook appeared on the scene at Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2026 by Veronica Leoni in New York City.As soon as the fandom called ARMY saw him, they started posting pictures, videos, and ecstatic reactions to his appearance on X (previously known as Twitter). Hashtags like #JUNGKOOKxCALVINKLEIN started rising, dominating the app.His appearance generated more than a million posts in just a few hours, making him the most-mentioned musician globally that day and dominating conversations everywhere.His collaboration with Calvin Klein has already established him as one of the most formidable forces in fashion. His attendance at the brand's largest event of the year only strengthened their alliance, combining the realms of music, luxury, and streetwear into one irresistible cultural force. Jungkook isn't simply representing a company; he's also driving the global debate about fashion.Even amid the fashion frenzy, Jungkook didn't forget his roots. When asked about BTS' upcoming 2026 comeback, he revealed: "Rather than a goal, we are preparing an album, so I think we should try our best to make the best album possible, and we should also make sure that we are in the best condition possible."The words only fueled anticipation worldwide, reminding fans that while Jungkook is conquering fashion, music remains his ultimate stage. He and group reunited in June 2025 after all 7 members completed their mandatory military services in South Korea.They traveled to LA for a camp for 2 months and have almost completed the song writing and recording process. The group has returned to South Korea and have said that the music video shooting is left and are excited for what's to come out.
( Image credit : Charlie Kirks alleged killer is Tyler Robinson | Credit: X/Gidi_Traffic )

GoFundMe for Charlie Kirk's alleged killer?

BREAKING: A GoFundMe was created for Tyler Robinson stating that he did what the Democrats told him to do. pic.twitter.com/WLAwLQx0QS  aka (@akafaceUS) September 12, 2025

GoFundMe responds to backlash

Our Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of a violent crime. Any attempted fundraisers for the suspected shooter will be swiftly removed from the platform & fully refunded. Our hearts go out to the Kirk family & everyone impacted by this tragedy  GoFundMe (@gofundme) September 12, 2025

Netizens divided over fundraiser claims

( Image credit : Meet Matt Robinson, who exposed his son Tyler as Charlie Kirks alleged killer | Credit: X/dogee_io )

Propaganda continues to fuel hate. I would bet that the right-wing group posted that!  Sassy Baker (@JuliaSassybaker) September 12, 2025

This should be taken down and investigated for funding terrorism  Remington (@Thecryptonurse_) September 12, 2025

Clearly a money grab attempt of a random psycho, this will get shit down in no time.  Dr. Gamba da Gambler (@604gball) September 12, 2025

Fuck that if somebody tells you to jump off a bridge, are you gonna do it?  Charles Burgess (@bur0923) September 12, 2025

More about Charlie Kirk

( Image credit : Donald Trump says the FBI has captured the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (Credit: X/@DisavowTrump20) )

Tyler Robinson has been arrested following the September 10 murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, with authorities citing a confession to a family member, surveillance footage, and other evidence - but what's stunned many is the emergence of a GoFundMe linked to the alleged shooter, sparking outrage and disbelief online.Rumours of a fundraiser for the gunman had swirled even before Robinson's arrest. Those whispers appeared to materialize when X user @akafaceUS shared screenshots of a GoFundMe page reportedly set up for Robinson, captioning: "BREAKING: A GoFundMe was created for Tyler Robinson stating that 'he did what the Democrats told him to do.'"The viral post forced GoFundMe to issue a public statement. The platform firmly denied allowing such campaigns, clarifying: "Our Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of a violent crime. Any attempted fundraisers for the suspected shooter will be swiftly removed from the platform & fully refunded. Our hearts go out to the Kirk family & everyone impacted by this tragedy."Despite GoFundMe's response, the screenshots ignited fierce debate online. Some argue the page was political propaganda; others believe it was a scam to exploit the tragedy for quick cash. Many expressed outrage that Kirk's death is already being twisted for ulterior motives.For the time being, the claimed fundraiser remains cloaked in doubt, with the internet divided on whether it was ever legitimate - or just another layer of confusion in an already explosive case.The political world was shaken when Charlie Kirk, 31, was gunned down while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. A single bullet to the neck ended the life of one of the most prominent conservative voices of his generation, despite frantic attempts to save him.Kirk rose to prominence as the driving force behind Turning Point USA, a student movement that grew into a formidable conservative network shaping debate on campuses across America.Beyond the organization, he built a brand as an outspoken commentator, bestselling author, and the host of The Charlie Kirk Show. Fiercely loyal to former President Donald Trump, his sharp takes on politics, culture, and social issues made him a hero to many on the right - and a lightning rod for criticism from his opponents.
PYONGYANG, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un gave field guidance at the Armored Defensive Weapons Institute and the Electronic Weapons Institute under the Academy of Defence Sciences on Thursday and Friday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday.

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, listened to a report on the development of major core technologies completed through joint research by the Armored Defensive Weapons Institute and the Tank Designing Bureau, said the report, adding that he was also briefed in detail on research in the field of armored defense, including the development of special composite armor.

He said the combat capability of the DPRK's armored forces has been remarkably bolstered with the successful development and deployment of the directional infrared and jamming equipment, as well as active and passive protection systems.

Kim also visited the Electronic Weapons Institute, where he learned about and guided important work, said the report.

Noting that the Ninth Congress of the WPK would adopt a policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces in the realm of national defense, Kim expressed confidence that the Academy of Defense Sciences would continue to play a leading role in modernizing the conventional armed forces. 
BREAKING: A Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake just occurred off the coast of Russia. The epicenter is in a similar spot to the July Magnitude 8.8. The tsunami risk is being evaluated for the Pacific pic.twitter.com/ZUPXUW98Zi  Paul White Gold Eagle (@PaulGoldEagle) September 13, 2025

Kamchatka shaken by major quake

Fears of Tsunami devastation

Panic and precaution

A region on edge

The Russian Far East was thrown into chaos on Saturday afternoon as a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck just off the Kamchatka Peninsula. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a depth of roughly 25 miles, making it shallow enough to cause significant damage if conditions worsened.The epicentre was located approximately 70 miles east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a port city of 165,000 residents. Shockwaves rippled through the region, with people reportedly rushing out of homes, offices, and shopping centres to seek safety in open areas.Authorities wasted no time in issuing a tsunami warning. Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed that coastal areas were under threat and urged residents to remain cautious, particularly near beaches. His message underscored the seriousness of the situation, with officials emphasising that even waves as low as one metre could endanger lives.The United States Tsunami Warning System, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, indicated that dangerous waves between 0.3 and 1 metre above tide level were possible along parts of the Russian coastline within 190 miles of the quakes epicentre.Reports from Russian news agency RIA Novosti suggested widespread alarm in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky as residents fled en masse from buildings. The atmosphere was tense, with tremors strong enough to unsettle both locals and tourists in the area.Governor Solodov confirmed that, as of now, there were no official reports of serious structural damage or casualties, though inspections were ongoing.This earthquake comes just months after Kamchatka endured one of the strongest quakes in its modern history. In July, a magnitude 8.8 quake shook the region and prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific, stretching as far as California. That memory remains fresh for many residents, amplifying fear as Saturdays tremors hit.With aftershocks still possible, emergency services remain on high alert. Authorities have made it clear that while the immediate damage appears limited, the threat from the sea is far from over. For Kamchatkas people, the balance between panic and resilience is once again being tested by the unforgiving force of nature.
Samarth Uttar Pradesh  Viksit Uttar Pradesh @ 2047 initiative becomes a hit

( Image credit : CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: Government of UP )

Education sector attracts the maximum suggestions

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is conducting extensive feedback programmes across the state under the Samarth Uttar Pradesh  Viksit Uttar Pradesh @ 2047 initiative.By Friday (September 12), nodal officers had visited 65 districts to engage with students, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, labour unions and the common public. This highlights the governments willingness to take public suggestions into consideration while formulating the roadmap for future growth.The Samarth Uttar Pradesh  Viksit Uttar Pradesh @ 2047 initiative has emerged as a major success for the state government as per the numbers available on the dedicated portal. The website states that over 1 lakh pieces of feedback have been submitted so far. Of these, more than 79,000 pieces of feedback are from rural areas. Talking about the age groups, more than 35,000 suggestions have come in from people under 31. Similarly, over 57,000 suggestions are from those in the 3160 age group. Moreover, there are nearly 6,000 suggestions from those above the age of 60.People provided their feedback on matters related to sectors of the economy. Out of these, education has proved to be the biggest topic of discussion, as there are 35,047 suggestions about it. Sectors such as health (10, 894), urban and rural development issues ( 17,257), health (10,894), social welfare (9,436), and agriculture (12,718) too have attracted a lot of attention. The agriculture sector in particular garnered attention as farmers stressed the need to adopt modern technologies and create awareness about new methods of water usage. They also demanded seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment at subsidized rates. They also demanded guaranteed fair support prices for cropsDistricts such as Ballia, Balrampur, Jaunpur, Kanpur Dehat, Firozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mainpuri, and Pratapgarh saw the highest participation with nearly 3,500 suggestions each.
Yogi Adityanath highlights the importance of the cooperative sector

( Image credit : CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: Government of UP )

Yogi Adityanath reviews the cooperative sector

( Image credit : UP CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: Government of UP )

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on September 12, instructed officials to come up with a well-defined plan to establish a State Cooperative College in Uttar Pradesh. The proposed institute will encourage teaching and research in the cooperative sector.In a bid to strengthen the cooperative sector, Yogi Adityanath has asked authorities to work towards establishing a State Cooperative College in Uttar Pradesh.. He further said that cooperatives need to pave the way for the youth to secure jobs in agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and services.In the first membership campaign held in 2023, over 30 lakh new members joined, including 17.33 lakh farmers, 3.92 lakh unskilled workers, 1.56 lakh skilled workers, 2.20 lakh livestock farmers, and 6,411 fish farmers," added Adityanath.He went on to highlight that these new members contributed Rs 70 crore to the sector. He also urged officials to ensure that the second and latest campaign proves to be more extensive. Additionally, he highlighted the need to promote online and offline registrations.Adityanath also reviewed the states cooperative sector in the presence of Union Minister of State for Cooperation Muralidhar Mohol, who called Uttar Pradesh's achievements "exemplary for other states".He also brought up the issue of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Society (mPACS) membership. He stated that it is important to connect all farmers through cooperatives. A month-long campaign to enhance membership was also launched during the meeting.Those in attendance were then told that 457 new mPACS have been formed in the current financial year. The figure is significantly higher than the 266 established in 2024-25. Moreover, organisational processes have been initiated in 1,088 village panchayats. An official said that mPACS have been granted an interest-free credit limit of up to Rs 10 lakh for fertiliser distribution. The decision alone has resulted in a turnover of Rs 5,400 crore. It has also generated margin money of Rs 120 crore. Rs 1 lakh has also been provided in margin money for the upgradation of 757 newly formed mPACS.Cabinet ministers of the state government Surya Prakash Shahi, Dharampal Singh, Sanjay Nishad, Minister of State (Independent Charge) JPS Rathore, Secretary Cooperation of Government of India Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, DGM of NABARD NL Sahu and senior officials of the state government attended the meeting.
Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department gets international recognition

( Image credit : UP CM Yogi Adityanath. | Credit: X )

Heres why Mahakumbh 2025 was a big achievement for the UP Fire Department

The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department won the Bravery and Superheroof Fire Services Award for outstanding work at an international programme organized by FSAI (Fire and Security Association of India) at Yashobhoomi Convention Hall in Dwarka on September 12. The honour was conferred upon the department for its role in ensuring the safety of those who attended Mahakumbh 2025.The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department has bagged FSAIs top honour for its work during Mahakumbh 2025, The award was presented to the team headed by ADG Padmaja Chauhan (IPS).Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had vowed to ensure a Safe Mahakumbh from the word go and he delivered the same. The Fire and Emergency Services utilised advanced technology and state-of-the-art modern infrastructure to ensure that no lives were lost to fire incidents during the grand celebration.Under the guidance of CM Yogi Adityanath, the department swiftly controlled even the most serious fire incidents and successfully achieved the target of zero casualties during the entire 45-day event. In this period, the department handled 185 fire incidents and 24 major fires, saving property worth approximately Rs16.5 crore, said Chauhan recalling the journey.Key officials Pramod Sharma (Nodal Officer, Mahakumbh Mela), Ankush Mittal (CFO), Ramesh Tiwari (CFO), Sanjeev Kumar (Fire Officer), and Amit Kumar (Second Fire Officer) too were honoured during FSAI-organised function.Interestingly, before Mahakumbh, Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant too had honoured Padmaja Chauhan and Pramod Sharma and praised UPs preparedness for Mahakumbh 2025.The grand gathering proved to be a success despite the fact that it was attended by 66.5 crore devotees. The UP Fire Department led the way in ensuring this, an achievement that has now been recognised internationally.
The viral demand for the Charlie Kirk Act

The Smith/Mundt act was done away with by Obama/Biden, and it should be brought back -



Name it "THE CHARLIE KIRK ACT".@realDonaldTrump please do something about what Obama/Biden did in 2012 - They got rid of the Smith/Mundt Act - which prohibits lying and propaganda being fed pic.twitter.com/RMnxtxgdmQ  BelannF (@BelannF) September 13, 2025

https://t.co/sJVaeVtNem



If we can get as many signatures as we got on the video that has been circulating so far about the Charlie Kirk act maybe we can get this passed into law this is for you Charlie!!! #CharlieKirkActpic.twitter.com/CebZUmHATm  Ellie May (@officialellymay) September 13, 2025

( Image credit : Emergency services quickly arrived, but Kirk was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital (Credit: X/@thedebralea) )

What is the Smith-Mundt Act?

( Image credit : The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has ignited intense discussions online (Credit: X/@ZeoVGM) )

Why do some oppose the idea of bringing back the Smith-Mundt Act?

( Image credit : Some users on social media argued that Charlie Kirk himself was a strong supporter of freedom of speech (Credit: Screenshot taken from X) )

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has ignited intense discussions online, with thousands now demanding the return of a decades-old law, the Smith-Mundt Act. A viral video on X, which has been viewed over 1.6 million times, showed a self-identified Donald Trump supporter urging President Trump to restore this law and rename it the Charlie Kirk Act.She blamed the medias constant lies and hateful rhetoric for fueling the hatred that led to Kirks death. This demand has quickly gained momentum amid a flood of misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading across social media platforms.The call to revive the Smith-Mundt Act began with a passionate plea in the viral video. The woman, addressing President Trump, said she had voted for him three times and urged him to take action. She argued that media companies must be held accountable for spreading lies and propaganda that she believes contributed to Kirks assassination.She added that the new version of the law should also target online content creators who spread half-truths and misinformation. Her statement resonated with many right-wing users online, especially as false images and names of suspects circulated after Kirks death, some even amplified by Xs AI chatbot, Grok.Elon Musk added fuel to the conversation by tweeting in March that the Smith-Mundt Act should be restored, which many have now linked to this renewed demand.The Smith-Mundt Act, formally called the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act, was first passed in 1948. Its main purpose was to promote a better understanding of the United States abroad during the Cold War.The law allowed the US government to create cultural and educational programs for foreign audiences, while strictly banning that same content from being shown to people inside the United States. This restriction was designed to prevent domestic propaganda.In 2013, President Barack Obama signed an amendment known as the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act. This update allowed some government-produced content to be accessed by Americans under certain conditions, sparking debates over free speech and government influence.While many supporters see the Charlie Kirk Act as a way to fight fake news and protect public discourse, critics warn it could lead to censorship and loss of free speech. Some users on social media argued that Charlie Kirk himself was a strong supporter of freedom of speech and would never have approved of a law that limits it. Others expressed fear that giving the government power over online creators could result in silencing even honest voices, depending on how the law is written and enforced.One user wrote, This is exactly what Charlie Kirk stood against: taking away the right to free speech. Another added that poorly crafted laws could easily be misused against independent journalists and podcasters.
CARACAS, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Saturday accused a U.S. Navy destroyer of illegally intercepting a Venezuelan fishing vessel carrying out normal fishing operations in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone on Friday.

The Venezuelan government said the fishing vessel Carmen Rosa, crewed by nine fishermen, was approached Friday about 48 nautical miles northeast of La Blanquilla island by the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) destroyer.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said the U.S. destroyer deployed 18 armed personnel to board and occupy the fishing vessel for eight hours, during which it blocked the fishing vessel's communication and obstructed its normal operations.

The statement called the U.S. military move "a provocation through the illegal use of military means, aimed at justifying a war escalation in the Caribbean and pushing for regime change."

The Venezuelan government demanded that Washington "immediately cease these actions that put at risk the security and peace of the Caribbean," Gil said at a press conference on Saturday, reiterating Venezuela's commitment to peace and to defending its national sovereignty. 
Jamie Wyeth in the Chadds Ford studio of his grandfather, N.C. Wyeth. Nearly 50 years after being secreted away, Jamie Wyeth's portraits of Andy Warhol and Rudolf Nureyev are being exhibited in a New York City show. Photo from 2015. Read more

In 1965, at 19, artist Jamie Wyeth left the home of his parents, Andrew and Betsy, in Chadds Ford for New York City, where he immersed himself in the citys art scene  and visited its morgues to study human anatomy.

The city was also where he made an unlikely friend in Andy Warhol.

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In 1975, the artists, in their vastly different styles, painted portraits of one another in a face-off. Warhols portraits of Wyeth made me look a bit too glamorous, Wyeth said to the New York Times in 2017. He returned the favor by painting the Patriarch of Pop in his trademark realistic style, complete with blemished skin and disheveled hair.

Those portraits became the 1976 exhibition Andy Warhol and Jamie Wyeth Portraits of Each Other at New Yorks Coe Kerr Gallery. Two are now in the permanent collection of D.C.s National Portrait Gallery.

And at least 11 of Wyeths portraits of Warhol made it into a box that Wyeths wife, Phyllis, stashed away at the back of her closet. It would remain unopened until 2022, three years after Phyllis Wyeths death in 2019.

The Stash, found by Jamie Wyeth while cleaning his Chadds Ford home, also held portraits of Soviet ballet dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev, Warhols manager Frederick W. Hughes, and actress Candy Darling  most drawn between 1976-77, spontaneously, hurriedly.

She stole them from me, Wyeth said of his wife, with a laugh. When I was working on those, I was in a frenzy. And I didnt keep track of where things went, and she was particularly interested in Nureyev.

Nureyev, who was born in 1938 on a Trans-Siberian train near Lake Baikal, was often seen at Warhols Factory and the legendary Studio 54 discotheque. Wyeth first saw him at a dance recital and then at a friends house in New York.

He strode in and all conversation came to a stop. At the end of the evening, I said, Would you ever let me do some studies of you? He said, Of course not. I have no time, said Wyeth, trying his best Russian accent.

After a year, the dancer was ready.

That began a two-year involvement of bird-dogging him around, said Wyeth.

Phyllis Wyeth eventually became great friends with Nureyev.

Its very interesting, her point of view. To me, thats the most fascinating part of it, what she chose [to hide]; which are rather unusual ones of both [Warhol and Nureyev], said Wyeth.

Several of Nureyevs portraits in the Stash are of him in his ballet regalia  with an outstretched arm, applying makeup, taking a bow at curtain call, all drawn in rushed strokes on cardboard, seemingly in motion.

I dont have somebody sit frozen in a chair. I follow them around and see them in different circumstances, Wyeth said.

The ones that stand out are of Nureyev wearing a fur coat and an astrakhan hat: calmer, looking at the artist, and less in a hurry. One, titled Hands on Hips, in Fur, Nureyev (Study #25) (1977), has him posing in the unbuttoned coat with no shirt underneath, his hands on his hips.

[Nureyev] would come down and visit [Chadds Ford] on weekends. Once he went out in a horse and carriage with a cousin of Phyllis. This was in November, and it started sleeting. I looked back and he was sitting wrapped in furs. It was straight out of the steppes of Russia. It was just unbelievable. My hair is standing on its end, said Wyeth, as he recounted the scene.

Another 1977 portrait of Nureyev sitting on the floor in a ruffled leotard is inscribed one of the few times / you actually posed for / me / J. Wyeth.

The portraits of Warhol, too, are out of the ordinary  none of the glam shots in sunglasses we often see. A 1976 watercolor, gouache, charcoal, and pencil portrait of the artist standing shirtless is especially vulnerable. His torso, outlined in white, shows the scar from the gunshot wound from a failed assassination attempt in 1968. The inscription reads: a.w. liked this but this week didnt. I stopped.

I was trying to recall what I was talking about, said Wyeth, I think it was really more about Fred Hughes. He saw the drawing and said, You know, lets not go there. As I recall it, thats why I stopped on that thing. I mean, here was this little, thin figure with these terrible scars  it was a very vulnerable image of him.

All the portraits in the Stash, Wyeth said, are personal.

I spent a lot of time with both of them and finding the art ported me to my life back then  So it brought all that back, too.

When art dealer Warren Adelson, who was working with New Yorks Schoelkopf Gallery, got in touch with Wyeth proposing a new show, the artist let him know about the Stash. Adelson informed Andrew Schoelkopf, the owner of the gallery.

Well, I thought they were joking, said Schoelkopf, who rushed to Chadds Ford earlier this year to see the portraits for himself. But first, he had to sit through lunch with a Nureyev portrait hanging by the table. And I was just like, Jamie, come on man, we gotta go, said Schoelkopf, who has previously exhibited Andrew Wyeths works.

I cant help myself. Im an art dealer. And what every art dealer wants, lets be honest, is discoveries around new bodies of work. Its just the most fun, he said.

Adelson and Schoelkopf got the paintings to framers and, earlier this month, they arrived at the Schoelkopf Gallery where they are part of the Jamie Wyeth: Portraits of Andy Warhol and Rudolf Nureyev that opened this week.

It features Wyeths works from every decade from the 1960s to some of his most recent works that he finished months ago. This is Wyeths first major show since his wifes death.

When I spoke to him in late August, our phone call found a background score in the call of gulls flying outside his window in Maine. He was painting them as we spoke.

Im terrified to have shows, said the artist, 79, who had his first show at age 20. Its not a pleasant experience for me. You feel like a fool standing there and seeing all my inadequacies scream out. I tell writer friends of mine, its like you walk into a room and everybodys reading your new poem or novel. You feel very, very vulnerable.

Does he think his wife set him up by stealing the art that forms the core of the new show?

I think she was just worried that I was going to sell them, and she wanted to keep them.

The New York show, Schoelkopf said, had received more than 100 preview requests from buyers in the first 48 hours since it was announced.

I have too much of my own work around, and Im tired of looking at my own work, said Wyeth. I still have many others that she wanted, that I gave to her.

An artwork from the Stash has two portraits of Warhol in white: a scratched-out horizontal one of a ghostly shadow of an unfinished body, and one of the artist with his shock of white hair and a part of his hand visible in contemplation.

Inscribed on the lower left in Wyeths handwriting are the words: More than anyone / For P.W. who gets what this is all about.

Phyllis Wyeth, described as a superstar by Schoelkopf, seems to have gotten it all along.

Jamie Wyeth: Portraits of Andy Warhol and Rudolf Nureyev

 Through Oct. 17,  Schoelkopf Gallery, 390 Broadway, Third Floor, New York,  schoelkopfgallery.com

The article was updated to reflect where Wyeth was during the interview, with the gulls outside his window. He was at Maine.
There were over a dozen competitors in Friday's performative male contest at the University of Pennsylvania. Judges rated them on their style and ability to answer questions related to feminism and allyship. Read more

Seeking: A man with a tangled wired headphones, a Labubu toy, and an unread copy of Pride and Prejudice who will manipulate me.

Those were just some of the criteria for Friday evenings performative male competition, where more than 100 University of Pennsylvania students gathered in front of the Split Button sculpture to watch 14 contenders out-cringe one another.

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The performative male is Gen Zs version of the poser. Its a pejorative for a man who curates his style and hobbies based on what he believes progressive women will find attractive, despite not having an earnest interest in any of it. Performative males pretend to read between sets at the gym, women say, or sit on a park bench to read some bell hooks without ever turning a page. Theyre also anywhere you can order an iced matcha latte.

Videos tagged #performativemale have accumulated over 28 million views on TikTok, where users poke fun at what its like to date a performative man or spot one in the real world. The stereotype encapsulates the fraught nature of online dating in 2025, where shadow networks of women jaded by Tinder Swindlers and men who lie about their politics (and their height) work to overanalyze every aspect of a first impression.

 READ MORE: From 2024: Inside the network of Facebook groups helping Philly millennials fall in love

The phrase has gotten so much traction because there are men who are sort of [not] genuine in their interests in feminine-coded things  Theyre performing a sense of identity just to get some, said Norah Rami, the editor-in-chief of Penns arts and culture magazine 34th Street, which organized the competition.

Rami isnt the first to plan a performative male competition, which started popping up in Sydney, Toronto, and Jakarta over the summer before taking over college campuses. In San Francisco, an artificial intelligence model judged dozens of men based on how many virtue signals it could spot, while judges in Chicago swiped left and right on contestants. And just last week on Temple Universitys campus, a performative male contest raised money for Women Against Abuse, a domestic violence prevention organization.

Penns competition took contestants through a gauntlet of performativity, asking contestants to name their favorite women before quizzing them on trivia about the female experience and asking them to unveil the contents of their tote bags. Points were docked for sipping hot matcha lattes and arguing with the panel of female judges.

The crowd roared when winner Matthew Quitoriano, a freshman from San Diego, answered what was one of the hardest questions of the night: How do women pee with a tampon in?

I respect women, Quitoriano shouted through a bullhorn while carrying a box of Tampax as a prop. They use different holes.

He went home with a copy of The Whole Woman by Germaine Greer, who is considered a pioneer of second wave feminism. It is unclear if Quitoriano plans to actually read it.

I kept telling all my friends that I would lose, Quitoriano, 17, said. I cant wait to tell them that I won. And my mom.

Rami said the contest drew inspiration from the celebrity look-alike competition craze started by influencer Anthony Potero, who was fined by the New York Police Department while searching for Timothee Chalamets twin. Phillys contests were far tamer, with crowds gathering to see who would emerge as Miles Tellers or Jalen Hurts' doppelganger.

This genre of contest is about community building, said Rami, 21, a senior English major from Sugar Land, Texas. Its about taking social media, bringing it into the real world, and turning it into an excuse for people to gather.

 READ MORE: Looking like Jalen Hurts doesnt hurt, says contest winner

Are performative males really so bad?

Fortunately, Philly is not teeming with performative males, said Rami. But they do have their spaces.

If you go to the Clark Park farmers market, thats where they very much congregate, Rami said. And Knockbox Cafe. Or Chapterhouse [Cafe and Gallery] in the Italian Market.

Some performative males, however, are made by teams of women.

Contestant Jasper Platt said he consulted five women on how to build his ensemble for the competition: Adidas Sambas, baggy Japanese selvedge denim jeans, a bandanna, a frothy iced matcha latte from Starbucks, and a tattered copy of The Creation of Feminist Consciousness. His piece de resistance was a shirt that said Men I Trust.

Its because Im a man you can trust, said the 18-year-old freshman from Reading, who was booted from the competition after struggling to name a woman beyond Britney Spears.

Second-place champion NuAmen Audena said the performative male is low-key me, though he doesnt necessarily view the stereotype as a negative. The 20-year-old mechanical engineering major owns all of the things he thought set him over the edge at the contest, including a bass, a floor-length slouchy denim skirt, and the CD player Audena pulled out of his tote.

Its really hard to be your genuine self sometimes, because theres a real disdain for people who necessarily conform to masculinity as its seen in society, Audena said. But at the same time, there are lot of men who put on this act just to get close to women.

The performative male stereotype emerged amid debates over the identity of Gen Z men, who shifted to the right politically during the 2024 presidential election, with some embracing rigid gender roles. Just beyond the world of performative men is a starkly different corner of the internet, where influencers such as Andrew Tate and Adin Ross rake in millions of views as they teach audiences how to secure  and dominate  a so-called "high-value woman."

Winner Quitorianos friends were quick to say he didnt differ much from the performative male stereotype. He was quicker to say thats probably a good thing.

Out of anything a young male can be in todays society  out of all the other stereotypes a young guy can fall into  I think this is probably one of the least harmful," Quitoriano said. I would much rather have a son that does this on a Friday afternoon.
Junior Clase (left) says hospital administrators attempted to repatriate his wife, Solibel Olaverria, to the Dominican Republic without his consent. Read more

ALLENTOWN  The headaches and vomiting had grown unbearable.

It was December 2022. Junior Clases wife, Solibel Olaverria, had left the Dominican Republic five months earlier to join him in the U.S. They were uninsured and unfamiliar with the American healthcare system. But Clase knew she needed help, so they headed for the ER.

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Olaverria was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. During surgery, she suffered a stroke and was induced into a coma. Not long after, Clase said, hospital administrators suggested transporting his still-comatose wife to a facility in the Dominican Republic  an option he refused.

They told me that they could send her back to my country, he said  even without his consent. At that moment, she was missing a piece of her skull.  If they put her in an airplane or a helicopter, it was possible that she would die.

Though only the federal government has the jurisdiction to remove people from the U.S., hospitals across the nation sometimes return uninsured noncitizen patients in need of long-term care to their countries of origin.

Immigration advocates call this medical deportation. Hospitals and medical transport companies refer to it as medical repatriation. By either name, the practice exists in ethical and legal gray areas without specific federal regulations, widespread public knowledge or a national tracking system.

Lori Nessel, a professor at Seton Hall University who supervised a 2012 report about medical repatriation, said the practice amounts to private deportation  but outside of the legal process for deportation, because there was no immigration court involved.

Experts believe medical deportation happens more than any tracking efforts account for. Some worry the practice could now increase, given that it sits at the intersection of health care and immigration  two systems undergoing drastic change during the second administration of President Donald Trump.

Since 2020, the Philadelphia-based Free Migration Project has tracked 19 cases of patients facing medical deportation. Six of those came in the first six months of 2025, from cities in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey and New York, according to Adrianna Torres-Garcia, deputy director of the organization.

Weve had a higher volume of cases in the same span of time than any other given year, Torres-Garcia said. Its also more complex cases.

Under federal law, Medicare-participating hospitals must provide stabilizing care to anyone with an emergency condition, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Hospitals can then file for reimbursement through Emergency Medicaid. This program initially allowed Olaverria to receive treatment.

But the tax and spending cut bill Trump signed in July significantly reduces federal contributions to Emergency Medicaid, shifting the costs to states and hospitals. The law also makes some legally present immigrants, including refugees and asylees, ineligible for traditional Medicaid and Medicare.

Immigrants without legal status have long been ineligible for these programs, and even green card holders have to wait five years before they are eligible for Medicaid.

While the legal requirement to treat anyone with an emergency condition wont go away, experts say the changes will leave more immigrants uninsured and provide less federal funding for emergency care if they need it.

If immigrants are unable to get as much coverage, then theyre not going to be able to get as much care, said Andrew Cohen, an attorney with Health Law Advocates, a Boston-based public interest law firm. Thats where medical deportations could really grow.

Medical transport companies can charge hospitals tens of thousands of dollars to repatriate a patient  but that may still be cheaper than long-term care.

Unfortunately, it becomes a financial burden to the hospital, said Craig Poliner, president of MedEscort, an Allentown-based medical air transport company that facilitates repatriations.

The patients really do better in their own countries, in their own culture, he said. Were not forcing anybody back. We convince them why we think its better. If we have the right approach, it usually resolves itself.

However, advocates note that immigration status, a lack of insurance, the injury or illness itself, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and language barriers can hinder someones ability to give informed consent.

In 2013, John Sullivan, a social worker based in Tempe, Arizona, traveled to Mexico to study medical repatriation as part of a Fulbright scholarship. He interviewed patients who had been sent back, along with family members, health workers and Mexican officials.

Sullivan said the circumstances surrounding consent in some of those cases were unclear. It was almost like migrants would describe feeling like they had no other choice, he said.

In early March 2023, Clase said, hospital administrators gave him an ultimatum: find care for his wife elsewhere or shed be transferred to the Dominican Republic.

Clase didnt believe Olaverria would survive the flight, and if she did, he didnt trust the Dominican hospital shed be transferred to. But he also couldnt care for her at home or pay for another facility in the U.S.

The Free Migration Project organized protests against Olaverrias repatriation. Ultimately, hospital administrators agreed to hold off on the transfer. The hospital did not respond to requests for comment.

Media coverage of Olaverrias case helped bolster interest in a bill before the Philadelphia City Council to stop nonconsensual medical repatriations. In December 2023, it became the nations first law banning the practice.

The law requires Philadelphia hospitals to obtain patients written consent before repatriation. Hospitals must also offer information about patients rights and options for care.

In May 2023, Olaverria was transferred from the hospital into a long-term care facility in Allentown. Two months later, she woke up from the coma. She still cannot walk or use the bathroom on her own, and she can speak only a few words.

Between working two jobs and attending church services three times a week, Clase visits his wife every day. He wipes her mouth, adjusts her neck and massages her curled-in hands.

Life outside this routine is virtually nonexistent. When he gets home each night, he sleeps and occasionally cries.

This country consumes you, he said.

Clase and Olaverria currently have medical deferred action, which allows them to temporarily remain in the country. They are working to apply for a visa that would allow them to stay longer. But Olaverrias ability to continue in long-term care is uncertain.

Despite this, Clase carries forward, focused on the familiar paths of his daily routine, all of which lead to Olaverria.

The majority of my time, he said, I dedicate it to my wife.

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/.
HARARE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said the country supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China.

Muchinguri-Kashiri made the remarks on Friday at a reception held by the Chinese embassy in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, ahead of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

"We wish to reaffirm our government's support for the recently announced Global Governance Initiative and all the other initiatives spearheaded by China," she said.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said relations between Zimbabwe and China have soared, which is evidenced by the elevation of ties to an all-weather community with a shared future during Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent visit to China.

"The two leaders concurred that the 'five-star ironclad' friendship has steadily deepened and has set an example for solidarity and coordination between China and Africa as well as the Global South," she said.

"Over the years, the level of economic cooperation between our two countries has soared to greater heights as evidenced by the implementation and commissioning of various programs in the health, energy, agriculture, infrastructure development, and ICT sectors, among others," said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said the two countries have signed three protocols to facilitate the export of Zimbabwean citrus, avocados, and blueberries to China, and the southern African country is looking forward to more products entering the Chinese market.

She also applauded China for providing scholarships to Zimbabwean students and training to professionals, noting that education, scientific and technological development are key drivers to enhance Zimbabwe's capabilities in all sectors of the economy.

"Let us work closely together to further consolidate and drive forward the excellent and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two friendly nations and achieve new milestones in our bilateral relations," Muchinguri-Kashiri added. 
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AT THEIR heights, Denmarks corporate champions seemed untouchable.

Novo Nordisk, long known mostly as an insulin maker, was Europes most valuable company last year  after riding a surge of demand for Ozempic and Wegovy.

That followed the success of Orsted, the worlds largest offshore wind developer, which was celebrating record valuations and racing to expand internationally as governments poured money into green energy in 2021.

Now, those triumphs look fragile. On Wednesday, Novo announced 9,000 job cuts  more than half taking place in Denmark  after losing its lead in the US obesity market to rival Eli Lilly.

Orsted has been forced to scrap multibillion-dollar projects, take heavy write-downs, and raise new cash amid soaring costs, supply-chain snags, and Donald Trumps war on offshore wind.

CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB

Both companies have suffered steep valuation losses, and the investor euphoria that once defined them has largely disappeared.

The turbulence at these two giants hasnt just rattled investors and executives.

Novos setbacks have sent tremors through Denmarks government ministries, pension funds, and households.

Consumer confidence is worsening, stoking concern that both domestic spending and the countrys flourishing investment

culture may take a hit.

Economists are warning of lower growth, and there are fears Denmark is facing a so-called Nokia risk  a reference to how Finland ended up in a downward spiral after the countrys over-dependence on the company left it exposed when the iPhone came along.

The bad news from both companies comes at a time when consumer confidence is already very low, and many Danes are deeply concerned about the economy, said Las Olsen, the chief economist at Danske Bank.

This very bleak sentiment could easily get worse, he added.

No place in Denmark is more of a seismograph for Novos fortunes than Kalundborg, the industrial town that hosts the drugmakers main production site. Locals not only fill Novos factories, but also invest heavily in the company itself.

Michael Rasmussen, who runs the nearby Meny supermarket, said the stocks recent plunge has weighed on residents.

Right now, its really taking a psychological toll, he said.

That, of course, affects some people when it comes to immediate decisions like buying a new kitchen, a new car, or other big consumer goods.

The dominance of Novo and Orsted  as well as AP Moller-Maersk, Lego, and Carlsberg  speak to Denmarks role as a breeding ground for name-brand companies.

While revenues of the countrys 10 largest companies corresponded to about 20% of its GDP in the 1980s, that number is now around 45%.

This is according to Martin Jes Iversen, a researcher in business history at Copenhagen Business School. That has transformed Denmark into one of the worlds richest countries as measured by GDP per capita.

Denmarks economic clout has not only elevated Danes standards of living, its also quietly transformed their sense of identity.

The popular tourist location of Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen. Picture: Hilary Swift/Bloomberg

Jeppe Nevers, a historian at the University of Southern Denmark specialising in modern Danish political and economic history, said: It has become ingrained in the Danish mentality or public consciousness that the foundation of our high level of prosperity and our welfare society is our ability to build highly successful multinational companies.

Yet the risk embedded in this dynamic is becoming more visible. Novo and Orsteds troubles in the US market have become a liability for both them and for Denmark.

While Denmarks economy is fundamentally strong and diverse  and its public finances solid  that stumbles if these corporate giants threaten to undermine government spending and its self-perception as a small nation that punches above its weight, economically.

In late August, lawmakers and journalists

assembled in Copenhagen for a budget presentation that could have been mistaken for a giveaway show.

Flanked by colleagues, Denmarks finance minister listed the perks his countrymen were about to receive: Cheaper chocolate and books thanks to tax cuts, lower electricity bills, and better-funded welfare programs.

It all had been made possible by record employment levels and corporate tax revenue, with 15% of it coming from Novo, according to a 2023 estimate.

Its an overstatement to say Denmarks economy relies on Novo, but not by much. The success of Ozempic and Wegovy helped drive GDP growth well above the countrys European peers.

Thanks in part to the drugmaker, the government has raised future revenue estimates several times since 2022, resulting in more than 100bn kroner (13.6bn) in additional available funds through the end of the decade.

That has translated into income tax cuts, higher spending on healthcare, green energy initiatives, and support for Ukraine.

Denmarks fortune is so tightly bound to the pharmaceutical giant that even modest shifts in its prospects can ripple through the countrys growth figures and labour market.

Two years ago, a key ministry report cited Novo 31 times in its assessment of Denmarks economic outlook  an unusual decision for a paper that typically avoids mentioning companies by name.

In this, some economists hear echoes of Nokia Oyj, which drove Finland to unprecedented growth and tax revenues in the 1990s and 2000s before its collapse  alongside a global financial crisis and decline in the paper industry  dragged down the entire economy.

I really see similarities, said Jyrki Ali-Yrkko, a researcher at the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy ETLA, who spent decades studying Nokias impact.

In fact, Novo may even play a bigger role in Denmark, as it accounts for an estimated 5% of GDP and a larger proportion of direct employment. That scale, he argued, should concern policymakers.

Having grown accustomed to living off the fat of Novos profits, Denmark has become vulnerable to lifestyle creep, said Herman Mark Schwartz, a University of Virginia professor of politics who studies small states that are reliant on single firms.

That happens when nations, like people, increase their spending as their income grows, giving them farther to fall.

People get used to this higher level of expenditure and also to the growth in the level of expenditure, Schwartz said. If it stops, or worse if it goes down, then its painful.

For all its recent troubles, Novo is still expanding.

Theyre growing sales, theyre growing profit, but theyre just not living up to the expectations that they have communicated themselves, said Kare Schultz, a former Novo executive who managed and mentored the new CEO.

Novo's sprawling campus in Malov, Denmark. Novo has invested billions of dollars in expansion projects and new factories. Picture: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg

Orsted doesnt weigh as heavily on Denmarks economy as Novo, but its crisis runs deeper and strikes directly at the countrys image of itself as a global leader in green energy. Wind supplies account for roughly 60% of Denmarks electricity, the highest share in the world, and Orsted is seen as the face of these efforts.

Once a coal-heavy utility that ran Denmarks energy infrastructure, Orsted began a dramatic shift in the late 2000s, pivoting to offshore wind and expanding internationally.

After growing in Europe, it entered the US  a move that proved disastrous, as spiralling costs, supply chain delays, and regulatory hurdles have forced the partially state-owned company to abandon projects, book hefty writedowns, and rethink the pace of its growth.

Its troubles have been compounded by the Trump administration, whose attacks on offshore wind projects have made the line between financial and political risk increasingly blurry. In August, Orsted shares plunged by a third when it announced a $9.4bn capital raise  the biggest for a European energy company in over a decade  with half coming from the Danish state. Less than two weeks later, it was dealt another blow when the Trump administration issued a stop-work order on a nearly-completed $6.3bn (5.4bn) offshore wind project that Orsted was developing off the coast of Rhode Island. The firm has since challenged the decision in court.

The government has reassured Danes that it can afford the one-off capital infusion. Still, with the stock losing billions on paper, the move has drawn fire from opposition parties who view it as a step too far in the name of green energy. Its sparked debate over how far taxpayers should go in propping up national champions, and whether the states ties to the firm have given the US political leverage over Denmark.

Back in Kalundborg, the mood is subdued. At Costa Kalundborg Kaffe by the harbour, owner Shaun Gamble has been watching the ups and downs of Denmarks corporate crown jewel with a mix of familiarity and forbearance.

A former warehouse worker at Novo, he started the cafe in 2020 after selling roasted beans to colleagues inside the factory.

Business has grown steadily ever since, and Novos expansion plans gave him the confidence to invest further, betting that new permanent jobs would bring more residents to town.

Its not the news you want to hear, he said after Novo announced lay-offs.

Maybe things will slow down in Kalundborg, so thats a shame.

Still, he said, his plans havent changed. Hes been through Novos hiring freezes and job cuts before, and remains optimistic about the drugmakers longer-term prospects  and his own.

Bloomberg
These bars are made in a slightly unusual way.

You make your shortbread pastry, freeze it for a few hours then using the large holes on a box grater, grate the dough from frozen.

Having gently spread the grated dough into your baking tin, air pockets form throughout the bars as it bakes, creating a melt in your mouth texture and buttery, crumbly base and topping.

This technique has long been a trick of pastry chefs in restaurant kitchens, and is a relatively easy to do at home.

Grated shortbread is also used in a Hungarian pastry called omlos teasutemeny and in that recipe they use the shortbread to sandwich a layer of jam. These bars are a nod to that dessert.

I suggest raspberry jam in this recipe as it is one of my favourites, is generally a crowd pleaser and is quite versatile.

You can add additional flavour to the jam such as a dash of orange blossom water, rose water or elderflower.

All these wonderful floral flavours elevate the raspberry jam, and turn your crumbly shortbread bars into something quite special.

Raspberry Shortbread recipe by:Michelle Darmody I suggest raspberry jam in this recipe as it is one of my favourites, is generally a crowd pleaser and is quite versatile. Servings 20 Preparation Time  20 mins Cooking Time  40 mins Total Time  60 mins Course  Dessert Ingredients 325g plain flour

200g butter, cold and cut into small cubes

125g golden caster sugar

2 egg yolks, from large eggs

2 tsp orange zest

200g raspberry jam Method 1. To make the dough, rub the butter into the flour until it forms rough breadcrumbs. 2. Stir the sugar into the egg yolks and add this to the flour mixture. 3. Combine the two mixtures, you do not need to overmix. 4. Tip the dough onto some parchment, wrap it up and place it into the freezer until it it has completely frozen through 5. Line a 9x11 inch baking tin with parchment. 6. Preheat your oven to 180C/gas mark 4. 7. Remove your dough from the freezer. 8. Using the side of your box grater with the largest holes grate half of the dough. 9. Spread the grated dough on the base of the prepared tin. Do not pack it down. 10. Gently spread the jam on top. 11. Place this into the fridge while you grate the rest of the dough. 12. Sprinkle the second lots of grated dough evenly on top of the jam, again do not press it down. 13. Bake for 35 minutes until the top is golden. 14. Allow to cool in the tin and then slice into whatever size bars you wish.

Bakers' Tips:

I use a box grater in this recipe, but you can just as easily use a food processor with a grater attachment. It will speed up the process.

You can divide the dough into two blocks before freezing so you have the base and then the topping ready to go. The dough needs to be fully frozen to grate well so I would usually leave it in the freezer overnight.

Grate the first half of the frozen dough directly into a baking tin. When grating the dough for the top layer I find it best to grate it onto a plate rather than onto the already prepared jam layer. I do this for several reasons, you may accidentally lean the grater on the jam or dough pressing it down, or it may not grate into an even layer on the top. Sprinkling it from the plate evenly onto the jam layer works best.

Even though you might be tempted to pack the base layer, do not pack it down. The jam and next layer of dough will automatically do this for you. Do not pack down the top layer of grated dough either; it will come together as it bakes and melts, keeping those little air pockets for texture.

The dough can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months and used when needed. Once baked, keep the bars in an airtight container in a cool place and eat within three days.

Three delicious variations:

Lemon shortbread bars

You can substitute the jam for lemon curd and follow the recipe as is.

If you really love a lemon flavour you can replace the orange zest with lemon zest in the shortbread dough.

Blackberry shortbread bars

There are still a few blackberries to be found on bushes.

You can make a version using up your blackberries or with blackberry jam.

I would often mash about 60g of blackberries into 140g of blackberry jam.

This gives a nice tartness to the jam and adds a bounce of fresh flavour.

It is delicious with the shortbread.

Hazelnut choc-chip shortbread biscuits

If you want to use this dough to make biscuits, you can add 50g of chocolate chips and 50g of chopped hazelnuts to the dough at the last step.

You can then roll the dough into a log before wrapping the log in baking parchment and popping it into the fridge or freezer.

If freezing, take the log out of the freezer for about two hours to soften, before slicing the dough into rounds with a knife that has been dipped into hot water.

You can bake the biscuits for about 10-15 mins at the same oven temperature.
Im a bit like a broken record but here I go again  Im super proud of so many of our Ballymaloe Cookery School alumni who are making a difference in food and farming in a myriad of different ways all around the world.

They find all sorts of ways to use their food knowledge for the betterment of mankind, not just in the restaurant, cafe and hospitality business.

How about Sophie Morris?

Perhaps you are already one of her 500,000 plus followers on Instagram - if not, shes definitely one to watchparticularly now, as we all become increasingly confused and desperate to find real food to feed to ourselves and our children.

How do we avoid calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, ultra-processed food that leaves us overfed and undernourished?

Sophie, who comes from a family that love to cook, did a 12-week cookery course here in 2008.

She loved the delicious food and really understood the value of sourcing good-quality, chemical-free produce to cook with.

Seeing is believing: she saw with her own eyes the increase in her friends' energy, vitality level and ability to concentrate and was convinced of the life-enhancing qualities of real food.

Sophie is an entrepreneur through and through. After she graduated, she set up a cookie dough business which was wildly successful, not just here in Ireland but also exported to the UK, France and the United Arab Emirates.

Having turned down an offer of a 70,000 investment on Dragons Den, she was approached by one of the major multinationals to produce an own brand Kooky Dough.

Soon there was pressure to dumb down her original delicious cookie dough.

The subsequent, behind-the-scenes experience gave her a deep understanding of what goes on in the food industry to produce ever cheaper, hyper-palatable, addictive food often at the expense of our health.

She saw firsthand the pressure on producers to reduce costs by using ever cheaper ingredients and the huge power that the multinational food brands have.

She gained an industry-level insight into the skill of food labelling language, misleading health claims and strategic marketing.

The time she spent immersed in the food industry made her determined to help others to make sense of our current food system.

Eventually, the constant pressure to make the Kooky Dough cheaper was too much, as it is for many who are really passionate about the flavour and quality of the product they create.

She was fortunate to sell the business to a large bakeryunfortunately, not the outcome for every small producer, many of whom give up in frustration and disillusionment as their product becomes more and more dumbed down to produce ever cheaper food.

She went on to help launch Cool Beans with friends, completed two diplomas in nutrition and fulfilled her dream to write her first cookbook, the bestseller, Sophie Kooks.

In the meantime, Sophie has earned extraordinary trust among Irish consumers which in turn has drawn significant interest from the retailers who approached Sophie to work exclusively with them.

However, Sophie made the decision to stay independent. She turned down all the opportunities in order to create change within the food industry.

She is best known for scanning and highlighting ingredients in products on the shelves of our supermarkets, translating the labelling into plain English and highlighting the ingredients not found in a normal home kitchen  colourings, emulsifiers, preservatives.

Best of all, she identifies less processed alternatives, often cheaper and better quality.

In her newly published cookbook, aptly named Sophies Swaps, she shares her top product tips from the five biggest supermarket chains in Ireland and 50 of her favourite recipes for fuss-free family cooking at home.

This book may well change the way you shop, inspire you to cook and hopefully start a food revolution, one trolley at a time.

Sophies Swaps, published by Gill Books, is widely available in all good local bookshops.

Sophie Morris' Miso Creamy Mushroom on Toast Miso and mushrooms complement each other so well with their umami flavour, and this makes a delicious, speedy lunch you can whip up in less than 15 minutes! You can leave out the cream cheese if you prefer. Servings 1 Preparation Time  5 mins Cooking Time  10 mins Total Time  15 mins Course  Main Ingredients 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Large handful of mushrooms of your choice, finely sliced

 tbsp white miso paste (Fused)

1 large slice of good-quality sourdough

1 tbsp cream cheese

1 tbsp finely chopped chives

freshly ground black pepper (optional) Method Heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it is hot, add the mushrooms to the pan and fry for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. Next add the miso paste with a splash of water. Turn the heat down and cook for a few more minutes until youre left with a thick glaze around the mushrooms. Meanwhile, toast the sourdough and spread the toast with cream cheese. Top the toast with the miso mushrooms and the chopped chives. Season with pepper, if you wish (there will already be enough saltiness from the miso).

Sophie Morris' Salted Chocolate Berry & Peanut Butter Bark Bark recipes like this are my favourite way to prepare delicious treats. Not only do they taste incredible, but theyre also so quick and easy to make, with no baking or any need to roll the mixture into individual balls. Servings 16 Preparation Time  1 hours 10 mins Total Time  1 hours 10 mins Course  Dessert Ingredients 230g dark chocolate, broken into squares

1 tsp coconut oil

80g raspberries

1 tbsp 100% nut peanut butter (Nutshed or Lidls 100% nuts peanut butter)

sprinkle of ground cinnamon

pinch of sea salt Method Put the chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with a few centimetres of water (making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water). Turn on the heat and let the water come to the boil and then turn off the heat. Leave the chocolate to melt, stirring gently now and again to help it along. Grease a 20cm square baking dish using butter or coconut oil and line it with baking parchment. When the chocolate has melted, pour half of it into the base of the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle an even layer of raspberries over the chocolate. Drizzle the peanut butter on top of the raspberries. Add a sprinkling of cinnamon and then top with the remaining half of the melted chocolate, coating everything in an even layer. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt flakes on top. Put the baking dish in the freezer for about 45 minutes to set. Remove from the freezer and cut into whatever sized squares you wish! Store them in the fridge and they will keep well for 5-6 days.

Sophie Morris' Three-Ingredient Mango Ice Cream This recipe is technically frozen yogurt, so its a really nutritious swap from ice cream, and its really simple to make. Servings 4 Course  Dessert Ingredients 320g frozen mango

220g full fat Greek yogurt

1 tbsp honey Method Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz together. Leave the food processor on for a few minutes, as it takes time to break down the mango and get rid of all lumps. Be patient at the start  it might look like it needs more liquid to blend, but dont be tempted to add any as it will start to break down and come together. Taste and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Enjoy this as a soft-serve style ice cream or smoothie bowl, or transfer to a container and allow to harden in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, it scoops perfectly, just like ice cream!

Seasonal Journal

National Honey Month

The new seasons honey is now coming on stream.

Buy from small local producers where possible, local honey carries the antibodies of your area.

The honey from every parish will taste different depending on the microflora in the area. Enjoy the difference.

If you want to track down your local beekeeper, contact one of the Irish beekeepers associations:

Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association  irishbeekeeping.ie

Irish Beekeepers Association - irishbeekeepers.ie

Irish Bee Foundation  irishbeefoundation.ie

Taste of Sligo Food Festival

How about a trip West? Dont miss the Taste of Sligo Food Festival which takes place from September 19-21 for a myriad of events  cookery demonstration, al fresco dining plus a host of artisan food stalls and food trucks highlighting the food culture and food tourism of Sligo.
Neil Hannon has a simple ambition. His new album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, is his 13th release under the banner of The Divine Comedy  but fans neednt worry about the now 54-year-old taking early retirement.

If this is 13, I kind of want to get to 20, because I like neatness, he says, a silk scarf slung rakishly around his neck when we meet for coffee in Dublin.

So Ive worked out that Id have to make an album every 2.3 years.

He baulks at the idea, noting how he once churned out albums with aplomb as a younger man.

Now, I feel like I need a four-year rest in between [each one]. But also, I feel like people need a rest from me. Its like, Oh my god, another Divine Comedy album? Jesus. So I dont know how were gonna get to 20 at this rate.

He looks momentarily perplexed.

I might just splurge at some point and do about five in two years.

There is little chance that listeners will feel jaded by Rainy Sunday Afternoon, which is one of the most sumptuous-sounding Divine Comedy albums to date.

Recorded at Abbey Rds iconic Studio 3, these are beautifully arranged orchestral pop songs with an opaque underbelly, taking their cue from greats such as Burt Bacharach and Scott Walker.

After 2019s synthpop-addled Office Politics, he notes how you always return to your happy place in the end

For Hannon, that place is melancholic orchestral pop music  although he recently had the chance to indulge his more whimsical side by writing the original songs for the soundtrack of 2023s Wonka.

I kept imagining for years that I was going to get sacked at any moment when they realised Why have we got this little indie fellow doing the songs for this massive Hollywood film? he jokes.

I was really just channeling a different part of myself, because I love proper family musicals in the old style. So when you get a job like that, you just go, Oh, yeah! I dont have to be remotely cynical or ironic.

He met the man who sang his songs, Timothee Chalamet, on a handful of occasions  a lovely lad, by his reckoning.

And I think I was very lucky to have him in that role, because he actually had a really nice voice and he brought them to life really successfully.

Recording the Wonka soundtrack at Abbey Rd also inadvertently inspired the new Divine Comedy album.

I vividly remember sitting at the back of the room going: This sounds so good. Ive got to make a record just like this before I cop it.

But it had to be a certain kind of record. And then songs like I Want You and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter came along, and I thought: Yeah, thats a vibe that will work.

He pauses for a moment.

Or maybe that was just hiding the fact that these songs were helping me. That it was kind of soothing my soul.

Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy: But how am I going to get to 20 albums if I write a bloody book?. Pic: Kevin Westenberg

DEPARTURES

There were other reasons for the albums somewhat lugubrious tone.

His favourite dog died. Then he and his wife, musician and animal rights campaigner Cathy Davey, were temporarily exiled from their Kildare home during building work, making for an uneasy year-long displacement.

In 2022, Hannon also lost his father Brian after a long decline due to Alzheimers.

The song The Last Time I Saw the Old Man is a moving account of his last visit home, with lyrics like: The last time I saw the old man / He was moving very slowly, and he didnt seem to know me.

It was almost a relief when he died, because hed been living with Alzheimers for a long time and it was kind of cruel to keep going.

He sighs.

I dont look upon the song as being written for him, or as a dedication, its kind of an on-the-nose observational portrait of the unfairness of it all.

And I know that far too many people are in the same position.

I dont know why I wrote it. I just had to write it.

Its not all doom and gloom.

There is space for some lightheartedness in the shape of The Man Who Turned Into a Chair, while All the Pretty Lights is a gorgeous blast of nostalgia in the form of a childhood Christmas.

The gallows humour of Mar-a-Lago by the Sea  a song written pre-election that imagined Trump in a prison cell, nostalgic for his horrible home, is the closest Hannon may come to writing a political song.

There have been ups and downs in recent years, but one highlight was finally tying the knot with the aforementioned Davey.

While she has sung on previous Divine Comedy albums, she could not be coaxed out of semi-retirement this time.

Another woman in his life who does feature on Rainy Sunday Afternoon, however, is his 23year-old daughter Willow, who sings on the album Invisible Thread.

With lyrics like I used to think that nobody could keep you safe but me / That only I could guide you through lifes crazy tapestry / But now youre guiding me, its a beautiful paean to the bittersweetness of watching your children spread their wings.

I didnt really give her an option. I said: Come and sing on my record, he says of her enlistment.

How did she react [to the song]? Shes so like me, to the extent that we dont really talk about that stuff. We just know each others feelings, and then talk about Pixies records or history.

Willow is now in her own band, Burglar.

Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy. Pic: Kevin Westenberg

MORE TO DO

Earlier this year, Hannon presented the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year to (a representative) of Fontaines DC  a prize that he himself won for his 2006 album Victory for the Comic Muse.

If he hadnt already stated his ambition to make at least seven more albums you might assume that he is ready to pass on the baton, but there is plenty more work to do.

Wonka was not his only recent incursion into the film world; he also provided the soundtrack to sci-fi film LOLA in 2022, and there are songs on Rainy Sunday Afternoon that you could easily imagine on a Bond soundtrack.

He rebuffs the possibility, noting how you have to be the most famous person in the world to be considered.

Are they going to get Taylor Swift to do the next one? He frowns. I dont think shes quite right.

The much-touted Father Ted musical, which he was also writing the songs for, was very much on track the last time The Divine Comedy released an album in 2019.

That project has now been shelved.

Is there anything he wants to say about that? Hannon thinks for the briefest of moments. No, he says, before bursting into peals of laughter.

It has been 35 years since The Divine Comedys debut album Fanfare for the Comic Muse was released, and he guffaws at the idea of reconciling the driven young musician he was back then with who he is now.

I have about 1% of the ambition that I had when I was 20, he admits, laughing.

Honestly, I was just made of ambition as a 20-year-old. Now its like, Whatever.

Still, there may still be one item to be ticked off the bucket list.

Years ago, Hannon dismissed the notion of penning his memoir, protesting that he has not led a particularly fascinating life.

Now, however, he is warming to the idea. Well, my life has gotten more interesting , he says after a lengthy pause. So maybe.

He suddenly jolts back to reality. But how am I going to get to 20 albums if I write a bloody book?
For many, cuddle parties are quite a striking concept. That might explain why Ive become somewhat selective about who I share this part of my life with.

It was an ex-partner of mine who introduced me to this new and intriguing world. We met at an event that involved conscious touch and authentic relating.

We went on to host our own events in Mexico that lasted between five and six hours.

Based on the positive reactions from the people in these communities, this was something the world really needed.

I already had a background in tantra and somatic work. This meant a lot of touch and a focus on whats going on internally.

In my younger years, I always struggled with knowing what I was going to do.

Being an entrepreneur was an ambition of mine. Nonetheless, I still wasnt sure which area I actively wanted to pursue.

There was always that feeling that I was going to be working for myself and doing whatever felt good to me.

While my journey started with me studying public health in UCC, it was my partner at the time who taught me about exercises to connect from the heart.

Originally from Kildare, I moved to Clare in November after seven years of travelling the world.

Intimacy events are more challenging in Ireland, given the residual Catholic guilt that continues to weigh many of us down.

Events like this are very important in light of how reserved we still are as a country. A lot of the time its predominantly individuals from other countries who enquire about my events.

The idea of attending a cuddle party can be quite daunting for people. Its difficult to visualise entering a space and touching and cuddling people that you dont know.

Their first concern is that its going to be awkward and weird. I want to be honest when I say that there is an awkwardness about it initially.

You are in a space with people that you probably dont know and you have no idea whats going to happen.

There is a mystery in it, but life is a mystery. Its really about being authentic and not wearing masks or performing in the way our everyday lives often demand.

The sessions are about stripping down the endless layers of conditioning that so often can prove suffocating.

The events are not sexual, but boundaries and consent are still important elements.

Both are presented in exercises which help us practise saying no and yes.

Its about really knowing what a yes feels like in our bodies and equally what a no feels like.

These are skills that should be taught in schools but often the lack of this awareness shows up in our lives in a way thats detrimental to our wellbeing.

This might be something as simple as saying yes to a favour we should never have committed to.

The motivation is to please the other person while overriding our own needs and abandoning ourselves for something we only think we want.

Thats why there is a section on boundaries and consent before we go into any sort of touch or cuddling.

These are all lessons that transcend to the outside world. We are gaining skills and tools we can apply to the outside world.

It encourages more empathy as well for other people when theyre expressing their truths.

After establishing boundaries, we move into what I like to call conscious touch. It sees us slowing down and becoming very present.

We also become aware of the motivations around why we want to touch somebody and why we want to interact with them.

This fills us with a lot of awareness and introduces consciousness to every interaction that were experiencing.

In that respect, intimacy events are very empowering. Being at these events can inspire people to take matters into their own hands and not be at the mercy of other peoples actions or desires.

The age profile of my clients is normally between 23 and 60. In the past few months I am seeing more Irish participants joining, which is really positive.

I think were becoming more open to alternative ways of life. Being on a path of self-development is one of the prerequisites when signing up for one of my events.

People come to me for myriad reasons. One woman was experiencing a connection but was unsure about whether she wanted to be in that interaction or not.

Being intimate in a safe space helped the woman in question communicate her feelings of unease and step back and take a moment as needed.

Because it was slow and mindful, there was nothing that she ended up doing that she didnt want to do. She was able to say no and feel empowered in saying no and was respected her no as well.

People on the outside sometimes laugh when they hear about what I do. They think its very radical. Ive learned not to take things personally.

Instead, I try to focus on the task at hand and remember this is something the world really needs right now.
In Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, there is a boat called Kiwi Girl. The name, skipper Declan Kilgannon tells me, has no hidden poetry.

Thats an awkward question, he laughs when I ask why. Its exactly what it says.

Likely a woman from New Zealand he wishes I hadnt asked about. The answer is a shrug, but the boat itself is anything but plain.

I boarded Kiwi Girl on a grey morning in August, decked out with sun cream and raincoats.

A dozen of us filed on: Parents with children down from Dublin, waterproofs zipped up against the mist; a dry-robed couple; and beside me, the filmmaker Joshua Nueva, whose lens has made him one of Irelands most prolific chroniclers of sea life.

The engine shuddered into life and we pulled out of Mullaghmore Harbour, the headland falling behind as Donegal Bay opened.

We did not have to wait long. Dolphins broke the surface off the bow in slick black arcs, quick as commas. A minke whale erupted from the waves.

A dolphin breaks the ocean's surface to say hello.

The children screamed and pointed, already scribbling into their own mental field notes. One girl whispered: Theyre playing chasing.

I remember her as the kind of child who might grow into a marine biologist, or simply someone who cannot stay away from the sea.

Declans life has been lived on water. He started young, teaching diving with no money, no gear, no nothing, he says: We needed to buy a boat. What we could afford was small, just enough to get us out a wee bit. Then bigger boats, and once the boats got too big to start paying for them, the diving needed to be subsidised, and fishing started subsidising that.

Eventually, the fishing grew and the diving shrank.

I wasnt diving at all, he admits. I spent most of my time fishing.

But fishing now is less about the catch than the record, he explains: Wed catch, tag, measure, record. We do shark tagging through Sea Fisheries Protection. We do the tuna Chart work through Inland Fisheries.

On board, it becomes clear: The Kiwi Girl is a moving ledger of the Atlantic. Declan knows the whales the way neighbours are known, by habits and scars.

Some of the whales have nicknames. We were with 89 last night, which is Hook, he said. He doesnt fluke, so we dont know quite whats going on there.

A whale's tail, visible as it flukes, as seen from the Kiwi Girl.

Fluking is when whales pop their tails above the water to help them dive down. They call him Hook because it looks like he has a hook.

A whales tail has a unique pattern, like a fingerprint, but Hook doesnt show his tail. Maybe he had an accident somewhere along the way. Got hit with a ship or whatever.

And then there is whale 24  Declans favourite, the whale he has spent the most time with.

He recalls: I thought we had a bond. He never showed up last year, and I was really disappointed. Then one day, there he was ahead of me. I got close enough to go; I know who that is. Its very unique. And it was wow, 24 is back.

But the sea is shifting beneath these bonds.

I think theres been a bit of a shift northwards with wildlife, Declan warns. If we lose the food source and the whales move on another 200 miles Its all over. Theyll be so close to Norway, and they wont bother coming down.

The culprit is overfishing: Excessive commercials. Were going to lose it. Its inevitable. When youre taking away a massive food source from so many animals to grind it down, crush it, process it to feed farm salmon, I dont get it at all.

A Minke whale comes to the surface.

Irelands south coast once carried the fame of whale watching. West Cork was the big spot. If the whales move further north, Donegal and Sligo may be next to lose them.

The miol mor, or great beast, has haunted Irish waters and imagination for centuries. Annals from the 13th century record whale strandings in Kerry.

Legends tell of St Brendan mistaking a whales back for an island. By the 18th century, observers wrote that whales abounded off Sligo each spring.

Later came whaling stations in Donegal and Mayo, their catches so excessive that by 1925, the industry collapsed under its own greed.

Irelands redemption began in 1937, with the Whale Fisheries Act banning whaling, and culminated in 1991 when the government declared all Irish waters a whale and dolphin sanctuary  the first such declaration in Europe.

It was a symbolic act, but not an empty one. It forced a reimagining of whales as neighbours, not resources.

That reimagining was amplified at the European level. Under the EU Habitats Directive 1992, all cetaceans are strictly protected.

The Shannon Estuary is a special area of conservation for its resident bottlenose dolphins; Roaringwater Bay, Dalkey, and Rockabill are set aside for harbour porpoise.

Regulations require acoustic pingers on nets to keep dolphins away, and prohibit deliberate disturbance of whales. Europe speaks as one voice at the International Whaling Commission, an unambiguous anti-whaling bloc.

The law is there, but the sea remains precarious. Plastic gathers in stomachs, shipping noise drowns out songs, and climate change is already pulling prey away.

What Declan sees, the slow vanishing of the feast, is borne out by data as much as by instinct.

Dolphins in formation, as seen from the Kiwi Girl

Recently, Nuevas drone rose above the Kiwi Girl and caught what our eyes could only glimpse: Dolphins in formation, white wake slicing the slate water.

His camera translates awe into pixels, making Mullaghmores wild Atlantic legible to a world that may never set foot on a boat. He is, in his own way, building a sanctuary in image.

Declan says people come back again and again, some unable to resist the pull of the whales: People get emotional, really, really emotional. One woman comes every month she was crying from the boat. She just wants to be here every day. She cant obviously, but shes out now once a week.

The day we went out, we saw only one Minke whale. There were mostly dolphins, as if to remind us that this is not an aquarium but the Atlantic itself, unpredictable and wild.

Yet, no one left disappointed. Declan smiled when asked about expectations: The biggest mistake is just expecting.

Chance of seeing an orca? None. Never happened. Then last week we had an orca in the bay. So, you know anything can happen.

A pod of dolphins plunges back into the water,

Anything can happen. That is the promise of Kiwi Girl, and the burden too. The whales are still here, for now, and we still have the chance to meet them.

But whether the miol mor remains a neighbour in Sligo Bay  or becomes once again only a word in old stories  depends on whether we choose to leave enough on the table for them to return.

The children on the boat, faces lit up at the sight of dolphins, do not think of overfishing. For them, it is immediate: The slick surface broken, the sudden spray, the feeling that another world full of joy is playing just beneath.

They will carry that moment like a miniature bottle tucked into memory, to be opened years from now.

If overfishing drains the sea, if plastic fills the stomachs of giants, if noise drowns their songs, then the next generation will inherit only stories.

Miol mor will slip back into folklore, another creature mistaken for an island, another ghost that once swam here.

Anything can happen: A pod of dolphins in Sligo Bay, an orca where no one expected it, or silence.

The choice, as ever, is ours.

Joshua Nueva is Irish ambassador for the CEWE Photo Award, the worlds largest photography competition. The global competition which runs every second year closed in May with seven Irish photographers recognised in the top 1000 entries. The overall winner will be announced later this month.

Travel notes

For those planning a trip, Kiwi Girl runs from March to November, weather permitting, with tickets costing about 5060 per adult and family discounts available (full details at kiwigirlmullaghmore.com). Each trip lasts two to three hours and carries no more than 12 passengers, keeping things close and personal. Declan warns that the only people who dont enjoy themselves are the ones who come unprepared: Bring waterproofs and layers, because the Atlantic does not care for optimism. The Pier Head Hotel, perched right on Mullaghmore harbour, is the most convenient place to stay; you can step out of your room, see the boat below, and be on the water within minutes. Afterwards, Declan himself recommends Harrisons of Cliffoney, just up the road, for solid Irish seafood and steaks. If youd rather linger in the village, the Clashybann Restaurant in the Pier Head serves a dependable dinner with sea views to match.

Travel tips
Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf has warned the Government against introducing untargeted tax reliefs in Octobers budget due to the risk of abuse.

Mr Makhlouf and senior officials from the Central Bank met with housing minister James Browne in April.

Minutes of the meeting released to the Irish Examiner via a Freedom of Information request show the Central Bank team is skeptical about introducing untargeted or broad fiscal reliefs, citing the possible risk of abuse.

Tax reliefs for developers were floated as early as February, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin saying it would be a matter the Government would be considering.

The minutes confirm Mr Browne is considering a number of measures, telling the Central Bank these could include targeted fiscal incentives or levy exemptions.

However, the minutes note there is no decision made as of yet.

It is expected any changes to tax incentives for developers would be unveiled as part of the budget process.

Mr Browne and his officials also raised some barriers blocking the development of housing across the country including high equity requirements by banks, costs from Uisce Eireann and planning delays.

Briefing notes provided to Mr Makhlouf say there is substantial balance sheet capacity within banks to lend more for housing development, but any decision on whether or not to provide finance is a commercial decision for banks.

The note said previous lending practices to developers did not serve this country well, but there is capacity within the sector to do more.

But banks naturally have underwriting standards in place which requires a level of equity investment to support this type of lending so as to ensure that their there is prudent risk management and long-term lending standards. It is important that we do not interfere with this, and the Central Bank does not direct banks in their lending decisions, the note adds.

The briefing also calls for the Government to examine further policy interventions to incentivise quicker and more housing completions.

The minutes show the Central Bank raise concerns about the viability of projects, in particular for apartments. They also raise concerns about the productivity within the construction sector, saying there is not enough use of modern methods of construction. The Central Bank offered a number of suggestions during the meeting to improve housing supply, including the introduction of builder co-ops to achieve scale.

Both the minister and Central Bank agree there would be a focus on planning reforms, boosting the capacity of smaller builders and increasing the use of modern methods of construction, the minutes read.
A Cork man who pleaded guilty to one count of entering a building with intent to commit an offence and one count of criminal damage had been given chance after chance to sort his life out, according to a district court judge.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Bantry District Court that a disturbance was reported at Dromleigh South, Bantry, Co Cork, in the early hours of the morning. A resident woke at 2am to suspicious sounds at a neighbouring vacant property.

The resident looked out of the window to see a man later identified as Tadgh Tuschewski, aged 25, of no fixed abode and formerly of Rossmore, Clonakilty, trying to enter the building. When the man challenged Tuschewski, he was verbally abusive towards him. Tuschewski had taken a sliding door at the property off its rails and had broken three windows.

Tuschewski then headed towards Bantry where a short time later, he attempted to enter another vacant house where another window was broken. The court was told that Tuschewski had 67 previous convictions for a variety of offences, including assault causing harm and sexual assault.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said that his client had been residing with his mother in Rossmore at the time and had gone to Bantry earlier that day to attend psychiatric services at Bantry Hospital. Mr Murphy said, however, that an issue arose and Tuschewski was not admitted to the hospital. He said the houses in question were near the hospital and the incidents happened later that night.

Tuschewski said that he has been clean from drugs for some time, but he was asked to leave his mothers home and this event set him back and led to him taking drugs and committing offences.

Judge Joanne Carroll said that Tuschewski was previously given a break but had gone back to drug taking. She said that Tuschewski knows that to stay out of trouble, he needed to take his medication and stay off drugs, but he had not done so.

She added: The time for blaming your mother is well and truly gone.

For the offence of entering a building with intent to commit an offence, he was sentenced to four months in prison. For criminal damage, he was also sentenced to four months with the sentences to run concurrently. Recognisance for appeal was fixed at 100 cash on each charge.
DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Tanzania's Zanzibar president and ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, on Friday called on fellow candidates to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the Oct. 29 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Zanzibar, Mwinyi urged politicians to focus on policies and avoid inflammatory language. "Without peace, there is no development. We want campaigns centered on ideas, not insults," he said.

Outlining his priorities if re-elected, Mwinyi pledged to strengthen food and fuel reserves to stabilize prices, expand access to health insurance, and improve infrastructure, including new passenger ferries to boost interisland transport.

He highlighted progress made during his first term, citing Zanzibar's economic growth of 7.4 percent in 2024, up from 4 percent in 2020, as well as investments in markets, blue economy sectors such as fishing and tourism, and youth employment initiatives.

Mwinyi also vowed to enhance green economy efforts through irrigation farming and spice cultivation, while continuing to expand health and education services. 
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has led tributes to a Cork county councillor who died unexpectedly at his West Cork home on Saturday morning,

Fianna Fail councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy had served on the local authority since 2008, after being co-opted to fill a seat in the Bantry Electoral Area vacated by Donal Buckley.

He was elected in his own right in 2009 and at every local election since.

Mr Murphy had to use a wheelchair following a car accident when he was younger.

Mr Martin said he was deeply sorry to hear of Mr Murphys death, describing him as an outstanding councillor.

I am very sorry to learn of the death of my friend, fellow party member and councillor, Patrick Gerard Murphy. He was born and grew up on the Beara Peninsula. He (prior to his accident) played football for Urhan and Beara and throughout his life was committed to the GAA and its ideals, Mr Martin said.

The Taoiseach went on to describe him as a natural public representative who was a long-standing member of West Cork Development Partnership and a founding member of Cork Local Link and Employability West Cork.

In his tribute, Micheal Martin recalled how Patrick Gerard cared deeply and passionately about his place and the people he represented. Picture: David Keane

In his tribute, Mr Martin recalled how Patrick Gerard cared deeply and passionately about his place and the people he represented.

He said: He advocated for them. Patrick Gerard was passionate about community development and worked tirelessly on behalf of the communities he represented. He overcame adversity in his early life with great courage and determination. He continued to advocate for people with disabilities, working with the National Learning Network in Bantry to ensure that those with disabilities were supported and represented, Mr Martin said.

Patrick Gerard was warm, positive and inspirational. On a personal basis, I always enjoyed his company and found him friendly, kind and insightful.

"His was an important and respected voice within the party along with his community and county. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fail organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Patrick Gerards brothers Michael and Noel and his wider family, along with his community in West Cork.

Skibbereen-based Fianna Fail councillor Joe Carroll, who was one of Patrick Gerards best friends on the council, said he was totally shocked to learn of his death.

We travelled together throughout the county and abroad representing the council. I just find it so hard to take it in. He was very level-headed and very intelligent. You wont replace a man like him, Mr Carroll said.

Speaking on his passing, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, said, This is a day of great sadness for Cork County Council and for West Cork. Patrick was not only a colleague, but also a friend to many across this chamber.

"His passion for his community, his dedication to public service, and the kindness with which he performed his duties distinguished him in every role he held. His loss will leave a void in our council, and in the hearts of all who knew him. On behalf of the people of County Cork, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, his friends, and all those who worked alongside him.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added, Patrick Gerard Murphys contributions to Cork County Council were diverse and lasting. His leadership in housing strategy, planning, arts, heritage, and local development has left lasting benefits for many communities.

"To his family, colleagues, and constituents, I express my heartfelt condolences. His legacy will continue in the work he did and supported, and he will be sorely missed by all in the Executive and the wider Council organisation.
There's fine line between criticism and hatred. The intention behind it makes all the difference.

The sight of Charlie Kirks three-year-old daughter running towards him with her arms outstretched on the set of Fox News six weeks before his killing last Wednesday will stay with me.

That cherished moment is part of an unspeakable legacy his family will carry forever. They were watching him this week as he was shot.

Charlie Kirk found his feet in politics and quickly became a national figure, establishing Turning Point USA, a conservative youth movement, when he was 18.

Donald Trump, who said he

believed Kirk would be a future president, called him a giant of a generation this week.

And he was  no matter what your views on politics are. Very few activists had that sort of rallying influence on millions of college students and young voters.

Kirk had his critics

Not everyone loved Kirk. His critics claimed that he thrived on inflaming tensions and spreading misinformation at his rallies.

He made a lot of enemies as a result of his devout right-wing perspectives, and his tendency to draw out his opponents as not just being wrong but dangerous. It was free speech, as he saw it, protected by the First Amendment.

Several controversial statements Kirk made in recent times on issues such as Gaza, Islam, and gun laws only served to add to the groups who might wish him ill.

Last May, during a debate at Cambridge University, he justified Israels two years of war on Gaza. He also said last April that a few gun deaths every year were an acceptable cost for being able to own your own firearms.

When free speech sullies the truth, then what does it become? Inciteful threats come to mind. Elon Musk this week called Kirk a martyr for truth and freedom.

One student described him as a political icon for people my age. Local mayor David Young described the shooting as so foreign for our community.

Closer to home

As I watched the sad commentary on Kirk this week, I was thinking about the situation much closer to home.

Simon Harris has been on my mind a lot lately. The threats that have been levelled at him are the stuff of horror films. I am genuinely worried for his health and his safety.

Simon Harris has been subjected to a number of threats. File picture

Im not sure if my concern puts me in a minority, or if my words speak for the majority. If they dont, then society has reached composed indifference  a level of media desensitisation and an attitude of If it doesnt affect me, I dont care.

I hope not. Its consequences dont bear thinking about.

I dont know Simon Harris. He strikes me as a likeable and decent family man who adores his two children. Politically, I would have issues with his partys agenda.

That said, I have a problem with Irish politics in general. There is no

accountability.

However, theres a world of difference between being critical of a politicians track record or his partys policies, and hating his guts so much that you wouldnt have a problem murdering him or kidnapping his children.

This is the new reality, if were prepared to face up to a dark truth that is seeping through society like a moral

sepsis.

Lets not sugar-coat the issue; such a possibility is right there  the threat is tangible now.

Two questions to ponder: How have people reacted to the threats against Simon Harris? Do people find such threats acceptable?

Its almost 10 years since British politician Jo Cox was murdered. Thomas Mair, a right-wing activist with links to the neo-Nazi organisation National Alliance, shot her three times and stabbed her 15 times close to her constituency clinic in Birstall, West Yorkshire. She left behind two children aged five and three.

She was driven by her belief that a fairer, kinder, and more tolerant world was possible.

Her party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said after her murder: We will not allow those people that spread hatred and poison to divide our society.

Division and hate

But people are spreading hate and poison because they are invisible. Division and ideological indoctrination are their primary objectives, apart from the hate that consumes them.

Ten years ago, up to the point Jo Cox was killed, such a crime against a politician would have been unthinkable. But that has changed.

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico suffered life-threatening injuries last year when he was shot multiple times. Fico had just left a meeting and was shaking hands with locals when a man in the crowd shot him at close range with a handgun.

Hours after Ficos shooting, former Garda commissioner Noirin OSullivan said that a collective effort was needed to combat the risk of an Irish politician being killed.

But how?

We live in the age of guns for rent, while knives are almost as common as mobile phones.

In October 2021, Micheal Martin called for a review of security for politicians in light of the murder of David Amess, a British Conservative MP.

Amess was fatally stabbed on his way to a constituency office by Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen and Islamic State sympathiser.

Ali was convicted of murder and the preparation of terrorist acts and sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order.

In his autobiography, published just months before he died, and writing about the murder of Cox, Amess said fears of similar attacks rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians.

Martin said no one wants an intrusive or over-the-top sort of security presence around politicians. Its part of our ecosystem in politics to have clinics, to have that interaction with people on the ground.

This writer wonders what an over-the-top security presence would look like.

Surely if it takes extreme measures to shield a politician from someone who is capable of murder, then so be it. But how?

Abuse in politics 'harrowing'

Last week, I spoke to a number of elected representatives from different backgrounds. Their concerns are harrowing.

When you no longer feel safe in the supermarket, or having a drink in your local.

When you no longer take your children to school because you dont want strangers to know who their parent is.

When your phone rings in the dead of night and the voice on the other end calls you a c*nt.

Former Fine Gael TD and minister Paul Kehoe stated last year that the abuse he received on social media played a part in his decision to retire from politics.

In the aftermath of Amesss murder, Kehoe said: I have no doubt what happened in the UK is only a step away from happening in Ireland.

Some people get their kicks from making others suffer. If we become indifferent to what they do, then its only a matter of time before they become capable of far worse.

Charlie Kirk had no idea that an assassin was taking aim at him as he spoke to students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. There was no advance threat.

It happened in a moment that no one could have accounted for  the moment where that fine line between criticism and hatred is crossed, and made a shocking reality.
At his partys think-in earlier this week, Tanaiste Simon Harris made an interesting pitch.

Speaking to TDs and senators in a hotel conference room in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, he made the case for a medium-term view of what has become known as the budgetary process.

Put simply, he told his party that the work of governments must be judged in five-year cycles.

Now let me be clear. Well not be able to do everything in Budget 2026. But this budget should be seen as the first instalment of five, he said.

The commitments that we have given during the election and in our programme for government must be delivered.

But some of them will take a number of budgets to deliver. But Budget 2026 must start outlining the direction of travel.

The pitch from Mr Harris is this; we elect governments for five-year terms and they should be judged in that totality instead of on their handling of the issue of the day.

This is not revolutionary thinking. Politicians often make charges of short-termism against their foes and everyone likes to see themselves as the sage one, the one that understands that people who make decisions are judged ultimately by history books and not by newspapers.

Mr Harris repeated the phrase in a media event at his partys think-in, suggesting that it has been workshopped and crafted.

This may be because it is something which he believes in, maybe hes had enough of chasing easy wins. Or, if one was to be cynical, it could simply be an exercise in expectation management.

This budget, just weeks away, will not come with the financial largesse of its last four predecessors, with moderation the new watchword, despite the fact that Budget 2026 will include additional spending of 7.9bn  an increase of 7.3% year on year which is well above the Governments own 5% spending rule.

There is unlikely to be swings for the fences on this like childcare. Asked about that particular issue, and specifically fees, on Monday, Mr Harris indicated that help in the budget on that front might focus more on expanding access to and capacity in the sector.

One of the problems with dedicating yourself to the medium to long-term needs of a country is that you become a hostage to a changing of the guard.

If the electorate decides you are out, so too might be your policies, making it very attractive to win over voters in the short-term.

On Thursday, a man who up until January was a cabinet member alongside much of the current crop of ministers, Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, accused the Government of raiding a fund his party had established to pay for water infrastructure and Metrolink.

The 3.14bn Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund was touted by the party when it was established as being set to focus on projects that help cut Irelands use of dirty, imported fossil fuels, make our public and private building stock more energy efficient, support the rollout of district heating, restore our natural habitats, improve water quality in our rivers and lakes, reintroduce once-common species such as eagles and osprey, and remove river barriers that stop fish swimming upstream.

Government takes hatchet to Green Partys achievements

Mr OGorman said that this iteration of the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael had effectively taken a hatchet to many of his partys achievements between 2020 and 2025.

For example, the climate and nature fund, that 3bn fund to help us meet future challenges in the area of climate. The Government has raided that and is using that to fill current gaps in infrastructure spending, Mr OGorman said.

Not one cent of that 3bn is going to be spent on nature restoration.

The call for an instalment-based view of governments year to year can also be considered in the context that last year the budget saw one-off payments before Christmas, cuts to taxes and additional spending, which are all targeted at putting money back in peoples pockets just weeks before the Dail was dissolved and an election called.

While that budget ran a surplus, the criticism remains that much of what it had extra was spent through untargeted measures.

The 2.2bn cost-of-living package announced as part of the last governments final budget included two 125 electricity credits for every household, one of which was paid to households before the end of 2024.

So, how do we bake the idea of looking to the future into our political system? In July, one concept was put forward that has been knocking around for some time.

Coalition 2030, a group of civil society groups and trade unions held an event in Dublin City urging the government to enact a bill that would lead to the creation of a Commissioner for Future Generations.

The gathering at Buswells Hotel was attended by members of the UN Youth Delegation, GOAL, INTO, Social Justice Ireland, Irish Environmental Network, and the Disability Federation, who all argue that the position is necessary to ensure that younger generations become stakeholders in future legislation.

The Commission for Future Generations Bill had been under scrutiny by the Oireachtas committee on children, equality, disability, integration and youth prior to the general election in November 2024, but was slow to be put back on the new governments legislative agenda.

The role is based on a Welsh position, which was established a decade ago. Derek Walker, the current commissioner, has written that the experience in Wales means that government and public bodies must, by law, deliver decent work opportunities and a low carbon society.

This, he says, has seen a revamp of the countrys education system and a new purpose-driven curriculum that has an emphasis on mental health and developing ethical, well-rounded young people, who are taught eco-literacy from an early age.

It is one thing to say that a government should be judged on a five-year rolling basis, which is absolutely fair. But what about those who come of age in six or 10 or 20 years?

Do we have the stomach and vision to say that what we do now must not just benefit us, but our children and their children?

Can we escape from the commentary which seeks to make successes or failures of individuals or policies on a day to day basis?

I believe that Simon Harris is right that the budget should be seen as an instalment, but not one of five.

It should be seen in the overall context of the lives of the people in Ireland between now and 2050 or later.

It should be viewed in its overall contribution to not just those who are voting or paying tax now, but those who will inherit this country from them.

And that will take a national conversation and some courage to face down the demands for every penny to be spent on the now.

It will take reckoning with the challenges of demographic and population growth. It will take the media understanding this.

It will, most of all, require the political nerve to avoid doing things like prioritising popular short-term wins or raiding Irelands sovereign wealth fund to finance those victories.

The pivot to long-termism, if that is what Mr Harris is hinting at, is welcome, but will take time, an accepting public and media and a government which doesnt abandon it when it gets the chance.
Ghost guns which can be made for a few hundred euros on a cheap, commercially available 3D printer are being found by gardai across Ireland.

Recent seizures in Cork, Dublin, Tipperary, and Clare have involved handguns, printed in the same dark green resin. The basic design is embellished with distinctive patterns across the handguns.

But 3D printers can also produce guns as powerful as fully automatic assault rifles with designs for these readily available online.

Luigi Mangione allegedly killed former UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson with a 9mm 3D printed ghost gun and silencer in Manhattan, New York, in December 2024.

If convicted, the case would be the first known assassination in the US involving a 3D-printed firearm.

3D-printed guns are now also being used in active military conflict, with rebel forces in Myanmar printing an arsenal from the jungles after a military junta took over the country in a coup in 2021.

The firearms are also known as ghost guns because they are almost impossible to trace, with no registered manufacturer or serial numbers.

Files to print these guns are now easily downloadable online and do not even require delving into the dark web to access them.

A 3D-printed gun seized by gardai in Dublin.

Irish weapons

Ghost guns seized in Ireland in recent months appear to be a model called a Harlot, a 22lr break-action single-shot pistol.

The Harlot is described online as an excellent throw-away gun, with a parts kit costing approximately 20.

Two brothers were found with a loaded 3D-printed pistol and ammunition in an Opel Corsa in Charleville, Co Cork, in August.

They allegedly sourced and distributed guns and are currently remanded in custody awaiting trial.

The gun and ammunition were found after the car they were travelling in was searched by gardai in a service station on August 20.

Also last month, a construction worker was arrested in Dublin, accused of carrying a 3D-printed gun and ammunition.

His charges include two counts of unlawful possession of a 3D-printed Harlot pistol and eight rounds of .22 ammunition.

And earlier this year, there were five additional seizures in Dublin, Tipperary, and Clare.

'An emerging threat'

Superintendent Gary McPolin of Cork North West, the garda region which encompasses Charleville where the 3D printed handgun was recently seized by gardai, said that their decreased cost and increased accessibility is a serious concern for gardai.

Stricter regulation of Youtube and other social media sites which host content in which people demonstrate how to print a potentially lethal gun must be introduced and implemented, he said.

Its an emerging threat, Supt McPolin said. These ghost guns are untraceable firearms. Internationally, you have a sharp increase in use of these ghost guns and the internet is facilitating access to them.

Obviously they're being used for violence, extremism and general criminality. And, unfortunately, they're falling into the hands of individuals who should not have access to them, including young people and people of unsound mind."

He said the difficulty for any police force is that online platforms are offering available manuals or instructional videos. "That is a danger," he said.

Superintendent McPolin said far more rigorous oversight of social media companies is necessary to ensure that content online is safe and does not fuel violence.

Such guns may also be more difficult to detect at airport X-rays and scanners depending on the materials used to construct them, he said.

Gun supply

All of the handguns seized here in recent months appear to have come from the same supplier, a garda source told the Irish Examiner.

The recent guns seized seem to come from the same supplier, that could be one individual with one 3D printer using the one design, a garda source said.

A 3D-printed gun. 'These ghost guns are untraceable firearms. Internationally, you have a sharp increase in use of these ghost guns and the internet is facilitating access to them.'

Investigations are underway as to whether they all came into the country at the same time, they said, or whether they were made locally.

They are all the same design and look very similar.

Im not aware of 3D-printed guns being produced in factories here for organised crime."

An engineer who works in 3D printing said that while a printer which can be bought for less than 200 can produce a gun, for slightly more investment, a much more reliable firearm can be produced.

The thing with the current cheap guns is that they can fire maybe a few bullets but they may also not fire correctly and cause harm to the user due to using plastic or softer materials.

But more upmarket printers, which sell for about 1,000, can print with tougher, engineering-grade materials, like carbon embed or glass fibre materials, they said.

People have always been making guns from home materials but 3D printing has made it so much more accessible to people with no knowledge and plans/files being downloadable from the dark web.

No regulatory blocks on 3D printers that can produce guns are currently in place, the engineer, who asked not to be named, said.

Europol has issued warnings about the ready accessibility of these new deadly weapons and of far right extremists obtaining them.

Chief Constable Gerda van Leeuwen at the Dutch National Police (Politie) described the development of the firearms as both a current and future threat at a Europol conference on the subject.

International cooperation is crucial to counter this threat, he said.

A garda spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana is concerned about the capacity and capability for criminals and criminal networks to access firearms in any form.

"An Garda Siochana has previously highlighted that criminal networks will and do utilise advances in modern technology for their criminal endeavours, which includes the advances in 3D printing technology."

Gardai recently made a number of interventions and seizures of 3D printed firearms, but these are not the first interventions of this kind, the statement said.

"In March 2023, a 37-year-old UK National was convicted after being caught with firearms components, a guide for the 3D printing of weapons and images of child abuse. "This is not just an Irish problem.

"The Europol 2025 SOCTA (Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment) The changing DNA of serious and organised crime clearly sets out the concerns at international level on the how emerging technologies, including 3D printers and printed firearms, amongst others, provide criminal networks with entirely new capabilities.
Hidden in plain sight, the treasures of Castle Matrix  mostly to be sold without reserve at three online evening sales by Aidan Foley  are many and varied. Militaria, books and collectibles from a collector with an inquiring mind who led a fascinating life will come under the hammer.

Col Sean O'Driscoll was aide to General Douglas MacArthur when he accepted the Japanese surrender in 1945. On retirement in 1961, the Irish-American officer bought and restored Castle Matrix near Rathkeale, originally built around 1420, opening it for mediaeval banquets in 1971.

Castle Matrix served as the headquarters of the International Institute of Military History and the Heraldry Society of Ireland, and it remained open for tours until the colonel's death in 1991.

Take a deep dive into the auction by Aidan Foley in Doneraile on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday week (September 22, 23 and 24), and there is no knowing what you might find. More than 300 lots of books will be sold in an auction with a total of 997 lots.

'Isis Unveiled' by Madame Blavatsky at Aidan Foley's sale.

The extensive library contains works on everything from war, ancient and modern Irish culture, English homes and Scottish castles to mystic Madame Blavatsky, who once told WB Yeats: "There are only about half a dozen real Theosophists in the world, and one of those is stupid."

O'Driscoll must have had a real interest in the occult. His castle is reputedly haunted by the murdered 9th Earl of Desmond, and in an address to the Fellowship of Isis in 1976, he claimed the poet Edmund Spenser, Sir Walter Raleigh and the wizard Earl of Desmond had practised magic there.

A large rug and some uniforms at Aidan Foley's sale.

You can't shoot a ghost, but more than 50 guns from a military man and a collector are on offer. Flintlock pistols, double-barrelled shotguns, rifles with bayonets and even a Colt revolver, along with accoutrements like an armoured tank telescope and the tunic of an American platoon sergeant, are there to be picked up.

In storage at Collins Barracks, Cork, over the years, the guns  some decommissioned, others not  will be sold under strict conditions. There will be limited viewing of the firearms at the Doneraile auction rooms, where the sale will be on view for four days from next Friday (September 19).

Library of Congress Washington Papers, 1775-1780, at Aidan Foley's sale.

Many of the Japanese swords he collected with discrimination were sold by Whyte's in 2017. Available now is a selection of art, Irish silver, Persian rugs, porcelain, antique and vintage furniture. Among the artists featured are Ivan Sutton, Markey Robinson, Graham Knuttel, John Kingerlee, James Humbert Craig, Michael Hales, Louis le Brocquy, Picasso (a lithograph) and pencil drawings by John Butler Yeats. The catalogue is online.
France, Germany and Denmark will contribute fighter jets and other military assets to an enhanced defence of Poland against future Russian drone incursions, Nato leaders announced at a press conference on Friday.

The UK is also expected contribute to the Eastern Sentry mission, which will gradually be expanded across from the Arctic in the north to the Black Sea and Mediterranean in the south to better tackle Russian drones and missiles.

Mark Rutte, Natos secretary general, said: In addition to more traditional military capabilities, this effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones.

In the early hours of Wednesday 21 Russian drones, thought to be unarmed decoys, crossed the border into Poland. Only three or four were said to have be shot down and one drone flew 160 miles into the country, forcing the closure of four airports.

At the time, Donald Trump said the incursion could have been an mistake, but he added: Regardless, Im not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation.

Polish leaders were more certain. Donald Tusk, the countrys prime minister, posted on social media in English: We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasnt. And we know it.

Rutte, however, remained on the fence. He said on Friday that Natos assessment of the incidents on Wednesday is ongoing, though he stressed that whether or not Russias actions were deliberate, Russia violated Nato airspace, necessitating a response.

Russias recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency, Rutte added. We have seen drones violate our airspace in Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  whether intentional or not, it is dangerous and unacceptable.

Standing alongside him was Natos most senior military chief, Gen Alexus Grynkewich, who said Nato engaged in a highly successful operation intercepting the drones with F-35 fighters from the Netherlands  but added: We always learn something in the debrief.

Read More France sends jets to Poland in signal to Russia not to escalate situation

The American commander suggested it was the number of Russian drones that raised questions. The scale of the incursion was obviously larger than previous incursions that weve had and that bringing additional resources to bear on this problem will help solve that.

Denmark will contribute two F-16 jets and an anti-air warfare frigate to the effort, France three Rafale figthers and Germany four Typhoons. Nato military planners said the UK has also expressed its willingness to support the effort.

On Wednesday, the UK defence secretary, John Healey, said he had asked the British military to look at options for enhanced support for Poland amid hints from officials that the deployment of up to six Typhoons was under consideration.

Russia, meanwhile, said that peace talks had stalled. Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putins spokesperson, told reporters: Our negotiators have the opportunity to communicate through channels. But for now, it is probably more accurate to talk about a pause.

In Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there was no sign that Russias ambitions to dominate its neighbour had changed.

Putins goal is to occupy all of Ukraine. And no matter what he tells anyone, it is clear that he has set the war machine in motion to such an extent that he simply cannot stop it unless he is forced to fundamentally change his personal goals.

The Ukrainian leader also welcomed Trumps Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, to Kyiv and said he was willing to offer him citizenship because Russia does not bomb the capital when he is visiting. Some believe this follows direct requests made by the White House to the Kremlin.

When Keith Kellogg is in Kyiv, the residents of Kyiv can sleep soundly. Thank you. I would like you to visit all cities in Ukraine, Zelensky said. I am ready to grant Gen Kellogg citizenship. We can give him an apartment  anything he needs, if it will prompt Russia to cease fire.

Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, was also in Kyiv on Friday, her first foreign trip since she was appointed last week during a cabinet reshuffle. Cooper said her visit, which was accompanied by an announcement of a new package of British sanctions on Russia, was intended to reiterate British support for Kyiv.

The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine, she said. International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war is vital.

- The Guardian
Donald Trump has said the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Russia, and also placed tariffs on China of 50% to 100% for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

The US president posted on his social media site that Natos commitment to winning the war has been far less than 100% and the purchase of Russian oil by some members is shocking.

It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia, he added.

Nato member Turkey has been the third largest buyer of Russian oil after China and India, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Oil terminals in Kalmykia, Russia (Alamy/PA)

Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

The letter comes at a tense moment in the conflict after the recent flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Moscow as it was entering the air space of a Nato member. Poland shot down the drones.

It also comes as US Congress tries to get Mr Trump behind a bill toughening sanctions.

In his post he said a Nato ban on Russian oil plus tariffs on China would also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR.

The president said Nato members should also put 50% to 100% tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that was launched with Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.

China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, he posted, and powerful tariffs will break that grip.

The US president has already placed a 25% import tax on goods from India for its buying of Russian energy products.

Mr Trump said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not include in that list Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion.
FREETOWN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) officially launched its Chinese culture learning program on Saturday in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.

The initiative, dubbed "Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration," aims to promote the Chinese language and culture among local students and staff, while fostering stronger ties and cultural integration between China and Sierra Leone.

The event brought together professional Chinese teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, as well as attendees, including students from the Freetown Polytechnic and local management staff from the CRSG.

Sessions throughout the day featured a variety of cultural exchange activities, including practical Chinese language instruction, an introduction to the CRSG's enterprise culture, and an immersive experience in Chinese tea culture.

Wang Xiang, chief supervisor of the CRSG, noted that the program enhances cultural exchange, empowers cross-cultural trade, and contributes to sustainable development initiatives.

"I encourage students and employees to embrace cultural exchange, as it is vital for opening new chapters in the relationship between Sierra Leone and China," Wang said.

Wu Cui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, citing the institute's commitment to promoting Chinese culture in Sierra Leone since its establishment in 2012.

Prince Brainard, planning and quality assurance officer at the Freetown Polytechnic, emphasized the program's potential to shape the future for young people in Sierra Leone.

"This program will empower our youth with skills and values that extend beyond the classroom," he said, stressing the importance of investing in the next generation for a brighter future. 
WINDHOEK, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A celebration event was held in the Namibian capital of Windhoek on Friday night to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, alongside the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The dual celebrations were attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including Namibian Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade Jenelly Matundu, as well as diplomats from other foreign missions.

In a statement delivered on behalf of Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Matundu extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to China, emphasizing a relationship deeply rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

The partnership, formalized in 1990, has grown into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Matundu credited the strengthening of the bilateral relationship in 2018 under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Officials from both countries underscored the breadth of their collaboration across multiple sectors.

China has been a crucial partner in Namibia's development, funding and constructing major projects such as the Hosea Kutako International Airport Road, various schools and housing projects, and renewable energy facilities like the Rosh Pinah Solar Power Plant and the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station, said Ashipala-Musavyi in the statement.

Zhao Weiping, Chinese ambassador to Namibia, said China is working with Namibia to implement a zero-tariff treatment for African countries, which would create new trade opportunities for Namibian products like mutton, goat meat, and fisheries.

He noted that the partnership has also fostered strong people-to-people exchanges.

China has provided numerous scholarships to Namibian students, and cultural institutions like the Confucius Institute and the newly-opened Hoachanas Library have strengthened educational ties, Zhao said.

The ambassador also called on both countries, as members of the Global South, to work together on the world stage, advocating for a fairer and more just international order. Zhao described the bilateral ties as a model of brotherly relationship among developing countries and a shining example of South-South cooperation.

In a toast to the partnership's future, he expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration, noting that the two countries are ready to fully tap the potential of bilateral ties and advance them to even greater heights. 
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Twelve troops were killed and four others injured when terrorists attacked a security forces' post in Pakistan's northwest South Waziristan district early Saturday morning, official sources said.

The incident took place at about 5 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) when terrorists opened fire on a block party of security forces, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The sources added that all of the injured personnel are in critical condition.

Security officials said that a local commander of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group is believed to be active in the area. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

The forces cordoned off the site and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. 
( Middle East Monitor )  There are moments in history that strip away every illusion we carry about ourselves. Gaza is one such moment. For nearly two years, the world has witnessed a genocide live on its screens. We have seen children pulled from rubble, families starving in tents, hospitals turned to dust. We cannot say we did not know. Every image, every cry, every number has reached us in real time. And yet the killing goes on, the silence goes on, life goes on.

The truth is unbearable but undeniable: we have failed Gaza, and in doing so, we have failed ourselves as human beings.

Frantz Fanon once wrote that colonialism is not a machine but a human reality, and when confronted, it responds with naked violence. Gaza is the purest proof of this truth in our own time. Israels colonial war does not speak the language of justice or dialogue; it speaks through bombs, siege, and starvation. Genocide today does not come only with the slogans of hatred but with the bureaucratic jargon of security, collateral damage, military necessity. Western governments supply the bombs while speaking of peace. The United Nations counts the dead while doing nothing to stop the dying. Media outlets repeat official lines while children are buried under rubble.

As Talal Asad reminds us, secular modernity has perfected this art: to kill massively while convincing itself it remains moral. To dress violence in legality, to turn blood into statistics, to make atrocity look like policy. Gaza has become the stage where this moral corruption plays out openly.

Edward Said wrote that Palestine was never just about land, it was about narrative, about who gets to tell the story of suffering. For decades, Palestinians have been denied the right to narrate their own lives, their own deaths. Their pain has always been doubted, reframed, explained away by others. Today, even when Palestinians livestream their own slaughter, the same pattern continues. Their testimony is dismissed, their grief recast as someone elses security.

Said called this a form of cultural erasure, a silencing that prepares the ground for political violence. Gaza is the ultimate proof of his prophecy: even in their extermination, Palestinians are told their voices are not enough.

Perhaps nothing is more damning than the silence of those who call themselves progressive. The liberal democracies of the West, who preach human rights, tolerance, and justiceare the very powers arming the genocide. Their intellectuals, who fill bookshelves with critiques of racism and climate collapse, suddenly discover complexity when asked about Gaza. Universities that issue statements on every global tragedy fall silent when the word Palestine is uttered.

This is not an oversight, it is a mask pulled away. Liberal progressivism has always been selective in its empathy, generous to the powerful and cruel to the colonized. Gaza has torn that mask to shreds. What stands revealed is not neutrality but complicity.

The lesson is bitter: liberal progressives were never the guardians of conscience they claimed to be.

But the betrayal is not Western alone. Arab rulers, who built their legitimacy on the cause of Palestine, have abandoned it in full daylight. They sign deals, trade intelligence, buy weapons, and call it modernization. They pose with American presidents while Palestinian mothers bury their children. They normalize with Israel while Gaza burns.

Their betrayal cuts deep because it wears the clothes of kinship. They sell it as pragmatism, as necessity, as the future. In truth, it is cowardice, it is profit bought with bloodnd history will remember that while Palestinians starved, Arab leaders signed contracts.

Even the so-called Global South, those nations that wrap themselves in the language of anti-colonial resistance, have too often used Palestine as a symbol while doing little in practice. Statements are made, flags waved, conferences heldbut when the time comes to cut trade, boycott, or risk sanctions, silence returns.

Thus, Gaza has exposed not just Western hypocrisy but a global one. North and South, East and Westall are implicated in this moral collapse.

The most unbearable truth is this: Gaza is not only a war on a people but a war on the very idea of innocence. When schools turned into shelters are bombed, when babies die in incubators with no electricity, when thousands of children are buried nameless in shallow gravessomething larger than Palestine is being murdered.

Children are the last boundary of humanity, the proof that some values remain sacred. To kill them, knowingly and systematically, is to declare that nothing is sacred anymore. If innocence itself can be destroyed with impunity, then humanity has already destroyed itself.

And yet, amid this horror, Gazas children still write poems, still draw pictures in rubble, still dream of tomorrow. Their very survival is an act of defiance. As Mahmoud Darwish wrote, We suffer from an incurable malady: hope. That hope itself is resistance, proof that dignity cannot be erased, even under rubble.

There is something grotesque about our time. Billionaires spend fortunes dreaming of colonies on Mars while life on Earth is abandoned. Rockets are designed to explore other planets, drones to deliver packages across citiesyet bread cannot reach starving families in Gaza. We speak of progress, innovation, human genius. But what is progress worth if it coexists with mass graves? What is civilization if it tolerates genocide?

We search for life on Mars while killing life in Gaza. That single sentence captures the sickness of our age.

Conscience is not a possession. It is not something we keep in speeches, laws, or institutions. It is a choice renewed in action. Gaza has been that test, and the world has failed.

To stay silent is to stand with the siege, to weigh words while children starve is to share in the crime, to claim neutrality is to side with power against the powerless, for Gaza has already stripped away every excuse. There is no complexity in bombing hospitals, no neutrality in starving children, no balance in burying entire families.



Gaza 54, Digital, Midjourney, 2025

Gaza is not only a tragedy; it is a teacher. It teaches us that evil no longer hides, it wears the clothes of democracy, speaks the language of law, and is applauded by those who claim to be progressive. It teaches us that conscience can collapse globally, under the weight of profit and power. It teaches us that Palestinians, through their sumud, their steadfast refusal to disappear, remain the last keepers of dignity in an age that has lost all shame.

Their endurance is not only a resistance to occupation. It is a resistance to the death of humanity itself.

One day, the bombs will stop, the rubble will be cleared, the dead will be counted. And history will ask us a question more terrifying than any image we have seen: Where were you when Gaza was erased? What did you do?

There will be no excuses leftnot silence, not complexity, not neutrality.

The ruins of Gaza will hold the answer: we saw, and we failed.

But perhaps there is still time to understand what Gaza has been telling us all along: Palestine is not only about Palestinians; it is about us. It is about whether the word human still has meaning. To defend Gaza is not charity, it is not politics, it is survivalof conscience, of dignity, of whatever remains of humanity.

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
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  With the prospect of new Iranian nuclear power plants looking dim after Israeli and American bombing of its civilian nuclear enrichment sites, and with a need to export its fossil gas rather than consuming it domestically, the Tehran leadership is at last turning to renewables for electricity generation. President Masoud Pezeshkian, elected July 2024, said this week that Iran has installed 1 gigawatt of solar capacity since he came into office.

Iran is close to China diplomatically, which is making a bid to become the worlds first advanced electrostate, and Tehran imports its solar panels from that country. Iran is choosing Chinese companies to install solar power plants and set up battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Back in the 1950s, when Egypt and Iran wanted help with major electricity installations, they turned to the United States, then the most advanced country in the world. Now, in post-DOGE Trumpworld, the US scientific establishment is being crippled, the US is widely viewed as a backward and pugnacious oppressor, and Middle Eastern states prefer China as their go-to development partner.

Moreover, the Minister of Energy, Abbas Aliabadi, announced that Iran would install 7 gigawatts of new solar by the end of the year. Aliabadi says that currently Iran is installing 100 megawatts of new solar capacity weekly, which would yield about 5 new gigawatts per annum; so he must be planning to increase this rate of installation substantially.

Iran generates about 94 gigawatts of electricity annually from gas, petroleum, hydroelectric and nuclear plants. Some 80% of power plants, however, run on fossil gas. Iran has added 4 gigawatts of gas electricity generation capacity just so far this year.

The third biggest gas producer in the world, Iran produces some 24 billion cubic feet of fossil gas daily, but uses up 65% of it domestically, which is one reason it faces economic constraints. Qatar produces 17 billion cubic feet of gas daily, but exports almost all of it, an so is one of the wealthier countries in the world  with a sovereign wealth fund of $557 billion.

If Iran could make its electricity from solar instead and sell most of its gas abroad, it would be a much wealthier country. Currently Iraq and Turkey take most Iranian fossil gas.

So, 1 gigawatt of solar is only a little more than 1% of the total, but it is a start. If Iran really can put in 7 gigawatts of new solar this year, then it might begin a transition to renewables for domestic electricity production.

Half of electricity generation is in the public sector, and half is private. Aliabadi appears to view a solar revolution as an opportunity for the private sector to expand its role in the electricity market. He pointed to the extremely important role for the private sector and said that anything the public sector is now doing, the private sector could undertake, and would be provided incentives for doing so.            :                . It would be a hell of a note if a substantial private solar power sector took off in Iran even as the one in the United States is gutted by Trump.

Aliabadi characterizes the shift to renewables as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Iran has opened a lot of small provincial solar power plants, which might only have a capacity 100 or 200 megawatts. Aliabadi stressed the benefits of this localization of energy production.



Photo of solar panels in Yazd, Iran, by Dad hotel on Unsplash

He didnt say so, but Im wondering if the Iranian government thinks decentralized solar farms serving small towns and cities are more secure from Israeli bombing raids than big centralized power plants. Iranian officials also stress the localized character of BESS or battery storage, which they see as a positive. Moreover small-scale utility solar and rooftop solar, when paired with batteries, can deliver electricity without requiring a further build-out of transmission wires and without requiring that they be upgraded.

ShahraraNews cautions, however, that putting in 7 new gigawatts of solar depends on permitting and on the technical ability to connect solar farms to the grid, which may make the process lengthier than Aliabadi envisions. Still, Iran is apparently installing a gigawatt every 10 weeks at the moment. With Chinese help and advice and imported Chinese panels, which have dropped in price, Iran could easily produce half its electricity from solar within 10 years if it just keeps doing what it is doing. The signs are, however, that Tehran is becoming more ambitious in this arena, in part for reasons of the self-preservation of the regime.
By Jonathan Silver, University of Sheffield

(The Conversation)  The US and Israel have sparked international condemnation over their leaked vision for the reconstruction of a shattered Gaza. The urban development plan seems to have evolved since its emergence earlier in the year. It now includes economic drivers such as blockchain-based trade initiatives, data centres and world-class resorts.

And its alignment to the proposed regional logistical network, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (Imec) aims to put it at the centre of a pro-American regional architecture.

The images and details that have emerged in the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation (Great) Trust blueprint indicate a vision that clearly pays homage to Gulf urbanism. Similar mega-projects, towers and speculative real estate ventures have driven the transformation of Dubai and other Gulf cities since the 1980s.

The 38-page document, initially published in the Washington Post, is an architectural fantasy of a hyper-modern, coastal enclave. Its planning origins seem twofold. First, its rooted in the libertarian ideologies of whats known as a charter city  urban development spaces with different laws and institutions than the jurisdiction they sit within, such as Prospera in Honduras.

Second, it appears to take inspiration from the authoritarian control of oil-rich monarchies such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These states are now intimately aligned with US president Donald Trump and Israel itself.

The plan was reportedly aided by the Boston Consulting Group, with staff from the Tony Blair Institute apparently privy to previous discussions. Boston Consulting Group has since said that two of its former partners took part in the work without its knowledge. The Tony Blair Institute has also distanced itself, saying it has never authored, developed or endorsed plans to relocate residents from Gaza.

The US$100 billion (74 billion) investor-led plan has all the standard ingredients of a new city. This includes prestige waterfront developments for the international elite. It envisages apartment blocks owned by international real estate developers, whether Saudi state-owned funds or US corporate trusts.

Special economic zones with favourable tax conditions supposedly promise advanced manufacturing potential. And various kinds of green and sustainable technologies are also proposed  potentially greenwashing the massive carbon footprint of the conflict.

Gaza is unlikely to be the next Dubai though. The plan includes massive Israeli security buffer zones, suggesting the likelihood of resistance from Palestinian militant groups to occupation. In all likelihood, it would also finally extinguish any prospect of a two-state solution.

The risks for financial investors will be massive. These include possible legal liabilities around land theft and potential incorporation into court proceedings on genocide at the International Court of Justice should these happen. Its no wonder the plan has been described as insane by a senior associate at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, and opposed by some parts of the Israeli media.

Understanding the urban dimensions of the Gaza Riviera plan needs more than a planning lens though. It involves placing its development within the wider history and geography of Palestine. Doing so arguably positions the initiative less as a reconstruction effort and more as the next step towards the erasure of the Palestinian presence in the territory.

Scholars of settler colonialism have shown that its logic is one of elimination. This, its explained, is to enable territorial control and to establish a new settler society on the land. As Theodor Herzl, founding father of Zionism and held in high regard by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, argued: If I wish to substitute a new building for an old one, I must demolish before I construct.

Israel has previously asserted territorial control over Gaza, including the forced transfer of Palestinians to the territory in 1948, which they refer to as the Nakba (the catastrophe), as well as with illegal settlements between 1967 and 2005, and the blockade of the strip from 2007. All these forms of control should be understood within the logic of elimination. The most recent military onslaught in Gaza demonstrates the latest phase in this process.

The plan is reliant on two on-the-ground factors beyond the financial and geo-political  urbicide and expulsion. First, establishing this new society involves demolishing centuries of historical built environment and the support networks of urban life. This urbicide of Gaza is the deliberate destruction of its civil infrastructure, built environment, roads and hospitals, removing its physical character and functionality as a settlement.

What the plan would mean for Palestinians

Forensic Architecture is a group of researchers who use architectural techniques to investigate state violence and human rights abuses. Its Cartography of Genocide database has documented that the Israel Defense Forces spatial violence has been nearly complete in many areas of Gaza. This sets the necessary conditions for the plan to proceed.

The plan has little space for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza. There are reports of residents being offered up to US$5,000 to make way for the Riviera, supposedly on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile the Israeli military continues killing Palestinian civilians and pushing massive displacement within Gaza itself, while far-right Israeli politicians make public their desire to remove Palestinians from the territory.



File. Detail of a photo of Gaza 2024 by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza  including from the International Association of Genocide Scholars  are becoming more widespread. Israels actions have resulted in death and injury to tens of thousands of Palestinians. The plan for the redevelopment of Gaza can also be understood within this settler colonial logic: an urban idea that, in order to be achieved, necessitates the erasure of all that stood before through the expulsion of the population and urbicide of the built environment.

Jonathan Silver, Professor of Urban Geography, University of Sheffield

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Thousands of people gathered in front of Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate on Saturday, demanding an end to "the genocide in Gaza" as well as a halt to arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Around 12,000 people joined the rally in the centre of the German capital condemning Israel's offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to police figures.

But the far-left BSW party, which had called the demonstration, estimated turnout at 20,000 people, making it one of the largest pro-Palestinian rallies in Germany in recent months.

Marie Atwan, a 20-year-old student, told AFP that she had come from Hamburg to join the rally to demand "a complete halt to German arms deliveries" to Israel.

Not banning those weapons sales amounted to supporting "the genocide in Gaza", she said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had announced a partial arms embargo in August, saying that his country would halt the export of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip.

Elit Hadilovic, 22, who was at the demonstration, told AFP that he was shocked by the situation in Gaza, where "innocent children (are) dying and suffering from hunger".

During the rally, BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht also touched on the war in Ukraine, demanding that Berlin commits "to peace negotiations -- both in the Middle East and in Ukraine".

In light of its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, Germany has made support for the State of Israel a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

But Berlin has grown increasingly critical of the Israeli campaign in Gaza and its impact on Palestinian civilians in recent months as the humanitarian situation has worsened, with the UN declaring famine in parts of the coastal territory.

The Gaza war erupted in October 2023 -- triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,756 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The United Nations considers those figures to be reliable.
Services trade surges as China embraces smart technologies, openness

Xinhua) 09:59, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- In Shougang Park, a former ironworks site in western Beijing, new technologies from AI to cloud computing and green innovation are on display amid the rusty blast furnaces and steel relics.

The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), featuring digital innovation and intelligent technologies, is underway in the park, gathering nearly 2,000 enterprises, including Global Fortune 500 companies and leading industrial enterprises in search of new cooperation opportunities in China.

Global exhibitors and business leaders are optimistic about the growth and future of China's international services trade, hailing the country's consistent policies to open up its services sector as a catalyst for global trade and shared growth.

ROBUST GROWTH

For Philips, the Dutch medical technology leader with a four-decade presence in China, the fair reflects robust momentum in the country's healthcare sector. Returning to CIFTIS for the fifth consecutive year, Philips unveiled its latest magnetic resonance system, a breakthrough that shortens scan times and boosts efficiency.

"The growing awareness of healthcare and the leap in medical technologies have fueled the sector's growth in China," said Yang Donglan, vice president of Philips Greater China. "Every year at CIFTIS, we feel China's business environment becoming more open and inclusive, giving us the confidence to deepen our roots here."

Tourism company TUI China shares that optimism. The Germany-headquartered firm sees inbound travel gaining fresh momentum.

Technology has been a boost to tourism, said TUI China CEO Guido Brettschneider, noting that modern technologies, ranging from translation tools that enable tour guides to communicate in multiple languages to mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay for overseas visitors, have reduced barriers and enhanced traveler satisfaction.

The numbers bear this out. From January to July in 2025, China's total services trade reached 4.58 trillion yuan (642.7 billion U.S. dollars), up 8.2 percent year on year. Tourism, a pillar of this growth, totaled 1.26 trillion yuan (177 billion dollars), surging 10.4 percent, according to a report from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in early September.

The growth is attracting more global partners. Australia, this year's guest country of honor at CIFTIS, sent its largest-ever delegation of nearly 60 organizations and companies.

On the opening day, it signed 15 agreements with Chinese partners in sectors including education, healthcare, finance and culture.

"China remains a market of tremendous potential in the service sector," said Dominic Trindade, commercial minister at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. "Australia is committed to the Chinese market and our service providers are ready to develop new partnerships here."

TECH POWER

At the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) booth, a humanoid robot greeted visitors, offering a glimpse into the future of banking.

Already deployed in several branches, the AI assistant can answer questions and explain bank services -- an emblem of this year's CIFTIS theme: "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services."

Digital innovation is becoming the backbone of China's service economy. In the first seven months of 2025, knowledge-intensive services -- including AI, digital finance, and professional consulting -- rose 6.8 percent to 1.78 trillion yuan (250 billion dollars), said the commerce ministry report.

For Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, the tech boom is transforming the construction services industry.

Digital tools are adopted throughout the construction process, from design to fabrication, enabling factories to precisely execute the design, which enhances accuracy and quality control, said Satoshi Ohashi, director of Zaha Hadid Architects.

China has built an incredible manufacturing base, and now it has grown and developed into an innovation powerhouse, said Ohashi. "And I think that's the power and potential of the Chinese economy."

The view is echoed by Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, who noted that China's technological advancements are helping international firms raise efficiency and sharpen competitiveness.

By shifting from traditional industries to high-value-added sectors, China is enhancing its capacity to deliver high-quality and innovative services to its international partners, said Dale Pinto, president and chair of the board of CPA Australia. "This transition is opening new avenues for global cooperation of mutual benefit."

POLICY OPENNESS

The rapid expansion of China's services trade comes amid its consistent commitment to opening up and win-win cooperation.

Amid a notable rise in unilateralism and protectionism, China has steadily advanced institutional opening up in trade in services, which has provided strong momentum for its own development and created greater room for global economic growth, said Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang during a keynote speech at the event.

He also reiterated China's commitment to working with all countries and parties to strengthen opening up and cooperation in services trade.

This commitment is tangible for foreign companies like Philips.

A more open and inclusive business environment in China offers more pragmatic opportunities for the company's development, encouraging it to further strengthen its operations here, said Yang Donglan, vice president of Philips Greater China.

Global scholars have hailed China's opening up as a strong driver for an open world economy and inclusive growth.

China's efforts to advance high-standard opening up bring opportunities for shared development and prosperity to countries of the Global South, while improving the global governance system, said Mutinda Mutisya, a senior lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi.

Steps taken by Chinese policymakers have created a platform for equal participation by its partners, including emerging economies, said Tolonbek Abdyrov, a professor of economics and vice rector of the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan, noting that China's advocacy for equal rights to development of all countries sends a clear and positive message.

CIFTIS and China's commitment to openness provide a much-needed boost to global trade, strained by tariff hikes, said Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, a Manila-based think tank. "CIFTIS will help sustain and improve the momentum of global trade and growth."

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
MANILA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' outstanding external debt, or borrowings owed by residents to non-residents, increased by 1.5 percent to 148.87 billion U.S. dollars in the second quarter of 2025 from the previous quarter, the Philippine central bank said.

"The increase in external debt for the second quarter of 2025 was primarily due to valuation effects from the depreciation of the U.S. dollar," the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a statement released on Friday, adding that this increased the U.S. dollar-equivalent of borrowings denominated in other currencies by 1.49 billion dollars.

The BSP said that the net acquisition of Philippine debt securities, amounting to 660.96 million dollars, also contributed to the increase, while net repayments, amounting to 315.67 million dollars, partially tempered the increase in the country's external debt.

The BSP said the external debt stock was equivalent to 31.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product, slightly better than the 31.5 percent recorded in the previous quarter. 
NEW DELHI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people died and around 15 others were injured when a speeding truck rammed into a group of people carrying a religious procession on a busy highway in India's southern state of Karnataka on Friday night, confirmed a local policeman over phone.

The accident occurred in the state's Hassan district.

The accident reportedly happened as the truck driver took a sharp turn to avoid a biker driving rashly on the highway. Many people who were a part of the procession were crushed in the accident.

According to the police, there were a few people with serious injuries. The death toll was feared to rise, he added. 






Friday, September 12, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating a plan to sponsor a presidential candidate from Muranga in a bid to fracture the Mt Kenya voting bloc.

Speaking after meeting Muranga MCAs, Gachagua alleged that State House has abandoned meaningful governance and is instead focused on political manipulation.

Nothing constructive is happening at State House.

President Ruto is on a mission to divide Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections, he said.

Gachagua claimed Ruto is misleading Muranga residents with promises of leadership, describing the move as a calculated attempt to derail regional unity.

He has prepared a small blue wheelbarrow to cheat Muranga into fronting a candidate hes sponsoring, Gachagua stated.

He dismissed recent meetings between Ruto and Muranga leaders as political theatre, arguing that they were not development-focused but aimed at weakening a historically influential voting bloc.

These are not development discussions - theyre schemes to split votes, he added.

Despite the allegations, Gachagua expressed confidence in the regions unity.

The people of Muranga are wise. They can see through political lies. Nobody can deceive them anymore.

In the 2022 General Elections, Mt Kenya residents overwhelmingly backed President Ruto, delivering a decisive vote that helped secure his victory.

Analysts note that losing this critical support base in 2027 could significantly complicate his re-election bid.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, September 12, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lauded a section of members of the Muranga County Assembly for what he termed as their integrity and firm stand against corruption.

Taking to his X account, Gachagua claimed that the Ward Representatives were offered a Ksh 300,000 bribe each to attend what he described as a staged comedy session at State House.

According to him, the event was meant to spread falsehoods and advance schemes to divide and betray the Mt. Kenya region.

I want to salute the members of Muranga County Assembly for their integrity and unwavering stand against corruption. They refused to accept a Ksh 300,000 bribe to attend a staged comedy session at State House, where falsehoods were peddled and schemes to divide and betray the mountain were orchestrated, Gachagua said after hosting the MCAs at his residence.

He praised the MCAs for what he called their loyalty to the community, insisting that their decision demonstrated political maturity and commitment to protecting the interests of Mt. Kenya residents.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, September 12, 2025 - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed deep concern over the conduct of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) from Ntimaru Police Station, who attended the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Migori while drunk.

Murkomen, visibly stunned by the officers behavior, described it as not normal and confirmed that the officer is undergoing a mental health assessment.

It was unfortunate that the OCS came to yesterdays meeting drunk.

I dont think it is normal for someone to travel all the way from Ntimaru to meet the CS and Inspector General, only to show up intoxicated and sit in front, Murkomen said during a press briefing on Friday.

The CS explained that the officers condition warranted immediate evaluation to determine whether the issue stemmed from mental health challenges or indiscipline.

If found to be a psychological concern, the officer will be rehabilitated and redeployed. Otherwise, disciplinary action will follow.

The incident occurred on Thursday when Murkomen invited the OCS to speak, having noticed his enthusiastic agreement with every issue raised.

Upon taking the microphone, the officer began listing challenges at his station, prompting Murkomen to question his sobriety.

The officer claimed he was suffering from the flu.

He was later arrested and taken to Suna East Police Station, where he was released after a few hours.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
KIEV, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Drones launched by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) hit the port of Primorsk, Russia's largest oil terminal on the Baltic Sea, the Ukrinform news agency reported Friday.

The drones struck a vessel in the port and a pumping station, triggering a fire and temporarily halting oil shipments, it added.

Drones also struck several oil pumping stations to disrupt the main pipeline system that supplies crude oil to the Ust-Luga port terminal, said the report.

The SSU has launched coordinated drone attacks against Russia's oil industry, the report said, citing an informed source in the security agency. 
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.
MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany are deepening cooperation to address global challenges in the auto sector, Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), has told Xinhua in Munich during the IAA Mobility fair.

This year's event hosted 116 Chinese exhibitors, up from just over 70 in 2023, setting a new record. Companies ranged from automakers to suppliers, showcasing the strength of China's EV industry, from batteries and smart cockpits to autonomous driving and connectivity.

"It highlights the depth and breadth of cooperation between the two industries," said the head of VDA, the organizer of IAA Mobility 2025.

"German automakers bring a century of global experience, while Chinese companies add innovation and scale. Together they are building an ecosystem that sets a benchmark for the future of mobility," Mueller said.

She noted that many Chinese firms are now going beyond technology demonstrations, with several preparing to enter the European market and even announcing local production plans, "the best proof of internationalization," she added.

Cross-border partnerships are also expanding. European brands are increasingly integrating Chinese technologies: BMW's Neue Klasse iX3 uses autonomous driving systems from Momenta and batteries co-developed with CATL and EVE Energy, while Audi's Q6L e-tron, launched in August, features Huawei's "Qian Kun" driver-assistance platform.

Mueller stressed that such cooperation underscores Germany's globally integrated economy. While competition is inevitable, she said collaboration is becoming the key driver of progress.

At the same time, challenges remain. A recent EY report showed the German auto industry lost 51,500 jobs in 2024, around 7 percent of its workforce, making it the hardest-hit sector. Industrial employment overall fell 2.1 percent year-on-year, or 114,000 jobs.

On trade policy, Mueller reiterated her opposition to tariffs, calling them "never a good solution." She warned that protectionism raises consumer costs, undermines competitiveness, and disrupts supply chains. Despite the U.S. decision to lower tariffs on EU goods to 15 percent, German automakers still face billions of euros in extra duties annually.

"The auto industry is global and it needs a global policy framework," Mueller said. "I hope dialogue between China and Europe will strengthen again. Only through cooperation can we find solutions and ensure sustainable growth." 
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COPENHAGEN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Danish business leaders voiced confidence in the outlook for China-Denmark economic cooperation during a high-level China-Denmark business roundtable in Copenhagen on Friday.

"Without dialogue, we cannot understand each other. We cannot make trade," Kasper Elbjorn, senior vice president and head of corporate communications at Danfoss, a Danish industrial company that produces automation and equipment for controlling plants and processes, told Xinhua.

He said the company's nearly three decades in China have made the market its second largest. "We are dedicated to our Chinese customers. Danfoss products fit very well with China's five-year strategy, and we're proud to contribute to the country's decarbonization plans. It's our second-biggest market, and that's why we continue to invest in China, for China."

Lukas Lausen, head of global trade and investment at Danish Industry (DI), Denmark's largest business and employers' organization, said Danish companies' long presence in China underpins continued engagement.

"Danish companies have been active in China for decades. Some of them, as we've seen today, (have been active in China) for more than 100 years, and many others have been active on the Chinese market for the last many decades," said Lausen.

"China is a very important market for Danish companies... It will continue to be so in the future for our companies," he added.

The roundtable was held during a Chinese delegation's visit to Copenhagen led by Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

In his speech, Ren highlighted that more than 500 Danish enterprises have invested in over 1,300 projects in China across sectors including pharmaceuticals, maritime transport, clean energy, waste and water treatment and environmental protection equipment, as well as agricultural and food products.

During the four-day visit from Tuesday to Friday, the Chinese delegation held dialogues and matchmaking sessions with Danish officials, institutions and companies on trade and investment, green transition, transport and logistics, biopharmaceuticals, and the digital economy, and promoted the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo. 
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

When facing major life changes, financial decisions can feel even more overwhelming. That's the situation one listener, Susan, recently brought to Suze Orman on her "Women & Money" podcast. At 61 years old, Susan is leaving a relationship and debating whether to use her retirement savings to buy a home outright.

Orman's advice? Take a step back  and definitely don't raid retirement funds.

The Dilemma: Buy, Borrow, or Rent?

Susan and her partner co-own a home valued at about $520,000. She owns a 25% share, roughly $130,000 in equity. In addition, she has $25,000 in an emergency fund and $345,000 across retirement accounts, including a Roth 401(k) and IRA. She earns $110,000 annually and has no debt.

Don't Miss:

The problem: Susan doesn't want a mortgage at this stage in life. Her plan was to use her retirement savings to buy a new home mortgage-free once she receives her share of the equity from the current property. But the thought of carrying a mortgage  or draining retirement savings  leaves her feeling "very anxious and not secure at all."

Rent for Now

Before Orman weighed in, co-host KT offered her perspective. "Four letter word, baby: rent," KT said. With Susan's strong salary and financial base, KT recommended renting for a couple of years rather than rushing into another major purchase immediately after an emotional breakup.

Orman strongly agreed with KT but emphasized her own "main law of money": when dealing with the loss of a loved one or a relationship, avoid making major financial decisions for at least one to two years.

Trending: Kevin O'Leary Says Real Estate's Been a Smart Bet for 200 Years  This Platform Lets Anyone Tap Into It

"This is no longer a seller's market," Orman noted, pointing to falling home prices and potential costs like real estate commissions if Susan sells. Until Susan knows exactly how much she'll receive from her current home, Orman stressed that locking in a new property is premature.

And using retirement funds to buy a home? Orman didn't mince words: "That is just the stupidest thing you could ever do simply to what? Buy another house. No way, not on our watch."
James Cox

Gardai have sought the assistance of Interpol in the investigation into threats against Tanaiste Simon Harris, with some of the threats believed to be from extremists outside of the country.

The Special Detective Unit (SDU) has obtained IP addresses that indicated some of the threats against Mr Harris and his family orginiated abroad, The Irish Times reports.

Interpol is an international organisation that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. It is the world's largest international police organisation.

Gardai have sought its assistance as concerns rise over the recent series of threats made against Mr Harris.

Last week, callers phoned into Garda stations claiming their was a bomb at Mr Harris' family home in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

A woman from west Dublin was arrested two weeks ago after allegedly posting a threat to abduct Mr Harris' children.

When asked how his family were doing in the wake of the threats recently, Mr Harris said they were doing "okay".

"It's been a pretty rotten time. This was a difficult decision. I mean, generally in politics you're kind of meant to shrug it off, shut up, move on, get on with it.

"I just felt, in consultation with my family, that we couldn't do this because of the level of viciousness and the vile nature of the threats targeting my children, very close family relatives, and the sustained, relentless nature of it I think and thought needs to be called out.

"This is not who we are, these are crimninal acts.

"Whatever people thinks of anybody's politics, I'm a democratically elected member of Dail Eireann, I'm the leader of a political party, I'm the Tanaiste, the deputy Prime Minister of this government, and people are entitled to go about their business, as are their families, free from abuse and criminal behaviour."
See photos from the launch in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online on Tuesday 16 September

A WONDERFUL group exhibition titled Fragments of Laois was launched in Mountmellick Library, as part of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival created by the countys star of country music Trudi Lalor.

The exhibition is from Mountmellick-based photographer Alan Lacosse and Portlaoise-based artists Honor Hales, Wiktoria Mrozowicz and Javeria Zain Khan who all made Laois their home, which captures the essence and ethos of Trudis inaugural festival.

The captivating exhibition of creative photographs and vibrant paintings fill the walls of the spacious and bright three-roomed art gallery in the library, where they will remain on display until Tuesday 16 September.

Honor Hales is a mixed media artist whose vibrant creations reflect a lifelong dedication to colour, texture and connection. Javeria Zain Khan is a self-taught semi-abstract and abstract artist who finds art a powerful tool for emotional healing and expression.

Wiktoria is a visual artist who paints landscapes and still life and is a musician who plays fiddle, guitar, highland pipes and piano. Alan has had a keen interest in photography since his younger years, which clearly shows through his skilful photographs.

The group said they were delighted to be part of a festival that celebrated the countys people, heritage and creativity. They said that the festival offered returning diaspora, visitors and locals alike the chance to reconnect with the rich spirit of Lovely Laois. As part of this wider programme of events, the group said that their exhibition invited audiences to pause, reflect and experience the ways in which art and photography capture the essence of belonging.

The Queen of Irish Country music attended the event with her friend Annette Doyle from Wexford. Commenting for the Laois Nationalist, Trudi said: The talent that is in our county is just mind-blowing.

She said: To see the beauty that we have in our county being captured by wonderful artists and photographers who have made Laois their home is amazing. Even though Javeria, Honor, Wiktoria and Alan are not natives of this county, theyre a huge part of the Laois community and family and thats what this festival is all about.

"What a brilliant array of talent we have here in Mountmellick Library. They are incredible artists and photographers.

The beautiful exhibition includes mixed media, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, driftwood and photography. All the exhibitors can be found on their social media pages.
Glynn Townsend is the senior director of education services at SAS, one of the providers partnering with the government to deliver this training to 7.5 million workers. While he emphasises that AI literacy is a hard term to define, given that most people encounter AI through the use of large-language models (LLMs), a persons ability to understand the potential benefits and limitations of chatbots could be one central aspect of the term.

The Department of Business and Trade claims each of the participating companies will bring a different area of expertise to its work, with Microsoft already committing to upskilling one million workers by the end of 2025. Another initiative, a 187m ($253m) programme called TechFirst, aims to bring AI skills training to classrooms and communities and train up people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future.

This summer, the UK government announced a partnership with major technology companies such as Amazon, BT, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Sage, to train 7.5 million UK workers in essential AI skills. It followed the Governments AI Opportunities Action Plan , launched in January, which it presented as a road map for the UK to become a global leader in AI.

Answering these questions is crucial to the designers and beneficiaries of AI upskilling programmes. If specific outcomes arent outlined, governments risk wasting money on programmes with undefined aims and missing a crucial opportunity to educate their workforce and attract investment.

However, as everyone clamours to learn AI skills, a crucial question is often left out of the debate: what exactly are they? Is there a benchmark that we can measure peoples skills against? When can a country, or a worker, claim to be AI literate?

To plug this gap, countries have begun launching national upskilling programmes to better adapt their respective workforces to the needs of a changing labour market. These programmes are likely to gain a heightened relevance in foreign direct investment, as companies start to factor in the ability of a local workforce to successfully use AI tools to drive business outcomes. In the coming years, the definition of a skilled workforce will likely evolve, incorporating the ability to leverage AI.

More than three-quarters of companies face an AI skills shortage, according to US IT services company UST. The skills requirements for AI-exposed sectors are changing 66% faster than for other sectors, according to a PwC study.

On the poster-sized bingo card of AI buzzwords  including, but not limited to, agentic AI, democratic AI, augmentation, automation and superintelligence  there is one that is a top concern for both companies and governments around the world: AI skills.

Story continues

That is understanding the bias of your models, where the data [that the model has been trained on] comes from and being able to interrogate it to make sure there is a line of accuracy through it, he outlines. Going forward, it will be about trust, confidence and giving people the rules with which they can experiment to either automate or augment their daily work without it being this big scary thing.

However, this is mostly the case at the consumer level. AI literacy from a consumer is very different from AI literacy from somebody who is going to be building models relative to what they are doing on a daily basis, Townsend adds.

Rob Woodstock, managing director at UK technology consultancy Slalom, says understanding a workers role within a companys wider AI adoption strategy is crucial to the type of training they should receive. Three broad categories he outlines are C-suite executives, who need an understanding of the potential of AI to enhance [their] business; average company workers who can use AI when driving an outcome or delivering a service; and the technologists and AI makers, who need to have a really high level of understanding of how LLMs work and how to build the infrastructure that allows people to deliver change using AI.

At the same time, both Woodstock and Townsend highlight that given the rapid pace at which AI is evolving and being integrated into businesses, learning AI skills will have to be an ongoing process. The rise of agentic AI, for example, might upend what AI literacy means in the next few years.

The big cultural shift has got to be around continual lifelong learning, Townsend underlines. This isnt a one-off activity, where you can deliver upskilling training on AI once, because the speed at which the technology is moving, it is going to be about continual learning every year, all the time.

The jobs question

One obstacle to deploying skills training is peoples level of trust in AI systems. Woodstock and Townsend say reactions can be mixed. Some oppose using AI on ethical grounds (Townsend said a customer once expressed doubts about using AI due to its detrimental environmental impact). Workers may also be reluctant to adopt these tools, particularly given the explicit warnings from tech CEOs that they will threaten jobs. According to a poll by the Trades Union Congress, 51% of UK adults are worried about the impact that AI will have on their jobs.

These fears are not unsubstantiated, as a recent study into the effects of AI on the labour force suggests that younger job seekers are already facing a tougher labour market because of AI. Economists at Stanford University found entry-level jobs in the most AI-exposed sectors experienced a 16% reduction in the US between late 2022, when ChatGPT was first launched, and mid-2025. More experienced workers in these same industries, on the other hand, are experiencing more opportunities.

Multiple experts interviewed by Just Drinks sister site Investment Monitor argue the economic and political upheaval resulting from AI is comparable to the disruptions caused by technology in the late 20th century. The introduction of computers, Townsend highlights, made office typing pools obsolete, but eventually people found new jobs, and the market adjusted.

The World Economic Forum published a report in January estimating that, as AI transforms the global workforce, 170 million new jobs will be created by 2030. At the same time, 92 million jobs will be destroyed, implying a 7% total increase in worldwide employment of 78 million jobs.

I think there is a very short-term disruption as we are unsure of what the impact is going to be, but I think that will resolve itself very quickly, Townsend says.

Fabien Braeseman, a researcher on AI and work at the Oxford Internet Institute, also interprets the study as the short-term effects of a new technology, and that the job market will eventually adjust.

I am thinking this is a short-term observation, that people who are still training to go into these [AI-exposed] jobs are now seeing a transition of technological demand and requirements, he says. AI will become as standard a tool as smartphones are these days."

For Braeseman, another consideration in how AI is affecting the labour force concerns long-standing demographic changes. In England and Wales, the fertility rate is at an all-time low, meaning that in the long term, there will be fewer people of working age, while a greater part of the population retires.

Demographic change is a slow process that has already reached a critical state in certain occupations in certain locations because there is just not that many people for all these jobs, he outlines. "Maybe AI could help us to become more effective so everything would more or less stay unchanged.

However, if companies really automate most entry-level jobs in the next few years, as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has warned they will, this could also create a vacuum for young workers. If new opportunities and adequate training do not appear quickly enough, then a bigger unemployment crisis could be looming.

Younger workers risk losing the entry-level stepping stone tasks that help them build careers, Mark Graham, professor of Internet Geography at the Oxford Internet Institute, says.

While AI enthusiasts admit some jobs will be eliminated or automated, they will often argue the technology will create more jobs than it destroys and free workers from doing simple work. With more time on their hands, people can focus on addressing higher-level problems in their industries. Graham suggests this is not always the case.

In Amazon warehouses, for example, AI systems are used to track productivity minute by minute and automatically flag time off task, which has raised concerns about work intensification and job quality, he says. "Instead of freeing people to think at a higher level, the technology there often narrows discretion and increases surveillance. It shows that whether AI empowers or constrains workers depends less on the tool itself and more on how employers choose to deploy it.

In a world where the Stanford study reflects the start of a structural problem in youth unemployment, and not just a short-term labour market adjustment to a new technology, the role of AI upskilling programmes may be even more important.

However, Graham argues that, in this scenario, the UK would also need to expand redistributive policies. The catch is that most of the big winners from AI firms are based outside of the UK, which limits what Britain can raise through corporate taxes. That makes global tax coordination essential, he says. Upskilling matters, but it cant solve the structural reality of fewer jobs.

What does successful AI upskilling look like?

In August, MIT's Networked Agents and Decentralised AI project found 95% of generative AI pilot programmes are failing to drive revenue, delivering little to no change in profit and loss. According to the study, the main driver of this was a learning gap for tools and organisations. The companies that were the most successful in using AI to drive revenue tended to purchase external AI tools rather than building internal ones and focused on automating back-end processes.

So, what makes a good AI upskilling initiative?

The greatest success I have seen is where we start with a business outcome and work backwards, Woodstock notes. It has been very mixed results when it is a generic lets get everyone to use AI more, and it has been transformational when there is an uplift that we want to see in a type of business result or a level of personalisation in the service that we want to deliver.

Townsend also underlines the importance of focusing on outcomes, particularly as a way to show workers the advantages AI can bring them.

I think really focusing on the specific outcomes and how it is going to improve productivity will be the biggest change that we need to make as we are communicating this out to people, he outlines.

National upskilling initiatives should therefore be underpinned by one question: what are they trying to achieve? Otherwise, they risk falling into the risk of 'generic' adoption Woodstock warns about, where workers are told to use more AI just because. As the AI hype dies down, if initiatives aren't outcome-driven, they will also fail to impress foreign investors.

Given the rapid pace of change, the biggest lesson for governments and companies is that training programmes might be here to stay.

As Townsend says: "We can't rely on skills we learn at 21 and then be done. That is just not how it works now."

"AI skills: companies want them, locations try to provide them, but what exactly are they? " was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




A sawmill worker who drove a jalopy with no front lights and an unrestrained child in the back had a cavalier attitude to road laws, a court was told.

Eric Delaney (37) of 72 Cherrygrove, Knockmay, Portlaoise admitted driving without insurance, having no front lights and having a child unrestrained at Cherrygrove on February 5, 2025.

Garda Stephen OHanlon said he stopped the 08 registered silver Ford Focus and discovered a 9-year-old child unrestrained in the back at 9.55pm. The two dipped headlights were gone on the vehicle, said Garda OHanlon. The court was told the man had 26 previous convictions.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald conceded that there were many aggravating features in the case. He said his client, who was originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, was driving his partner's car on the date in question and there was all sorts wrong with it. He said the man displayed a cavalier attitude to the road traffic laws on the date.

Mr Fitzgerald asked the court to give credit for the early guilty plea and said the man wont trouble the court again. He said the man works in a sawmills and pays 200 maintenance every week for his children.

Judge Andrew Cody said the defendant was driving what can only be described as a 2008 jalopy when he was stopped. To add to the danger he had his daughter in the back of the car, said Judge Cody.

He said the consequences could have been very severe had there been an accident. He imposed a five month sentence suspended for three years, a four year driving ban and fines totaling 1,900.
A driver who overtook a lorry and caused a three vehicle crash in Portlaoise has been banned from driving.

Karabo Radabe (29) of 15 Parnell Crescent, Knockmay, Portlaoise, admitted dangerous driving on the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise, on April 20, 2022 and having no insurance at Lyster Square, Portlaoise, on February 17 last.

Garda Ciaran Corry said the defendant was the driver of a 06D registered red Opel Astra which overtook a lorry and caused a three vehicle crash on the Mountmellick Road at 8.50pm on April 20, 2022.

He was overtaking a truck and collided with another vehicle, going into the ditch, said Garda Corry. He said there were no injuries and there was an outstanding intoxicated driving offence.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused man was found to have no insurance for a 10DL registered car in Lyster Square on February 17, 2025. He said the car was seized. The defendant has nine previous convictions, Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was a South African man who has lived in Ireland for 20 years. He said the man had a significant alcohol issue but has attended counselling and appeared to be doing better now.

Judge Andrew Cody asked if any compensation had been paid to any of the motorists.

Mr Fitzgerald said he didnt believe there had been any injuries as a result of the collision.

Garda Corry said the incident would have been referred to the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).

For the rest of us to pay it, Judge Cody noted.

He fined the man a total of 1,000 and banned him from driving for four years.
Irish presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys has said she attended Orange Order parades as a child but stopped going when the Troubles broke out.

The Fine Gael candidate, who is a Presbyterian, said she would now vote for Irish unity and that she was an example to unionists in Northern Ireland of Irish tolerance and inclusivity.

Ms Humphreys launched her campaign in her home county of Monaghan on Saturday, close to the border with Northern Ireland.

In a speech to party members, she talked about how her grandfather had signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912  an oath of resistance signed by hundreds of thousands of unionists against home rule on the island of Ireland.

Speaking to the media, she referenced her Protestant heritage as she said she wanted to reach out to communities in Northern Ireland.

She said: When we were children, I attended (Orange Order) parades with my parents.

It was a family day out, it was a cultural day.

When the Troubles started, people were concerned and I didnt go then after that.

She added: Things have moved on a lot. I have been in St Patricks Day parades in Cootehill, in Cavan Town, when Orange bands from Northern Ireland took part in those parades.

I think that is a sign of where we are now.

I want to continue to build on the work of (former Irish president) Mary McAleese, she did wonderful work in reaching out to communities in Northern Ireland.

I feel I am well placed to do that, to extend the hand of friendship and to break down those barriers and to have that conversation.

Ms Humphreys said the Good Friday Agreement was the basis for any discussion about Irish unity.

She said: I certainly want to see a united Ireland, I definitely do, I have committed to that, but only through working with people and bringing them together.

I think when people from the unionist background look at me, for example, I can honestly say to them this country has given me everything I have, it has made me what I am.

I am an example of a tolerant, inclusive Ireland that can accommodate different traditions and different viewpoints.

She added: Of course Ill vote for a united Ireland.

Asked if she would use the office of president to advocate for Irish unity, she said: What I want to do is convince people that this is a safe place, this is a good country, this is a safe place when it comes to your culture, when it comes to your identity.

You will be respected.

I will work towards that but only on the basis that we bring people together and try to break down those divisions that still exist.

Ive been up in the north many, many times and when you scratch back the surface, there are deep divisions there and we have to really, really hard on that so that one day we will have a united people and a united Ireland.

Ms Humphreys would not put a timeline on when she believed a unity referendum would take place.

She said: We dont want to end up in a situation like we had with a referendum in the UK on Brexit and 51% said no and 49% said yes.

That is not going to solve problems.

It is about moving it along, building the trust.

The presidency is a seven-year term and Im committed to spending my time trying to do that.
A long established business is relocating to a new address within Naas.

The family owned Material World is based at 45 South Main Street and the enterprise has been trading for forty years in the town centre.

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It is owned and run by Peter and Paula Whyte, who live locally and, more recently, alongside their daughter Ashling, who has a pivotal role in the business.

Material World is a niche fabric shop which sources and directly imports curtain and upholstery fabrics, braids and curtain tapes, directly from manufacturers across the world, Europe and beyond.

The existing premises at South Main Street

It stocks up to 50,000 metres of curtain and upholstery fabrics at any time and apart from the shop premises, it has an online presence. It also provides a bespoke curtain and Roman blinds manufacturing, measuring and fitting service.

The business will shortly transfer to the building adjacent to the Tesco supermarket store a short distance away at Blessington Road. It will open for business on September 22.

The new building will afford us three times the amount of room we have where we are currently situated; it will mean more space for customers and to display our fabrics curtains and Roman blinds; it will be an extensive modern showroom," said Mr Whyte.

This 6,100 square foot premises was occupied up to recently by Born Clothing, which opened up around the end of 2020 and closed some three months ago.

Born has a unit at the Tesco-owned Monread Shopping Centre and opened this before the Blessington Road outlet was launched.
A university in North Kildare has congratulated a student on her award-winning breast cancer recovery device.

Maynooth University (MU) has praised product design graduate Zoe O'Sullivan, who has been named National Winner for Ireland at the 2025 James Dyson Award for her invention, 'Lymphia'.

According to MU, 'Lymphia' is a handheld portable device that teaches and guides patients through manual lymphatic drainage massage. The device is designed to support recovery and help prevent lymphoedema, a chronic condition caused by fluid build-up following breast cancer treatment.

Zoe created Lymphia as part of the final year of her BSc in Product Design and Innovation at MU, when she was required to create an original design, which was then prototyped and manufactured on campus.

In addition, Kate Brown, another MU product design graduate, was named as runner up in the Irish category for 'Gotcha', an innovative make-up opener designed for people with limited hand or arm mobility.

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Zoe working on her project. Photograph supplied by Maynooth University and MKC Communications

Welcoming her award, Zoe OSullivan said: "I am thrilled about winning the national Dyson award for Lymphia."

She added: "It feels great to have my work acknowledged and so highly praised, and I am grateful for the awareness it will raise about lymphoedema and breast cancer."

HOW IT WORKS

Breast cancer treatment often damages or removes lymph nodes, putting patients at high risk of lymphoedema.

If untreated, lymphoedema can become a lifelong condition.

By providing accurate, real-time feedback, the device enables patients to perform genuine Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) at home, reducing reliance on physiotherapists, conflicting online information, and trial-and-error approaches.

And now, Zoe plans to use the prize money from the award to fund a patent application for her innovative design.

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PROGRESSION

'Lymphia' is now set to progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award.

The international top 20 shortlist will be announced on October 15, 2025 and the international winners on November 5, 2025.

Congratulating Zoe OSullivan, Dr Iain MacDonald, the head of the Department of Design Innovation at MU, said that Zoe "is an inspiration, who has shown the power of human-centred design to improve the lives of people, which we proudly teach at MU".

He also said that MU was "delighted" that its BSc Product Design and Innovation programme had received national and international award recognition for the second year in a row.

INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST CANCER

According to the Irish Cancer Society, breast cancer is when cells in your breast change and grow in an abnormal way.

A group of these cancer cells can then proceed to form a tumour.

Each year in Ireland, almost 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer.

This form of cancer is more common in women over 50, but it can affect younger women too.

In terms of screening for breast cancer, BreastCheck is the name of the national breast screening programme.

This service offers free breast screening to women, transgender, intersex and non-binary people age 50 to 69.

It should be noted that one must be living in Ireland and have a PPS number to avail of this service.

Anyone interested in learning more about breast cancer can visit https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast-cancer.

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A Kildare author has just published her debut fantasy adventure novel based on the twin themes of Irish mythology and the very real concerns of child homelessness in Ireland.

'Stone Seekers' by Deirdre Johnson from Clane tells the story of an Irish family stuck in homelessness and the adventures of a little girl trying to escape her harsh reality.

During the girl's adventures around Ireland, she encounters numerous Irish mythical figures  including St Brigid  who guide her on her quest to finding special stones she needs to complete her mission.

Deirdre says: She goes on an adventure and she has to go all around Ireland and get these lights that are hidden in stones, so it's called 'Stone Seekers', so it's kind of based in Irish mythology and the real world.

I heard one of the statistics from Focus Ireland a couple of years ago that some children in homelessness weren't growing properly that were in these hotel rooms. There were two little girls in one particular case that really hit me, and their whole playroom was in between two beds. I could picture them creating this wonderful world, so that's what I did.

As part of her day-time work, Deirdre carries out internet safety training in schools, so that she believes she is very much 'clued-in' to the workings of children. She also works for the National Parents Council, where she carries out training with parents on issues such as mental health and anti-bullying.

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Speaking of child homelessness, Deirdre says: With the numbers that are in the media now, it's getting ridiculous, the amount of children that are put into hotels and things, so that's really what I was trying to highlight.

"But it's not a harrowing story, I don't focus on the homelessness piece on it, I focus on the adventure and there's mythical creatures helping them find these stones.

Deirdre is donating 10% of the profits for 'Stone Seekers' to Focus Ireland.

'Stone Seekers' is available from Amazon and from Bob and Kate's Gift and Home store in Clane.
Primary schools across Leitrim are being invited to claim a free Scots Pine sapling and plant it with their pupils as part of Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday, October 2.

The initiative, run by the Tree Council of Ireland, aims to encourage pupils to plant and learn about the importance of trees. This years theme, Building a better future, highlights the role of trees in providing clean air, shelter for wildlife, and timber for homes, furniture, tools, and boats.

It also underlines how fast-growing trees capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, with Irish-grown timber helping to keep that carbon locked away.

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Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at www.treeday.ie, where teachers will also find classroom resources, activities, and facts to support lessons.

This year marks the first time Glennon Brothers has partnered with National Tree Day. Established in 1913, the third-generation family business is a leading supplier of home-grown timber to the construction and home improvement sectors.

Announcing the partnership, Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, Pat Glennon, said: As a family business, were proud to partner with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Day. For us the message is simple, Irish timber for Irish homes, from forest to front door. For every tree we use, new trees are planted to keep forests healthy and full of life. We want to share the story of sustainable Irish forestry and inspire the next generation to care for the environment, one tree at a time.

National Tree Day 2025 will celebrate the Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris, An Giuis), a native Irish species. By planting trees and exploring biodiversity, primary school children in Leitrim can take simple, hands-on action to benefit their local area.

READ MORE: South Leitrim school faces teacher loss if they can't find one more student

Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, added: National Tree Day is a chance for children, teachers, and families to discover the importance of trees. This year were celebrating the Scots Pine, a native Irish species, and showing how planting a single tree can help build a better future for us all. With the generous support of our new partner, Glennon Brothers, were able to provide free saplings and ready-to-use classroom resources nationwide, helping schools turn learning into action and deepening understanding of sustainable Irish forestry.

For more information and to claim a free sapling, visit www.treeday.ie.
Over 5000 was raised for North West Stop during the Lap of the Lake cycle that took place on the 23rd of August, starting from Askill community centre.

The event saw 110 cyclists hopping on their bikes to complete the 32km long lap around Leitrims most northern lake, Lough Melvin, with laps running from 8am in the morning to 7pm in the evening.

This was the revival of the event that was an annual occurrence from 2014 to 2019, and organisers hope it will be the first of many more to come, aiding various charities like North West Stop every year.

READ MORE: South Leitrim school faces teacher loss if they can't find one more student

The cheque for 5040 was handed over by organiser John Rooney from Ballyshannon to North West Stops Nicola O'Connor at Askill community centre on Monday evening.

OConnor said: It's a fantastic amount of money to be raised for a cycle event. We've gone extremely busy in the last five years, our expenses have grown from 30,000, we'll say, five years ago, up to about 145,000 this year.

READ MORE: GoFundMe launched by Leitrim woman for lifelong friend reaches over 100k in just four days

Events like this are extremely important for the volunteer run organisation that helps people suffering mental health crisises around the north west to be able to run their services without receiving government funding.

Our service is available, and we don't have much of a waiting list. I suppose the thing about our service is our counsellors are dotted across the north-west, so somebody phones in to access our service, we'll match them to a suitable counsellor within the needs of the person and match them to as close an area geographically as is possible.
With a year-to-date (YTD) gain of nearly 70%, Alibaba's (BABA) stock has outperformed the markets significantly this year. The Chinese tech giant, which was once the face of Chinas brutal tech crackdown, is now back in the governments good graces as the country backs its domestic companies amid the artificial intelligence (AI) upmanship between the U.S. and China.

Alibaba is among the prominent AI plays in China and has attracted interest from investors seeking to capitalize on the China AI story. In my previous article, I had noted that it made sense to buy the dip in BABA stock. The stock has since rebounded and only gained traction following the release of the June quarter earnings. In this article, well look at the forecast for BABA stock, but before that, lets briefly analyze its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings.

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Alibaba Posted Mixed Q1 Earnings

Alibaba posted a mixed set of numbers for the fiscal first quarter. The companys revenues rose merely 2% to $34.57 billion, and while the growth after accounting for disposed businesses was a healthy 10%, the metric nonetheless fell short of estimates. Alibabas operating income also fell 3% to $4.88 billion. Its net income rose 76% year-over-year to $6.01 billion, coming in ahead of Street estimates. However, the sharp rise was predominantly driven by gains on asset disposals and mark-to-market changes in equity investments. The companys instant commerce business continues to grow at a fast pace, and last month, the monthly active users approached 300 million.

It was at best a moderate performance from Alibaba in Q1, but the stock soared following the confessional amid optimism over the companys cloud and AI business.

Alibabas Earnings Had AI Written All Over It

Alibabas earnings had AI written all over them, and the magic word featured prominently in both the prepared release and earnings call. The strategic direction management is trying to steer Alibaba was obvious when the management talked about AI first and mentioned other core businesses later.

Cloud Intelligence Group, which houses the companys cloud and AI businesses, saw a 26% rise in revenues in the June quarter. Alibaba said that AI-related revenue accounted for a fifth of revenues from external customers in its Cloud business, while emphasizing that the business has grown in triple digits for eight consecutive quarters.
Student politics at the University of Liberia are often characterized by acts of violence, prompting the Board of Trustees to take sterner action.
THERE'S an unmistakable buzz running through Irelands literary scene - and its coming from Limerick - from a competition thats quickly becoming a proving ground for bold, fresh voices in fiction: the Gerald Griffin Literary Competition, now in its second year and gaining serious momentum.

The winner of the 2025 competition will be announced on Thursday, September 18 at 6.30pm in An Driaocht Gallery in Adare. Guest readers and musicians will be included. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. The winning manuscript will be published in October/November by the Limerick Writers Centre.

The competition honours Gerald Griffin (18031840), the Limerick-born novelist, poet and dramatist whose works captured the complexities of 19th-century Irish life with honesty and emotional depth. Griffins legacy is one of unflinching storytelling - a spirit that this prize seeks to embody by encouraging bold, uncompromising fiction.

READ MORE: Limerick communities shine as Wildcards announced for Going for Gold 2025 Final

Griffin wasnt afraid to tackle difficult themes. He wrote stories that confronted society, identity, and morality in ways that still resonate today. Griffins most famous novel, The Collegians, was a gritty portrayal of Irish rural life that inspired many theatrical adaptations. The prizes name is both tribute and challenge: to write without compromise, to speak truth to power, and to tell stories that matter. Gerald Griffin lived for a time with his brother in Adare and is also the author of the acclaimed poem O Sweet Adare.

The competition was the brainchild of local poet and author Ciaran ODriscoll and is run and organised by the Limerick Writers Centre (LWC), the prize offers emerging novelists a rare opportunity: to take their first steps from manuscript fragment to published book - with support, mentorship, and a platform thats more about substance than spectacle.

Clear, simple, but powerful

The competitions aim is to cut through the noise and spotlight authentic storytelling from a wide range of voices. Writers, of any nationality or residency, were invited to submit a 1,500 to 2,000 word extract from an unpublished adult fiction manuscript, within the call-out window. Ten writers were then invited to an intensive month-long development workshop in February led by novelist, memoirist and poet, Ciaran ODriscoll, who guided participants in refining their narrative voice and expanding their openings into fuller, richer texts. The workshop offered more than craft critique, the writers were challenged to dig into their characters truths and sharpen their thematic focus. It became a crucible where raw talent was tempered into refined, compelling narrative.

From manuscript to publication

After the workshop, six finalists moved on to complete full manuscripts of at least 30,000 words over the following months. These completed works are now with the judges, Ciaran ODriscoll and Kerry Beth Neville, who will select the winner to be published by the LWCs small but dedicated press, accompanied by a launch event in Limerick later this year.

This prize is not just about a cash award or a certificate - its a real career springboard, combining editorial support, community, and visibility.

Its about creating a path, says Dominic Taylor, director of the LWC.

We want to give writers not just a prize, but a real chance to develop their work and reach readers.

Finalists receive one-on-one editorial feedback, public reading opportunities, and access to LWCs growing network of literary professionals - vital stepping stones in a notoriously difficult industry.

Honouring Gerald Griffin

As mentioned earlier the competition is named after one of Limericks most illustrious writers Gerald Griffin (1803-1840). Novelist, poet and playwright he was the author of The Collegians, which was based on the gripping story of The Colleen Bawn, involving the murder of a young Irish Catholic girl (Ellen Hanley) by a Protestant Anglo-Irish man (John Scanlon).

The book later became a literary sensation and inspired a stage play, a musical adaptation and a silent movie Lily of Killarney.

Griffins novel, which transposed its setting from Limerick to Killarney, played a pivotal role in propelling the Killarney tourist industry. Interestingly, the book was cherished by none other than the American poet Walt Whitman.

READ MORE: Eigse Michael Hartnett Festival 2025 programme launch in County Limerick

Looking back and ahead

Last years winner, Freyja Hellebust set a high standard with her novella Head First, From a Height, a coming of age work that earned praise from critics and readers alike.

Her success has inspired other hopefuls to take the plunge in this years competition.

Hellebusts, from Kinsale, Co Cork, launch event in Kinsale drew a packed crowd and critical acclaim, transforming what was once an unknown manuscript into a must-read for contemporary Irish fiction fans.

Building a literary community

Beyond the prize itself, the LWC fosters an ongoing network of writers, offering readings, mentorship, and opportunities to develop their craft beyond the competition cycle. Plans to expand the programme in the coming years aim to make the Gerald Griffin Prize not just a contest, but a catalyst for sustained literary growth. Winning isnt the end - its the start. LWC is building a community where writers support each other and grow together.

Why it matters?

In a publishing world often dominated by established names and market trends, the Gerald Griffin Competition offers an important alternative: a place where new voices are nurtured and celebrated for their originality and courage.

For the writers taking part, its more than just a prize. Its a chance to be heard, to grow, and to step confidently into the literary landscape.

And in a city with a rich tradition of storytelling, that chance couldnt come at a better time. Somewhere, today, a writer is finishing a chapter. They dont know if its good, but theyre writing anyway.

And next year, they might just submit it to the Gerald Griffin Competition. And if they do - Limerick will be ready to listen.

The judges

The competitions prestige is highlighted by its judges, Ciaran ODriscoll who lives in Limerick and is a member of Aosdana. He has published 10 books of poetry, the most recent being Angel Hour (2021), a childhood memoir titled A Runner Among Falling Leaves (2001), and two novels A Years Midnight (2012), and The Golden Ass (2024).

And Kerry Beth Neville, an accomplished author of two short story collections: Necessary Lies - winner of the GS Sharat Chandra Prize - and Remember to Forget Me. Her work has appeared in renowned publications like The Gettysburg Review, Epoch, and The Washington Post, and has been recognised in Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays. A former Fulbright Fellow at the University of Limerick, Neville now serves as associate professor and co-ordinator of the MFA and undergraduate creative writing programmes at Georgia College and State University.

Her memoir, Momma May be Mad, is set to be published in October, 2025.

For more info - or to prepare your entry for the 2026 cycle  visit limerickwriterscentre.com
THE OWNERS of land at Attyflin, Patrickswell have sold it for millions of euros for a second time, the Limerick Leader has learned.

Mayor John Moran struck a deal last week to purchase 70 acres of prime land through his mayoral funds for Limerick City and County Council.

READ NEXT: Former Limerick senior hurling manager reported to gardai amid council protest

The property on the edge of Patrickswell went sale agreed for a figure in the region of 4m or around 57,000 per acre.

The Leader can reveal that during the Celtic Tiger, 44 of the 70 acres were sold for 6m. It is understood that a nursing home and retirement village were planned for the land. Due to the economic crash this never materialised and it returned to agricultural land.

The 44 acres were put up for auction by GVMs Tom Crosse in 2013. It is believed it was sold on the instructions of a receiver in a consensual sale in tandem with a bank.

It was bought back at auction by the same family for 455,000 - a gross profit of just under 5.5 million. The auction price works out at 10,340 an acre - 13 times less than was paid during the boom.

The Leader contacted Mr Crosse, who it is understood advises the council on land transactions, about the second sale of the property in Attyflin but he declined to comment.

However, back in 2013, Mr Crosse said he found it hard to understand why some werent putting a hope value on choice pieces of land like Attyflin.

This recession will end and property will return to some sort of normality at some stage. It must mean that kind of land will come back into money again, said Mr Crosse in 2013.

Fast forward 12 years and a park and ride facility for Ryder Cup 2027 in Adare Manor is one of a number of proposals for the use of the land.

Around 21.5 acres are zoned enterprise and employment with the remaining 48.6 acres zoned for agricultural use.

The lands are immediately adjacent to Patrickswell Enterprise Centre, M20 and N21 road network and the Limerick-Foynes railway. It was being guided at 4,725,000 by the selling agents.

Mayor Morans purchase of the key strategic site has been welcomed by local Fianna Fail representatives - Cllr Fergus Kilcoyne and Minister of State Niall Collins.

Cllr Kilcoyne said when this property went on the open market he immediately contacted Mayor Moran and viewed it together.

We discussed the merits of the council acquiring the lands and using it to address the many competing demands and requirements for new housing, business, a new train station, a park and ride facility, enterprise and community facilities including a large scale playground in Patrickswell, said Cllr Kilcoyne.

He continued: I want to see the development of affordable housing for local people and couples. We need to provide a mix of housing options including the purchase of affordable new build houses and also the option for local first time intended home owners to acquire a serviced site from the Council upon which to build a home.

Mr Collins said the purchase by Mayor Moran demonstrates huge foresight and ambition for Patrickswell which I fully share and support.

The opportunity now to further develop Patrickswell must be planned and managed so as to achieve the best outcome for the local community. I am calling for an ambitious masterplan to be developed to ensure the sustainable development of the site to meet the local community needs and demands, said Mr Collins.

He said he will ensure that a proper local public consultation will take place whereby local people and community groups will be centrally involved in making this masterplan.

Mayor Moran said the 70 acres will be used to build a whole new neighbourhood-led expansion of the village, which will soon have to be called Patrickswell town.

Mayor Moran said this could accommodate 1,000-1,500 new private and public homes for purchase and rent, as well as amenities for all of the village.

This is a bold investment of circa 4 million that will represent a substantial portion of the Mayoral Fund budget for 2025.

However, it reflects what I have said from before I was elected and since I have taken office: housing isnt just a priority  it is the priority. We need to be ambitious, to believe in our future and to do things differently to resolve the current crisis, said Mayor Moran.
AN ADDITIONAL road could be built alongside Patrickswell as part of the M20 project in order to keep traffic out of the village.

This was on of four options presented by designers of the Limerick to Cork motorway in response to fears by councillors that the new 1bn link could lead to a surge in vehicles into Patrickswell.

The latest route design of the M20 road - published earlier this summer - sparked concerns among people in Patrickswell, given that access to the road will be restricted near the village.

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It was intended that junction five (on the current M20) at Attyflin would be closed off.

This would have meant drivers heading towards Attyflin, Killeen and their surrounds would have needed to exit the motorway at junction four and drive through the village.

However, at a special council meeting this week, Jari Howard, the co-ordinator of the M20 project, outlined the measures his team are examining in order to tackle this problem.

The most ambitious is the creation of a link road connecting the two kilometres between the junction at Limerick Racecourse and Attyflin, on the western side of the village.

Its been acknowledged this connector road may potentially travel through historic demesnes and farmland, potentially making acquisition more complicated.

Mr Howard also outlined the three other options.

One involves keeping the existing M20 exit at Attyflin, rather than closing it.

A second would see a second exit at Attyflin junction to replicate what is there already on the opposite side of the road.

These two options could be deployed together, Mr Howard has said.

And a third option involves the addition of an eastbound exit on the left-hand side of the Attyflin junction, giving drivers a way to head back to Limerick city.

At the special meeting, councillors in the City West area largely backed the idea of a parallel road, as outlined in the first option.

But Mr Howard said all four options are currently being assessed - and all of these carry their own drawbacks, which will need to be investigated.
HANGZHOU, ChinaChina is racing to develop world-leading artificial-intelligence technology. This city is paving the way.

More than two decades ago, Jack Ma launched Alibaba from a small apartment here, kick-starting his hometowns transformation from scenic city to tech powerhouse.

These days, Hangzhou is an AI hub at the center of Chinas global tech ambitions. Its breakthrough moment came earlier this year, when local company DeepSeek shocked the world with an AI model that rivaled American programs, at a much lower cost.

All of Hangzhou went into a frenzy," said Zhao Ji, a 41-year-old entrepreneur who is building an AI startup from his apartment in the city.

DeepSeeks shot to fame was no fluke. The capital of the eastern Zhejiang province and a prosperous city of roughly 13 million people, Hangzhou has spent decades cultivating entrepreneurship. Supportive government policies, research universities, major tech companies such as Alibaba and NetEase and relatively low living costs compared with Beijing and Shanghai have made Hangzhou a mecca for tech talent.

Zhao moved to Hangzhou from Beijing in 2018 and was a marketing director for Alibaba for about three years. He is one of many Alibaba alumni now looking to make their mark in the AI industry.

On a recent Friday, Zhao and two of his employees huddled around a table at his two-story apartment in a gated community near Alibabas headquarters. Zhaos 8-year-old sons toys were scattered on the floor. A signed poster of Buzz Aldrin on the moon and a framed Life magazine cover of Abraham Lincoln on Broadway adorned the walls. A biography of Walmart founder Sam Walton sat on the table.

They are building an AI agent to help businesses generate video and audio content, with the ability to clone users voice and likeness. Zhao launched the startup, AlphaFin, last year.

Last October, Zhao was invited to speak about AI at an expo hosted by the Hangzhou government. After his presentation, local officials approached him to add him on WeChat, Chinas do-everything app, and invited him to their districts. He didnt yet have a working product.

They really value tech and innovation," Zhao said.

Known for its picturesque West Lake, a source of inspiration for poets and painters throughout Chinese history, Hangzhou has long been a center for trade, thriving far from Chinas political centers. Family workshops in Zhejiang province were among the first to jump into the private sector when the Chinese economy opened up in the early 1980s. Then Alibaba helped lend Hangzhou its tech-forward sheen.

Drawing inspiration from Silicon Valley, the Hangzhou government built what it calls an innovation corridor in the citys west, near Alibabas campus, where startups make AI models, robotics, brain-computer interfaces and AI-assisted software. Hangzhou is known for its Six Little Dragons," an informal cohort of six leading AI-related tech companies in the city that includes DeepSeek.

Hangzhou earlier this year said it approved two innovation-focused funds totaling more than $28 billion. Zhejiang ranks as the top province for science and technology investment: more than $12 billion in 2024.

Alibaba is also a major funder for highflying AI startups, in addition to its own AI business, which includes chips and models. The company has said it plans to invest more than $52 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure over the next three years.

Husband and wife Wei Dabao and Wu Xiaobao have had a front-row seat to the rapid development in Hangzhou. They own a bookstore near Alibabas campus where tech workers browse translated books and meet for reading events. When the shop opened five years ago, it was surrounded by construction sites. Now, the area is full of shiny buildings.

Wei said Hangzhou is a gathering place" for tech talent, thanks to Alibaba. Most people in town have either worked at Alibaba or have friends who are current or former employees.

Everyone is connected, more or less," he said.

The northern suburb of Liangzhu has become famous in Chinas AI community for events that bring tech founders and aspirants together. Many residents call themselves villagers." AI entrepreneurs present ideas and mingle in a shaded backyard at a monthly gathering called Demo Day." Independent programmers work on projects side by side at a local coffee shop during weekly meetups known as Crazy Thursday."

Then there is Hangzhous premier research university, Zhejiang University, which counts many entrepreneurs among its alumni, including DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng. In the early 2000s, Zhejiang started aspiring to become a kind of Stanford University for China.

The joke was How to build a Silicon Valley? Build a world-class university and wait 30 to 50 years," said Duncan Clark, author of a book about Alibaba and a former visiting scholar at a Stanford entrepreneurship program. Zhejiang University, he said, did it faster."

In 2017, the school, the provincial government and Alibaba together set up an AI lab. The same year, Zhu Qiuguo, an engineering professor at Zhejiang, founded Deep Robotics, one of Hangzhous Six Little Dragons."

Hangzhou is also home to Westlake University, a new research institution supported by both private and public funding that aims to rival the California Institute of Technology. It has attracted many high-profile professors who have returned to China from American universities, as the U.S. cuts academic funding and heightens scrutiny of Chinese scientists. AI researcher Guo-Jun Qi and data scientist She Yiyuan are among Westlakes newest hires from the U.S.

Chinas research universities still have some catching up to do when it comes to invention. Nine of the top 10 institutions for international patent applications from academia are American, while the highest-ranked Chinese university is 29th, according to 2021-2024 data from the German Economic Institute.

Industry players and analysts also caution that Chinas attempts to prop up specific industries have had mixed success because of potential resource misallocation or excessive political attention or restrictions. The scars of Beijings crackdown starting in 2020 on Chinas tech companies are still fresh.

The state has a deadening hand that just as often crushes entrepreneurship as it does to promote it," said Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanfords Hoover History Lab.

For now, though, there are plenty of people eager to ride the AI wave.

Besides Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, Guangdong provinces Shenzhenhome to tech giants such as WeChat parent Tencent and Apple rival Huaweiis another AI hub.

Liu Pei heard about Hangzhous AI scene and moved to the city from Beijing in May to found an AI media startup called White Whale Lab.

When you come to Hangzhou, the people you meet make you feel really happy," she said. Theyre really eager to seize the opportunities in AI."

Zhao Yueling contributed to this article.

Write to Shen Lu at shen.lu@wsj.com and Hannah Miao at hannah.miao@wsj.com
BERLINIconic U.S. brands have a new pitch for European consumers: Were from here, too.

Over the summer, Coca-Cola wooed Germans with a made-in-Germany" campaign and stressed its British credentials with a miniseries about mom-and-pop retailers.

Earlier in the year, another American icon, McDonalds, trumpeted its local ties in its own ad campaign, telling Germans it was employing more than 60,000 people in the country and would invest 3 billion euros, equivalent to roughly $3.5 billion, in the market in coming years.

For decades, illustrious brands from Pepsi to Levis have traded on their American identity, much like Louis Vuitton stresses its French DNA or IKEA plays up its Scandinavian sensibility. But shifting global views about the U.S. are now complicating this calculus.

The re-election of Donald Trump as president, his imposition of hefty tariffs on friends and foes alike, and his America-first foreign policy have coincided with a sharp deterioration in how some countries view the U.S.

Some 59% of French, 66% of Germans and 79% of Swedes see the U.S. unfavorably, according to a Pew Research Center survey published in June. Even in those countries where a majority still holds a positive view of the U.S., such as Poland, that proportion has dropped since last year.

Asked whether this would affect their purchases, a majority of people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy said they were likely to buy less from U.S. brands in the future, according to a YouGov survey conducted in late April and early May.

In perhaps the starkest example of a U.S. company facing a consumer backlash abroad, Tesla has seen its sales and market share plummet in most European markets this year. CEO Elon Musk, who campaigned for Trump and acted as his adviser, told investors in July that the company was facing no headwinds in Europe.

Trumps attitude toward his European partners has caused deep insecurity in Europe," said Franz-Rudolf Esch, founder of the ESCH brand-strategy consulting company. Thats definitely impacted how consumers feel. Whether its having an impact on their purchasing behavior is another story."

Coca-Cola is taking no chances. The brands Made in Germany campaign, developed by ad agency fischerAppelt, launched over the summer. It claims that 97% of the drinks Coca-Cola sells in the country are produced there. The ads say the company, its suppliers and partners contribute 9.1 billion to Germanys annual gross domestic product.

Coca-Cola has been present in Germany for almost 100 years and is its largest drinks company, according to its made-in-Germany brochure. In a podcast ad, it says some of its productsFanta, an orange soda, and Mezzo Mix, a mixture of orange soda and colawere even invented there. One of its videos focuses on workers, featuring upbeat testimonials from Jana, Daniel, Mohammed and Jessy, four employees in its Mannheim plant, in Germanys southwest.

In August, Coca-Cola celebrated 125 years in the U.K. by producing a six-part documentary celebrating the most British of all retailersthe local corner shop boss." The episodes zero in on small shop owners who carry Coke and other drinks across the country, from Sunita Aggarwal in Leicester to Sophie Williams in Edinburgh.

While Coca-Colas focus on its economic contribution and on individual blue-collar success stories hit populist notes that are particularly of-the-moment, other campaigns occupy a more traditional register by using locality as a guarantee of quality.

In this years Made in Germany" campaign, McDonalds says 60% of the ingredients in its German offering are sourced in the country, including 100% of its beef, milk and eggs.

In Procter & Gambles Where Quality Is at Home" campaign, celebrity TV host Kai Pflaume takes consumers through the companys 10 German plants and R&D centers, exploring what quality means today, how it is seen, felt and lived."

McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski told CNBC earlier this month that the company had commissioned four global consumer surveys since the end of last year.

Maybe the aura around America has dimmed a little bit We are seeing in those surveys as well that consumers are making choices to not maybe frequent American brands as much," Kempczinski said, though he added traffic at McDonalds restaurants didnt seem to be affected.

Most U.S. companies say ad campaigns focused on local ties are nothing new and arent motivated by the current geopolitical context.

Coca-Cola ran made-in-Germany campaigns in 2018 and 2019. It has used the slogan Hecho in Mexico" in a similar context and has featured made-in-France logos on its French bottles since 2017, though these past efforts were on a much smaller scale.

Weve conducted similar initiatives in the past, both at the brand and at the company level," said a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble. Locality is always an element."

A spokeswoman for McDonalds said campaigns focused on the companys local ties were not new. Weve implemented similar communication concepts before."

One executive at a U.S. company in Europe said that regardless of the political context, it was important to stress proximity with customers and remind them regularly that these brands employ locals and contribute to the economy.

A survey commissioned by Coca-Cola in June showed 62% of respondents underestimated the share of drinks the group produced locally. Nine in 10 respondents said it was good for the company to produce in Germany.

Yet while local ties may have a positive connotation, marketing specialists say such made-in campaigns arent necessarily effective.

Its largely nonsense," said Franz Schmid-Preissler, an independent brand strategist based in Munich. Global brands have one market and thats the worldTheir main asset is authenticity, their reliability, their originality, and theyre above the daily travails of politics."

Nor is there much evidence that global consumers who say they resent a more assertive America are actually changing their purchasing behavior. In China, there are signs that Trumps tariffs are hastening a yearslong trend toward buying local products. But Teslas experience in Europe seems largely isolated. Boycott campaigns havent gained traction outside Canada and DenmarkTrump has said he wants to annex Canada and take over Greenland, an autonomous territory under the Danish crown.

Likewise, companies that havent actively embraced America First positions havent seen a negative impact on global sales. Swiss e-commerce platform Galaxus said in June that its data showed European consumers continued to buy American products at about the same rate as last year.

Its the old attitude-behavior gap," said Jan Dirk Kemming, a professor of marketing strategy and the head of sustainability consulting at communications agency Weber Shandwick. Professed intentions often dont necessarily translate into action."

Write to Bertrand Benoit at bertrand.benoit@wsj.com
E-commerce giant Amazon has suspended a software engineer who spoke against the companys collaboration with the government of Israel.

Ahmed Shahrour, a Palestinian engineer based in Seattle working for Amazons Whole Foods, was told on Monday morning that he had been suspended with pay until further notice after posting messages on Slack criticising the companys work with Israel, according to a report by CNBC.

It has come to Amazons attention that a post you made in multiple internal company Slack channels may violate multiple policies, the report quoted an Amazon human resources representative's message. The e-commerce major informed in a message that its investigating the incident.

In an interview with CNBC, Shahrour, who has been working at Amazon for the past three years, said that the company revoked his access to the official email and tools and removed his Slack posts as part of the suspension. He claimed that Amazon didnt state what policies his posts violated.

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What did Shahrour write against Amazon? Shahrour wrote messages in several internal Slack channels and sent a letter to Amazon executives, including CEO Andy Jassy, on Monday, highlighting his concerns.

He asked Amazon to call off Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud computing contract launched in 2021 by Amazon and Google to supply the Israeli government with artificial intelligence tools, data centres, and other infrastructure.

Every day I write code at Whole Foods, I remember my brothers and sisters in Gaza being starved by Israels man-made blockade, the report quoted Shahrour's letter.I live in a state of constant dissonance: maintaining the tools that make this company profit, while my people are burned and starved with the help of that very profit. I am left with no choice but to resist directly," he added.

Also Read | What does the Doha strike mean for Middle East peace?

It also claims that Amazon has taken steps to silence" employees who support Palestine and have criticised the war in Gaza.

The letter was previously reported by independent journalist Kali Hays. Livemint could not independently verify the report.

Details of Nimbus contract Amazon has not commented on the Nimbus contract beyond saying it supplies technology to customers wherever they are based". Google has previously stated that it offers widely available cloud computing services to the Israeli government, which are not directed at highly sensitive, classified, or military workloads.

What did Amazon say? Without directly referring to Shahrour's letter, Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser wrote in an email to CNBC, We dont tolerate discrimination, harassment, or threatening behaviour or language of any kind in our workplace, and when any conduct of that nature is reported, we investigate it and take appropriate action based on our findings."
(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc.s Robby Walker, one of the iPhone makers most senior artificial intelligence executives, is leaving the company, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Walker, whos one of a few direct reports to AI chief John Giannandrea, was in charge of Siri until earlier this year  before oversight of the voice assistant was shifted to software chief Craig Federighi. That move came after promised changes to the feature were publicly postponed, marking a high-profile setback.

After leaving the Siri role, Walker became one of the top Apple executives working on a new AI-powered web search system to compete with Perplexity and ChatGPT. Its scheduled to debut next year.

Hes currently the senior director in charge of the companys Answers, Information and Knowledge team. Walker is planning to leave Apple next month, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the move hasnt been announced.

A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment.

Though Walkers duties and staff were dramatically reduced over the past several months, he had still been an influential part of Apples AI strategy. His exit also adds to an exodus of executives and engineers from that division.

Ruoming Pang, who led Apples AI models team, left for Meta Platforms Inc. and many of his engineers and researchers followed. Last month, Frank Chu, another senior executive working on search services, departed for the social networking giant.

In an internal meeting in March, Walker pushed back against criticism about Siris feature delays, while acknowledging they were embarrassing.

We swam hundreds of miles  we set a Guinness Book for World Records for swimming distance  but we still didnt swim to Hawaii, he said. And we were being jumped on, not for the amazing swimming that we did, but the fact that we didnt get to the destination.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Canada is stepping up talks with the investors behind the countrys largest liquefied natural gas export terminal for an expansion that would double its size while making it as low-carbon as possible, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said.

That may involve some level of government support, both Hodgson and Prime Minister Mark Carney have suggested in separate remarks this week. It remains unclear exactly what form that would take, and Hodgson stressed the negotiations must remain private to get the deal over the finish line.

Canadians want exports to be done in the most environmentally responsible way, Hodgson said in an interview.

That includes the vast quantities of fossil fuel coming from the LNG Canada plant, which has a proposal to expand capacity to 28 million metric tons a year from Kitimat, on the northwest coast of British Columbia.

It costs money to do things the right way, he said. So there are things that need to be negotiated which will help the proponents get to their target returns.

Carney announced Thursday that LNG Canada Phase 2 is included in the governments first batch of major infrastructure projects it intends to expedite. The first phase of the plant started shipping in June, and the second phase already has the headline approvals it needs. Its owners, a consortium of Shell Plc, Petronas, PetroChina Co., Mitsubishi Corp. and Korean Gas Corp., have not yet made a final investment decision.

Federal incentives for the megaprojects expansion are under discussion, Carney told reporters Thursday, but added they would be very modest compared to the total capital cost.

Hodgson pointed to one area that would likely require extra cost to make the expansion cleaner: bringing in more electricity over BCs rugged landscape. That would be costly, but would let the plant tap into clean hydroelectricity instead of powering itself by burning more gas.

The minister said Canada is already building the most environmentally responsible LNG plants in the world. But electrical transmission is one of the costs of making LNG Canada even cleaner, he said. There are ways to deal with that. Some of them dont cost any money. Some of them cost money. Were going through those discussions with the proponent today.

LNG Canada represents tens of billions of dollars in investment and is one of the largest private-sector projects in Canadian history. If the second phase is built and fully utilized, it would make Canada the sixth-largest LNG exporting nation based on 2024 figures, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats without any other LNG export plants being considered.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Layoff news: Elon Musk-led artificial intelligence company xAI has laid off at least 500 employees from its data annotation team, which helps develop the Grok chatbot. The company plans to downsize its team of generalist AI tutors, reported the news portal Business Insider on Saturday, 13 September 2025.

According to the news report, these 500 employee job cuts will be effective immediately. The email was reportedly sent to the employees on the night of Friday, 12 September 2025.

After a thorough review of our Human Data efforts, we've decided to accelerate the expansion and prioritisation of our specialist AI tutors, while scaling back our focus on general AI tutor roles. This strategic pivot will take effect immediately, said the company in an official email, cited in the news portal's report.

The company also disclosed that it no longer needs generalist AI tutor positions in the company, reportedly the reason behind these sudden job cuts in the artificial intelligence company.

As part of this shift in focus, we no longer need most generalist AI tutor positions, and your employment with xAI will conclude, they said, reported the news portal.

What will happen to the 500 workers? According to the news portal's report, the employees being laid off were told that they would be paid until the end of their contract, 30 November 2025. However, their access to the company systems would be terminated as of the day of the layoff notice. '

The employees who are being laid off are from the largest team in xAI, who play a key role in developing Grok by teaching the AI chatbot how to understand the world by contextualising and categorising raw data.

As of Friday afternoon, the main Slack room used by the data annotators had more than 1,500 members, which dropped to a little over 1,000 as of the evening of the same day. The number of employees was continuing to decline over the course of the news report, reported the news portal.

xAI is hiring! Amid the job cuts, the Elon Musk-led AI company also announced that the firm is looking for Specialist AI tutors who would add huge value to the company.

In a social media post on the platform X, the company disclosed that the team plans to expand the Specialist AI tutors team by 10 times as they look to hire people across domains like STEM, finance, medicine, safety, etc.

Specialist AI tutors at xAI are adding huge value. We will immediately surge our Specialist AI tutor team by 10x! We are hiring across domains like STEM, finance, medicine, safety, and many more. Come join us to help build truth-seeking AGI! they said in the post on X.

The layoff notices were reportedly sent to the employees only a few days after several senior-level employees, including the team's former head, recently had their Slack accounts deactivated, according to an earlier report from the news portal.
Allegion plc (NYSE:ALLE) ranks among the best-performing European stocks to invest in. On August 27, Mizuho retained its Neutral rating on Allegion plc (NYSE:ALLE) while raising its price target to $170 from $155. The raise comes after Mizuho and Allegion CEO John Stone and VP of Investor Relations Josh Pokrzywinski met in Boston. During those discussions, management consistently delivered a message about end-markets that were characterized as resilient albeit tough/mixed.

Mizuho reported that Allegion plc (NYSE:ALLE) has shown increased operational rigor as it manages growth and tariffs while sustaining a constant stream of completed acquisitions.

The firm pointed out that improved deal teams, stronger M&A intent, and a favorable buyers market have all contributed to higher deal velocity for the company.

Allegion plc (NYSE:ALLE) is a global security solutions supplier that focuses on locks, door closers, exit devices, electronic access control systems, and steel doors. It operates in more than 120 countries through two divisions: Allegion Americas and Allegion International.

While we acknowledge the potential of ALLE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Trump administration asked a federal court to cancel the approval of a $6 billion wind project planned off the coast of Maryland as part of a wider effort to halt the development of the offshore clean- energy resource.

The US Department of the Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is seeking to void a permit granted to the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, according to a court filing dated Friday. The administration had signaled its intent to halt the development of the wind farm in a filing last month.

The BOEM said it had underestimated the impact to search-and-rescue helicopters and commercial fisheries in its prior approval of the facility under the Biden administration, according to the Friday filing.

The BOEM said it had identified an error in the weighing of certain statutory factors that led to the prior approval of the facility under the Biden administration, according to the Friday filing.

The Maryland project is being developed by US Wind with a plan for as many as 114 turbines about 10 nautical miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, and was set to begin construction next year. US Wind is owned by funds managed by Apollo Global Management and a subsidiary of Toto Holding SpA.

President Donald Trump has aggressively targeted wind power in his crusade against clean energy during his second term. The Trump administration recently halted work on a nearly completed offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island by Denmarks Orsted A/S. The administration has also said it plans to block the development of two other similar facilities off the coast of Massachusetts.

With assistance from Ari Natter.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Telugu actor Nani took to X to share his admiration for Mirai, the newly released fantasy action-adventure film starring Teja Sajja in the lead role.

The film, which premiered worldwide on September 12, 2025, has been receiving praise for its ambitious visuals, action choreography, and bold storytelling  and now, it has earned a major endorsement from one of Telugu cinemas most respected stars.

Nani wrote, Wow #Mirai. @tejasajja123 congratulations ra. Your belief, patience and hard work paid off. @HeroManoj1 very happy for you babai. You deserved this. Was long overdue. Dear @Karthik_gatta. Proud of what you pulled off and how you did it. Very happy for you and your team. Special mention for music and action choreography. Terrific. Congratulations to @vishwaprasadtg gaaru and the entire team on this memorable success (sic).

His message praised the films lead actor Teja Sajja for his dedication, and extended heartfelt congratulations to Manchu Manoj, director Karthik Gattamneni, producer TG Vishwa Prasad, and the entire creative team. Nani also highlighted the films standout technical elements, calling special attention to the music and action choreography, describing them as terrific.

About the Mirai Mirai is a Telugu-language fantasy action film directed and written by Karthik Gattamneni. Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the People Media Factory banner, the film features a star-studded cast including Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Jagapathi Babu, and Jayaram.

The story is set in a richly imagined mythological-futuristic universe. At its heart is Vedha, a powerful warrior tasked with safeguarding nine sacred scriptures once held by Emperor Ashoka.
Law enforcement authorities leading the all-out manhunt for Charlie Kirks killer received a chilling tip Thursday evening: a 22-year-old Utah man had indicated to his father that he was the shooter.

That led authorities, who had just issued a desperate plea for the publics help finding the gunman, to Tyler Robinson, 22, who on Friday morning was booked in a county jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

People close to him gave investigators a trove of details, including messages that linked him to Kirks killing on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, officials said during a Friday news conference, where they offered the most detailed timeline yet of the fast-moving manhunt.

We got him," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.

The investigation kicked into high gear Thursday night, the governor said, when a relative of Robinson reached out to a family frienda retired law-enforcement official the Robinsons deeply trustedwho contacted sheriffs deputies with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed" the shooting. Law-enforcement officials told The Wall Street Journal the relative was Robinsons father.

We dont know what those conversations looked like behind closed doors," Beau Mason, commissioner of Utahs Department of Public Safety, said in an interview. We know that family and that family friend played a role in bringing him to a place where he was willing to turn himself in. Were grateful for that interaction. It brought a safe resolution to this."

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that confirmed Robinson had arrived on the university campus in a gray Dodge Challenger hours before Kirks appearance. The video showed him wearing a maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo and light-colored, Converse-style shoes. Investigators said he drove back home to Washington County, nearly four hours away. When Robinson was taken into custody, he was wearing clothes that were consistent with the surveillance images, the governor said.

Additional evidence pointed to Robinson as the suspect, Cox said. A family member told investigators that Robinson had become more political in recent years. And at a recent family dinner ahead of the shooting, Robinson mentioned that Kirk, a conservative activist, was soon making an appearance at the university. They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints that he had," Cox said.

Investigators interviewed Robinsons roommate, who showed them messages linked to Robinson discussing a rifle left wrapped in a towel and engraving bullets, Cox said.

Authorities also found a Converse Chuck Taylor shoe impression on the edge of the roof of the building from which the gunman fired; Robinson, officials said, had been wearing Chuck Taylors in video footage.

The governor said Robinsons family and family friend helped deliver him into custody of law enforcement in Washington County, in the southwest corner of the state. Court documents didnt list a lawyer for Robinson, who was being held without bail.

Bill Pickle, a former police officer and top Secret Service official, said for all the resources marshaled to hunt for the shooter, the big breakthrough came in the most typical of fashions.

Invariably, somebody calls in," Pickle said. People want to bring this stuff forward, and cops answer those good leads."

The arrest capped a chaotic day and a half in which investigators twice released earlier statements that a person of interest was in detention, only to retract the comments later.

Early in the fast-moving manhunt, an internal bulletin distributed to law-enforcement officials across the country stated that the shooters gun and ammunition had been recovered. The ammunition was engraved with expressions of transgender and fascist ideology," according to the bulletin, which the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives circulated. Justice Department officials later urged caution, saying the probe was in its early stages, investigators were still analyzing the evidence and the bulletin may not accurately reflect the messages on the ammunition.

At Fridays press conference, Cox said the engravings included one that said hey fascist! CATCH!," along with other messages and symbols. He gave no indication that the ammunition included any transgender references. An ATF spokesman declined to comment on the bulletin.

Mason said the probe was continuing and we will continue to look into his life andwhat led up to this." Investigators were also examining whether the roommate intentionally withheld information and if charges against others are warranted, he said. Investigators were searching Robinsons house, electronic devices and other property Friday.

Kirk, 31 years old, was onstage going back and forth with a student about mass shootings involving transgender people when he was shot at 12:23 p.m. on Wednesday.

An affidavit of probable cause filed against Robinson said that just over a half-hour before the shooting, campus video spotted the suspect walking with a distinctive gait and a stiff right leg. He was also wearing different clothing from earlier in the morning, having switched to sunglasses, dark-colored jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt with a picture of an American flag and an eagle, according to the affidavit.

Footage showed that about six minutes before the single shot was fired, the gunman climbed up to the rooftop of a building near the courtyard where Kirk was speaking, according to the affidavit. He then ran across the rooftop and laid down in a prone shooting position at the edge of the building, the affidavit said.

After the shooting, footage showed the gunman pop up suddenly and run to another edge of the rooftop, lower himself and drop to the ground, the affidavit said. He then walked across a street before disappearing into a wooded area, according to the affidavit.

Investigators struggled in the immediate aftermath to identify the gunman, with the FBI releasing grainy photos of him and offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture. They pored over thousands of tips.

At 8 p.m. Thursday, officials stood before television cameras and made another plea for help finding the gunman.

We have no idea," whether the suspect had left, Mason told reporters.

It was about the same time when Robinsons family friend reached out to the local sheriffs department to report the confession, officials said.

Write to Sadie Gurman at sadie.gurman@wsj.com, James Fanelli at james.fanelli@wsj.com and C. Ryan Barber at ryan.barber@wsj.com
India is looking to scale up at least two public sector banks (PSBs) to become one of the top 20 banks in the world by 2047, a senior government official from the financial services department said on Friday.

The official said that scaling up the size of public sector banks was top of the agenda for the two-day PSB Manthan 2025, which began in Delhi today.

We currently only have State Bank of India, which ranks 43rd in asset size, in the list of top 50 global banks. The Viksit Bharat road map that has been finalised by the government aspires to take at least two PSBs into the top 20 global banks. The PSB Manthan will discuss and carve the road map for this scaling up that will require both growth in business and acquisition and adoption of advanced technical expertise that has become the hallmark of several global foreign banking operations, the DFS officials told mediapersons while briefing about the PSB Manthan 2025. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity as the discussions were ongoing and a clearer plan would only emerge after completing the discussions.

The government began creating large banks in India in 2019 when it decided to merge several public sector banks to scale them up.

In 2019, the government decided to merge at least 10 public sector banks to create four large banks. Accordingly, in 2020, Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and United Bank of India (UBI) were merged with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to create the second-largest bank in India. Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank became the fourth largest lender, while Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank's merger created the fifth largest PSB in India. Also, Allahabad Bank was merged with Indian Bank to create the seventh-largest bank.

Seven PSBs Following the consolidation, there are now seven large public sector banks and five smaller ones. There were as many as 27 public sector banks in 2017.

The official said that though no decision has been taken, the growth, scale, and size of banks will be expanded organically, indicating that further consolidation may not be on the agenda for now.

Experts suggest that an economy of the size of India, which is set to become the third largest globally, would require at least a couple of really big banks of global size and scale to facilitate this growth. At present, the country does not have a single global-scale bank.

On its first day, the PSB Manthan Bank also discussed how banks can improve the overall customer experience and work towards credit growth in the agriculture and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sectors.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 13 (ANI): The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved sweeping changes to public offer norms, IPO allocations, related party transactions, and foreign investor access, aimed at easing compliance and broadening market participation.

For very large issuers with a market capitalisation above 1 lakh crore, SEBI has recommended amendments to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, to stagger compliance with minimum public shareholding (MPS) requirements. Such companies may now list with a lower public float and will be given extended timelines to meet the 25 per cent MPS norm.

If public shareholding at listing is below 15 per cent, it must be raised to 15 per cent within five years and to 25 per cent within ten years. If it is 15 per cent or more at listing, the 25 per cent threshold must be met within five years. For issuers above 5 lakh crore market cap, similar timelines will apply.

The regulator also cleared changes to the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, revising anchor investor norms. Life insurance companies and pension funds will now be included in the reserved anchor investor portion, alongside mutual funds.

The overall anchor reservation has been enhanced from one-third to 40 per cent, with one-third reserved for mutual funds and the rest for insurers and pension funds. The cap on the number of anchor allottees has also been relaxed to allow greater flexibility for large FPIs operating multiple funds.

Among other decisions, the SEBI board approved ease-of-doing-business amendments to related party transaction (RPT) rules under LODR, introducing scale-based thresholds and simplifying disclosure norms.

The regulator allowed retail schemes in IFSCs with Indian sponsors to register as FPIs, and cleared the SWAGAT-FI framework to streamline access for trusted foreign investors like sovereign wealth funds and pension funds.

The easing coincides with an increase in international outflows in recent months, which are being fueled by high US tariffs, poor profitability, and high valuations.

The new rules have reduced the maximum exit load in mutual funds from 5 per cent to 3 per cent, while introducing new distributor incentives for onboarding women investors and investors from B-30 cities.

SEBI reclassified REITs as equity instruments for mutual fund investments, enabling higher participation and possible index inclusion.

It has also lowered the minimum investment threshold for Large Value Funds (LVFs) under AIFs from 70 crore to 25 crore, while creating a new category of AI-only funds with regulatory flexibilities.

The market regulator cleared a proposal to establish local offices in key state capitals such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and others to strengthen investor outreach.
(Bloomberg) -- An unusual surge in Thai gold exports to neighboring Cambodia has triggered calls for an investigation. The shipments are seen as one factor fueling a rally in the baht, which threatens to undermine the nations exports and tourism.

In the first seven months of 2025, Thai gold shipments to Cambodia jumped 19% from a year earlier to 71.3 billion baht ($2.25 billion)  a pace that may surpass last years record 106 billion baht. The flows put Cambodia on track to rival Switzerland, the worlds gold refining hub, and Singapore, a regional trading center, for shipments of Thai gold, according to Customs Department data.

It underscores Cambodias emergence as an out-sized destination for Thai gold, raising questions over the drivers of the trade and its implications for the bahts fast appreciation this year. The Bank of Thailand has vowed to take steps to ease baht volatility and limit the influence of gold prices.

The Federation of Thai Industries has found that gold and jewelry exports to Cambodia have surged since last year in amounts inconsistent with the countrys size and demand, Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said in an interview Friday.

It looks suspicious, Kriengkrai said, adding that the BOT, customs authorities and the Commerce Ministry should investigate the transactions. It may come from gray businesses like scammers and casinos. Its possible that they use gold as a tool for money laundering.

Read: Thai Gold Demand Seen Soaring as Strong Currency Adds to Allure

Another possible factor weighing on the baht is remittance outflows from Thailands roughly 4 million registered migrant workers, with the actual number likely much higher when undocumented laborers are included, he said. These transfers  both legal and informal  to neighboring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia may be draining domestic baht liquidity and adding pressure on the currency.

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, which includes the FTI, plans to meet with BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput next week to raise its concerns, including the impact of a strong baht on exports and tourism, and measures to support small- and medium-sized enterprises. The group will also flag its suspicions over rising gold imports to Cambodia and the effect of migrant worker remittances.

We are OK if the baht strengthens in line with other countries from dollar weakness, Kriengkrai said. Its not acceptable for the baht to move more than others like this. This puts us at a disadvantage at the most critical time for our economy. It should be a priority of the policymakers.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Trump's visit to India: After the souring Indo-US diplomatic ties following the imposition of 50% Trump's tariffs on India, the US President urged New Delhi to raise this to 100%. This jeopardised the India-US trade deal talks. However, some ice was broken last week when the US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to re-establish their lost love by engaging in positive exchanges on their social media handles. This positive development has led to the announcement of a new Donald Trump's nominee for Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor.

After the nomination, Trump's nominee for Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, hinted on the weekend that US President Donald Trump may visit India by November 2025. Sergio Gor hinted at the same when he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday that the US is fully committed to QUAD. This is expected to trigger bulls' sentiment, and analysts have predicted a gap-up opening for the Indian stock market on Monday.

Experts predict a gap-up opening on Monday On how optimism for Trump's likely visit to India may impact the Indian stock market, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment, said, "The US President Donald Trump's nominee for Ambassador to India has hinted that Donald Trump may visit India in November 2025. The new US government's nominee for Ambassador to India told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday that the US is fully committed to QUAD. As India is hosting the QUAD Summit this year, the market expects US President Donald Trump's visit to India by November. So, we expect the market to discount the relief in Trump's tariffs in the near term, and hence a gap opening on Monday can't be denied."

Ease in Trump's tariff tension Expecting an easing in the Trump tariff tension, Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth, said, "The recent developments in the India-US ties, especially after the new nominee for Ambassador to India showing commitment to QUAD, are expected to trigger fresh buying, and we may see around 100 to 120 points gap-up opening on Monday. Sectors like IT, auto, pharma, textile, and defence are expected to attract bulls' attention when the trading activity begins on the NSE and the BSE."

Can Nifty 50 climb to a new peak? Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 index post-Trump's visit to India trigger, Anshul Jain of Lakshmishree Investment said, "The broader trend remains constructive. Weekly moving averages are bullish, and daily averages are also becoming supportive. Importantly, the index has reclaimed the quarterly VWAP, with the monthly VWAP aligning with daily and weekly averages  strengthening the bullish structure. Additionally, the expected visit of Donald Trump in November is likely to be viewed positively by markets, further supporting the current weeks momentum."

On whether Nifty 50 could climb to a new peak soon, Anuj Gupta of Ya Wealth said, "The Nifty 50 index is facing a hurdle at the 25,250 to 25,300 range. If FIIs continue their buying on Monday, we can expect the 50-stock index to break above 25,300 soon and touch 25,800 soon. After that, much would depend upon the progress registered in the India-US trade deal, US Fed rate cut (25 bps or 50 bps) and GST 2.0 implementation from 22 September 2025. If the US Fed surprises markets and declares a 50 bps rate cut, we can expect the key benchmark index to touch the 26,000 mark. The market is also expecting an announcement from the Russian administration about Vladimir Putin's visit to India by the end of this year. So, if all these speculative triggers work out well in the near-term, we can expect Nifty 50 to touch a new peak in the fast-approaching festival season."

Trump's visit to India: 20 stocks to benefit Anuj Gupta of Ya Wealth said that around 20 stocks from the auto, IT, pharma, textile, and defence sectors are expected to remain in focus, which are as follows:

Pharma: Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.

Defence: BEL, HAL, and Cochin Shipyard.

IT: TechM, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Infosys.

Textile: Trident and Welspun Living.

Auto and Auto Ancillary: Eicher Motors, Tata Motors, TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, JBM Auto, Bosch, Amara Raja, Exide Industries, and UNO Minda.
Dinesh Vijan refers to music as therapy. On a 16-hour flight, the producer of hits such as Stree 2 and Chhaava would rather listen to songs than stay glued to a screen. It could explain the consistent track record hes had with music in his films. In fact, his family, including his nearly four-year-old twins, was the first to listen to tracks like Aayi Nahi (Stree 2 ) and Tum Se (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya ), composed for movies then under production. They picked up the tunes instantly, giving him a sense that they might catch on with listeners too.

Chartbuster soundtracks arent the only reason why Vijan stands apart in the Hindi film business today. Even as the theatre ecosystem finds its feet after a long, dry spell following the covid-19 pandemic and big-star films end cinema runs with negligible earnings, Vijans company Maddock Films, formed in 2005, has clocked big hits in succession.

His period drama Chhaava, released this February, made over 600 crore in domestic box-office collections, accounting for 75% of the total Hindi film box-office earnings in the January-March quarter, according to trade experts. Last years horror comedy Stree 2 also crossed the 600-crore mark, following which the studio introduced Munjya (2024) to its horror comedy universe. Munjya, which did not feature stars or even familiar faces, made more than 100 crore. His latest, the romcom Param Sundari, despite garnering mixed reviews, made a little over 28 crore over the opening weekend of 29 August.

Maddock, which releases five-eight films a year, reported a revenue of 381 crore in the financial year ended 31 March 2024, according to market research and data platform Tracxn. Nepean Capital, a Mumbai-based fund management firm that invests in private and public markets, acquired a 50% stake in Maddock Films in February 2022.

Also Read | Lal Chand Bisu of Kuku FM believes in pumping up the volume

Vijan, 44, believes the success of recent offerings is driven by the fact that his choices resonate with the bottom of the pyramid and that is a conscious decision, based on learnings from early productions like Badlapur (2015) and Hindi Medium (2017). Its about waking up in the morning and thinking, I have to take this story to this world. I cannot not tell this story. And thats how we make films. I dont want to make a film that I dont believe in one hundred per cent," he says.

Over the years, Maddock has tried to tell stories rooted in the country. These include Hindi Medium, about a Delhi-based couple struggling to secure admission for their daughter in an English-medium school; Stree, based on a Kannada legend; or the most recent blockbuster Chhaava, based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha empire.

Indians love stories about themselves and I think filmmakers were a little late to realise that. We made the Cocktails and Love Aaj Kals of the world that were aspirational to the West. But after Stree, I realised that India is richer than any other country in terms of stories. We were just not looking inwards," he says.

In fact, most of the directors working with the company, from Amar Kaushik (Stree, Bhediya) to Laxman Utekar (Mimi, Chhaava), come from different parts of the country and have no previous connections with the movie industry. This brings varied life experiences and perspectives to the table.

I think anyone who, like me, came with nothing, has very easy access to me. If the idea is interesting, I will do the meeting. We are not going with legacy, were empowering those traditionally not empowered. We cant have favourites," he says.

Maddock does not usually operate on the kind of extravagant budgets Bollywood is known for, especially in case of spectacle dramas that go on to earn massive takings. Chhaava, for instance, was made for 130-140 crore when a typical Bollywood film in the period drama genre would cost upwards of 300 crore.

We run a tight ship but thats because we are middle class at our core. More than tight, its the right budget. I look at a story and assess how many people this will appeal to. Then comes the thought on how far it can go with a particular actor. Once we did that correctly a few times, we wondered if just a story could get somewhere, with no face value, like Munjya. So that was our journey and we are fearless in that sense," Vijan says.

Going forward, Maddock is betting on additions to the horror comedy universe with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Thama (slated for a Diwali release) and two other projects titled Shakti Shalini and Chamunda. The mythological slate will see Mahavatar, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chiranjeevi Parashurama while war drama Ikkis is scheduled for release later this year.

We dont want to over-rely on the horror comedy universe. Yes, we introduced the new universe and loved every bit of it, but it is going to have limited supply from us. There will be eight films in four years which are all connected, but then well see what to do with it. We want to explore more genres. Chhaava has opened another genre for us and Mahavatar will take it to the next level. Mythological films like Mahavatar will initially arrive once in 18-24 months, because those require great effort, and then well try and get them once a year," Vijan says.

In between, there will be comedy dramas and other mid-budget films such as Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Bhool Chuk Maaf, that Vijan says are like dal chawal" (mid-budget films, mostly romantic comedies or dramas that can be made quickly).

Born into a business family and raised in Mumbai, Vijan had nothing to do with films growing up except that his father, a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan, would regularly take him to the movies. The latters business sense prevailed when Vijan was encouraged to do an MBA (Welingkar Institute of Management Studies) and take up a banking job (JP Morgan Stanley, now Morgan Stanley) in the early 2000s, which made him miserable.

What I learned gave me an edge in this business. I entered (the investment banking job) when the market had crashed. So I had to go to people to tell them to invest and give them an explanation when they had just lost money. I saw how people are with you when they make money and how they are when theyve lost money, even if it is not because of you. So I learned very early that if you want to do well, everybody that youre working with, has to gain. That was an early foundation," he says.

Vijan soon found his way out of the banking job. Scrambling funds together with friends and finding investors, he made an English language dark comedy, Being Cyrus, starring Saif Ali Khan, in 2005. The film, centered around a dysfunctional Parsi family and highly unconventional for its time, met with critical acclaim and Vijan found himself partnering with Khan to back a clutch of projects, including Love Aaj Kal (2009), Agent Vinod (2012), Cocktail (2012) and Go Goa Gone (2013). The two later went their separate ways.

It was an organic progression. We had a great run together and told some wonderful stories, but over time, we both wanted to explore different creative directions," says Vijan, who refers to himself as a product of relationships. He runs Maddock Films with support from his sisters Poonam Shivdasani and Pooja Vijan, who are associate producer and co-producer respectively, besides old friends like Sharada Karki, a B-school classmate who serves as chief creative officer.

I think, at heart, we were a family-run company. But over the years, weve updated ourselves. We are system-driven. The portfolios I have with me are content, marketing and sales. And the only way Ive managed to do just those is because everything else is very organised. Once Ive locked a budget, there are enough professionals working in the system," he says. We close our books every month, weve got a proper CFO (chief financial officer), weve got an internal audits system. Which, in other businesses, might seem like a normal practice, but wasnt in ours. Weve raised private equity a few years ago, and that has helped us put these systems in place and to make the kind of films we want to," he adds.

Vijan, who was in Delhi in May to promote his small-town comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf starring Rajkummar Rao, describes himself as relentless and a mad man" in the last three weeks before a films release because losing is not an optionit matters that much to us."

Having turned father late in life, Vijan says the Punjabi boy in him is now making a conscious effort to stay fit. He also feels eight hours of work are good enough, if you put your mind to it. I try not to work after 7pm because the kids are asleep by 8, and that evening window is my time with them. Outside of work and family, I really dont have much of a social life, and Im fine with that. My father was an incredible dad, and I want to be the best husband and father I can be too," he says, laughing as he adds that he hasnt quite recovered from the last time he dared to party.

Describing himself as happily doing a job that feels like recreation, Vijan says Maddock now insists on owning the IP (intellectual property) of all projects and not sharing it with any co-producing partners. The company has also just launched its own music label Mad For Mussic.

I want to make Maddock Films the biggest studio that ever was. The thought is not about how powerful it becomes with me but how many people we can empower over time. Im looking at that because Im in a position to create legacy," he says. I want Maddock Films to be a bigger brand than Dinesh Vijan. So at some point in my life, I can give the baton to someone whos smarter than me."
I turned 60 last month. It did not feel like a big deal, but its something. I did a self-appraisal and put together some notable changes. I forget things (not everything because my friends and family tell me I tend to repeat bad jokes). My body complains. I dont sleep as peacefully as I did. I dont eat as much as I used to. I cant run as long and swim as far without damage to tendons and muscles. I go to physiotherapy more often than I write this column.

Theres one thing that hasnt changed thoughthe time I devote to my kitchen. If anything, my enthusiasm for cooking has grown. I cook more than I used to, my cooking has become more thoughtful and patient, according to me of course, and I feel like I must refine my limited culinary talents to curry favour with my near and dear ones while I can.

My cooking methods were always reasonably healthy. But the frequent kheemas and pork chops of my 30s and early 40s receded in frequency in my late 40s. After a decade of speeding along in the healthy food lane, I learned to ease up this year and rediscovered the foods I had lost to arterial plaque and caution.

And, so, I enter my 61st year realising that the second half of life is all about balance. Dont be obsessive, I tell myself, but also dont be indifferentbe light of heart and joyful in spirit. Rabindranath Tagore put it more eloquently than I ever could. Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf," he wrote more than a century ago. I like that, the reference to an equilibrium infused with exuberance, flirting occasionally with extremes.

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That is why I did not say no when a friend said his birthday present would be the main dish for my birthday dinner party. It wasto use my teens languagea banger, a 5kg handi of legendary biryani that I had never tried before. Pahalwani biryani is produced by a hard-to-find 89-year-old establishment in the heaving heart of Bengaluru: Shivajinagar Gardi Ustad Pehlwan Kale Bhai. Gardi manes, or wrestling houses in Kannada, are traditional wrestling pits, one of which you will find when you enter the little doors on a chaotic street. I went there to return the handi after the party, and even though Google Maps said I had arrived, a vegetable vendor and a cycle mechanic had to help me find it.

The pahalwani biryani is quite simply one of the best examples of Muslim biryani in my home town. It is aromatic and light, the pieces of mutton are large and soft, and there wasnt a piece left by the time my raucous birthday party was done. As the rain poured down outside, our piano was worked overtime by a friend whose nimble fingers pounded on the keys, making us movers and shakers, at least for that evening. Rock n roll and biryani for the non-vegetarians, rock n roll and home-made vegetable pulao for the vegetarianswith a baingan ka salan and raita for both.

Although I did briefly consider a chicken biryani (which Kale Bhai offers), my wife, who may be a stronger adherent to Tagores philosophy than I, snorted at the thought. Better a dew drop perched on the leafs edge than a stodgy pool of water, I guess. But, the balance had to follow. Once the 60th was done and dusted, I returned to my kitchen and my efforts to energise my cooking.

One of the things Ive returned to frequently this year has been a Kerala-style chicken stew, which two of my main consumersmy daughter and motherseem to appreciate. Its easy to make and not spicy, unless you load it with pepper and green chilli. Obviously, it wasnt sustainable, given the saturated fat packed into its coconut milk.

The more regular option that Ive settled on is the yogurt stew below, a version of one of those quick Instagram fixes. It may not be as creamy as its coconut-milk-based cousin, but the yogurt stew is lighter, tangier and has far more protein and calcium. As for the taste, its quite delicious, if I may say so. Using yogurt with meat is also an Indian tradition, dating back to the Vedic and Mughal eras and alive today in the Kashmiri yakhni, Bengali rezala and Awadhi qorma. My version uses significantly less oil than they do. Balance, you see.

LEMON YOGURT CHICKEN STEW

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

Half kg chicken

2 dried red chillies or 2 green chillies, whole

1 medium onion sliced

1 leaf of a star anise

2 cloves

2 black cardamom

5 black peppercorns

1 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped fine

1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped fine

3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

Half a cup yogurt

1 tbsp mustard oil

Lemon slices to garnish

Salt to taste

Method

Heat oil gently in a cooker. Add dried red chillies or green chillies with whole spices until they swell. Add onions and saute until they start to brown. Add ginger and garlic and saute for a minute. Add chicken and sear. Add salt and mix. Add a cup of water, close the cooker for two whistles. Release pressure, open and mix in yogurt. Simmer on low heat until the stew thickens, if youd like. Mix in the fresh coriander. Garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot with appams, white rice, sannas or bread to soak up the stew.

Our Daily Bread is a column on easy, inventive cooking. Samar Halarnkar is the author of The Married Mans Guide to Creative CookingAnd Other Dubious Adventures. He posts @samar11 on X
The European Union (EU) recently banned the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical widely used in gel nail polishes to harden the formula under UV or LED light. The ban went into effect on 1 September, requiring nail salons in European countries to stop selling products containing the ingredient. Manufacturers have also been urged to reformulate their gel polishes.

No such ban exists in India, and gel nail polish remains a popular choice among beauty enthusiasts. The EU ban is extremely influential and can shape global cosmetic regulations," says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, cosmetologist and founder of ISAAC Luxe. "Like India, many countries often consider the EUs safety standards. This ban has led to the need for innovations in such products, which will make beauty safer everywhere."

TPO functions as a photoinitiator, ensuring that gel polishes cure properly to achieve a glossy, chip-resistant finish. But the safety of this chemical has been increasingly scrutinised. Some experts believe TPO may disrupt hormones and accumulate in the body. However, we dont yet have extensive evidence," says Dr Gupta. Some labs are compiling data to raise red flags. Its not about visible short-term effects; its more about avoiding potential long-term health consequences."

According to Dr Pravin Banodkar, co-founder and lead dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB), reports have shown TPO to be a potential hormone disruptor with long-term toxicity, even if most data currently comes from animal studies. It can also trigger allergic reactions, redness, sometimes sensitivity around the nails and when not done by professionals or if the quality is bad, it can result in severe allergic contact dermatitis," warns Dr Banodkar.

Both experts agree that salon workers face higher risks, since they are in daily contact with uncured products. This is because they handle such products on a daily basis and may develop allergies. People with allergic or sensitive skin also react more quickly," Dr Gupta says.

Dr Banodkar adds that repeated exposure can also affect them over time, leading to skin problems and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Another concern lies in the curing process itself. While UV or LED lamps harden the polish, they expose the skin to radiation. Though LED/UV lamps cure TPO, they also expose skin to radiation. In case the curing is incomplete, leftover TPO stays on the nail plate and surrounding skin, which can raise the risk of irritation," warns Dr Gupta.

Dr Banodkar agrees, pointing out that prolonged UV exposure can accelerate skin aging and pigmentation.

As for alternatives, safer options are being explored but they are not yet foolproof. Big nail product brands like OPI already have TPO- and HEMA-free gel colours.

Brands are exploring options that are LED-only systems with clearer and healthier formulations. BAPO or acrylate blends are some newer photoinitiators that might be less harmful. But they are also not completely risk free," says Dr Gupta.

Dr Banodkar adds that newer TPO types are being tested for their safety.

For now, both doctors recommend limiting gel polish use. Protective steps can reduce risk, they advise.

Dr Gupta suggests: First, choose a trusted salon that uses regulated, high-quality products. Second, use fingerless gloves or apply SPF on hands during UV curing. Third, keep space between two sessions to allow natural nail recovery. Fourth, ensure gels are cured properly under the correct lamp."

Dr Banodkar also stresses the importance of trained technicians and cautions against peeling gels off at home. The recent EU ban is great because it brings about a wake-up call for countries to bring about strict regulations to ban below-standard products or TPO and as a result of which it can shape the way safe chemicals are used around the skin or nails."

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Diseases that we usually thought of as for elderly, were seeing more and more in a younger, working-age population, said Kirk Roy, chief actuary at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also points to higher prices for hospital stays and drugs, as well as the prevalence of ailments from cancer to heart conditions to joint issues in younger people [6].

Health benefit cost trend has two primary components  health care price and utilization. Right now, both are rising, Sunit Patel, chief actuary for health and benefits at Mercer, said in a report on the companys site [4]. He added that the rise of virtual health care  including behavioral health  is bumping up the usage numbers by removing geographic barriers to care.

There are numerous reasons for the increase in health insurance costs.

Fortune added that this could also mean an increase of 6% to 7% on average in paycheck deductions in 2026 [5].

And, as Fortune noted, while some employers are looking for ways to pad the blow for employees, a common outcome is simply raising deductibles and cost-sharing provisions, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for employees when they access care.

Even just banking on the most conservative estimate, the uptick will mark the fourth straight year of price increases and the largest increase in health insurance costs since 2010 [4].

A similar survey by the non-profit Business Group on Health pegged the increase at 7.6% after cost-cutting [2], while consulting firm Aon predicted an even heftier 9.5% spike [3].

A new survey of more than 1,700 organizations by the Mercer consulting firm found that, even after taking cost-cutting measures into account, the price tag on health benefits per employee is likely to rise 6.5% on average next year. The survey added that the number would be 9% on average if employers didnt try to find a way to bring costs down [1].

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Thats because in 2026, the price of health insurance is set to jump at a rate we havent seen in 15 years.

The expression an apple a day keeps the doctor away is both a common idiom and, given the way health insurance costs are trending, perhaps the most financially tenable health care plan in the U.S. right now.

Story Continues

In addition, Business Group on Health highlighted an increase in the utilization of obesity medications, with their own survey showing that number could rise another 15%. The non-profit adds that, to help keep costs down, the amount of employers covering GLP-1s like Ozempic for non-diabetes-related reasons will stagnate, with obesity needs subject to caveats like participating in weight management programs [2].

And then, of course, theres good old inflation, which both Fortune and WSJ cite as another contributing factor in rising prices.

All of this comes as Americans deal with increasingly difficult financial decisions related to their health care. Kaiser Family Foundation polling from earlier this year showed that almost half of U.S. adults find it difficult to afford health care  including 36% who admitted to putting off needed health care treatments due to cost, and 21% that said the high price of a prescription caused them to skip filling it altogether [7].

Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks  here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead

How to protect yourself from rising health insurance costs

Thankfully, there are some simple ways that you can help protect yourself  and your wallet  from the extra ding on your paycheck.

Opt for the HDHP/HSA combo

If youre healthy and dont expect to use your coverage much, consider a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). This is one of the top recommended strategies for keeping health insurance costs down because it allows you to pay lower premiums while saving money for future health care costs.

Yes, the deductible is high  in 2026 the minimum annual deductible will be $1,700 for an individual and $3,400 for families (an increase of $50 and $100 respectively over 2025s rates).

That said, the HSA will help cover your deductible, softening the financial hit. The 2026 HSA contribution limit will be $4,400 for individuals with an HDHP and $8,750 for families (up $100 and $200 respectively) [8].

But theres more! Not only does the HSA roll over each year, you can also save on three tax breaks: the contributions, earnings and withdrawals are all either tax free or tax deductible [9].

Investors.com even suggests that, if you dont end up dipping into your HSA, you could make it work even harder for you by investing your money in investment funds like you do in your 401(k). [10]

Pharmacy coverage is your friend

Remember the note about some employers no longer covering GLP-1s except for diabetes? CNBC suggests that those who need GLP-1s for weight loss use self-service tools or talk to your open-enrollment team about the medications you take and the cost implications.

Its always best to vet all health insurance options to see which would work best for you, but opting for coverage that helps keep prescription costs down could, as one expert told CNBC, drive significant differences in out-of-pocket costs. [11]

In addition, Blue Cross advises asking your doctor about generic alternatives to name brand medications to save more money [12].

Preventative care for your body and budget

It might seem obvious, but preventative care is a key strategy in keeping insurance costs down.

In terms of your body, many experts suggest visiting your doctor and/or dentist for routine check-ups and taking advantage of health opportunities  like gym memberships  that your company might offer. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure  not to mention the cost of a deductible.

When it comes to your budget, Investors.com suggests treating your health insurance payments like you would your cable bill or mortgage  learn what it will cost you and your family to maintain it and then make it part of your overall budget [10].

Wealth planner Tara Lawson added that understanding what you and your family's health costs are going to be is tremendously helpful in deciding which plan you're going to choose, and how you will budget for it.

What to read next

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Article sources

At Moneywise, we consider it our responsibility to produce accurate and trustworthy content 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]. Mercer. Employers prepare for the highest health benefit cost increase in 15 years

[2]. Business Group on Health. 2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey: Executive Summary

[3]. Aon. Aon: U.S. Employer Health Care Costs Expected to Rise 9.5 Percent in 2026

[4]. Mercer. Employers are bracing for the highest health benefit cost increase in 15 years, a projected 6.5% increase in 2026, according to Mercer

[5]. Fortune. Your health insurance is about to go up by the biggest percentage in 15 years

[6]. Wall Street Journal. Health Insurance Costs for Businesses to Rise by Most in 15 Years

[7]. Kaiser Family Foundation. Americans Challenges with Health Care Costs

[8]. Thomson Reuters. IRS Announces 2026 HSA and EBHR

[9]. TD Savings. Understanding Health Savings Accounts

[10]. Investors.com. Health Care Costs Rise Again: How To Budget For 2025 Increases

[11]. CNBC. Open enrollment surprise: Expect health insurance premiums to be highest in decades in 2025

[12]. Pacific Blue Cross. Ways to save on healthcare costs

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Karnataka government is planning to develop the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) on the outskirts of Bengaluru city, an ambitious project that revives memories of Navi Mumbai and Gurugram, satellite townships of Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.

What sets it apart, though, is the claim of becoming Indias first and largest township powered by artificial intelligence (AI). GBIT is envisioned as a work-live-play" city of the future. The government has set aside a substantial sum of money for land, infrastructure, and development. But what role will AI play here, and how will it be any different from the smart city" projects India once championed, or even the Karnataka government's KWIN and SWIFT city projects announced in 2024?

What's the new project all about?

In a bid to ease Bengalurus worsening congestion and creaking infrastructure, the Karnataka government plans to build the countrys first AI-powered integrated city at Bidadi, 30 kilometres (km) from the state capital.

Deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar said GBIT will be completed within three years. Spread across 9,000 acres, it is envisioned as the citys second Central Business District and a global hub for AI-led industries under a work-live-play" model.

To overcome land acquisition hurdles, the government plans to make farmers and landowners partners in the 20,000 crore project, offering annuities of 30,000-50,000 per acre annually until compensation or developed plots are handed over.

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Planned as a hub for startups, entrepreneurs, and AI-driven workspaces, GBIT is being pitched as Indias first AI-powered townshipdistinct from Navi Mumbai or Gurugram. The government hopes to position it as a future-ready city where AI optimizes transport, energy, and civic services.

Bengaluru has shown the world what it can do in information technology; now we will lead in AI," Shivakumar declared.

What about the state government's KWIN and SWIFT city projects?

Last September, chief minister Siddaramaiah launched Karnatakas 5,800-acre Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City, earlier called KHIR City. The first 2,000-acre phase, he said, would be developed in a public-private partnership within three years.

On 14 December, industries minister M.B. Patil unveiled plans for Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology (SWIFT) City in Sarjapuratouted as Karnatakas third major industrial hub after Electronic City and International Tech Park Ltd (ITPL). As the name suggests, SWIFT City will reserve over 1,000 acres in the Sarjapura Industrial Area for new-age businesses. With KWIN and SWIFT works in progress, critics argue the government should prioritize fixing Bengalurus crumbling infrastructure instead of announcing yet another acronym-heavy project like GBIT.

What role is AI expected to play in GBIT?

While details remain sketchy, the government says GBIT will deploy AI, digital twin technology (a real-time virtual replica of the city), and smart sensors to manage traffic, waste, energy, and water. Algorithms could predict congestion and optimize power use, while AI may streamline waste collection, water management, and road maintenance. Predictive governance could anticipate shortages, health emergencies, or even crime, with chatbots easing citizen services and dashboards giving officials real-time oversight.

In theory, this promises quicker responses and more efficient governance. But questions linger: Will residents trust algorithms with daily decisions, and how will data privacy be protected in such a surveillance-heavy system? The success of GBIT hinges not only on smoother services but on whether governance remains transparent and citizen-first, or tips toward efficiency at the expense of individual rights.

Will GBIT avoid the pitfalls of Indias smart city" initiatives?

A decade after launching the Smart Cities Mission, the Centre officially wound it up this March. Of the 8,067 projects worth 1.64 trillion, 94%valued at 1.51 trillionhave been completed, while another 512 projects are in advanced stages, according to a government press release on 24 June.

Nearly the entire budget of 47,652 crore has been released, and all 100 cities now have Integrated Command and Control Centres using AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), alongside thousands of smart roads, classrooms, health centres, and public spaces, the release adds. Yet, despite the numbers, most smart cities suffer from fragmented execution, poor coordination, and limited real-world impact.

GBITs advocates argue that, unlike retrofitting dozens of brownfield cities, a single greenfield township allows AI and infrastructure to be embedded from the ground up. Critics, however, warn that without strong accountability and long-term governance, Bidadi too risks becoming another half-finished showcase rather than a functional city.

Are there global models of AI-powered townships that Karnataka can learn from?

Other than India's own smart cities", Songdo in South Korea shows that embedding technology is possible, but creating a community requires affordability and organic growth. Virtual Singapore demonstrates the value of a digital twin to simulate urban planning before execution. NEOM in Saudi Arabia highlights the risks of overambition, with delays and governance challenges tempering futuristic promises. Masdar in Abu Dhabi stresses phased, realistic deployment of sustainable technologies, while Barcelonas citizen-first model underscores transparency and public participation to avoid surveillance concerns. Bidadi, too, will have to balance AI-led efficiency with affordability, sustainability, and citizen trust to create a truly liveable city.

How much does it cost to build an AI-powered township?

The price tag for an AI-driven city is massive, because most of the expense lies not in the algorithms but in the physical infrastructureland, housing, utilities, and transportonto which AI systems are layered.

The Karnataka government has earmarked over 20,000 crore for land acquisition, infrastructure, and development, but experts point out that building a truly integrated township could cost much more.

Global examples demonstrate the scale and cost escalation. Songdo in South Korea, one of the worlds earliest 'smart cities', cost an estimated $35-40 billion over two decades. The cost of Saudi Arabias futuristic NEOM project, designed with AI at its core, ballooned to more than $500 billion. A Wall Street Journal report pegged NEOM's cost shooting up to a staggering $8.8 trillion, which is more than 25X Saudi Arabia's annual budget. Even Virtual Singapore, a digital twin for planning, cost $73 million just to model the city.

Experts caution that the eventual bill for the Karnataka government will likely be higher than its earmarked $2.4 billion allocation once private investment in housing, offices, and AI applications is factored in, potentially pushing costs into the tens of billions over time.
Delhi: Shalimar Bagh's Max Hospital received a bomb threat on Saturday, September 13, according to Delhi Fire Service which received a call at 16:47. They said its personnel along with Delhi Police are at the spot as search operations are underway, ANI reported.

"Earlier today, we received an unspecified bomb threat at Max Hospital via our call centre. In accordance with our emergency protocols, authorities were immediately informed and precautionary searches across our premises have been conducted and no suspicious objects have been found. The safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is our top priority, and we are working closely with the authorities, a company spokesperson said.

The management of the Taj Palace received a bomb threat via email earlier today. In response, a security alert was initiated, leading to an investigation by authorities. The Delhi Police later confirmed that no suspicious items were discovered and declared the threat a hoax. As a precaution, heavy security was deployed around the hotel, and bomb disposal teams conducted a detailed search of the premises.

"After a thorough security check, the government authorities have stated that the incident was a hoax. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of paramount importance to us and we continue to remain vigilant, ANI quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi received a bomb threat mail. Nothing was found; it has been declared a hoax, the Delhi Police said.

Meanwhile, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and Attukal Bhagavathy temple in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram also received bomb threat via email today. The police stated it was non-specific in nature as investigation continues.

Also Read | Bombay High Court also receives bomb threat, premises vacated

Previous similar incident These incidents came after Delhi High Court got a bomb threat e-mail yesterday, which later turned out to be a hoax. Many judges left their respective courtrooms at nearly 11.35 am while others continued till noon prior to rising. Although, the court proceedings restarted at 2:30 PM in accordance with the schedule.

The threat email, which was addressed to the Delhi High Court staff, carried the subject line: Pakistan Tamil Nadu collude for Holy Friday blasts. 3 bombs planted in judge room/court premises. Evacuate by 2 pm. ANI sources revealed that the message alleged Pakistan's involvement and warned of three bombs placed within the court premises. The email was sent from the ID kanimozhi.thevidiya@outlook.com, it said.

The message went on to make provocative claims, stating, The assets within the Police have been sown since 2017, for this Holy Friday. As a sample, today's blast in your Delhi High Court will clear the doubt of previous bluffs. Judge Chamber will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers.
Delhi Police have launched an investigation after a bomb threat email was sent to the Taj Palace hotel in New Delhi, officials confirmed on Saturday. Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the threat.

A spokesperson for Taj Palace said that after a thorough security check, government authorities confirmed the incident was a hoax.

After a thorough security check the government authorities have stated that the incident was a hoax. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of paramount importance to us and we continue to remain vigilant, the spokesperson said.

The development comes just a day after a bomb threat targeting the Delhi High Court triggered large-scale evacuations and heightened security in the capital.

We have received information regarding a threat email sent to Taj Palace. The matter is under investigation, and further details will be shared in due course, a Delhi Police spokesperson said.

Also Read | Bombay High Court also receives bomb threat, premises vacated

Delhi High Court Evacuated After Bomb Threat On 12 September, the Delhi High Court received an alarming email claiming that multiple bombs had been planted inside the court premises, leading to immediate evacuation of judges, lawyers, staff, and litigants.

All court benches were suspended abruptly as security personnel cordoned off the area. Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dog units, firefighter vehicles, and ambulances were deployed in a coordinated operation to ensure public safety.

The threat email alleged a plot involving Pakistan and Tamil Nadu, stating:

Pakistan Tamil Nadu collude for Holy Friday blasts. Three bombs were planted in the judge's room/court premises. Evacuate by 2pm.

The message further warned of a detonation shortly after midday Islamic prayers, adding:

The assets within the police have been sown since 2017, for this Holy Friday. As a sample, today's blast in your Delhi High Court will clear the doubt of previous bluffs. Judge Chamber will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers.

While a thorough search of the premises was carried out, no explosives were found.

FIR Registered, Probe Underway Following the incident, Delhi Police registered an FIR and launched an intensive investigation to trace the origin of the threat email.

Cybercrime units are now examining the digital footprint of the message, while intelligence agencies have been alerted to assess potential links to terror outfits or politically motivated groups.

The email is being analysed by our cybercrime team. We are tracking the IP address and other digital markers to identify the source. At this stage, nothing can be ruled out, a senior police officer said.

Delhi on High Alert The twin threats  first to the Delhi High Court and now to the Taj Palace hotel  have put the capital on heightened alert. Security has been tightened at key government buildings, hotels, transport hubs, and public spaces across the city.

Authorities have also urged citizens to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies immediately.
Tobacco ban: Haryana government has banned sale of tobacco, gutka, and other intoxicating substances for around 1 km distance from all schools in the state, according to a PTI report.

A circular to this effect was issued by the Haryana Directorate of School Education, stating that the ban would be implemented within 100 yards (almost 1 km) of all schools in the state on September 13, it added.

Haryana bans tobacco products near schools: What we know As per the circular, all block education officers, block resource centres, and the Principals or headmasters of schools have been directed to watch for activities related to the sale of tobacco, gutkha and intoxicating substances within 1 km of schools under their jurisdiction.

Violations of the ban should be reported to the Grapanchayat and nearest police officer, based on which immediate action should be taken.

Haryana's hookah ban: What is the punishment? Earlier in 2024, the Haryana Assembly had also passed a bill that forbade opening and running hookah bars and banned serving hookah to customers in any place in the state under the following law: The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2024.

According to Section 21-A of the law, individuals who violate Section 4 A (which prohibits running of hookah bars in the state) will face imprisonment of up to one year, but which may extend to three years, followed by fine of 1 lakh, but which may extend to 5 lakh.

Haryana aims to make agriculture sustainable and profitable business: CM Earlier, on August 29, the Haryana Chief Minister Nayab said that the state's vision is to make agriculture not just a means of survival but a sustainable and profitable business.

Addressing the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in the national capital, he said that Haryana is working to support farmers at every stage, from cultivation to the sale of produce. Saini stated that the State Government's vision is not only to increase production, but also to make agriculture a sustainable and profitable business for its people.

He added that India and Africa are building a future of mutual trust and cooperation across several areas, including agriculture, skill development, education, and digital public goods. "The innovations and technologies Haryana is using in its agriculture sector can also be replicated in Africa," he said.
In a horrific incident, a 17-year-old student was stabbed to death on Friday by his friend at Dakshineswar Metro Station in Kolkata during a violent altercation, reported PTI quoting police officials.

The police stated that the victim has been identified as Manojit Yadav of Baranagar and a student of Bagbazar High School. They added that Monojit reportedly got into an argument with a friend while waiting at the station.

Later on Friday, the accused was arrested from Howrah station, added the police.

"As the situation heated up, another friend allegedly stabbed Manojit with a knife. We arrested him while he was attempting to board a train and escape," PTI quoted the police officer as saying.

According to the initial probe, the victim, who regularly used the Metro along with his friends to return home, was taken to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the way.

The presence of a weapon inside a high-security Metro zone has sparked questions about lapses in passenger screening and surveillance.

Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify how the assailant managed to bring a knife into the Metro premises.

Non-ticketing area: However, Metro Railway spokesperson claimed the incident took place in "a non-ticketing area" near the Dakshineshwar temple end of the Metro entry gate, and not on the platform or inside the turnstile gate.

On being asked about the spot falls within the Metro Railway premises, he replied it is not always humanly possible for RPF personnel to keep track of every individual's movement before the turnstile gate and on the rear of the ticket counter.

"We had informed the local police station immediately after the incident and are coordinating with the local administration," the spokesperson said.

He said that there is stringent security check at the turnstile gates with metal detectors, and anyone carrying arms won't be able to get past the security layer.

"However, we are assessing and evaluating the existing security system," he said.

As the incident in the crowded station premises caused panic among the commuters who voiced their anxiety on social media, Metro Railway issued a statement in the evening, assuring that there was no cause for worry.

"An unfortunate incident of alleged stabbing has taken place in the non-ticketing area of Dakshineswar Metro station. Metro authorities have immediately taken appropriate measures and police authorities are investigating the incident," it said.
In a shocking incident, a speeding Kia Seltos crashed into a shop, injuring four people in Ghatkopar area of Mumbai on Saturday. The incident took place on LBS Marg in Ghatkopar around 6:30 AM on Saturday, Septemner 13.

The SUV broke through a barricade, crossed the footpath, and collided with the wall of a shop.

Also Read | Kajal Aggarwal met with road accident? Sikandar actress breaks silence

A video circulating on social media showed the car in a damaged condition and resting on the stairs of the shop.

According to police, a speeding car lost control and veered onto the footpath, crashing into four people, one of whom is said to be in a critical condition.

The CCTV footage showed two women and a man stepping out of the vehicle, and the man fled the spot, reported news agency PTI citing an official.

The two women were taken into custody.

The police found liquor bottles from the SUV, and it is suspected that the accused were in an inebriated state at the time of the accident.

The police have launched a search for the absconding accused.

Further probe is underway into the matter.

In a separate incident, three boys were killed and another sustained critical injuries when the scooter, which they were riding, collided with a lorry and a car travelling in opposite directions in Chamarajanagar in Karnataka, reported PTI.

Also Read | Minor female leopard killed in road accident on Gurugram-Faridabad stretch

The four boys were riding a scooter on the Ring Road near Galeepura in Chamarajanagar, along the national highway stretch connecting to Karivaradaraja Hill on last Saturday night.

The deceased were identified as Mehran (13) and Adnan Pasha (9) of Galipura locality, and Rayan (8) of KP Mohalla in Chamarajanagar.

Faizal (11), who was also on the scooter, is battling for life with grievous injuries, the police said.

The scooter was caught between the car heading towards Tamil Nadu and the lorry coming towards Chamarajanagar. The impact crushed the scooter completely, a police officer had said.

While Mehran died on the spot, the others were rushed to SIMS Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Mysuru. Despite efforts, two more succumbed to injuries. Two occupants of the car sustained minor injuries, too.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 13 arrested Mehboob Alam alias Mehboob Alam Nadvi, Bihar State President of Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the 2022 Phulwari Sharif criminal conspiracy case.

The case RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI involves PFI associates in unlawful and anti-national activities aimed at creating an atmosphere of terror by spreading religious enmity between members of different religions and groups. The case is related to activities prejudicial to peace and harmony, and intended to disrupt public tranquility and cause disaffection against India, justifying the use of criminal force."

It further said, Members of PFI had indulged in spreading fear among the general public through promotion of PFI ideology seeking to establish rule of Islam in India as envisaged in the outfit's seized vision document titled India 2047 Towards Rule of Islam In India, Internal Document: Not for circulation."

Who is Mehboob Alam? Mehboob Alam, a resident of the Hasanganj area in Bihar's Katihar district, was arrested from Kishanganj. According to the agency, Alam is the 19th person to be arrested and charge-sheeted in the case, which originally involved 26 individuals booked by the local police.

The NIA said Alam was found to be involved in the PFI conspiracy, as indicated by a document seized from Ahmad Palace in Phulwarisharif, Patna, on July 11, 2022. The NIA probe revealed that, along with other co-accused individuals, he participated in recruitment efforts, training sessions, meetings, and other anti-national activities of PFI. It added, he had also raised funds and provided the same to co-accused persons and PFI cadres. Investigations in the case under IPC and UA(P) Act are continuing".

Delhi HC seeks report from Tihar on ex-PFI chairman's health Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court requested a report from Tihar jail authorities regarding the health condition of E Abubacker, the former chairman of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), arrested under charges filed under the UAPA, PTI reported. On August 29, Justice Ravinder Dudeja passed this order in response to an application filed by Abubacker, in which he sought permission to receive medical treatment at a private hospital, it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed Manipur as the land of courage and determination as he visited the state for the first time in two years, since the 2023 ethnic violence.

PM Modi said that after meeting victims of violence, he could see that the state is recovering from the strife and that a new dawn of hope and progress was knocking at the door.

The land of Manipur is the land of courage and bravery... I want to salute the passion of the people of Manipur. All of you came here despite the heavy rain, I want to thank you for your love, PM Modi said addressing a rally in Manipur's Churachandpur town on 13 September.

For over two years now, Manipur has been roiled by sweeping ethnic violence that has claimed at least 260 people and displaced another 50,000 people. The clashes, which first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities, have since spread to almost every community in the state, prompting the dismissal of the state government in February this year and imposition of Governor's rule.

I met people affected by violence earlier today. After speaking with them I can say that a new dawn of hope and progress is knocking at the door, PM Narendra Modi said.

Churachandpur, the Kuki stronghold, is one of the two worst-hit areas during ethnic clashes in Manipur. On Thursday, Churachandpur witnessed fresh clashes when unidentified miscreants reportedly vandalised and removed decorations prepared for PM Modis event.

PM Modi met with groups of people displaced by the ethnic violence in Manipur at Churachandpur's Peace Ground, before his address.

The officials said that during the interaction, he listened to the concerns of the families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and reassured them of the Centre's commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

 7,300 crore worth of projects Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over 7,300 crore in Churachandpur.

The projects include the Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over 3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth more than 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and Working Women Hostels at nine locations.

The land of Manipur is the land of courage and bravery... I want to salute the passion of the people of Manipur.

Here are top quotes from PM Modi's address at Churachandpur:

1-Manipur is the land of courage and bravery. I want to salute the passion of the people of Manipur. All of you came here despite the heavy rain, I want to thank you for your love.

2-I am glad that my helicopter couldnt take off due to bad weather and I had to come by road. On the way, I saw the enthusiasm of people carrying the tricolour. I bow my head in respect to the people of Manipur.

3-Manipur is a border state. Connectivity has been a challenge for the state. Due to a lack of good roadway connectivity, people here have have difficulties and I acknowledge them. Since 2014, Centre has worked towards addressing this issue

4-I have given special stress on improving connectivity in Manipur. The growing connectivity is improving facilities for the people of Manipur and increasing employment opportunities for the youth here.

5-I met people affected by violence earlier today. After speaking with them I can say that a new dawn of hope and progress is knocking at the door.

6-I appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace, fulfill your dreams, and secure the future of your children. Today, I promise you that I am with you. The Government of India is with you, and the people of Manipur are together.

7-There is 'Mani' in the name of Manipur. It is that 'Mani' who is going to make the entire Northeast shine in the future. The Government of India has been trying to take Manipur forward in the path of development. A while ago, the foundation stone of projects worth around 7,000 crore was laid here.

8 - During our government's tenure, rail connectivity has been expanded in Manipur. The Jiribam-Imphal railway line will soon connect the capital, Imphal, to the national rail network. 22,000 crore is being spent on this. The new Imphal airport, built at a cost of 400 crores, is giving new heights to air connectivity.

Progressing together with the rest of the nation 9-We are going to become the world's third-largest economy very soon... There was a time when decisions made in Delhi took decades to reach here. Today, our Churachandpur, our Manipur, are progressing together with the rest of the nation. Just as we announced, the construction of pucca houses for the poor across the country.

10-Manipur, too, has benefited. Nearly 60,000 houses have already been built here, giving thousands of families a life of dignity and security. We have started a plan to build permanent houses for the poor across the country, and thousands of families in Manipur have also benefited from this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 17 development projects valued at approximately 1,200 crore during a visit to Imphal, Manipur. He unveiled several development projects valued at over 7,300 crore by laying their foundation stone in Churachandpur, Manipur, today. The event, held at the Kangla Fort complex, marked his first visit to the state since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023.

PM Modi said, Manipurs vibrancy and diversity are a major strength of India. The projects inaugurated today, worth nearly 7,000 crore, will enhance the lives of the people, particularly tribal communities in the hills.

"We have extended road connectivity to hundreds of villages, benefiting hill and tribal communities, he asserted, noting that 3,700 crore has been invested in National Highways in recent years, and new projects worth 8,700 crore are currently in progress.

He mentioned, We are working to make Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity, and progress.

PM Modi inaugurated several key infrastructure projects in Manipur, including the new Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, built at a cost of 101 crore, and a Civil Secretariat in the same area, constructed for 538 crore, PTI reported.

As part of a total of 17 projects, PM Modi also inaugurated the Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, along with Phase-II developments of the western front of the Imphal River and Mall Road in the state capital. Other notable projects include the establishment of 'Ima' (mothers) markets at four different locations, the development of Leishang Hiden Cultural and Heritage Park in Imphal West district, and infrastructure upgrades for five government colleges across Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts, the report added.

Additionally, he inaugurated a four-lane bridge over the Irang River on the Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 in Noney district. An institutional building with staff quarters at the Saikot Community Health Centre (CHC) in Churachandpur district was also among the projects launched.

Indian govt stands with people of Manipur PM Modi addressed several ethnic communities, encouraging them to reject violence and contribute to restoring peace in the State. He remarked that a new era of "hope and confidence" is beginning to emerge in the northeastern region.

Also Read | PM Modi congratulates Sushila Karki on taking oath as Nepal Prime Minister

"I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur," ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.
In a sad incident, a 27-year-old Romanian national, who was a PhD student of BHU was found dead in her rented room in Varanasi's Garwasitola area under suspicious circumstances, reported ANI on Saturday.

Identified as Philip Francisca, she was in Varanasi on a student visa.

Police said that her body has been taken for a postmortem, and the Romanian embassy has been informed. The cause of death will be ascertained only after postmortem.

According to a report by India Today, no medicines or suicide note were recovered from the room, while Francisca reportedly had a medical history.

After inspecting the spot, senior police officer Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed that Francisca had a long-standing history of epilepsy since childhood and had been undergoing treatment. All legal formalities are being completed. Forensic samples have been collected, and the post-mortem report will clarify the cause of death, India Today quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, police have seized her passport, visa, and mobile phone. The Officials noted that Francisca had a valid visa till 2027 and had been living in Varanasi for a considerable period after earlier stints in Surat and Amritsar for studies.

Similar incidents: Earlier on Thursday, a 22-year-old MBA student from Andhra Pradesh was allegedly found dead with a gunshot wound in his head, while his friend lay critically injured beside him in a locked room at a private management and technology institute in Knowledge Park 3, Hindustan Times reported, citing police officials.

A security guard of the institute made the grim discovery while he was on his routine rounds to switch off the lights, when he heard cries from the locked room.

While a week ago, a 20-year-old student was found dead in his hostel room at BITS Pilani campus in south Goa on Thursday, PTI quoted a police official as saying.
China's central bank to conduct 600-billion-yuan outright reverse repo operation

Xinhua) 10:04, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, on Friday said that it will conduct a 600-billion-yuan (about 84.48 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Sept. 15, with the aim of maintaining ample liquidity in the national banking system.

The operation will have a tenor of six months (182 days) and will be conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method, according to the PBOC statement.

Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating, said that the operation will help inject liquidity into the market, underscoring a continued supportive monetary policy stance and stabilizing market expectations.

Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the national banking system -- are carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than one year.

These operations have enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit, complementing previous measures such as temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
Micron (MU) shares have already more than doubled over the past five months, but a senior Citi analyst remains convinced they can push further up from here through the remainder of 2025.

On Thursday, Christopher Danely reiterated his Buy rating on the computer memory chips maker and increased his price target to $175, signaling potential for another 15% rally from current levels.

More News from Barchart

Micron stock extended gains on Citis bullish call today and is now up 150% versus its year-to-date low in early April.

www.barchart.com

Micron Stock Could Rally After Q4 Earnings

Micron is scheduled to report its Q4 earnings on Sept. 23. Consensus is for the semiconductor company to earn $2.67 a share basis in its current financial quarter, up 170% versus last year.

According to Christopher Danely, MU will report in-line results but guide well above consensus driven by higher DRAM and NAND sales and pricing.

In his research note, Danely said demand will likely outpace supply through the end of next year, helping Micron expand margins and sustain pricing power.

Note that MU stock currently pays a small dividend yield of 0.30% as well, which makes it even more attractive to own for income-focused investors.

AI Inference to Send MU Shares Higher

Citigroup recommends owning Micron shares mostly because the artificial intelligence (AI) boom is now moving beyond training and into inference.

Micron specializes in high density NAND and mobile DRAM memory chips, crucial for handling inference workloads.

DRAM upturn is intact, and our checks indicate demand from AI sector increased sharply as C25 CSP capex rose by $18 billion during earnings season, Danely wrote, adding this could unlock further upside in MU shares.

Earlier this week, Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison also called inference the next frontier for enterprise AI.

Micron Remains a Buy-Rated Stock

Whats also worth mentioning is that other Wall Street analysts are also currently bullish on Micron stock for the next 12 months.

According to Barchart, the consensus rating on MU shares currently sits at Strong Buy with price targets going as high as $200, indicating potential for over 30% upside from here.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Manipur trip is "tokenism" and a "grave insult" to the people of the state. Kharge termed Modi's first visit to Manipur in two years, since the 2023 ethnic violence broke a "3-hour pit stop",

Kharge's comments came ahead of PM Modi's Manipur visit. PM Modi travelled by road to the Kuki stronghold of Churachandpur from the capital, Imphal, amid heavy rains.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi in Manipur today, first visit since 2023 ethnic violence

Kharge accused Modi of organising a grand welcome ceremony for himself and claimed that it "is a cruel prick" to the wounds of those still suffering.

"In the words of your own... Where is your Rajdharma?" Kharge asked on X just before the start of Modi's Manipur visit.

"Narendra Modi ji, your 3-hour pit stop in Manipur is not compassion -- it's farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to wounded people. Your so-called roadshow in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!" the Congress chief said in his post on X.

Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate various projects worth over 1,200 crore at Imphal and address a public function.

"864 days of violence:-- 300 lives lost, 67,000 displaced, 1,500 plus injured. You made 46 foreign trips since, but not a single visit to share two words of sympathy with your own citizens," Kharge said.

For over two years now, Manipur has been roiled by sweeping ethnic violence that has claimed at least 260 people and displaced another 50,000 people.

Also Read | How old is Narendra Modi? Key FAQs answered

The clashes, which first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities, have since spread to almost every community in the state, prompting the dismissal of the state government in February this year and imposition of Governor's rule.

Churachandpur and Imphal worst-hit Churachandpur and Imphal, where PM Modi will address rallies, are the two worst-hit areas during ethnic clashes in Manipur. On Thursday, Churachandpur witnessed fresh clashes. Unidentified miscreants reportedly vandalised and removed decorations prepared for PM Modis event.

"Your last visit to Manipur? January 2022  for elections! Your 'Double Engine' has bulldozed the innocent lives of Manipur. You and Home Minister Amit Shah's gross incompetence and complicity in betraying all communities was shielded from scrutiny, by imposing President's Rule in the state. Violence still continues," he said.

He claimed that the BJP was responsible for maintaining law and order in the state, and now the Union government is again dithering.

"Not to forget, that is your government which is responsible for National Security and border patrol. This hush-hush pit stop isn't repentance. It's not even guilt. You are organising a grand welcome ceremony for yourself.

It is a cruel prick to the wounds of those still suffering because of your own abdication of basic constitutional responsibilities!" Kharge said.

Oppn targeted PM Modi The opposition has targeted PM Modi, saying that he is visiting after two years and did not go to the place when it was burning every other day for months. Rahul Gandhi said the visit was welcomed but added that at present, the issue of vote theft across states was more important.

Speaking with reporters in Wayanad, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also hit out at the PM and said he should have visited the state long before.

Your so-called roadshow in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!

"I am glad that he has decided, after two years, that it is worth visiting (Manipur). He should have gone long before. It is very unfortunate that he has allowed what is happening there to continue for so long and for so many people to be killed. That has not been the tradition of prime ministers in India," she said.
NEW DELHI: Indias electric mobility push may get a breather. The ministry of heavy industries is planning to allow electric truck and bus makers to import traction motors fitted with rare earth magnets without losing incentives under the 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme, according to two officials aware of the development.

However, any relief would be temporary, lasting only until China resumes rare earth magnet exports, one of the officials said, citing the recent thaw in relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

The policy tweak comes amid a supply crunch that threatens production.

Mint reported on 18 July that the government had tasked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with assessing whether localization rules under the PM E-Drive and the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto parts should be relaxed, after appeals from the industry.

ARAI came back to us suggesting that the relaxation be given to electric trucks and buses. But not to two-wheelers and three-wheelers," said the other official mentioned above. Both officials spoke to Mint on the condition of anonymity.

Experts said the relaxation applies only to trucks and buses because the components in these larger vehiclesbatteries, traction motors, power electronics, integrated chips, and advanced PCBsare much harder to indigenize than those used in two- and three-wheelers.

Email queries sent to the heavy industries ministry and ARAI remained unanswered till press time.

While the industry has been mulling alternatives, there are challenges.

The science behind rare earth magnets is what will determine the policy here," said Vivek Vikram Singh, managing director and group chief executive officer, Sona Comstar.

Singh pointed out that vehicles running on high-powered motors cannot run on anything but heavy rare earth magnets. "While it is possible to use alternatives such as light rare earths for smaller vehicles such as electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, perhaps even a small car, these alternatives may not be the best case for electric buses and trucks," he added.

Why trucks and buses?

The ministry is weighing ARAIs recommendation weeks after extending the scheme by two years for these segments. The PM E-Drive scheme will lapse for electric two- and three-wheelers in March 2026, but allocated funds for zero-emission buses and trucks will continue to be disbursed through March 2028.

About half of the schemes 10,900 crore outlay is dedicated to electric trucks and buses, with 4,391 crore earmarked for electric buses and 500 crore for clean trucks.

Under the scheme, manufacturers must comply with localization conditions outlined in the phased manufacturing programme, which lists components eligible for import to ensure the domestic auto parts ecosystem develops, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of self-reliance.

Also Read | Great green divide: Why states are choosing EVs over hybrids

The objective of these schemes is very clearsupport the private sector to manufacture components and technologies at scale and develop domestic capabilities," said Sharif Qamar, associate director of Transport and Urban Governance at The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri). Therefore, it becomes important for having a localization constraint. However, this should be revisited and rationalized on account of declining levels of investment and manufacturing capacity commitment."

Qamar noted that the relaxation is likely limited to trucks and buses due to differences in the components used across vehicle types. The parts and components used in bigger size vehicles such as trucks and buses are very different compared to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. Therefore, it becomes immensely difficult for the OEMs to indigenize, particularly for items such as batteries, traction motors, power electronics, integrated chips, and advanced PCBs," he said.

Electric 2Ws and 3Ws have been in manufacturing for a relatively long period now, and therefore a large supply chain of components has been tied up within the Indian ecosystem," he added.

Alternatives and industry responses

The localization relaxation comes as tensions between New Delhi and Beijing ease. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently visited India, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China over the past month. Chinese officials have said they will resume rare earth magnet exports, critical for defence, electronics, automobiles, and renewable energy, following an export control order in April.

Dependence on China might be deployed as a geo-economic tool in a future crisis with China, said Sankalp Gurjar, professor of geopolitics at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.

The arrival of Donald Trump and his tariffs have quickened the process of thaw between India and China. Both countries have sought to repair their relationship as seen in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the SCO summit," he said.

Supplies, however, have not yet restarted, with applications from Indian companies still awaiting approval.

Mint reported on 5 August that automakers have explored alternatives, such as using light rare earth magnets importable from China or rare earth-free motors. But these solutions may not suit all vehicle segments.

Sona Comstar's Singh said that while more domestic production was preferable in the long term, the immediate priority was reopening heavy rare earth magnet supplies from China, and that he remained optimistic about the situation improving soon.

Sona Comstar, listed on the exchanges as as Sona BLW Precision Forgings, is among Indias largest importers of rare earth magnets used in traction motors.

Scale of EV rollout

About 3,000-4,000 electric buses are sold in the country every year. Only medium and heavy goods carriers (trucks) get incentives under PM E-drive. Approximately 200-300 such trucks were sold in the country in FY24 and FY25.

India imported approximately $200 million worth of rare earth magnets in FY25 from China, said rating agency Icra in a note in June this year, adding that most Indian automakers had stocks of these magnets that would last till July.

Also Read | GST reset clouds Indias EV drive

While the trade value may appear modest, the strategic dependence it reflects is anything but. The supply uncertainty has cast a shadow on production planning," the note said.

Automakers had considered sending motors to China for magnet installation or importing motors already fitted with rare earth magnets. Some have tried these alternatives, along with using light rare earth magnets or rare earth-free motors. No data was available on traction motors fitted with rare earth magnets imported prior to the rollout of localization rules.
For many young professionals, one of lifes proudest moments is showing their parents around their workplace. A Google employee in Bengaluru recently shared that experience, and his story quickly went viral.

Also Read | 10 Nano Banana prompts to catch the viral AI trend on Google Gemini

Viraj Chandra, who joined Google India three months ago, took his parents to visit the companys Bengaluru campus, Ananta. Sharing a picture with them in front of Googles iconic G logo, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): Took my parents to @GoogleIndia Ananta  and now they think I just hang out in a 5-star resort every day. Cant blame them, this place barely feels like an office.

The post struck a chord online, with users praising him and leaving heartwarming comments. Congratulations, Viraj. They must be very proud! wrote one user. Another added, Cute flex! Manifesting this someday.

What Is Googles Ananta Office? Spanning 1.6 million square feet, Ananta is one of Googles largest offices worldwide. According to the company, the name means infinite or limitless in Sanskrit, reflecting the boundless potential of technology to improve lives.

The Bengaluru campus features landscaped walking and jogging paths, spaces designed for casual meetings, and a section called Sabha, dedicated to community and conversations.

Parents At Workplaces: A Trend That Resonates The emotional post also resonated because it echoed a universal experience: parents pride when seeing their childrens professional achievements. In a similar story, Devshree Bharatia, a software engineer at Walmarts US headquarters, recently shared a video of her parents touring her American workplace for the first time. They were amazed and extremely happy. Proud parents is what a child wants, she wrote on Instagram.

Also Read | ChatGPT users can now branch conversations without losing original threads
Tyler Robinson, the person suspected of shooting and killing American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, reportedly threatened to commit suicide rather than surrender to police, according to a New York Post report citing sources.

Addressing the media later yesterday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters that Tyler Robinson had confessed or implied that he had committed the murder to family before being taken into custody.

Also Read | Did Tyler Robinson tell family after killing Charlie Kirk? FBI reveals details

What did Tyler Robinson tell father? Report says The NY Post's sources said that Tyler Robinson's father Matt Robinson recognised his son from the photos released by law enforcement and confronted the 22-year-old when he returned home on September 11.

They added that while the younger Robinson confessed to the crime, but at first refused to turn himself in to the cops, and said he would rather kill himself. The parent thus convinced Tyler to speak with their youth minister, who also works with the US Marshals Service fugitive task force, the sources added.

It was this minister who then called a deputy with the FBI, which took the suspect into custody on September 12 evening, they said.

Charlie Kirk shooter arrested: Governor acknowledges suspects family On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County sheriff's office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident, Cox told reporters, while acknowledging Robinson's family for turning him in to authorities

I want to thank the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing in this case and were able to bring him into law enforcement, Cox said.

Charlie Kirk shooter: What did FBI Director Kash Patel say? At the late press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel said that Tyler Robinson was taken into custody at 10 pm local time on September 12  33 hours after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.

Following the fatal shooting, a manhunt was underway to identify and catch the shooter. On September 11, the FBI had released photos of a person of interest and sought help from the public, even announcing a $1,00,000 reward for leads on the suspect.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made her first public statement since her husband's death. While addressing the media on September 12, she thanked US President Donald Trump and his family for their support after the Utah shooting.

'My husband loved Donald Trump' In her emotional address, she said, Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.

The 36-year-old mother of two began her speech by thanking the law enforcement and first responders who struggled heroically to save Charles' life, and the police who acted bravely to ensure there were no other victims on that terrible afternoon, BBC reported.

The late conservative activists wife expressed gratitude to employees of Turning Point USA, which her husband co-founded and said, My heart is with everyone of my husband's employees who lost a friend and a mentor, adding, He loved what he did.

She expressed gratitude to Charlie's friends as she thanked Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha for bringing him home.

Emphasising on her husbands Christian faith, emotional Erika Kirk said, Charlie said if he ever ran for office, his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority.

Erika Kirk calls Charlie "perfect" father Calling Charlie a "perfect" father as she held back tears, Erika Kirk said, But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that everyday.

Erika Kirk reacts on Charlie's perpetrators Turning to "the evildoers responsible" for her husband's assassination, Erika Kirk said, You have no idea what they have done adding, They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God's merciful love

Giving a message to evildoers she said, You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.

They should all know this: If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world, you have no idea, Erika Kirk continued.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel was reportedly dining at New York's popular restaurant Rao's while posting on X about the Charlie Kirk's murder suspect amid numerous former FBI officials slamming Patels approach towards the Kirk's probe.

The Italian restaurant in East Harlem is difficult to get into, which begins its operations at 7 pm, NBC News reported.

At 6:21 pm ET, he posted "subject" in Charlie Kirk's murder was in custody.

Patel put out another post on X at 7:59 pm, stating the subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.

A law enforcement official stated that the horrific event involving Kirks death highlighted Patels public inability to meet the moment as a leader", according to NBC news.

"What he did yesterday has never been done by any FBI director before him, or any division leadership before, Reuters quoted retired FBI agent Dan Brunner who was referring to social media updates by Patel. He added, The investigators need to sort through all the initial intelligence before putting out factual evidence. FBI does not run investigations on social media.

A White House source, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed Brunners remarks and told Reuters that Patels announcement was both unprofessional and unacceptable. The White House presented a contrasting view where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the criticism of Patel despicable and stated that everyone is supporting him and trying to be as helpful as possible during this effort, including the president of the United States".

What did FBI say on posts Patel made when he was reportedly at restaurant? When asked whether Patel was at the restaurant at the time he made a post about the investigation, and for a response to criticism directed at the director, the FBI issued a statement saying it worked with our law enforcement partners in Utah to bring to justice the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, and we will continue to be transparent with the American people with real time updates as we are able.
(Bloomberg) -- A search is underway for the killer of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump who was fatally shot Wednesday at a Utah university.

Kirk, executive director of the Turning Point USA advocacy group, was speaking at an outdoor event before a crowd at Utah Valley University when a single shot was fired from a nearby building, according to local police. Governor Spencer Cox described it as a political assassination.

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A person of interest was taken into custody and later released, FBI director Kash Patel said in social media posts, later tweeting that the FBI is seeking information, video and photos to help find the killer.

The shooting, the latest in a spate of political violence in the US, drew an outpouring of shock and condemnation from Republicans and Democrats. Kirk, 31, started Turning Point USA more than a decade ago and had turned it into one of the most influential groups helping to rally young voters to conservative causes. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, Trump said in a video Wednesday evening in which he blamed rhetoric from the radical left for contributing to the violence.

Its long past time for all Americans, and the media, to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible, said Trump, who ordered flags across the country to half-staff for several days.

Vice President JD Vance, in a lengthy post on X, detailed his friendship with Kirk and how the activist had helped his political career, including connecting him with Trumps eldest son, and his Christian faith.

Former Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also denounced the violence and offered sympathies to his family. The Republican National Committee praised Kirk as a dedicated patriot who spent his life defending conservative values and inspiring young Americans.

Kirk was at UVU for his groups American Comeback Tour and was hosting an event called Prove Me Wrong, where the audience attempts to stump the pundit. There were more than 3,000 people in attendance, said Jeff Long, the universitys police chief, as well as six local police and Kirks personal security detail.

At approximately 12:20 pm Mountain time, about 20 minutes after Kirk began speaking, a single shot was fired from a building about 200 yards away. A supporter of gun rights, he had just begun answering a question on the number of mass shooters in America over the last decade.

Social media videos show attendees running from the area while Kirks personal security team appeared to carry him out and into a waiting sport utility vehicle. He was driven to a local hospital where he later died, police said.

Closed circuit surveillance video shows a person dressed in dark clothing believed to be the suspect and the shot may have been fired from a rooftop, officials said. No other details were released, including information about what type of weapon may have been used or if it was recovered.

I want to be very clear, this was a political assassination, Cox said. Charlie Kirk was first and foremost a husband and a dad to young children. He was also very much politically involved, and thats why he was here on campus.

The murder represents an escalation in political violence in an increasingly polarized American society. Trump was the subject of two assassination attempts last year while he was campaigning for his second term. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, was forced to flee his house in April after an arson attempt. In June, a gunman killed Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home.

Political violence has become all too common in American society and this is not who we are, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday. We need everyone who has the platform to say this loudly and clearly: We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil way.

Young Advocate

Originally from a Chicago suburb, Kirk began his conservative advocacy in high school. After graduating, he briefly attended nearby Harper College before dropping out to start Turning Point USA, where he raised money from prominent conservatives. His 2012 essay for Breitbart News about liberal bias in economics textbooks earned him invitations to appear on Fox Business and a speaking engagement at a local college.

Over the next decade, Kirk grew Turning Point USA into a powerful advocacy group that welcomed conservative students eager to prove liberal bias on college campuses. The organization had more than 800 college chapters, according to its website.

Kirk would often publicly debate college students and personalities across the political spectrum. He was the first guest on California Governor Gavin Newsoms podcast earlier this year and was scheduled to debate progressive influencer Hasan Piker at a sold-out event at Dartmouth College later this month.

Newsom, a Democrat and Trump critic, called Kirks killing sick and reprehensible.

--With assistance from Janet Lorin, Demetrios Pogkas, Adrienne Tong, Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Jennah Haque and Alicia Clanton.

(Updates with Patel request for information in third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Utah Governor Spencer J Cox expressed disappointment when he found out that Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's murderer was 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was a local resident. His remark on Charlie Kirks killing has gone viral. He said that had the accused been from another state or from another country, it would have been easier for them to give a response to the public over the killing.

Tyler Robinson, the suspect behind conservative activist's death had scored in the top percentile on his college entrance exam and earned himself a four-year scholarship to Utah State University in Logan.

Governor of Utah said, "For the 33 hours, I was praying that if this had happened here it wouldn't be one of us (who murdered Charlie Kirk) somebody there from another state, somebody came from another country. It's sadly that the pray was not answered the way I hoped for.

He added, Just because I thought it would make it easier on us if we could just say we don't do that here. Indeed, Utah is a special place. We are the nation in cheerful giving, we are the nation in service every year. But it did happen here.

The 31-year-old MAGA supporter and controversial figure was shot by a single bullet while addressing a large crowd at Utah Valley University in the town of Orem on Wednesday, September 10. The assassin was a young man from a Republican family in St George, a staunchly conservative city located south of Orem. The accused Tyler Robinson, who was in the third-year of an electrician apprenticeship, was arrested from Washington County, located south of Salt Lake City.

FBI Director Kash Patel in a press conference announced that the Tyler Robinson's arrest was finally made at 10:00 PM on Thursday.

Cox citied assistance from the suspect's family in catching the culprit and said, On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County sheriff's office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident, AFP reported.
Charlie Kirk death: Tyler, is this you? This looks like you," Matt Robinson had asked his son after recognising him from the videos and photos released by the FBI following Charlie Kirk's assassination.

For nearly two days after the Trump ally's murder at Utah Valley University, the shooter was still at large  till Matt Robinson identified the man dressed in a black T-shirt plastered with an eagle and American flag  spotted jumping off the roof of a Utah university building, as his son.

On Friday, Donald Trump announced Tyler Robinson's arrest, stating: We have him.

Charlie Kirk's shooter confessed to father Tyler Robinson  a 22 year old Utah local had confessed to his father about shooting Charlie Kirk during the event at UVU.

I would rather kill myself than turn myself in, Robinson responded when his father urged him to turn himself in to authorities, an official told CNN.

Tyler's father eventually convinced him to open up to a youth pastor connected with the Washington County Sheriffs Office and the US Marshals Service, the law enforcement source said. From there, a family friend reached out to the Washington County Sheriffs Office  which then passed on the tip to the FBI and Utah County authorities.
(Bloomberg) -- Foreign ministers of the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt released the outline for a plan to end the conflict in Sudan, calling for an immediate three-month ceasefire followed by a permanent one.

The joint statement, carried by official state news agencies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, foresees a transitional process to be launched and concluded within nine months after the permanent ceasefire takes effect, provided that such process isnt controlled by any warring party.

Foreign ministers of the so-called Quad nations, who met at the invitation of the US on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, stressed the need to cease all external military backing for the warring parties, and said they would exert all efforts to reach a negotiated settlement between Sudans army-backed government and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces.

Egypt historically has strong relations with Sudans army-backed government, while the UAE has been accused of supporting the RSF  an allegation it denies.

The US previously postponed the meeting because of a dispute over the joint statement, after Egypt took issue with wording that stated neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the RSF paramilitary group should have a leading role in a post-war transitional government.

The revised wording rejects any role for groups that belong to or are closely linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, without specifying either of the main warring camps.

The ministers cite commitment to promoting conditions that ensure the security of the broader Red Sea region, as well as to deny space to those destabilizing regional and domestic actors who seek to benefit from continued conflict in Sudan.

Conflict erupted in the northeast African nation of about 50 million people in April 2023, when government forces failed to agree to a power-sharing accord with the RSF. The two sides jointly carried out a coup against a civilian-led government in 2021. At least 150,000 people may have been killed since then, according to US estimates, in whats been called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis and a threat to regional stability.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) is one of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. Wall Street has a mixed opinion on the stock after the company missed revenue and EPS estimates for the fiscal second quarter of 2025. The company posted a revenue of $2.78 billion, 2.78% year-over-year, but below the consensus by $83.17 million. Moreover, the EPS of $0.81 also fell slightly short by $0.01.

Management noted that volume, which is measured by Revenue Ton-Miles, grew 7% year-over-year. Moreover, the operating ratio improved by 110 basis points to 63.7%, showing better efficiency.

On August 5, Ken Hoexter from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $90. However, more recently, on August 29, David Vernon from Bernstein reiterated a Hold rating on the stock while keeping the price target steady at $86.75.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) is a transnational railway connecting Canada, the US, and Mexico. It operates over 20,000 miles of track, offering freight transportation and logistics across North America.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Donald Trump's top diplomat, Marco Rubio headed to Israel on Saturday as tensions flared with key US allies in the Middle East over Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Before heading for departure, Rubio told reporters US and Trump were not happy about Israel's strike.

"What's happened, has happened," he said. We're gonna meet with them. We're gonna talk about what the future holds, he said.

Also Read | Trump Meets With Qatar PM After Furor Over Israeli Strike

The US Secretary of State's trip to Israel also comes ahead of high-level meetings at the United Nations in New York later this month. Countries including France and Britain are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood, a move opposed by Israel.

What Rubio said on US relationship with Israel Rubio said the US relationship with Israel would not be affected, but that he would discuss with the Israelis how the strike would affect Trump's desire to secure the return of all the hostages held by Hamas, get rid of the militants and end the Gaza war.

"There are still 48 hostages that deserve to be released immediately, all at once. And there is still the hard work ahead once this ends, of rebuilding Gaza in a way that provides people the quality of life that they all want."

Rubio said it had yet to be determined who would do that, who would pay for it and who would be in charge of the process.

Also Read | Trump to Meet Qatari PM Friday Amid Uproar Over Israeli Strike

After Israel, Rubio is due to join Trump's planned visit to Britain next week.

Israels nearly two-year-long campaign has killed more than 64,000 people in the Palestinian enclave, according to local authorities. It has sparked a hunger crisis and led to allegations that Israel is committing genocide, including this month by the world's biggest group of genocide scholars.

Israel launched its campaign after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Hamas still holds 48 hostages, and Qatar has been one of the mediators, along with the U.S., trying to secure a ceasefire deal that would include the captives' release.

Israeli strikes in Qatar On Tuesday, Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike on Doha. U.S. officials described it as a unilateral escalation that did not serve American or Israeli interests.

The strike on the territory of a close U.S. ally sparked broad condemnation from other Arab states and derailed ceasefire and hostage talks brokered by Qatar.

On Friday, Rubio met with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the White House, underscoring competing interests in the region that Rubio will seek to balance on his trip. Later that day, U.S. President Donald Trump held dinner with the prime minister in New York.

Washington says such recognition would bolster Hamas and Rubio has suggested the move could spur the annexation of the West Bank sought by hardline members of the Israeli government.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, told the New York Times that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visted the city, he would direct the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest him.

This is a reiteration of Zohran Mamdani's campaign statement, where he pledged to abide by the International Criminal Court's warrant for Netanyahu. Speaking to NYT on September 11, he told the paper that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal who is committing genocide in Gaza and gave details on how he plans to carry out the promise.

When asked if he would order the police to make the arrest upon Netanyahus arrival in the city, he stated: This is something that I intend to fulfill.

Netanyahu's office did not respond to queries, the NYT report said. It added that a spokeswoman for the Consulate General of Israel in New York declined to comment

Arrest Netanyahu: What did Mamdani say? Giving details of how he would achieve this when the federal government's stance differs, Mamdani told the paper he would reference a 2004 decision by Gavin Newsom, who is now the Governor of California. Then, as the Mayor of San Francisco, Newsom had issued marriage licenses for same-sex couples, despite a federal law.

This is a moment where we cannot look to the federal government for leadership. This is a moment when cities and states will have to demonstrate what it actually looks like to stand up for our own values, our own people, Mamdani told the paper.

Notably, Mamdani also told the paper that he would do the same if Russian President Vladimir Putin came to NYC. Notably, Putin has an ICC warrant issued since 2023, following the invasion of Ukraine.

Trump vs ICC: US does not recognise ICC jurisdiction NYT however cited legal experts' saying that arresting Netanyahu would be a practical impossibility and could even violate federal law, besides provoking strong reactions for the city's Jewish community.

Notably, the US is not party to the ICC and US President Donald Trump has earlier moved to punish the Court for its warrant against Netanyahu.

Experts also said that Mamdani's move to arrest Netanyahu or Putin would put him in direct conflict with the federal US government. Matthew C. Waxman, a professor at Columbia Law School, said the statement is more a political stunt than a serious law-enforcement policy.

Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador for global criminal justice under former US President Joe Biden said an arrest could theoretically be possible, but it is unclear if NYPD would be empowered to make such an arrest.
A chaotic scene emerged at the European Parliament when members refused to hold a moment of silence in honour MAGA supporter and Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk. While right-wing lawmakers pushed for a tribute to the US conservative activist, an initiative first proposed by Charlie Weimers, the European lawmakers banged their desks in protest.

European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) member Charlie Weimers urged the lawmakers to hold a minute of silence as a symbolic measure to declare that our right to freedom of speech cannot be extinguished, POLITICO reported citing the email sent to dozens of MEP.

Watch EU parliament lawmakers banging desks in protest:

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Thursday, September 11, rejected the proposal but Charlie Weimers requested a moment of silence even after his request was denied.

When Charlie Weimers sought time to speak on the microphone about the deceased Turning Point USA co-founder, the house reacted with uproar and began banging their desks and shouting in protest. In response Katarina Barley from the S&D group said, Mr. Weimers, we discussed this, and you know that the president has denied the request for a minute of silence," POLITICO reported.

Also Read | Nano Banana 3D model showing Charlie Kirks assassination draws anger online

A spokesperson for the Parliament president informed the publication, Minutes of silence are announced by the president at the opening of the plenary. Meanwhile, the opening of the plenary took place on September 8.

The spokesperson further noted, If there is a request for a minute of silence, the request must come from a political group to be held at the opening of the session. if there is a request it can of course be done in October.

Also Read | How a family intervention led to the arrest of Charlie Kirks suspected killer
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka region on Saturday, September 13, the United States Geological Survey said. The earthquake was at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), according to GFZ.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said "hazardous" waves were possible along coasts within 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the quake's epicentre.

A tsunami threat has been issued by the US Tsunami Warning System after an earthquake struck near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

Volcanic eruption in August The tremors on Saturday occurred over a month after a volcano in the Kamchatka Peninsula erupted overnight, which scientists said was the first time in hundreds of years, just days after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake, according to a report by PTI.

Staff at the Kronotsky Reserve, where the Krasheninnikov volcano is located, reported that it sent ash 6 kilometres into the sky. State media released images showing dense clouds of ash rising above the volcano.

The plume is spreading eastward from the volcano toward the Pacific Ocean. There are no populated areas along its path, and no ashfall has been recorded in inhabited localities, the report quoted Kamchatka's emergencies ministry message on Telegram.

The volcano erupted along with a 7.0-magnitude earthquake and triggered a tsunami warning for three parts of Kamchatka. The tsunami warning was later withdrawn by Russia's Ministry for Emergency Situations.

This is the first historically confirmed eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano in 600 years, Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

The eruption followed a massive earthquake that struck Russia's Far East early Wednesday, an 8.8-magnitude tremor that triggered small tsunami waves in Japan and Alaska and led to warnings across Hawaii, North and Central America, and Pacific islands south towards New Zealand.
Donald Trump on Saturday, stepped up his criticism of countries buying Russian crude, with the POTUS issuing a letter to all NATO member nations, claiming that the Russia-Ukraine war will end quickly if NATO does what he says.

If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States, wrote Trump on Truth Social.

Trumps letter comes after his earlier warnings of sanctions on Moscow, along with and secondary sanctions on countries buying its oil, such as China and India.

The POTUS's comments also come days after Russian drones repeatedly violated Poland's airspace after crossing over from neighbouring Ukraine, prompting the country to scramble military jets, shut a major airport in its capital and urge residents to stay at home. Poland shot down the drones, with Trump stating that it could have been a mistake.

What did Trump say? Trump claimed that the war would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia and placed tariffs on China of 50% to 100% for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

Also Read | Trumps calls for coordinated tariffs on India unlikely to sway EU

The POTUS posted on his social media site that NATOS commitment to winning the war "has been far less than 100%" and the purchase of Russian oil by some members of the alliance is shocking.

In his strongly-worded letter directed at the 32-member state alliance, Trump said: It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.

Which NATO nations buy Russian oil? According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, NATO member Turkey has been the third largest buyer of Russian oil since 2023  followed by China and India.

Other NATO member nations involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

On Thursday, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker had made similar claims as Trump, stating that Russia's military operations in Ukraine are being funded through Russian oil sales to countries including India, China, and Brazil.
In a significant diplomatic move, India voted on Friday in favour of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution endorsing the 'New York Declaration' aimed at securing a peaceful resolution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution, which calls for the effective implementation of a two-state solution, was passed with resounding support, as 142 nations voted in favour, 10 opposed it, and 12 abstained.

Also Read | Which countries recognize the state of Palestine?

What does the New York Declaration signify? The resolution, introduced by France, represents a renewed global commitment to ending the war in Gaza and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. It urges both sides to take decisive measures to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

The 'New York Declaration specifically calls upon Israel to cease settlement activities, halt land seizures, and renounce any plans of annexation, particularly in occupied territories such as East Jerusalem.

Why is Indias vote significant? India's support places it among the majority of nations advocating for the two-state solution, a stance that has historically been central to its foreign policy regarding the Middle East.

By voting in favour, India reaffirmed its position on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and reinforced its call for dialogue and negotiation as pathways to peace.

Who opposed the New York Declaration on Palestine? The New York Declaration faced opposition from 10 countries, including Israel, the United States, Argentina, and Hungary.

These nations expressed reservations over certain provisions, particularly those calling for immediate cessation of settlement activity and explicit public endorsement of the two-state solution by the Israeli government.

Also Read | Trump to pull US out of UNESCO again, citing bias toward Palestine and China

What are the key demands of the New York Declaration? The New York Declaration, first circulated at a high-level conference in July co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, outlines several critical demands:

An immediate end to violence and incitement against Palestinians.

A halt to all settlement and annexation activities in occupied Palestinian territories.

Public renunciation by Israel of any annexation or settlement policies.

Recognition of Gaza as an integral part of a unified Palestinian state with no occupation, blockade, or forced displacement. The declaration also stresses the urgent need for international guarantees to support the peace process, warning that without such measures, the conflict would deepen, threatening both regional and global security.

Also Read | Palestine Corps head Saeed Izadi of Iranian Quds Force killed in Israeli strike

Also Read | Trump Officials Target Columbia Accreditation Over Pro-Palestine Protests

What is the broader impact of the vote to recognise Palestine's statehood? The adoption of the New York Declaration underscores a growing international consensus on the urgency of resolving the middle east conflict. It also places increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to make tangible commitments towards the two-state framework. For Palestine, the vote represents a strong affirmation of global support for its aspirations of sovereignty and statehood.
Nepal, which had been under the grip of political unrest, has started returning to normal, with authorities on Saturday lifting the curfew and restrictive orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the Himalayan state.

The development came a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki became Nepal's first woman prime minister to lead an interim government on Friday, with Gen Z protestors choosing the online platform Discord to elect their new PM.

What Is Discord? Discord, launched in May 2015 by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy, is a social platform originally designed for gamers. Both co-founders had previously created gaming-focused platforms and wanted to provide a chat service that would not affect gameplay performance.

Initially, Discord allowed users to communicate with friends without leaving a game. By the end of 2016, the platform had more than 25 million users. Its popularity surged during the pandemic, especially among Gen Z. Users began creating servers on a wide range of topics, not just gaming.

Today, Discord calls itself a communication platform where users can engage in discussions through servers and channels. Features include text, audio, and video channels, as well as screen sharing, streaming, and moderation tools.

A Discord server is a large community space that can hold up to 500,000 users, although only 250,000 can be active at any given time.

How Did Gen Z Protestors Use Discord? Gen Z protestors have relied on Discord to manage their demonstrations. Following Olis resignation, members of the Youth Against Corruption server used the platform to decide on Nepals next leader.

According to India Today report, the server has over 130,000 members. However, the location of these users cannot be verified, and anyone outside Nepal could participate in the voting process.

By Wednesday, September 10, the server appeared to have reached a consensus. Sushila Karki, Nepals former chief justice, was chosen as the next leader. South China Morning Post reported that 7,713 votes were cast before Karki reached 50%. She subsequently met Nepals President Ram Chandra Poudel and Army Chief Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel the following day.

Why Is Discord Popular with Gen Z Protestors? Discord is particularly popular with Gen Z because it is a convenient and comfortable platform. Unlike Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), it does not feature endless content feeds. It also offers more tools than messaging apps such as WhatsApp.
A senior Pakistani-origin doctor admitted to leaving a patient mid-surgery to engage in sexual activity with a nurse in a nearby operating theatre, a UK medical tribunal has heard. During the recent hearing, Dr Suhail Anjum, 44, accepted that he had left a patient and engaged in sexual activity with a nurse in September 2023 at Tameside General Hospital, Greater Manchester.

Caught in a Compromising Position According to reports in The Daily Mail, Dr Anjum, a consultant anaesthetist, was caught in a compromising position with a nurse, identified as Nurse C. A colleague walked in to find the doctor tying the cord of his trousers, while the nurse was seen with her trousers down and underwear exposed.

The tribunal was told that Anjum stepped away from his duties during a keyhole surgery to remove a gall bladder because he knew that Nurse C was likely to be nearby.

Tribunal Hears How Incident Unfolded Andrew Molloy, representing the General Medical Council (GMC), said Anjum had been serving as the anaesthetist for five surgeries on the day. During the third operation, he requested a comfort break and asked an anaesthetic nurse to monitor the patient.

While another scrub nurse, referred to as Nurse NT, went to Theatre Eight to collect equipment, she discovered Anjum and Nurse C together. Molloy told the hearing: Nurse NT encountered Dr Anjum and Nurse C in a compromising position.

Shocked, the nurse returned to Theatre Five and later reported the matter to her line manager. Anjum later admitted his actions to investigators.

Wife Had Suffered Trauma At the tribunal, Dr Anjum explained that personal struggles had influenced his behaviour. He said that he was passionate about his work, but the incident happened at a time when he and his wife were not connecting as a couple, The Daily Mail reported.

He said that his wife had suffered trauma after the premature birth of their youngest daughter, leaving him with extra family responsibilities.

He told the panel: This was a unique incident. I cannot express how shameful it is to me. I am genuinely sorry and shamed and fully recognise the seriousness of my behaviour. I would like to ensure the panel that it will not happen again, but that does not take away the guilt and embarrassment.

Who Is Suhail Anjum? Dr Suhail Anjum graduated from the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, in 2004. He moved to the UK in 2011, working in Bristol, Milton Keynes, and Dartford, before joining the Tameside and Glossop Integrated Trust in 2015.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki on taking oath as Nepal's PM and noted that India remains committed to peace, progress of people of neighbouring country.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki, 73, at the President's Office.

In a post on X, I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.

Karki was chosen to lead the interim government after a meeting between President Paudel, Nepal's top military brass, and the youth protesters, who spearheaded the anti-government protests.

The former chief justice, known for her integrity and plain-speaking, studied in Banaras Hindu University.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.

As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries, it said.

Her elevation came after the resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli, whose government was forced to step down amid nationwide protests sparked by a controversial social media ban.

Curfews lifted in Nepal Meanwhile, authorities on Saturday lifted the curfew and restrictive orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal, allowing daily life to gradually return to normal.

Shops, grocery stores, vegetable markets, and shopping malls reopened, and traffic resumed on the streets after a prolonged shutdown. Authorities also launched cleaning drives at several sites, including key government buildings that had been vandalised or set ablaze during the recent violent protests, PTI reported.

The agitation had initially erupted over a controversial social media ban, which was lifted on Monday night, but quickly grew into a nationwide movement against corruption and government excess.

The student-led Gen Z protests, which initially erupted in response to a government-imposed social media ban, quickly evolved into a broader movement expressing widespread frustration with the Oli government and Nepal's political elite. Protesters accused leaders of corruption, nepotism, and disconnect from the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.

Although the social media ban was lifted on Monday night, the demonstrations only intensified the following day, with public anger shifting toward the lavish lifestyles and alleged corruption of those in power.
Poland deployed aircraft in preventive operation in the nation's airspace Saturday because of a threat of drone strikes in neighbouring areas of Ukraine, said authorities. The airport in the eastern Polish city of Lublin was also closed.

The alert came after Russian drones repeatedly violated Poland's airspace after crossing over from neighbouring Ukraine, prompting the country to scramble military jets, shut a major airport in its capital on Wednesday.

The Polish military's operational command posted on X on Saturday afternoon that ground-based air defence and reconnaissance systems were on high alert. It stressed that these actions are preventive in nature, and were aimed at securing Poland's airspace and protecting the country's citizens. It cited a threat of drone strikes in regions of Ukraine bordering Poland, but didn't immediately give further details.

Poland PM on preventive air ops Prime Minister Donald Tusk also posted that preventive air operations had begun in Polish airspace because of the threat posed by Russian drones operating over nearby areas of Ukraine.

The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency said that Lublin Airport was closed to air traffic due to military aviation activities.

Although the agency did not mention how the airport wil be shut, but airport spokesman Piotr Jankowski told the PAP news agency that the airspace above the airport was closed until 6 pm (1600 GMT).

NATO launches Eastern Sentry On Friday, the NATO unveiled the 'Eastern Sentry to defend Europes eastern flank after Russian drones breached Polish airspace.

Announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte  the defense initiative will begin within days and is designed to bolster the alliances eastern flank amid rising tensions with Moscow. Forces and equipment from Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other allied nations will participate.
UK-based Arora Group and Deva Capital have announced the acquisition of the Novotel London West in Hammersmith.

Deva Capital operates as an investment branch of Banco Santander's Alternative Investments division, specialising in equity, real estate debt, and corporate solutions.

This acquisition marks Arora Group's second hotel in central London and is said to strengthen the companys position in the capital's meetings and events market.

The addition of Novotel London West enhances Arora Groups portfolio, which exceeds 20 hotels and 8,000 rooms in the UK.

Situated in West London, the hotel features more than 630 rooms and offers one of the UK's largest conference and events facilities.

The property is equipped to accommodate up to 3,000 delegates across 33 flexible meeting spaces.

This acquisition further reinforces Arora Group's presence as a key player in the hospitality sector.

Arora Group founder and executive chairman Surinder Arora said: In partnership with Deva Capital, we are delighted to welcome Novotel London West into the Arora portfolio. This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to expanding our presence in key locations across the UK, particularly in central London.

The hotels exceptional meetings and events infrastructure aligns perfectly with our strategic focus in this space, and we look forward to building on its success.

The acquisition adds to Arora's existing property in London, the InterContinental London  The O2, which also caters to large-scale events and conferences.

Arora Group is a UK-focused private group of companies operating across its specialised divisions in construction, property, and hospitality to maximise synergies.

In July, Arora Group acquired Bloc Hotels, a company specialising in the development and operation of short-stay hotels.

"Arora Group expands with Novotel London West acquisition" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




UK police on Friday issued a public appeal for information regarding an alleged rape of a British Sikh woman earlier this week, with authorities categorising the incident as a racially aggravated assault, PTI reported.

The assault was reported on Tuesday morning when the woman, in her 20s, said she was sexually attacked on Tame Road in Oldbury, located in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands. According to the police, the two white male suspects allegedly made a racist remark during the assault, targeting the victim because of her ethnicity.

The Sikh Federation (UK) has accused the perpetrators of making racist remarks during the assault, with one of the alleged attackers reportedly telling the victim, You don't belong in this country, get out.

The Week reported, citing a Sikh Federation leader, that the attack took place in broad daylight on a busy road.

Were investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack, a West Midlands Police statement said, as reported by PTI.

The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack. We are currently treating it as an isolated incident, the statement added.

Police said they are keen to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen the two suspects. One of them is said to have a shaved head, a heavy build and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way, said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police.

We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area, she said.

The local MP for Smethwick, Gurinder Singh Josan, said the truly horrific attack had left the victim traumatised and appealed for anyone with information to assist the police in investigating the hate crime.

I am reassured Sandwell police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators. The incident is being treated as a hate crime, said Josan.

The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack, he added.

Groups such as Sikh Youth UK said they are supporting the victim and her family after the brutal attack, and the local gurdwara, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, has organised a public meeting on Friday to discuss vigilance and safety measures for members of the community.
US President Donald Trump, before he dialled down the unseemly carping against India, has demanded that the European bloc and the G7 impose 100% tariffs on Indiabesides Chinafor the duos purchases of Russian oil. Washington, he said, would mirror such tariffs if they are imposed by Europe on the two countries.

Its unlikely that any of this will happen.

Also Read | Trump pressed EU for tariffs on China, India in Russia sanctions talks

Now, the reality is that in its dealings with New Delhi, Brussels has been stressing how much it recognises the urgency of a strategic upgrade" with India, especially at a time of highly polarising US-China dynamic. What it wants is to put together coalitions that can break that divide, given it has to contend with Europes security and economic dependencies on the US, as well as its intricate and vast trade with China.

Even if the language they use isnt always the same, Europe and India share many goals and prefer a Western-led global economic order to a China-led one.

The EU is Indias second-largest trading partner. More than a tenth of Indias total trade in goods is with European countries. Theres great potential for more.

To realize which, the European Commission and India are seriously engaged for narrowing differences holding up a long-negotiated free trade agreement. Its commissioner for trade and economic Security; interinstitutional relations and transparency, Maros Sefcovic, was in New Delhi Friday for talks with commerce minister Piyush Goyal.

Also Read | For India and EU, a deal is closer than ever

India can supply the unmet demand for skills in an ageing Europe. The fairly large number of mid-sized firms in Europe, in fintech and research especially, that are looking to scale up see India favourably. Partnerships are available also with Europes defence industry.

Trump has kicked up the fuss over coordinated 100% tariffs for Indias imports of Russian oil, in his typically petulant manner, most likely to heap pressure on India in its trade negotiations with White House that are set to resume, following the pause forced by Indias refusal last month to bend some of its red lines.

Its the standard Trump playbook for bringing countries to the negotiating table. The White House may also be delineating its red lines and wants to make a bargaining chip of Indias Russian oil imports.

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, who is a close aide of Trump, expressed optimism at his confirmation Thursday over resolving the differences holding up the US-India trade deal in coming weeks.

But added in subsequent public utterances that Trump has made it crystal clear" that the deal would be possible only once New Delhi ends all imports of Russian oil imports, which make up about 35% to 40% of Indias intake. The statements from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also indicate that this is a pre-condition for any deal.

White House has grown keen to see the Kremlins energy export revenues suffer. An indication of which is Japans decision to lower its price cap on Russian crude to $47.60 per barrel from $60 earlier, months after EU did the same in July as part of its 18th sanctions package against Moscow.

India, however, remains steadfast in delinking its Russian oil imports from trade negotiations with the White House. Hence, Trumps move to mount pressure by calling for coordinated 100% tariffs on India by the G7 and EU.

Now, European leaders would very much like to see funding for the Kremlins war in Ukraine choked off, but wont have Trumps trade agenda hobble Brussels' dealings with India; they will most likely parry his idea of tariff escalation.

The European playbook seems to be to get things done by massaging Trumps ego. Its leaders dashed off to Washington to tell Trump that he had done well in Alaska, sidestepping his failure there to ensure a ceasefire in Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuffed his entreaties for ending the war. The sweet-talking ensured that Trump did not concede Kremlins conditions for peace.

Eight decades of US foreign policy towards US allies and rivals is in flux since Trumps inauguration but, as a Western diplomat in Delhi put it, Europe realises that White House cant counter China on its own, and is dependent on EUTherefore, there are negotiables."

It is hoped that India has similarly identified its negotiables and non-negotiables for navigating criss-crossing negotiations in this Trumpian world.
Picture this: the worlds richest man, worth more than 2% of Americas GDP, shuffling through his opulent palace in threadbare cotton pyjamas and a crumpled cap. This was no eccentric affectation. It was a day in the life of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabada ruler whose contradictions were as spectacular as his wealth.

When Time magazine put him on its cover in February 1937, it wasnt merely for his headline-grabbing $2 billion fortunegreater than the combined wealth of the Rockefeller family and Andrew Carnegie. It was for the paradox he embodied: a man who could bankroll Britains war chest with a $100 million donation yet personally mend his own clothes; who built hospitals and universities but tried to defy the logic of Indias independence.

A ruler of immense wealth, and unexpected restraint

In the 18th century, the Hyderabad state was among the worlds few diamond suppliers. When Osman Ali Khan ascended the throne in 1911, he inherited not just a kingdom but a legacy of immense gem wealth. Though the famed Golconda mines had dwindled by then, they had produced legendary stones like the Hope Diamond, Koh-i-Noor and Regent Diamondcornerstones of the Nizams staggering fortune.

Contemporary reports say the famed Jacob Diamond, a 280-carat D-flawless stone worth over 1,000 crore today, served casually as his paperweighta display of wealth that could make even todays tycoons wince.

Yet Osman Ali Khans story diverges sharply from the usual tales of Indian princes drowning in excess. While his peers collected fleets of Rolls-Royce cars and built pleasure palaces, he was methodically transforming Hyderabad into Indias most progressive state.

Under his rule, the state boasted more railway lines per square mile than British India, introduced electricity before some European cities, and ran budget surpluses while funding massive infrastructure. He founded Osmania University in 1918, making it one of Indias first to teach in a local language (Urdu) rather than English, a quiet challenge to colonial orthodoxy. He even enlisted engineering legend M. Visvesvaraya to design a flood-control system for Hyderabad, long prone to devastating floods from the Musi River.

His philanthropy was just as systematic. The Nizam funded more than 400 educational institutions, numerous hospitals, and countless public works. Unlike the performative charity of many royals, his giving was structured. He earmarked fixed portions of state revenues for education, healthcare and infrastructure year after year.

Yet this titan of wealth lived like a frugal clerk. He wore the same plain cotton kurta and pajama for days, often visibly patched and darned. His meals were simple dal, rice and vegetables served on banana leaves, even as gold and silver platters gathered dust in storerooms. He personally reviewed major expenses, and European visitors were often bewildered to see the worlds richest man poring over household accounts with the diligence of a small-town merchant. This wasnt affectation. The Nizam seemed to intuit what behavioural economists now confirm: that beyond a certain point, personal consumption offers diminishing returns.

The miscalculation that ended an empire

But the tale curdled in 1947. As Indias independence neared, the Nizam misread the shifting balance of power. He explored the idea of joining Pakistan, hired lawyers in London to plead for Hyderabads independence at the United Nations, and resisted joining the Indian Union. It was a desperate last act.

The end came swiftly in September 1948, when home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel sent Indian troops to annex the state. Osman Ali Khan was removed from power, and Hyderabad became part of independent India. It was a tame end to a dazzling reign.

Also Read | Swraj Paul was socialist India's first capitalist revolutionary

In an era when Indian business tycoonswith rare exceptionsoften prize wealth accumulation over social responsibility, the Nizams life offers both inspiration and warning. His commitment to public welfare and infrastructure prefigures modern corporate social responsibility, and his belief that personal frugality could amplify public impact resonates amid todays debates on wealth inequality.

Yet his downfall underscores a hard truth: even unimaginable wealth cannot shield one from the sweeping currents of history.
The US backed the Philippines in rejecting Chinas plan to create a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the disputed sea that separates the two nations, calling it destabilizing.

The move by the government in Beijing is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Friday. Chinas actions in the shoal continue to undermine regional stability, he added.

The Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest against China on Friday, foreign affairs department spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Saturday. It is a strong, unequivocal and formal articulation of Philippine objections to the Chinese action, she said in a mobile-phone message to reporters.

The US and the Philippines are responding to a move by Chinas cabinet, the State Council. It approved a proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources to build a national nature reserve on Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island, according to an official notice published Wednesday. The shoal is also claimed by the Philippines.

China has been asserting its claims in the resource-rich waters of the South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated them. Rubio said the US calls on China to respect the decision that China had unlawfully stopped Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Reef.

With assistance from Karl Lester M. Yap and Cliff Venzon.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Netflix has fresh TV and movie arrivals lined up for release between September 15 and September 21, 2025. Fans will see fresh seasons of long-running favorites alongside original dramas making their debut. Among the ones topping the list include Call the Midwife Season 14, S.W.A.T. Season 8, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, as well as the thriller miniseries Black Rabbit.

The week kicks off on Monday, September 15, with Call the Midwife. The BBC period drama returns with its fourteenth season, following nurse-midwives in Londons East End during the late 1950s. The series has built a steady following over the years for its mix of heartfelt storytelling and social commentary.

That same day, S.W.A.T. Season 8 joins the OTT platform. The action series tracks Sergeant Daniel Hondo Harrelson and his elite team as they battle high-stakes crime across Los Angeles. Expect the usual blend of tactical showdowns and personal dilemmas that test the units limits.

The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, Black Rabbit land midweek On Thursday, September 18, Netflix debuts The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. The drama follows outsider Aasmaan Singh as he fights to carve out a place in the film industry. With ambition driving him forward and his family standing close, the series dives into the cutthroat world behind the cameras.

Also arriving on the same day is Black Rabbit. The limited series centers on a New York nightclub owner whose life unravels when his estranged brother resurfaces. Their reunion sets off a chain of trouble that drags him toward the citys criminal underworld.

For fans looking to fill the gaps between premieres, several other titles are also landing.

Nashville Seasons 16 will be available starting September 15. Comedy series 1670 returns with a second season September 17, alongside reality titles like Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen and Next Gen Chef. September 18 also brings Platonic and Same Day with Someone. The week closes out on September 19 with thriller Billionaires Bunker, horror pick Haunted Hotel, rom-com She Said Maybe, and supernatural feature Cobweb.

Netflix schedule for September 1521 week Monday, September 15: Call the Midwife S14; S.W.A.T. S8; and Nashville S16

Wednesday, September 17: 1670 S2; Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen; and Next Gen Chef

Thursday, September 18: The Ba***ds Of Bollywood; Black Rabbit; Platonic; and Same Day with Someone

Friday, September 19: Billionaires Bunker; Haunted Hotel; She Said Maybe; and Cobweb

FAQs What new shows are coming to Netflix on September 15, 2025? Call the Midwife Season 14, S.W.A.T. Season 8, and Nashville Seasons 16 arrive.

When does The Ba***ds Of Bollywood premiere on Netflix? The series drops on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

What is Black Rabbit about? It follows a New York nightclub owner whose brothers return drags him into the underworld.
Charlie Kirk's assassination has prompted many to speak out on social media, including an assistant dean of MTSU.

Administrators fired Laura Sosh-Lightsy after she posted what the school called "inappropriate and callous comments" about the conservative activist's death.

Her post faced backlash and even caught the attention of United States Senator Marsha Blackburn, who called for the dean's removal in a repost on X.

A day later, the university's president took action and fired Sosh-Lightsy, saying her comments were "inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university's credibility and reputation with our students."

The school's decision has received mixed reactions, but it raises a bigger question: can your employer fire you for social media posts?

Kimberly Lyon, the associate professor of journalism at Lee University, says yes:

Charlie Kirks final hours: How a stage for debate became a scene of tragedy (CNN)  Charlie Kirk was in his element.

"Can you lose your job because of something you post on social media? You can.

Each case is different, and has multiple factors to consider: one, being the First Amendment.

"You are free in America to say things you want to say, whether they're offensive or not, and that is part of the freedom, Scott Maucere with Maucere Law Group, says.

But, Maucere says that's not to say it doesn't have consequences.

"You may have the constitutional right, because it's protected speech, but that doesn't mean you have the right to stay employed if you say those things, he says.

Lyon says most employers have policies that employees are expected to follow and can face repercussion if they dont. That's one of the responsibilities that comes with Sosh-Lightsy's now-former title.

"As faculty at a university, we are in a position of trust and leadership for our students, Lyon says. We are considered representatives of our employer. Whether we want to be or not, whether we want to clock out at the end of the day, in our communities, that's what were considered.

Lyon says, in this case, where Sosh-Lightsy held an administrative position, that risk can be even greater.

I am not just a professor of students who believe what I believe. I am the professor of students who have different ideals, Lyon says. They may have different worldviews, even though theyre here, and somebody here, certainly in a higher leadership position, than I is in that position over all kinds of students, especially at a state university.

Sosh-Lightsy could challenge the decision, but given the sensitive nature of Kirk's death, her position of authority and MTSUs policies, Lyon says it would be difficult.

"The internet is forever. You might put something up there and take it down, but the minute somebody sees it, and they have a screenshot of it, and they can pass it around, it's out there, Lyon says. It impacts your employment. It could impact your prospects for the future.
Florida is often painted as a retirees paradise, with its sunshine, beaches and no state income tax. But does that mean retirees get to keep all of their retirement income tax-free?

For You: Retirees Share the One Thing They Regret Not Saving For

Consider This: How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region

To find out, ChatGPT was asked to break down what taxes retirees face in Florida. The answer: while the state is one of the most tax-friendly in the country, Uncle Sam still gets his cut at the federal level.

State Taxes

Florida is one of the few states that doesnt have an income tax, but that isnt the only available tax savings. According to ChatGPT and AARP, here are the taxes that retirees pay in Florida.

Income tax: Florida has no income tax. This means pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals, Social Security benefits and investment income are not taxed at the state level.

Property tax: Florida property taxes are a county tax based on the assessed value of the property. The average rate is 0.79% of the assessed value of the home, but it varies widely.

Sales tax: There is a 6% levy on most consumer goods and services, excluding most groceries, prescription and nonprescription drugs, and lottery winnings. All counties, except Collier County, also have an additional surtax, with rates ranging from 0.5% to 2%. For some transactions  including vehicles, boats, aircraft and mobile homes  the local surtax only applies to the first $5,000.

Estate/inheritance tax: There is no inheritance or estate tax at the state level.

Florida also provides several tax breaks, including the homestead exemption and an additional property tax break for residents 65 and older, according to AARP.

Florida residents who own a permanent residence may qualify for a property tax break of up to $50,000. Additional breaks are available to property owners with disabilities, veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Once you qualify for the homestead exemption, property assessments cannot increase by more than 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This is known as the Save Our Homes program.

Residents 65 and older can also save an additional $50,000 on their property taxes, but they must meet certain requirements.

Extreme Frugality in Retirement: 15 Practical Ways to Cut Costs

Federal Taxes

Although Florida doesnt have an income tax, it is taxed at the federal level. Heres what that looks like, according to ChatGPT.
UPDATE: The man convicted in the Woodmore Elementary School bus crash that resulted in the deaths of six children and the injuries of 20 others is facing new charges for violating sex offender registration requirements.

Police arrested Johnthony Kenton Walker, 33, on Wednesday, September 10, according to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.

Woodmore Elementary students remembered 8 years after fatal school bus crash The victims were on their way home from Woodmore Elementary School at the time.

He was released from prison earlier this year.

Walker has a lengthy criminal history, both related to the deadly crash on Talley Road and other rape, assault, and endangerment cases.

In 2018, he pleaded guilty to aggravated statutory rape after admitting to having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was sentenced to six years in prison for that offense, to be served consecutively with his prior four-year sentence related to the bus crash.

Records show he registered as a sex offender through the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

PREVIOUS STORY: Nearly nine years after a tragic school bus crash that killed six elementary school children, the man convicted in the case has been released from prison and is now registered as a sex offender.

Johnthony Walker, the former bus driver at the center of the 2016 Woodmore Elementary School bus crash, was released from state custody on January 3, 2025, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Walker was convicted of six counts of criminally negligent homicide and multiple counts of reckless aggravated assault after the bus he was driving crashed on Talley Road, killing six children and injuring more than 20 others.

Neal Pinkston, the former Hamilton County District Attorney and lead prosecutor in the original case, expressed continued support for the victims families.

All I can say is that from the day that happened, and then meeting all the parents and the families of the deceased and then those that survived, all we've been able to do from that day is pray for them, and that's all we can continue to do, Pinkston said.

While out on bond after his initial conviction, Walker was arrested in Davidson County in a separate case. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to aggravated statutory rape after admitting to having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was sentenced to six years in prison for that offense, to be served consecutively with his prior four-year sentence related to the bus crash.

While on bond after the trial, he picked up new charges out of Davidson County, Pinkston said. That matter ran consecutive to the time he was supposed to serve for the sentence he got here in Hamilton County.

Walker served a total of six years in state prison. Records show he officially registered as a sex offender through the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office on Aug. 1.

As of Aug. 12, Walker is listed as homeless in Davidson County on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Sex Offender Registry.

Pinkston acknowledged that while some may question the sentence length, prosecutors must work within the constraints of state law.

The legislature sets how long people should serve for certain sentences, and we have to respect that, he said.
Bloom Energy Corp. (NYSE:BE) is one of the best stocks for day trading. With a relatively high beta of 3.4 and an average daily trading range of approximately 7%, the stock is likely to be a favorite among day traders seeking to capitalize on volatility.

The stock has already delivered exceptional gains, climbing 450% over the past year and more than 140% year-to-date.

Baird Lifts Price Target on Bloom Energy (BE) to $61, Maintains Outperform

On the fundamental side, the company appears to be performing well, given its exposure to the secular growth drivers of clean energy. On September 4, Baird analyst Ben Kallo raised his price target on the stock to $61 from $45, while maintaining an Outperform rating. The revision followed a tour of the companys manufacturing facility, which reinforced his confidence in Bloom Energy Corp.s (NYSE:BE) production capabilities and growth trajectory.

This came after Bairds earlier move on August 1, when Kallo had already lifted his target to $45 from $22 following Q2 earnings. That same day, BTIGs Gregory Lewis reiterated a Buy rating with a $42 target, citing results that exceeded expectations on strong product sales.

Lewis had also pointed to Bloom Energy Corp.s (NYSE:BE) plans to double U.S. manufacturing capacity by 2026, alongside supportive legislation offering tax credit incentives. He also argued that the companys recent exchange of convertible notes reduced near-term financing pressure, while partnerships with utilities such as American Electric Power highlight expanding commercial opportunities.

Bloom Energy Corp. (NYSE:BE) is a clean energy company that specializes in solid oxide fuel cell technology. Its Bloom Energy Servers provide highly efficient, low-carbon power generation for commercial and industrial customers.

While we acknowledge the potential of BE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 15 Best Multibagger Stocks to Invest in Right Now and 10 Best High Beta Stocks To Buy Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
This Monday, September 15th, a total of 20 presidential hopefuls will appear before a special meeting of Longford County Council.

The independent candidates will be allotted a time limit of 10 minutes each in which to present their case for the councils nomination for the 2025 Presidential Election. Once the councillors have heard from all contenders present, they will then retreat to discuss the matter before eventually voting.

In order to secure their place on the ballot sheet for the October election, the candidates must first obtain nominations from 4 local authorities. With just 12 days until the September 24th deadline for nominations however, the countdown timer is ticking fast in terms of fulfilling the required criteria for eligibility.

Those in a hurry to secure nominations from local authorities, last week faced an obstacle in the form of a Fine Gael ban, courtesy of the Tanaiste, Simon Harris.

The Fine Gael leader was intensely criticised for his decision to ban party councillors around the country from supporting independent candidates, thus blocking their chances of securing a nomination. Lanesborough-based Independent councillor, Mark Casey, blasted the party leader for the move, one he described as a threat to democracy.

In speaking to the Longford Leader last week, Councillor Casey said Longfords Fine Gael councillors, are intelligent enough not to be told what to do by the party puppet masters in Dublin.

The councillor, who confirmed he will be giving his vote to barrister, Maria Steen, also voiced his hopes that the Fine Gael members would abstain from Mondays vote and allow democracy to take its course like it should.

The special meeting of Longford County Council, which will run this Monday from 11am to 1pm and again from 2pm onwards, will see the following candidates in attendance:

Maria Steen

Nick Delehanty

Dolores Cahill

Peter Casey

Paudie ODuinnin

Donncha MacGabhann

Gearoid Duffy

Aidan Harrington

Charlotte Keenan

Seana Kerr

Sarah Louise Mulligan

Tommy Kelly

Lucy Anne OLeary

Walter Ryan Purcell

Gareth Sheridan

William P Allen

Joseph Chikelue Obi

Cora Stack

Abbas Ali OShea

Gerben Uunk
The decision by the European Commission to push ahead with the Mercosur trade deal is a direct betrayal of Irish farmers, EU climate commitments, and democratic accountability, according to Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) president Sean McNamara.

The Commission can dress this up any way they like, but make no mistake - Irish and European beef farmers are being sacrificed so that German carmakers and other industrial sectors can profit.

By confirming it is decoupling the trade aspects of Mercosur, Brussels is forcing the deal through without requiring approval from all 27 national parliaments.

Only a qualified majority in the European Council plus European Parliament approval is needed, meaning member state parliaments will have no say at all. This deliberate circumvention of democracy is unacceptable, he said.

Continuing Mr McNamara said, A so-called emergency brake has been proposed, which would allow the EU to temporarily raise import duties if South American beef floods the market.

But by then the damage to Irish farmers will already have been done. Its like bolting the door after the horse has gone. Irish family farms cannot be gambled on vague promises that will inevitably come to nothing.

Furthermore, this deal is blatant green hypocrisy. Irish farmers are being forced to cut emissions, plant trees, meet the highest standards, and adhere to strict animal health and welfare regulations, while Brussels plans to wave through beef produced in an environmental free-for-all. That makes a mockery of the EUs climate and food safety agenda.

Mr McNamara said the Irish Government must now act quickly and decisively. We have heard fine words about opposing Mercosur, but now is the moment of truth.

Farmers want a cast-iron guarantee that Ireland will oppose this deal outright - and work with like-minded EU allies to have beef removed from the agreement.



Anything less is a betrayal of the commitments made to farmers during the last election. Irish farmers will not stand idly by while their livelihoods are sold off in return for cheap cars.

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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.

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A judge has ordered a man who was drunk and disorderly to complete 30 hours of community work and told if he does it he will avoid a suspended prison sentence being activated.

Billel Ramdani (27) of The Boulevard, Bealing Village, Richmond Street, Longford pleaded guilty to a public order breach, namely being drunk and disorderly at Richmond Street, Longford on July 28 last.

Sgt Shane Kelleher said Gardai observed the defendant in an intoxicated state and he was "struggling to stand up by himself and he was speaking nonsense".

The defendant had 16 previous convictions, four of which were for public order-related offences.

Sgt Kelleher said Mr Ramdani had recently received a three month suspended prison sentence which had been activated by this latest offence.

The court heard the defendant has a five month old son, he has been living in Ireland for about five years and he earns 38 per week.

Judge Bernadette Owens stated she was aware if she convicted Mr Ramdani it would trigger the suspended sentence and she decided to request a restorative justice report.

She directed the defendant to complete 30 hours of community work and she said if this was completed she would not invoke the suspended sentence before adjourning the case until January 13 next.

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A leadership chart of the IRGC-QFs Unit 840 published by the IDF.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated Wissam Saeed Jubai on September 11 in Ain Baal, a village in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon. The IDFs Persian-language account described Jubai as a member of both Hezbollah and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Jubais affiliation with the IRGC was through its Qods Force (IRGC-QF), the branch responsible for Tehrans extraterritorial operations, specifically via the Imam Hussein Brigade, a militia formerly active in Syria at Tehrans behest.

According to the IDF, Jubai played a key role in advanced arms purchase deals, participated in missile and rocket launch routes toward Israel during Operation Northern Arrows, and oversaw reconstruction efforts for Hezbollah units after the conflict.

Operation Northern Arrows, launched in September 2024, was Israels offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. It combined airstrikes, artillery strikes, and limited ground incursions in an effort to cripple Hezbollahs rocket launch sites, command hubs, and military infrastructure along the border.

Rumors circulating on social media claim that an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut on the same day killed Abu Ali Tabatabai, the commander of Hezbollahs Radwan Force, along with two senior IRGC figures, Hassan Maleki and Ebrahim Yousefi, while also alleging that Radwan deputy commander Reza Abomoghami was seriously wounded. However, these reports have not been independently confirmed.

The strike appeared to be part of Israels renewed wave of operations against Tehrans proxies in Lebanon and Syria. On September 11, the IDF said that it struck a Hezbollah strategic weapons manufacturing and storage site in Lebanons Beqaa Valley, a base it has targeted several times previously, while also hitting Hezbollah infrastructure in the southern town of Zrariyeh. The next day, Lebanese media claimed that an Israeli drone struck a car in Aita al Jabal, with casualties unconfirmed, and Israeli forces reportedly demolished a home in Mays al Jabal, publishing footage after troops withdrew.

A week earlier, Israeli jets carried out 12 strikes in the Beqaa Valley, killing at least five people at Radwan Force compounds where operatives were gathered and weapons stored. The IDF said the sites were used to plot attacks against Israel in violation of understandings with Lebanon.

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, Tehran is seeking new routes to channel funds and weapons to sustain Hezbollah. The Saudi-affiliated daily Asharq al Awsat reported on September 4 that Iran asked a senior Iraqi official to facilitate the transfer of large cash shipments from Syria to Hezbollah through the Al Qaim border crossing in western Iraq, but the request was rejected. The official said Baghdad refused due to political and security complications, including US monitoring, and noted that Iran intended to move the money inside Syria using smuggling networks.

IDF details past campaigns against Qods Force Unit 840 in Syria

A September 12 IDF press release revealed a campaign against Unit 840 of the IRGC-QF across Syria in recent months. The statement noted that Unit 840 field operatives Zidan al Tuwail and Muhammad al Kharyan were apprehended in spring 2025, and several others belonging to a wider support network had been arrested more recently.

Unit 840 is responsible for advancing and remotely directing acts of terrorism against Israelis and Jews in Israel and abroad, the statement added. The unit drew headlines earlier in 2025 for its growing involvement in overseas assassination plots targeting Westerners, Israelis, and Iranian dissidents, with its senior leadership reportedly overseeing new operations in Europe.

The IDF release also noted that many of those detained were unaware of their true ties to Unit 840, having been recruited under false pretenses or bribed with financial incentives. The statement identified Asghar Bakir as the units commander and Mohammad Reza Ansari as his deputy, also highlighting that Unit 840s networks span Iranian, Syrian, and Lebanese operatives.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
The small-cap sector of the stock market has been rising recently.

While some experts see obstacles to further gains, BofA says a handful of small stocks are poised to pop.

BofA says investors should watch these names if they're looking for small-caps that could soon rally.

Is it time for investors to start looking to opportunity smaller, under-the-radar stocks?

That's a question that many investors have been considering lately as the market's biggest stocks drive indexes to records.

As markets enter September, historically the worst month of the year for stocks, investors have begun the search for new strategies in an attempt to diversify in the event of a pullback in high-growth areas like tech.

For some, this means looking to the small- and mid-cap companies that make up the Russell 200 index. Bank of America flagged a handful of under-the-radar names it sees as poised for a comback rally.

In a September 11 note to investors, BofA analysts Jill Carey Hall and Paul Ciana laid out why it may make sense for investors to consider small-mid cap investments over large-cap peers.

"Many stocks are still in the penalty box, and small/mid caps broadly still trade near historical valuation lows vs. large/mega caps," the analysts stated.

Carey Hall and Ciana provided a list of smaller stocks they believe are poised to gain after struggling for most of this year.

Acadia Realty Trust , down 18% YTD.

Bath & Body Works , down 26% YTD.

Gitlab, down 12% YTD.

While the real estate market may be complicated right now, BofA sees Arcadia Realty Trust as a smart play, even after its early-April plunge sparked by President Donald Trump's liberation day tariff announcements.

The real estate investment trust primarily invests in street retail properties in major cities. Now, areas such as San Francisco are seeing a new real estate boom as tech companies mandate that workers return to the office, something that could spark new growth in commercial real estate markets as well.

"We believe the AKR selloff is overdone and the company's future growth is being undervalued relative to other retail REIT peers," wrote BofA analysts Samir Khanal and Jeffrey Spector.

Meanwhile, analyst Lorraine Hutchinson flagged retailer Bath & Body Works as a highly compelling growth play. In her view, the company's positive sales growth and strong margin profile justify a higher multiple, despite a difficult year.

"BBWI's stock has traded down 20% YTD, creating an attractive entry point, in our view, at 8x F26 P/E," she said, adding that her team sees its consistent execution leading to more positive sentiment from investors.
In the seven months he campaigned for mayor of Boston, Josh Kraft criss-crossed the city, spending days meeting business leaders in West Roxbury, community members in Mattapan, new restaurateurs in Roxbury and everywhere in between.

Mayor Michelle Wu did much of the same and more, her jam-packed schedule taking her far and wide across Boston for visits to the citys full slate of neighborhoods.

Yet some neighborhoods drew more attention than others from the two leading candidates.

The public schedules of the two Democrats, who were set to face off in the Nov. 4 general election before Kraft dropped out of the race Thursday, begin to tell the story of this years contentious mayoral race.

Paired with results from Tuesdays preliminary election, the schedules show where the candidates spent time and sought out voters, and where the voters they courted delivered.

To determine where the candidates campaigned, MassLive reviewed public schedules for both Kraft and Wu dating back to when Kraft, the former head of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and son of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, declared his candidacy in early February.

He did so in Dorchester, the citys largest neighborhood with 123,000 residents and one of its most diverse. There, and throughout the campaign, Kraft accused Wu of tuning out the concerns of residents and business owners and acting as if she alone has all the answers on the citys housing crisis, schools, bike lanes and other issues.

In the weeks that followed, the campaign took Kraft across Boston: to a social services center in South Boston, to a Chinese New Years party in Chinatown, to a middle school debate tournament in Roxbury and many more stops along the way.

Kraft made frequent campaign visits to Roxbury  the heart of Bostons Black community, where he established his campaign headquarters in March  and devoted many other days to events in Dorchester, South Boston and Downtown.

The mayors schedule over the same period, meanwhile, also shows numerous events in Dorchester, Roxbury and Downtown, where City Hall is located, along with more frequent stops than Kraft in the Back Bay, Fenway, Mattapan and a wide array of other neighborhoods.

Across the board, those neighborhoods delivered for Wu on Tuesday.

After winning 19 of 22 city election wards in her first mayoral campaign four years ago, Wu swept them this time around. She earned a whopping 72% of the vote and cleared Krafts vote tally by nearly 50 percentage points.

For the most complete picture of where the mayor has visited this year, MassLive reviewed both Wus campaign schedule and her mayoral schedule since Kraft entered the race.

The mayor scheduled fewer campaign stops than Kraft this election cycle, though her days have been filled with far more overall speeches, ceremonies, meetings and other events tied to the official duties of running a city.

Wu formally launched her first reelection bid in the South End two months after Kraft entered the race.

Now is not the time for a mayor who needs on-the-job training, she said then, alluding to the escalating scrutiny of the city by the Trump administration and its allies, particularly over immigration policy.

In her official capacity, the mayor has spread her time across Boston.

Along with numerous events in Dorchester and Roxbury, Wus schedule shows her visiting Fenway and the Back Bay a combined 30 times, far more often than Krafts three public trips to the neighborhoods during his campaign.

She hit Mattapan, Charlestown and Jamaica Plain each at least a dozen times, swung through the North End and South Boston each 11 times, and visited every Boston neighborhood at least once after Kraft entered the race, the schedules show.

Both candidates public schedules show only a snapshot of their campaigns and where they have spent time.

Many events and meetings in which a candidate or mayor participates go unannounced. But the schedule reflects the portions of a public figures day that they and their staff want to broadcast to voters through the media, offering some glimpse of the issues and constituencies they value.

Where were Wus voters in 2021?

When Wu won the mayors office in 2021 over her fellow city councilor Annissa Essaibi George, she dominated across much of the city, winning with 64% of the vote.

Wu performed strongly in Bostons voter-heavy 18th and 19th wards, which draw from the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Wus home in Roslindale. Of the roughly 25,000 votes cast there, Wu took nearly 18,000, or about 72%.

She also won handily in other parts of Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, Allston-Brighton, the South End, Roxbury, Fenway, the Back Bay and northern sections of Dorchester on her way to a commanding city-wide victory.

Where Wu faltered, however, was in South Boston and the southern sections of Dorchester, which went for Essaibi George. Charlestown was close. So was the vast, populous 20th ward, encompassing West Roxbury and parts of Roslindale, where Wu took a narrow majority of votes.

2025 results show where voters delivered

Wu dominated on Tuesday across much of the city, winning all but three wards with 60% or more of the vote.

Across the 10 wards that include various pieces of Roxbury and Dorchester, neighborhoods where Wu had a combined 75 events on her public schedule over the last seven months, she won 70% of the vote. Four years ago, she won 64% in those areas.

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In the two wards covering Fenway and Back Bay, also among the most common neighborhoods on Wus public schedule, she won with 73% and 71% of the vote. In both cases, she improved her margin by two percentage points from four years ago.

In the 18th and 19th wards, Wu cleaned up again with Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale and Mattapan voters. She held more than a dozen events in J.P. and Mattapan each since Kraft entered the race in February, plus seven in Roslindale and six in Hyde Park, and together won the two vote-heavy wards by a combined margin of 81% to 15% over Kraft.

Wu held five public events in West Roxbury in recent months, fewer than many other neighborhoods. But she prevailed Tuesday in the 20th ward, winning 65% of the vote after taking 52% four years ago.

Krafts schedule showed three visits to Charlestown, to Wus 12. She won the neighborhoods ward with 62% of the vote, about 10 percentage points better than in 2021.

Krafts 16 visits to Dorchester made the neighborhood the most frequent stop on his public schedule. On Tuesday, he lost the 16th ward  the largest in Dorchester  40.7% to 54.5%. In 2021, Essaibi George won the ward with roughly 60% of the vote.

Only in two neighborhoods  South Boston and Hyde Park  did Krafts schedule show more events than Wus or the same number.

In Hyde Park, he lost the citys 18th ward 18.6% to 76.1%.

South Boston was one of his most-visited neighborhoods, according to the public schedule. The neighborhood was the closest of any in the city for Kraft, but he still lost its two wards by a combined 43% to 51%.

It was in Southie, at the Iron Workers Local 7 Hall, that Kraft addressed supporters after polls closed Tuesday night.

Wus margin was pushing close to 50 percentage points, but Kraft pledged to continue competing.

Listen, I believe in life theres always a path, he said Tuesday night. Its just hard work and sweat equity.

Two days later, he suspended the campaign, effectively handing Wu a second term.
One of the family room inside Behavioral Health Network's BHN WellBeing Centers at 417 Liberty Street. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD  Behavioral Health Network is taking on a Herculean task  slashing wait-times for mental health patients while expanding its operations to address a mental health care crisis.

Mental health is deemed a public health crisis by the (U.S.) surgeon general, said BHN senior vice president Kathy Mague. Having access to trained and available staff who can support peoples needs is important, she told The Republican.

BHN is in the midst of a hiring surge, adding 75 new employees to its current staff of 2,500 workers.

The business is also rapidly growing its footprint across the commonwealth, adding two new patient care centers  one in Springfield, the other in Boston  while taking control of six substance use disorder treatment centers in the eastern part of the state, according to Mague.

BHN currently operates 135 programs in 31 facilities in Massachusetts. Mague stated the company treated more than 38,000 adults and children last year, addressing mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to the organization.

We anticipate adding 5,000 new patients with the new programs and expansion of current programs, said Mague.

BHN hopes to consistently offer same or next day care to patients who cannot afford to wait weeks or even months, as they have in the past.

Laura Toro-Nazario is a practice manager, responsible for Behavioral Healths expansion in Hampden County. She said the business is increasing its days and hours of operation, working as late as 8 p.m. during the week and offering time slots to patients on weekends.

She is also rewriting policies and procedures to make the staff more efficient, dividing and conquering roles and responsibilities with the aspiration of getting wait times down to near zero.

We are done with waiting lists, said Toro-Nazario. We want to provide crisis services, medication management and stabilization today.

Training starts with people who see patients when they open the door. Its not just the clinicians. We are also training the administrative staff to be empathic and compassionate.

The practice manager says the staff speaks many languages including English, Russian, Spanish, Arabic and American Sign Language. The provider also uses on-demand language interpretation services to break down barriers, according to Toro-Nazario.

The Massachusetts Medical Society states more than 20% of adults in the state report having a mental illness; 5% of adults say they have seriously considered suicide.

Young people from historically marginalized groups, including Black American children, Hispanic adolescents, and LGBTQ+ youth appear to be at particularly heightened risk for both suicide and suicide attempts, stated the society.

Substance use disorder strikes around 10% of the Massachusetts population, according to the Center for Health Information and Analysis, and while experts say SUDs are treatable and preventable, the number of afflicted people continues to skyrocket.

There are a lot of challenges, and I dont believe public policy makers have their fingers on the pulse of everything that needs to take place, said Tony Boswell, a BHN senior vice president who is directing the providers substance use program expansion.

People are becoming addicted every day. Rest assured, the need is there, he continued.

While community behavioral health centers like BHN are likely to achieve their goal of same or second-day emergency stabilization services, a leading association of providers in Massachusetts indicates people will be waiting in long lines for follow-up and ongoing treatment.

What happens on the third day when people need treatment. That is unlikely to happen. A lot of people are going to be in trouble, said Lydia Conley, president and CEO of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare.

If you have Medicaid with commercial insurance, you are likely going to struggle to get immediate treatment, she added.

While Behavioral Health Network does not rely on federal grants, many of its clients and industry peers do depend on government assistance, according to Mague.

Founded in 1938, BHN has seen accelerated growth by creating partnerships or taking over for some providers. Mague said the business model allows her organization to create efficiencies, streamline operations and become stronger as a business.

Mague said the approach is helping providers endure what she calls strong headwinds.

If we dont continue to be strategic in the current fiscal climate, there are service providers who will not survive. Non-profit, behavioral health organizations are at significant risk. We need to survive and continue to do the work were here to do, she said.

Patients may also have to change how they expect to receive mental healthcare.

What community providers might be able to offer is group or peer therapy while youre waiting for traditional therapy, said Conley. Community health centers were designed to meet your needs, but not the way you think, if you watch a lot of television and expect to be (alone) on a couch with a therapist.

Mental health care providers have struggled for decades to attract and hold onto the staff needed to care for patients. Even if BHN is able to hire 75 new employees, with a company-wide vacancy rate of 17%, the business needs more than 400 new employees to consider itself fully staffed.

Government regulators are limiting what providers can charge for their services, keeping rates so low, it is difficult to pay employees what there are demanding.

The commonwealth has done a wonderful job increasing rates over the last five years, so that has helped, said Mague. But pay is still not great, so turnover is almost a bigger problem than hiring people to do the hard work of caring for patients that have complicated problems.
A federal case brought against four Brazilian nationals accused of operating a black market pharmacy in a Framingham apartment complex is falling apart  three of the suspects have been deported and the lead defendant is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In March, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced it had charged four people  two men and two women  in connection with an illegal prescription drug ring operating out of an apartment at The Green at 9 & 90 on Worcester Road.

The suspects were accused of selling controlled and non-controlled prescription drugs illegally imported from Brazil to the areas Portuguese-speaking population, authorities said.

It was no secret to federal prosecutors that ICE was likely to detain the defendants if they were released pending trial  and the agency ultimately did exactly that.

The case is an example of ICEs heightened removal efforts disrupting an ongoing judicial process.

The male suspects  Douglas Reis de Souza, 40, and Dekny Marcos de Carvalho Reis, 33  and female suspects  Dekmara de Carvalho Reis, 34, and Wandis Cleia Ferreira de Souza Guimaraes, 41  each faced up to 20 years in prison if they were convicted of the charge conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Authorities began their investigation in October 2023 after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration received an anonymous tip that Zolpidem, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Dipyrone and Ozempic were being sold without prescription to the Brazilian community inside the Green at 9 & 90 condominiums in Framingham.

At least one of the defense attorneys on the case argued the four defendants werent typical drug dealers, but rather, the pharmacys customers were primarily undocumented individuals with unmet medical needs who didnt speak English or have health insurance.

None of the suspects had prior criminal records, their attorneys said.

Read more: Why a black market pharmacy in Framingham filled unmet needs of undocumented immigrants

During a March 13 probable cause hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich told a federal judge hed been advised ICE planned to take the suspects into custody and initiate removal proceedings to Brazil if they were released pending trial, no matter the ongoing court proceedings.

Court records now show three of the suspects have since been deported, and the charges against them have been dismissed.

The lead defendant, Douglas Reis de Souza, who authorities say advertised himself as a professional pharmacist though he was not licensed in the U.S., is currently in ICE custody at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, which ICE contracts with.

Panich previously said deportations of the suspects before the conclusion of their case would mean they wouldnt be held accountable for their conduct.

What authorities found in the Framingham apartment

When federal authorities executed search warrants at the Framingham apartment on March 10, they discovered a unit outfitted as a doctors office or small pharmacy, they said.

Photos included in court documents show an examination and consultation area surrounded by large quantities of prescription drugs imported from Brazil neatly organized in shelving units. Law enforcement also observed syringes used to inject patients, they said.

Federal authorities contend Reis de Souza headed up the operation, falsely portraying himself to the Portuguese-speaking community as a legitimate pharmacist with 22 years of experience.

Law enforcement photos show large quantities of illegal prescription drugs inside a Framingham apartment that purportedly operated as a black market doctor's office. (Courtesy/U.S. Attorney's Office)

According to court documents, he did business as Droga Reis, which is Portuguese for Drug Kings, and communicated with customers via Whatsapp.

Court documents describe Reis de Souzas electronic business card that advertised remedies from Brazil, including medicines for adult and pediatric use, contraceptive pills and injectables, injectable cocktail to treat muscular and orthopedic problems and perforation of ear cells.

The three other defendants were accused of processing, filling and delivering orders, which often included codeine, Tramadol, clonazepam, morphine and alprazolam, authorities said.

During the investigation, law enforcement determined Dekny Marcos de Carvalho Reis and Dekmara de Carvalho Reis are cousins of Reis de Souza.

The U.S. Postal Service identified approximately 500 customers who were mailed a total of 600 packages over the course of the investigation, a Postal Service inspector previously testified. Those numbers did not include local hand-to-hand transactions that frequently took place in the apartment complexs parking lot, he said.

When ICE stepped in

Prior to the criminal charges, all defendants but Dekmara de Carvalho Reis had immigration detainers, court proceedings revealed, meaning ICE sought to deport them and had requested that local law enforcement notify them if they came into contact with them.

At least one defendant, Dekny Marcos de Carvalho Reis, entered the U.S. legally, according to his attorney. He and his wife had been awaiting an extension of their tourist visas that ultimately did not occur once President Donald Trump took office in January.

The defendants were portrayed during court proceedings as having strong church ties throughout the MetroWest area. Lead defendant Reis de Souza was a homeowner in West Boylston.

Read more: ICE seeks to deport suspects in Framingham pharmacy drug ring case

Court documents state that ICE didnt make the defendants available for their scheduled arraignments on two separate occasions once they were indicted in April.

Because of her detention by ICE, the attorney representing Wandis Cleia Ferreira de Souza Guimaraes argued in court records her client was never afforded even the most minimal opportunity to answer the charges brought against her by the very government that simultaneously ensured she would be silenced.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

In a final report for Reis de Souza dated Aug. 29, Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell wrote that his three co-defendants had been released on conditions and then taken immediately into ICE custody and subsequently removed from the United States, leaving him as the only remaining defendant in the case.

But following an Aug. 27 court hearing, Reis de Souza was also immediately detained by ICE after his release from voluntary detention on conditions, Cabells report said.

It is understood that the parties will immediately notify the court when or if they learn that the defendant has been deported, Cabell said.

At that time, it is likely the U.S Attorneys Office will dismiss the charges against him, as well.

Reis de Souza is currently in custody at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, according to ICEs online detainee locator system.
Boston police reported that an officer was shot early on Friday morning in Roxbury and that they arrested a suspect in the shooting.

Police arrested Daiquan Rice, 31, and charged him with attempted murder and half a dozen other gun and drug charges.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, police said the officer who was shot was investigating suspicious activity at African American Veterans Memorial Park at 12:46 a.m. on Friday.

Four officers had been monitoring a group inside the park. Officers approached one person, later identified as Rice, who fled on foot, according to police.

During the chase from Washington Street onto Archer Terrace and over to Kenilworth Street, Rice fired a gun, striking an officer in the arm, police said.

Fearing for their lives and the safety of the public, officers returned fire, striking Rice and taking him into custody, police wrote.

Rice and the injured officer were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The officer was shot in the upper left arm, according to police.

Three other officers also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at area hospitals, according to police.

In searching the man, police said they found two plastic bags containing materials believed to be drugs.

In all, Rice was charged with:

Attempted murder

Possession of Class B drugs

Carrying a firearm without a license (loaded)

Possession of ammunition without an FID card

Carrying a firearm without a license

Possession of a large-capacity firearm

Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building

Rice remains under arrest at a local hospital and will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court, police wrote.
A cell phone left behind on an MBTA train last year revealed an Everett man was once again handling child sexual abuse material. He now faces at least 15 years in prison, after pleading guilty to several charges in federal court, according to authorities.

Robert Sokolowski, 52, pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of child pornography; distribution of child pornography; and receipt of child pornography, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations in New England.

This is Sokolowskis third federal conviction for child sexual abuse material offenses, authorities said, and the second time he was caught committing the same offenses months after being released from prison.

This most recent case was revealed in September 2024, when Sokolowski lost his cell phone on the MBTAs Green Line. In an effort to figure out whose phone it was, an employee looked at the phones contents and discovered hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos, some including toddlers, authorities reported.

In 2005, Sokolowski was convicted in U.S. District Court for possession of child sexual abuse material and was sentenced to 46 months in prison. In 2015, only seven months after he was released from prison, he committed the offenses again, convicted in U.S. District Court for possession of child sexual abuse materials and sentenced to 150 months in prison, authorities said.

U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, according to the press release.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, with at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, authorities said.

The possession of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, with at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, authorities said.

Special assistance was provided by the MBTA Transit Police and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The list of people tested for a DNA match to sperm found on a 7-year-old girls underwear  after she was thrown from a Worcester bridge in 2017  includes not just the childs father and the defendant, Joshua Hubert, but a third man not previously mentioned in the trial.

His name surfaced on the sixth day of Huberts trial Friday, when Judge Karin Bell gave the Worcester Superior Court jurors a set of stipulations after their lunch break. Bell explained these were facts both the prosecution and defense had agreed on, and the jury was required to accept them as true.

Earlier in the week, the jury was told by prosecutors that there is no forensic evidence linking Hubert, 43, to the charges of rape, attempted murder and kidnapping related to the Aug. 27, 2017 incident. Hubert has been accused of taking the girl from her grandparents home in the middle of the night, assaulting her and throwing her off the Interstate 290 overpass in Worcester.

However, sperm cells found on the girls underwear were identified as belonging to her father. He does not face any charges in connection with the incident, and gave several explanations to the courtroom on Monday how his sperm may have gotten on his daughters underwear.

According to Huberts attorney, Kevin Larson, the third man who was tested  whose name was revealed in court Friday but who MassLive is not naming because he has not been charged  also had some type of involvement the night of the crime.

A woman who found the child that night in 2017 and called 911, Maeve Geary, had actually made another call before she called police, Larson said  and it was to that third man.

No additional information was given by the judge or prosecutors on the mans identity, other than that he voluntarily gave his DNA sample on Dec. 14, 2017 to the Worcester Police Department, Bell told the jury.

This sample was then sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory and a DNA profile was created from his sample. State police forensic scientist Alanna Frederick testified Friday that she tested the DNA samples of Hubert, the girls father and the third man against the sperm found on the underwear, and that it was the girls father who came back as a match.

The Worcester District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the third man.

Its yet another confusing piece of information in the trial, which was delayed earlier in the week due to previously undisclosed evidence coming to light  that has yet to be brought up in testimony since an adjournment filing Wednesday  after it already took eight years from when the child accused Hubert for proceedings to start.

Larson shared his frustrations outside the courtroom on Friday.

What are we doing here? I dont know, Huberts attorney said.

Thats why I said in my opening statement that Ive been screaming into the abyss for eight years ... Everything that comes up points to Joshua Huberts innocence, Larson said.

The trial is expected to wrap up at the beginning of next week, Bell told the jury Friday, and closing statements are expected from both sides before she allows the jury to begin deliberations.
BOSTON  With their upper-level pitching depth depleted due to injuries, the Red Sox added a veteran arm this week. Theres a catch, though.

Boston has agreed to sign 35-year-old righty John Brebbia to a minor league contract and hell join Triple-A Worcester, a source confirmed Saturday. NESNs Tom Caron first reported the move Friday morning.

Brebbia, having joined the organization after September 1, wont be eligible for the postseason. He can be called up at any point down the stretch if the Red Sox need an arm.

Brebbia, a journeyman who has pitched in the majors for five different teams, was born in Boston and grew up in Sharon, attending Sharon High School for three years before moving to Florida as a senior. He then went to Elon before being taken by the Yankees in the 30th round of the 2011 draft. In the decade-plus since, Brebbia has logged a 4.04 ERA in 376 big league games (21 starts) with the Cardinals, Giants, White Sox, Braves and Tigers.

Brebbia signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Detroit last offseason but struggled to a 7.71 ERA in 19 games for the Tigers before being cut in June. From there, he hooked on with the Braves and pitched at Triple-A before struggling in three big league games. He was once again designated for assignment and, overall, owns a 7.71 ERA (20 earned runs in 23  innings) this year while striking out 26 batters and walking 12.

Brebbia will join Worcester as a relief option over the final couple of weeks, serving as another line of defense if Bostons injury troubles persist. The last 10 days have seen the Red Sox place pitchers Jordan Hicks, Dustin May and Brennan Bernardino on the injured list.
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A consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners, part of BlackRock, is in negotiations with several banks to secure up to $10.3bn in financing for Aramco's Jafurah gas development deal, reported Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

JPMorgan and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking are among the financial institutions in discussions to support the transaction.

The funding arrangement is expected to be divided into short-term and long-term loans.

Under the terms of the agreement, a new subsidiary, Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC), will be responsible for leasing the development and usage rights of gas processing facilities within the Jafurah gas field.

These rights will then be leased back to Aramco for a duration of 20 years.

This deal follows last month's $11bn leaseback agreement involving Aramco's Jafurah gas processing facilities.

The Jafurah field, the largest non-associated gas development in Saudi Arabia, is expected to hold 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate.

Aramco intends to increase its gas production capacity by 60% from 2021 to 2030 to address the growing requirement for gas.

JMGC will receive tariffs from Aramco in exchange for exclusive rights to process and treat raw gas from the field.

Aramco will maintain a 51% ownership in JMGC, with the remaining 49% held by the investor group.

The parties involved, including Aramco, BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, have declined to comment on the financing details.

"BlackRock to arrange up to $10.3bn for Aramcos Jafurah gas development" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




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Mayo's county council chamber will be transformed from a political arena into a vibrant stage for music and community spirit as part of Castlebar's Culture Night celebrations.

Castlebar will come alive on Friday, September 19 with The Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail  a vibrant evening of music, storytelling, exhibitions, and live performances celebrating Castlebars very own international opera star, Margaret Burke Sheridan.

For the first time, Mayo County Council will open the doors of Aras an Chontae in The Mall to host a public music performance. The atmospheric setting will be transformed into a vibrant stage for music and community spirit, offering audiences a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the Chamber in a whole new way.

From 9pm to 10pm, the St Josephs Traditional Music Group will set the tone with lively traditional tunes, followed by the uplifting harmonies of the Le Cheile One Town One Voice Choir. Together, they will fill the Chamber with energy, rhythm, and song - making this a night to remember.

Events will take place across multiple town centre venues and in unexpected spaces, animating Castlebar in a unique celebration of music, creativity, and identity. From intimate opera recitals to traditional sessions, from talks and readings to multimedia projections, the Trail promises to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.

We are delighted that with the support of Culture Night Late, we can bring these events to the very heart of our town, said Fiona Neary, Co-Director of The Linenhall. People can dip in and out, spend time at one event and move on, or decide to stay a while longer at a recital or performance. Its an open invitation for the community to come together in celebration.

READ: Department of Justice blamed for delays in forming Mayo policing partnership

Margaret Burke Sheridan (18891958), affectionately known as La Sheridan, was one of Irelands first great international opera stars and a world renowned interpreter of Puccini. Born in Castlebar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London before making her operatic debut in Italy, where she became celebrated for her powerful interpretations of Puccinis heroines. Her performances at La Scala and other renowned opera houses won her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the most remarkable Irish sopranos of the 20th century.

In addition to the Chamber performance, the Linenhall Arts Centre invites everyone to discover or rediscover the magic of opera and to celebrate the extraordinary international career of Margaret Burke Sheridan through the many other events along the trail.

This years Culture Night promises to be a truly unique celebration -blending history, heritage, and music into a spectacular evening that honours Castlebars most celebrated soprano.

All events are free of charge and no booking is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on events, visit www.thelinenhall.com.
The National Car Testing Service (NCTS) has warned that issues with number plates can often result in an NCT visual failure.

The NCT or MOT number plates that a road legal and needed for everyday driving and testing your vehicle are the NCT printed, NCT 4D and NCT Meta plates, any alternative number plates will incur a visual fail.

Read next: 'Unconscionable' - RTE threatens to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates

The NCT or MOT number plates that a road legal are the NCT printed, NCT 4D and NCT Meta plates, any alternative number plates will incur a visual fail.

Numbers, letters and the background must be the correct size and colour and there must be no missing numbers or letters.

The NCT has also warned that if one or both number plates are missing, not properly secured or not clearly visible, this will also result in the vehicle failing the NCT.

This comes as the NCT reminded motorists of their new higher fees with an initial test costing drivers 60, a re-test now 40 instead of 28.

Drivers who cancel their appointment with less than five working days' notice or fail to show up will incur a fee of 24 for a full test or 16 for a re-test.
BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, is exploring how to bring one of Wall Streets most popular investment vehicles into the blockchain era.

According to a Bloomberg report, the New York-based firm is weighing how to tokenize exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to real-world assets such as stocks, subject to regulatory considerations.

The move follows BlackRocks earlier ventures into digital assets. In 2024, the company launched its tokenized money-market fund BUIDL, which has grown to more than $2 billion in assets and has gained traction across crypto platforms.

That launch came shortly after the blockbuster debut of its spot Bitcoin ETF, which quickly became one of the most successful funds of its kind.

ETFs Could Bridge Wall Street and Crypto Through Tokenization

Tokenization involves creating blockchain-based versions of traditional financial assets. In the case of ETFs, digitization could facilitate trading outside Wall Streets usual hours, allow easier international access, and create new possibilities for using shares as collateral within crypto networks.

Advocates argue that tokenization can deliver instant settlement, fractional ownership, and more efficient market structures.

The concept is beginning to gain momentum across the financial industry. Asset managers, including Franklin Templeton, have already issued tokenized share classes of money-market funds.

BlackRock has consistently positioned itself as an early mover in this space. The company has previously tested tokenized fund shares on JPMorgans Onyx blockchain, now known as Kinexys, and Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink has repeatedly said he believes every financial asset can ultimately be tokenized.

In his 2025 annual letter to investors, Fink reiterated that tokenization has the potential to transform financial markets.

The scale of the opportunity is vast. According to new research from Animoca Brands, tokenization of real-world assets could eventually tap into the $400 trillion traditional finance market.

Additionally, Animoca reported that the tokenized RWA market has already hit an all-time high of $26.5 billion in 2025, a 70% increase since the start of the year. Most of that growth has been concentrated in private credit and U.S. Treasuries, which together account for nearly 90% of tokenized value.

Other reports indicate the accelerating pace of adoption. The 2025 Skynet RWA Security Report projected that the tokenized RWA market could reach $16 trillion by 2030, with U.S. Treasuries leading near-term growth.

Tokenized treasuries alone are expected to reach $4.2 billion this year. The report added that both traditional banks and blockchain-native firms are experimenting with RWA products for yield generation and liquidity management.
On Friday night, panic gripped Bareilly after shots were fired outside Bollywood actor Disha Patanis ancestral home in Bareilly, UP. According to police, gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. The incident has raised serious security concerns in the neighbourhood, with investigations currently underway to trace those involved. Reason for the Attack On Facebook, gang member Virendra Charan claimed responsibility, alleging that Disha Patani and her sister Khushboo had shown disrespect towards religion. He further warned that the firing outside her Bareilly home was merely a trailer, implying more could follow.

 Instagram/Disha Patani This message is not only for her but also for all the film artists and people associated with her. If anyone does any such disrespectful act related to our religion and saints in the future, then be ready to face the consequences. We are ready to go to any extent to protect our religion. For us, religion and the whole society are always one, and protecting them is our first duty added the post. Khushboo Patani recently criticised Aniruddhacharya for allegedly claiming that unmarried women over 25 are usually promiscuous. Her remarks triggered heavy trolling online. To clear the air, Khushboo later explained on Instagram that her words were misrepresented and wrongly linked to Premanand Ji Maharaj, stressing that her comments were taken out of context. Police Responds to the Attack on Disha Patanis House According to the reports, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya confirmed that police and forensic teams quickly reached the spot after receiving information. Several empty cartridges were recovered from outside Disha Patanis ancestral house, and further investigation is underway to identify the shooters and verify gangster Goldy Brars claim of responsibility.

We have transferred the case to the crime branch. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and an alert has been issued regarding Goldy Brar's network, Anurag told the reporters. The SSP mentioned that five teams have been set up to probe the case, adding that the first complaint reached police late on Thursday. Officers immediately met the Patani family to assure them of safety, while security personnel have now been stationed outside the residence for round-the-clock protection. The SP City, SP Crime, and SP Traffic have been placed on alert and are maintaining close surveillance, added the SSP.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is among the 10 Best Space Exploration Stocks to Buy Now. BofA maintained its Buy rating on BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) shares and lifted the firms price objective from $155 to $220 on August 13. According to the analyst, BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is uniquely positioned to support deployment of military and space nuclear power, and its naval nuclear power units are still in high demand.

BofA Raises BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT)'s Price Target.

BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is a nuclear component manufacturer and service provider with two business segments: government operations and commercial operations. The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programs naval nuclear reactors and fuel are manufactured by the Government Operations segment. The Commercial Operations segment designs and manufactures commercial nuclear steam generators, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, reactor components, and other auxiliary equipment, such as containers for the storage of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level nuclear waste. The company primarily sells in the US, Canada, and other countries, and Government Operations accounts for the majority of its revenue. It is one of the Best Space Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of BWXT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025.

Disclosure. None.
JERUSALEM (AP)  When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered this weeks attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Qatar, he took a major gamble in his campaign to pound the group into submission.

With signs growing that the mission failed, that gamble appears to have backfired.

Netanyahu had hoped to kill Hamas' senior exiled leaders to get closer toward his vision of total victory against the militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and pressure it into surrendering after nearly two years of war in the Gaza Strip.

Instead, Hamas claims its leaders survived, and Netanyahu's global standing, already badly damaged by the scenes of destruction and humanitarian disaster in Gaza, took another hit.

The airstrike Tuesday has enraged Qatar, an influential U.S. ally that has been a key mediator throughout the war, and drawn heavy criticism across the Arab world. It also has strained relations with the White House and thrown hopes of reaching a ceasefire into disarray, potentially endangering the 20 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.

But while the strike marks a setback for Netanyahu, the Israeli leader shows no sign of backing down or halting the war. And with his hardline coalition still firmly behind him, Netanyahu faces no immediate threat to his rule.

Netanyahus hope for an image of victory for his government

Five low-level Hamas members and a Qatari security guard were killed in the strike. But Hamas has said the intended target, senior exiled leaders meeting to discuss a new U.S. ceasefire proposal, all survived. The group, however, has not released any photos of the leaders, and Qatar has not commented on their conditions.

If the airstrike had killed the top leadership, the attack could have provided Netanyahu an opportunity declare Hamas destruction, said Harel Chorev, an expert on Arab affairs at Tel Aviv University.

Its all very symbolic and its definitely part of the thing which allows Netanyahu at a certain point to say We won, we killed them all, he said.

Israels fierce 23-month offensive in Gaza has wiped out all of Hamas top leadership inside the territory. But Netanyahu has set out to eradicate the group as part of his goal of total victory.

That is now looking increasingly unlikely, making it even harder for Netanyahu to push a ceasefire through his hardline coalition.

Far-right members of Israels governing coalition have cornered Netanyahu, threatening to topple his government unless Israel pushes ahead with an expanded operation in Gaza City, despite serious misgivings by many in the military leadership and widespread opposition among Israels public.

A successful operation in Qatar could have allowed Netanyahu to placate the hard-liners, even though it would have eliminated the very officials responsible for negotiating a possible ceasefire.

Burning the channel with Qatar

Israel has had the ability to target Hamas leaders in Doha from the start of the war but did not want to antagonize the Qataris while negotiations took place, Chorev said.

Qatar has helped negotiate two previous ceasefires that have released 148 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Israels military has rescued just eight hostages alive, and retrieved the bodies of 51 hostages.

While Israel has complained that Qatar was not putting pressure on Hamas, it had continued to leave that channel open  until Tuesday.

Israel, by the attack, notified the whole world that it gave up on the negotiations, Chorev said. Theyve decided to burn the channel with Qatar."

Asked if ceasefire talks would continue, Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that after the strike, I dont think theres anything valid in the current talks. But he did not elaborate and stopped short of saying Qatar would end its mediation efforts.

How Netanyahu hopes to win the release of the remaining hostages remains unclear.

On Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed accused Israel of abandoning the hostages.

Extremists that rule Israel today do not care about the hostages  otherwise, how do we justify the timing of this attack? Sheikh Mohammed told the U.N. Security Council.

Nonetheless, he said his country was ready to resume its mediation without giving any indication of next steps. On Friday, Sheikh Mohammed met in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was scheduled to visit Israel this weekend in a sign of how the Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies.

Straining ties with the US

Netanyahu, who has received ironclad support from the U.S. since President Donald Trump returned to office, appears to have strained ties with his most important ally.

Trump said he was very unhappy about the airstrike and assured the Qataris such an attack would not happen again.

Trump, however, has not said whether he would take any punitive action against Israel or indicated that he will pressure Netanyahu to halt the war.

Netanyahu, in the meantime, remains undeterred and threatened additional action if Qatar continues to host the Hamas leadership.

The message to Hamas is clear, he said Thursday: There is no place where we cannot reach you.

Little impact on the war in Gaza

Israel is pressing ahead with its expanded offensive aimed at conquering Gaza City. The military has urged a full evacuation of the area holding around 1 million people ahead of an expected invasion.

Netanyahus government is adamant to go on with the military operation in Gaza, said Gayil Talshir, a political scientist at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Israel has brushed off calls to halt the war from the United Nations, the European Union and a growing number of major Western countries who plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. Security Council later this month, she said.

The only one who might be able to change this trajectory is Trump, she added, by telling Israel enough is enough.

Netanyahus political future unthreatened

If Hamas' leaders survived, and the negotiations collapse, Netanyahu will further alienate the roughly two-thirds of the Israeli public who want an end to the war and a deal to bring home the hostages.

But that opposition has been in place for months, with little influence on Netanyahu.

Netanyahus future in the near term doesnt depend on the Israeli public, said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank.

Instead, his political survival depends on his governing coalition, many of whom have expressed wholehearted support for the assassination attempt.

This has sparked panic and more suffering for the families of the hostages still held in Gaza.

Einav Zangauker, whose son, Matan, is among the captives, said this week she was shaking with fear after hearing about Israels attack in Doha.

Why does the prime minister insist on blowing up every chance for a deal? she asked, on the verge of tears. "Why?
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippine defense and military chiefs rejected a call for the countrys armed forces to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to public outrage over allegations of massive corruption in flood control projects that have implicated several congressmen and public works officials and sparked pockets of street protests.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. issued a joint statement late Friday expressing their rejection of all attempts to patronize the Armed Forces of the Philippines by certain groups that insinuate or suggest unconstitutional, unilateral interventions.

They did not elaborate, but underscored that the 160,000-member military was non-partisan, professional and abides by the constitution through the chain-of-command.

The House of Representatives, the Senate and Marcos administration have been investigating alleged substandard and non-existent flood control projects in separate televised inquiries. Dozens of legislators, senators, construction companies and public works engineers were identified and accused of pocketing huge kickbacks that financed lavish lifestyles and high-stakes casino gambling.

The corruption scandal has been especially sensitive in a poverty-stricken Southeast country that is prone to deadly typhoons and floodings that devastate entire towns and villages multiple times each year.

Unlike recent violent protests in Nepal and Indonesia, street rallies against alleged abuses in the Philippines have been smaller and relatively peaceful. Outrage is largely vented online, including by Catholic church leaders, business executives and retired generals.

During a recent rally, a speaker called on the military to withdraw its loyalty from Marcos and called on Filipinos to stage a non-violent people power revolt similar to army-backed uprisings that ousted Ferdinand Marcos, the current presidents late father and namesake, in 1986 and Joseph Estrada in 2001.

At this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically motivated attempts to distract the Armed Forces of the Philippines from focusing on its mission are not only futile but also irresponsible, said Teodoro and Brawner, who backed the anti-corruption investigation led by Marcos.

The strength of our republic rests on the rule of law and the unity of our people, they said. At this crucial time, we call on every Filipino to place their trust in our democratic institutions, to respect our processes."

Two high-ranking national security and defense officials told The Associated Press there was no currently monitored threat of secessionism within the military and the police forces. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss the delicate issue publicly.

A confidential government security assessment seen by The AP said groups opposed politically to Marcos were joining the public outrage over the flood control corruption, but added that a major people power uprising was highly unlikely without support from key groups led by the military.

Drastic movements in the military and other uniformed service are very unlikely due to strong loyalty and patriotism  to constitution, the flag, and the president, according to the intelligence assessment.

The Philippines has spent an estimated 545 billion pesos ($9.6 billion) for thousands of flood mitigation projects in the last three years. The projects were under government review to determine which ones are substandard or non-existent as Marcos said he has found during recent inspections he led in some flood-prone provinces, including in Bulacan, a densely populated province north of Manila.

Marcos formed an independent commission to investigate the massive anomalies he described as horrible and prompted him to withhold fundings for flood control projects at least for next year and accept the resignation of the public works secretary.
As thousands of Michigan students begin to head back to class this week, the lack of State School Aid budget for 2025-26 may be raising eyebrows for education leaders and voters alike. (MLive file) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

LANSING, MI  Michigan education advocates are asking state lawmakers to sign a pledge to affirm funding levels for K-12 schools amid the ongoing stalemate finalizing a budget for the coming year.

The states Republican-led House and Democratic-majority Senate passed separate school aid proposals for 2025-26 earlier this year before legislators ultimately failed to meet a July 1 deadline to get a full budget before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Since then, local school districts, which were required to pass their own budgets by that date, have begun the academic year without a final idea of what financial support will look like before the states fiscal year kicks off Oct. 1.

In a release on Thursday, Sept. 11, the K-12 Alliance of Michigan cited the uncertainty as a source of difficulty for local schools leaving positions unfilled and preparing contingency plans for future layoffs, program cuts, obtaining high-interest loans and the elimination of free school meals.

Weve had enough of the finger pointing and want to see action, Robert McCann, the alliances executive director, said in a statement. We are calling on lawmakers to either sign this pledge that guarantees their support for specific funding levels or pass a budget that includes those same commitments.

Anything less would only further harm Michigans kids and their opportunities for success in the classroom.

The pledge itself, which was reportedly sent Thursday, asks lawmakers to pass the per-student founding allowance for districts at $10,000 or higher. Its currently $9,608.

It also demands levels of funding for certain programs at the following:

At-risk student support, $1,120,374,000

Great Start Readiness pre-kindergarten, $655,370,000

Special education support, $2,796,908,100

Career and technical education added costs, $41,575,600

School meals, which also receives federal funding, $246,453,400

Bilingual education, $62,732,600

Transportation, $125,000,000

Rural and isolated district support, $12,824,000

Regional school district operational support, $82,760,500

School employee retirement system legacy debt, $2,244,764,400

The states budget gridlock has irked some voters in addition to becoming a growing concern among school leaders in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, it also inspired House Democrats to craft legislation aimed at protecting minimum future levels of school funding.

House Republicans passed a $21.9 billion school budget proposal in June that increased per-student funding to $10,025, while cutting free student meals and categorical earmarks for programs, including mental health and school safety, transportation, and teacher recruitment and retention.

GOP leaders have said the billions in categorical cuts would free up more per-student funding for schools to choose how to use.

In contrast, Senate Dems called for $21.8 billion for education this spring, also raising per-student funding to $10,008 with other measures to address higher teacher pay, school building upgrades, and mental health and safety resources.

In his own statement on Thursday, Don Wotruba, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, called Michigans school aid budget the foundation fo safe classrooms and quality instruction.

The damage thats been done by lawmakers failing to pass a budget on time cannot be undone, but every day that continues to go by without any certainty in our school funding only makes it worse, he said. We need lawmakers to provide that certainty, and we need them to do it now.

A copy of the ledge sent to lawmakers Thursday can be found online at K12michigan.org/pledge.
Getty Images Several big tech firms have lately announced layoffs even while reporting AI-driven growth.

Key Takeaways

Booming AI demand this week sent Oracle's stock to a record high not long after reports that the computing giant laid off hundreds of workers.

Several other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon have recently cut jobs to lower costs while spending billions on AI expansion.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has told employees that Amazon expects to operate with a smaller headcount in the coming years as AI advances.

When business is surging, companies often expand their workforces to handle demand. That's not what's happening lately at some of America's biggest tech companies.

Oracle's (ORCL) booming AI-driven backlog sent its stock to a record high this weekjust weeks after reports the computing giant laid off hundreds of workers as part of an effort curb costs. Several other tech giants, including Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL), have shed jobs recently even as their revenues rose. (Oracle did not respond to a request for comment on the layoffs in time for publication.)

The tech sector has been one of the heaviest hit by layoffs so far this year, second only to government jobs, according to a report from Challenger, Gray, and Christmas. And many of the industry's biggest companies are cutting from a large base: Data from online job board Indeed shows that listings for tech jobs peaked in 2022, outpacing the growth of available jobs in the economy at large, but that trend has reversed.

Leading tech firms are trimming their ranks as demand for their services grows. Their swelling spending on AI data centers and hardware from chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) is one contributing factor, according to Wall Street analysts.

AI expenditures are pushing tech leaders to cut costs elsewhere, D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria has previously told Investopedia, driving many to cut staff or slow hiring to relieve pressure on profit margins. Some, he said, also expect to need fewer workers because of the technology.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told employees in June that he expects AI will likely lead Amazon to eventually operate with a smaller total headcount. He encouraged them to become more familiar with AI tools, suggesting that those who do could be better-positioned "to have high impact and help us reinvent the company."

Economists at Goldman Sachs have estimated that about 6% to 7% of U.S. jobs could be replaced by AI. However, they're still optimistic about its effects on the job market, suggesting that losses could be "fleeting" and observing that job displacement due to labor-saving technological advances in the past have tended to fade after about two years.
A heron along the banks of the Little Manistee River, which flows through Lake and Manistee counties in Michigan. (Courtesy | David Spruance) David Spruance

LANSING, MI  Language tucked into a state budget passed by House Republicans would spell the end of proposed limits on development along a beloved northern Michigan river.

The omnibus fiscal 2026 budget passed by the House in late August includes a provision that would stop the state from adding the Little Manistee River to its list of designated natural rivers where some development is limited to create a wild and scenic corridor.

Buried on page 716, the provision would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from using fisheries management funds to designate the river, effectively canceling a multi-year effort led by the Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council.

House Republicans said the prohibition is part of their attempt to check alleged bureaucratic overreach at the DNR, which would lose $53 million and hundreds of full-time staff under a proposal that Senate Democrats are calling budget malpractice.

River groups worry the provision may go unnoticed amid the larger budget negotiations as a potential government shutdown approaches on Oct. 1. The watershed group began working on a designation in 2020 in hopes of preserving the river corridors natural atheistic.

A 30-plus member advisory committee formed this year.

If it gets through, were kind of done, said Armas Soorus, Little Manistee watershed council president, who lives on the river near Irons.

Soorus said the council is worried about the potential for unmanaged land use and development to alter the rivers recreational value.

The Little Manistee River is a 64-mile spring-fed, cold-water stream that flows through Lake and Manistee counties before emptying into Manistee Lake at Stronach. It is a separate system from the larger Manistee River and its rural watershed is heavily forested.

Fly-fishers frequent the river each year for trout, and the DNR operates a weir where chinook salmon and steelhead eggs are collected.

A 2012 photo of the Little Manistee River near Irons, Mich. (Photo | Armas Soorus, Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council) Armas Soorus

However, the watershed councils effort has run into skepticism from residents, officials and special interests. A 2023 survey conducted by Grand Valley State University found modest support for a designation but also concern about the loss of private property rights.

Zoning in this area is a four-letter word, said Soorus.

Soorus said opposition to the designation is being fueled, in part, by the Indian Club, a private hunting and fishing club in Eden Township led by former Wolverine Worldwide CEO Blake Krueger  who is club president but also a watershed conservation council trustee.

Soorus attended recent heated meetings at the club.

We knew theyd been working in the background against it, and then they came into the meeting and told us that they are, Soorus said.

Voice messages to Krueger, an avid fly fisherman who led Wolverine during the discovery of its toxic PFAS pollution in Rockford, and other club officers were not returned this week.

Rep. Joe Fox, a Republican whose district includes Lake County, said he attended a meeting at the Indian Club this year alongside other state lawmakers where the river designation was discussed.

Fox called the effort to stop the designation a David against Goliath type of thing involving residents and the DNR.

It seems that these regulations and this desire is driven more by people who are at the (river) mouth, basically in Manistee, Fox said. The DNR is using that group to sanction their ideas.

Rep. Ken Borton, a Republican from Gaylord who chairs the House appropriations subcommittee that develops the DNR budget, said he inserted the prohibition on the river designation into the House budget after hearing from local property owners.

I guess once the DNR declares it a natural river area, it completely changes their ability to do whatever theyve been doing for generations, Borton said. Why make changes when things have been working just fine all this time?

The Little Manistee designation is still in early stages and would involve public hearings in both counties before the director might approve it.

Under the state Natural Rivers Act, a designation would mean all or part of the Little Manistee corridor would be subject to new land use rules.

The program requires 100 to 150-foot setbacks for buildings and septic systems, riverbank vegetation buffers, limits on lot splits and density, stricter regulation of roads, crossings and shoreline alterations, and an emphasis on keeping the corridor wild and scenic.

According to the DNR, the other 16 listed natural rivers in Michigan include the Au Sable, Betsie, Boardman, Flat, Fox, Huron, Jordan, Lower Kalamazoo, Pere Marquette, Pigeon, Pine, Rifle, Rogue, Two Hearted, Upper Manistee and White rivers.

An advisory committee created this in January would help create a Little Manistee management plan and determine which stretches and tributaries require more protection. The DNR formed that committee after the GVSU survey showed a knowledge gap.

There was a big group in the middle that didnt know how if they could support it or not, said Dana Castle, a DNR fisheries biologist who works on the natural rivers program.

We thought the advisory committee would help people understand, because the committee is where we come up with what setbacks look like for this particular river, she said.

Soorus said the watershed council began taking steps toward a natural designation out of growing concern with potential development. A recent expansion of high-speed broadband service to the area may lead to an influx of retirees and new construction, he said.

He disputed the notion that the watershed council was acting at the DNRs behest and was only comprised of people living in Manistee. The group, which traces its origin to the 1986 dam failure in Luther, has more than 100 members and most of them are riverfront property owners.

The biggest danger to the river is unmanaged development, Soorus said. People want to come in and cut the trees, plant lawns and dump fertilizer.

In Lansing, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, said she wasnt aware of the Little Manistee River provision in the House budget.

The House Republican budget was passed completely unnegotiated. I had no knowledge of this effort, Brinks said.
The award-winning documentary and a Q&A with the Muskegon chef is coming to The Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts for one night only.

21h ago
This is an MLive file photo. A 19-year-old man from Big Rapids who allegedly fled the scene of a crash while under the influence is facing several charges after a Northern Michigan police dog helped sniff out drugs buried in local woods near U.S. 131. MLive.com file photo

ANTRIM COUNTY, MI  A 19-year-old man from Big Rapids who allegedly fled the scene of a crash while under the influence is facing several charges after a Northern Michigan police dog helped sniff out drugs buried in local woods near the highway in Star Township.

The Antrim County Sheriffs Office was called to a single-vehicle crash shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, on U.S. 131 near Turner Road, where the subject was reported to have driven off the road into a ditch, causing damage that disabled the vehicle as he attempted to back out.

According to a news release, witnesses told the responding Antrim County deputy that the 19-year-old left the scene walking down Turner Road with a backpack.

When the driver returned to the scene, he no longer had the backpack, police said.

Antrim Countys police dog Zeke assisted at the scene, locating the backpack and a large amount of narcotics in the woods.

The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs, possession fo 44 Oxycodone pills, 73 Xanax bars, cocaine and tampering with evidence.

His name was being withheld Friday, Sept. 12, pending arraignment.
A Grand Rapids man was arrested after an investigation into child pornography that began in the United Kingdom. (MLive File Photo) Daniel Shular | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A Grand Rapids man is accused of distributing child pornography in a sextortion investigation that began in the United Kingdom.

Anthony Spetoskey is named in a federal criminal complaint alleging that he possessed and distributed child pornography.

He waived his right to a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing this week and was ordered held pending trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Phillip Green in Grand Rapids.

In October, U.K. investigators alerted U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that undercover agents had been in contact with a subject account, later identified as belonging to Spetoskey, during an investigation into sexual exploitation of minors, federal court records said.

He allegedly used Telegram, a social media messaging app, to contact girls, an investigator said.

The suspect was involved in the sextortion of minor girls and the distribution of child sexual abuse material, Parker Jones, an HSI special agent, wrote in the complaint.

According to HSI London the SUBJECT ACCOUNT, known as No limits or Nolimitaddme, as well as other online monikers was utilizing Telegram to blackmail minor girls into (1) producing sexually explicit images/videos of themselves and (2) cutting themselves. The SUBJECT ACCOUNT would then sell and/or distribute these files, Jones wrote.

In July 2024, the subject account was added to a group where child pornography was shared, the investigator wrote.

On Nov. 6, the subject account asked if an undercover investigator wanted a slave, and allegedly wrote: Youngest I have is 12 right now.

The investigator said one of the victims was a 15-year-old girl in Scotland, and another was a 15-year-old from Poland.

Regarding blackmailing, the SUBJECT ACCOUNT stated, Okay. I am not looking (to) become rich off this.  I do this for my fun. The SUBJECT ACCOUNT added they had a real job, and the blackmailing was during their down time, Jones wrote.

The SUBJECT ACCOUNT also stated that they have 250 slaves and had been doing this on and off for five years.

Spetoskey was convicted in Ionia County in 2016 of two counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and sentenced to 180 days in jail and five years on probation, records show.

He is represented by a federal public defender who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An ex-girlfriend told investigators that he had multiple email addresses and may have used her cellphone. She said he was very secretive about his phone.

He often used the Telegram app, she told investigators.
The Downtown Market event is open to the public and free to attend. (Photo/Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Grand Rapids Downtown Market

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is preparing to host an event that supports local artists and business owners.

The Ceramics & Pottery Pop-Up takes place on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 435 Ionia Ave. SW.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the free event will be held in the market hall greenhouse and banquet room on the second floor.

The community is invited to browse and shop for a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including wheel-thrown pottery, from more than 20 local and regional artists.

Its the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind ceramic art while supporting local artists and small business owners, Downtown Market organizers stated.

Below are some of the artists attending:

Artistry Shop

Blades of Glass Pottery

Cheshire Moon Works

Claytronica

Duneland Pottery

E.Lo Ceramic Art

Essenburg Arts

Hooker Pottery

Jiaqi Pottery

Kara Artman Art

Light Studio Pottery

Mugworts Store of Artcraft and Imagery

Odd Duck Ceramics

Open to the Moon

Paw Prints Pottery

Robyn Lynn Studios

Selah Studio

Shinestar Clay

Young Lotus Ceramics

In addition to shopping for ceramics and pottery, guests can take a break from shopping to enjoy a meal, snack or beverage inside the market hall, home to 21 local merchants, open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn more at downtownmarketgr.com.
BATTLE CREEK, MI  An 18-year-old man is facing multiple felonies in Calhoun County court in connection to a shooting near a local school earlier this week.

Diondre Sanders, Jr., was arraigned Thursday, Sept. 11, on assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and multiple weapons charges.

WOOD-TV reported that the Calhoun County prosecutors office confirmed charges against Sanders were related to the shooting, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, close to Battle Creek Central High School, 100 W. Van Buren St.

The Battle Creek Police Department originally announced several arrests on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the incident, though on unrelated charges after contact with multiple persons of interest.

Police said two stolen firearms and a stolen vehicle were also found as a result.

A verbal altercation allegedly first arose between a group of individuals in a vehicle and two students, ages 15 and 16, on foot, police said, before an undetermined number of shots were fired Monday. A bullet struck and injured one of the students, who was later treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

Names of some of those arrested and the victim have not been released. Police have said the shooting was not believed to be school-related, and that students involved in the shooting were removed from school out of an abundance of caution.

According to court records, cash/surety bond was set for Sanders at $50,000 Thursday in district court. The other charges include felony firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and carrying a concealed weapon.

Sanders is scheduled for a preliminary examination on Sept. 30.
Pictured is an MLive file photo of taiyaki. The Japanese-inspired treat uses a waffle-like batter to create the soft ice cream cones. Traditional taiyaki are filled with red bean paste, chocolate or cream.

GRAND HAVEN, MI - Cafe Tamaki has been a local gathering place in the community since opening in 2022.

The cafe, complete with a Japanese flair, initially opened at 12 Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven, but moved last year to its current address at 1222 Peck St. in Muskegon.

Owners Sarah Kniss and Sam Birkenkamp said they decided to move due to limited space. Their sister shop, BananaDogStore, resides in the back of the single-story building.

It all kind of worked out, Birkenkamp said. Thats the fun part of having a 200-year business plan  part of it is being open to new opportunities.

Cafe Tamaki offers a menu featuring authentic Japanese dishes and sweets from around the world.

Upon entry, the cafe opens to a bright space with dining tables and an assortment of Kotatsu tables, a traditional piece of Japanese furniture involving a low table with a blanket draped over it and an electric heater attached beneath.

Guests can either order loose-leaf tea in a pot or purchase it in bulk from BananaDogStore, all in one place.

As for the delicious treats, there are plenty to choose from, including taiyaki.

The popular Japanese street food is similar to a pancake or waffle thats shaped like a fish and filled with a sweet or savory filling.

Cafe Tamaki offers various seasonal taiyaki options, including Nutella-filled, apple toffee a la mode, hibiscus syrup and sausage and cheese with sauerkraut.

For $9, customers can also try the Okonomiyaki, which comes from the words okonomi (what you like) and yaki (grill) to reflect its customizable nature.

Its a savory Japanese pancake batter mixed with shredded cabbage and vegetable stir-fry, then grilled and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes and seaweed.

Cafe Tamaki is also home to various fine arts events, including psychic readings and an alternative dance night.

Its a little hidden gem of a community down here that we found, Birkenkamp said. Were hoping that the folks who come and check us out might drive up and down Peck Street and find some of the other great businesses here.

The hours of operation are from 2 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday.

To learn more and view updated offerings each week, visit the cafes Facebook page.
Michigan Sugar Co. has addressed an equipment malfunction at its Croswell facility that caused sugarbeet pulp dust to migrate beyond the plants boundaries. MLive.com files The Bay City Times The Bay City Times

CROSWELL, MI  Michigan Sugar Co. has addressed an equipment malfunction at its Croswell facility that caused sugar beet pulp dust to migrate beyond the plants boundaries.

The issue occurred as the Bay County-based company began its 2025 harvest and annual sugar beet processing campaign, officials said. The malfunction involved the facilitys sugar beet pulp drying equipment, resulting in dried pulp dust spreading off site.

The material is an organic byproduct of sugar beets typically used in livestock feed and pet food products, organization officials said. While not hazardous or dangerous, Michigan Sugar officials acknowledged that discovering unknown dust can raise community concerns.

Michigan Sugar identified the problem internally and acted on Monday, Sept. 8, suspending operation of the pulp drying equipment for inspection and repair. The system was already offline for maintenance when the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy contacted the facility about the issue.

The company has since completed corrective maintenance to ensure proper system function during operation, officials said. Michigan Sugar officials said they believe the repairs have resolved the issue and encouraged neighbors with questions or concerns to contact the company directly.

Michigan Sugar has dealt with environmental concerns from residents in the past. In June, protestors gathered outside the companys Carrollton plant due to a smell described by one organizer as the worst toilet youve ever smelled.

Odors from the companys Monitor Township location have made their way to Lansing, where complaints went as far as the Michigan Attorney Generals office.
China's Long March-10 carrier rocket succeeds in second static fire test

Xinhua) 10:09, September 13, 2025

WENCHANG, Hainan, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's new-generation manned carrier rocket Long March-10 successfully completed a second static fire test on Friday at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan.

The move marks a breakthrough in developing the initial prototype of the Long March-10 series of carrier rockets, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

At 3 p.m., seven engines used on the test product of the rocket's first stage were ignited simultaneously. Following this procedure, multiple test processes were completed, with a total test duration of 320 seconds.

This test focused on evaluating the capabilities of the seven clustered engines of the rocket's first stage for low-thrust operating condition and secondary restart condition, obtaining complete test data. The test was a complete success, according to the agency.

Up to now, two planned static fire tests have both been completed. They have comprehensively verified the design validity and reliability of the rocket's first-stage propulsion system and the working procedure for recovery, according to the CMSA.

The Long March-10 carrier rocket series is developed to serve China's manned lunar exploration missions, including two configurations -- the Long March-10 rocket and Long March-10A rocket.

The static fire tests were carried out with two main goals in mind: to verify the performance of the rocket's first-stage propulsion system and to verify its recovery and reuse capabilities. These tests play a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with the rocket's maiden flight, according to the CMSA.

China has now entered the lunar landing phase of its manned lunar exploration program, paving the way for astronauts to land on the moon before 2030.

So far, the research and development of the country's manned lunar exploration program is progressing smoothly. Since mid-June this year, related tests have been carried out in an intensive manner. The Mengzhou manned spacecraft, the Lanyue lunar lander, and the Long March-10 carrier rocket series have made successive progress, said the agency.

Related new supporting infrastructures are under construction at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, with all work progressing steadily, the CMSA said.

Following-up tests and verification works of the Long March-10 carrier rocket series will be carried out successively, the agency added.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
CACI International Inc. (NYSE:CACI) is one of the best IT stocks to invest in according to hedge funds. On August 25, CACI International announced it was awarded 2 contracts with the Canadian Armed Forces/CAF. These contracts are part of the second phase of the Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System/C-UAS Urgent Operational Requirement/UOR.

The contracts, with a total value of ~$124 million, will provide a light-armored tactical C-UAS vehicle platform and up to 10 years of support. The new technology aims to protect Canadian Armed Forces personnel from the increasing threat of hostile small UAS.

CACI International Awarded $124M Canadian Armed Forces Contract for Counter-Drone Systems

CACIs software-defined C-UAS systems will be modular, tailorable, and scalable, and they will be fully compatible with a dismounted omnidirectional 360-degree system. This capability allows them to detect, define, deny, degrade, and defeat drone threats from every angle. CACI was previously awarded the first phase of this contract in 2024.

CACI International Inc. (NYSE:CACI) provides expertise and technology solutions internationally. The company offers its products and services to national security in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors.

While we acknowledge the potential of CACI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Gayatri Rani

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Exclusive: "Salman Khan is still the same, has a heart of gold and the child within", says former co-actress Sheeba Akashdeep

Exclusive: "Salman Khan is still the same, has a heart of gold and the child within", says former co-actress Sheeba Akashdeep

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Nithya Menen did her first film at age 8 in the French-Indian movie Hanuman

Nithya Menen did her first film at age 8 in the French-Indian movie Hanuman

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting his film King in Poland

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Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) is one of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. On September 8, Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) announced expanding its firefighting capabilities. The company introduced two new firefighting railcars named Oceanus and Amphitrite. Each railcar has the capacity to hold 25,000 gallons of water and is equipped with cannons, pumps, and hose support.

Management noted that each railcar can be quickly deployed and work either alone or with other trains. In addition, the company has also started a pilot program using smaller fire trailers, where each trailer carries 350 gallons of water and has a fixed water cannon to fight small wildfires near the rail tracks.

Moreover, Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) has also upgraded its existing Neptune, Trident, and Poseidon firefighting trains, increasing their water capacity by more than double. Management noted that these upgrades improve the companys ability to assist firefighters, especially near rail infrastructure and in hard-to-reach fire zones.

Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) is a major transportation and logistics firm that offers rail, intermodal, trucking, and supply chain services across North America.

While we acknowledge the potential of CNI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Satwik Jaiswal

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Vijay Deverakonda continues to strike a stylish balance between his personal and professional lives

Satwik Jaiswal

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Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. She specialises in crafting simple, clear, and engaging stories that are easy to understand and hold the readers interest, making complex topics accessible and relatable to a larger audience.

Archisha Yadav

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Average yield of Indian REITs at 6-7.5%, higher than US, Singapore, Japan: CREDAI- Anarock

This transformation will unlock unprecedented opportunities for investors, he added.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Union says proposal fell short on bonuses and retirement benefits; Boeing warns of permanent replacements

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Adani Power to invest $3 billion to set up 2400 MW power project in Bihar

Adani Power won the project by offering the lowest supply rate at Rs 6.075 per KWh.

101Reporters

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Senco Gold took part in the three-day Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition (SAJEX), which concluded on Friday.

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Aryaman Gupta

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Vikas SN

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Teslas chair says only Musk can lead companys next phase

The CEOs prior pay agreement from 2018, which was valued in excess of $50 billion, was struck down by a Delaware court.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) is one of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. On September 9, Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) announced that it will sell a 50% interest in WRB Refining LP to its joint venture partner Phillips 66 for $1.4 billion.

The deal includes the Wood River Refinery in Illinois and the Borger Refinery in Texas. Together, both the refineries process around 495,000 barrels per day, with Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE)s share being 247,500 barrels per day. Management noted that this sale aligns with the companys strategy to focus on assets core to its business. After the sale, the companys downstream operations will comprise five refineries and an upgrader, with a total crude capacity of 472,800 barrels per day.

After the announcement, on September 10, Raymond James analyst Michael Barth, CFA, maintained a Buy rating on Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) with a price target of C$30. Earlier on September 8, Jefferies analyst Lloyd Byrne had also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of C$29.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) is an integrated oil and natural gas company based in Canada. It produces crude oil and natural gas in Canada and the Asia Pacific region.

While we acknowledge the potential of CVE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Ahead of PM Modi's Manipur visit, revisiting the Kuki-Meitei conflict and their demands

Since May 2023, violent clashes have claimed over 250 lives, injured hundreds, and displaced more than 60,000, with thousands of homes, churches, and temples burnt down.

Deblina Halder

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Asim Munir 'hid in bunker, made himself Field Marshal to dodge scrutiny,' says retired Army official

Pakistani army chief Munir was elevated to the rank of a field Marshal on May 20, 13 days after India struck terror bases in Pakistan and 10 days after an agreement on cessation of hostilities was reached. Munir is the second person to be elevated to this rank, with former president Ayub Khan, and first Army chief of independent Pakistan.

Tamal Nandi

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Yeeshu Yadav

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PM Modi in Manipur Live: 'Confident that appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal's interim PM will pave way for peace, stability, prosperity', says PM Modi in Imphal

"Today, from this land of Manipur, I will also talk to my colleagues in Nepal. Nepal is a friend of India, a close friend. We are connected by shared history, by faith, and are moving forward together. Today, on behalf of the countrymen, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal," says PM Modi in Imphal.

"I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal. Sushila ji's taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women's empowerment. Today, I will praise every person in Nepal who has kept the democratic values supreme even in such an unstable environment," he says.

"For the last few days, Nepal's youth can be seen working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal. I have also seen their pictures on social media. Their positive thinking and positive work are not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal's new rise. I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future," he adds.
101Reporters

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Rewati Karan

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Geotagging Ladakh: How India plans to avoid the next clash with China as 60,000 troops face off

Troops along LAC lean on tech upgrades, coordinated patrols to cut risks of clashes

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Gruesome murder of woman in Hyderabad solved, police arrest three in Ranchi

101Reporters

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Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) is one of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. On September 5, Paul Holden from CIBC downgraded Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) from Outperform to Neutral, while keeping the price target unchanged at C$208.

The conservative rating comes despite Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) beating Wall Street targets for its fiscal third quarter of 2025, on August 27. The company posted a revenue of $12.32 billion, up 13.49% year-over-year and ahead of expectations by $788 million. Moreover, the EPS of $2.78 also topped consensus by $0.42.

Management noted growing its net income by 21% year-over-year to reach $5.4 billion. In addition, the bank saw growth coming from all its business segments. Despite this performance, Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) was downgraded to Neutral by Holden. He noted the downgrade is due to valuation concerns and an implied return to price target of only 3% after earnings season from the Canadian banks. He noted that the groups consensus estimates are conservative and believes that Canadian banks can continue to beat expectations.

Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY) is a global financial institution offering banking, wealth management, capital markets, and insurance services.

While we acknowledge the potential of RY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
'Hero of India's unity' Bhupen Hazarika lived 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat' in his songs: PM Modi in Guwahati

PM Modi released a Rs 100 commemorative coin issued by the Reserve Bank of India to honour Hazarika, and also a biography of the maestro, titled 'Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika', written by Sahitya Akademi awardee Anuradha Sarma Pujari.

Rewati Karan

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In case of another terror strike, our reply will be more severe than before: GoC Western Command

101Reporters

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Indian envoy to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra discusses bilateral trade ties with US lawmakers

Kwatra also spoke with Congressman Greg Steube, briefing him on issues of mutual interest including bilateral trade, especially in energy, and spoke about India's support to all efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy.

101Reporters

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Arishaa Izaj

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'It's too late but we support it': CPI(M) leader Brittas says Opposition long urged PM to lead all-party delegation to Manipur

101Reporters

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'It was blessing from God..': PM Modi on why he was thankful his chopper didnt fly in Manipur | Watch

The Prime Ministers remarks reflected both the challenges of the weather and the emotional connection he felt with people who turned out in large numbers to greet him.

Tamal Nandi

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Jammu and Kashmir: Restrictions eased in Doda, shops allowed to open till 6 PM after protest over arrest of AAP MLA

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Manipur is progressing with the rest of the nation: PM Modi highlights Centres welfare push

The Prime Minister stressed that the Centre's welfare schemes have benefited thousands of families in Manipur.

Deblina Halder

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Ria Kapoor

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The slain rebel, Modem Balkrishna, also known as Manoj, Bhaskar, and several other aliases, was a Central Committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist).

Deblina Halder

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Coinbase has accused the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of destroying former Chair Gary Genslers text messages, with industry observers calling it a credibility crisis that could weaken the regulators position in future enforcement actions.

"The Gensler SEC destroyed documents they were required to preserve and produce, Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal tweeted Thursday, alongside a link to the court filing. We now have proof from the SEC's own Inspector General."

A report last week by the SECs Office of the Inspector General found that nearly a year of then-Chairman Gary Gensler's text messages were permanently deleted between October 2022 and September 2023.

The SEC watchdog said the agency employs a policy of remotely wiping devices disconnected from the agency's network for 45 days.

Coinbase, through thirdparty private historical research firm History Associates, has asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to impose sanctions, order expedited discovery, and compel immediate production of all responsive communications.

The agencys "destroy-and-delay approach to records must end immediately, the filing reads, adding the destruction has caused irreparable harm that cannot be undone

The SEC has fined private firms billions for poor recordkeeping, but now stands accused of doing the very same thing itself, Rishabh Gupta, Director at Web3 platform Trade Dog Group, told Decrypt. This creates a profound do as I say, not as I do problem that severely undermines the SECs moral authority.

From Coinbase to Ripple: The Biggest Crypto Cases Dumped by Trump's SEC

The deletion timeline coincided with the FTX collapse, the SEC's crypto enforcement blitzkrieg, and ongoing Freedom of Information Act litigation, in which Coinbase sought internal agency communications regarding Ethereum regulation and digital asset policy decisions.

The SEC initially denied the requests under law enforcement exemptions, but abandoned that position after Coinbase filed suit in June 2024.

The Inspector General also identified potential record losses from devices belonging to over 40 other senior SEC officials, including 21 devices flagged for confirmed or suspected data destruction.
'Need to build strong bridge of trust between people of Manipur's Hills, Valley': PM Modi in Imphal

Rewati Karan

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PM Modi in Manipur: Why Churachandpur and Imphal's Kangla Fort take centre stage today

The conflict first erupted on May 3, 2023, after a High Court ruling allowed the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list, raising fears among Kuki-Zo leaders about losing land and resources in the hills. (AFP file photo)

Deblina Halder

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PM Modi's first Manipur visit since 2023 unrest: 10 key points to know

This is PM Modis first trip to Manipur since the clashes that killed over 260 and displaced thousands.

Deblina Halder

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You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters.

A group of bipartisan members of Congress introduced the American Franchise Act to the U.S. House on Wednesday. The legislation would codify the legal definition of joint employer in favor of absolving franchisors of much of the responsibility of their franchisees labor law compliance issues.

Although franchisees must comply with [franchisor] standards, franchisees are independent business owners, the text of the bill reads. It is the franchisee who determines how to implement the franchisors standards, controlling on a day-to-day basis the operations of its franchise and its labor relations.

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The bill further clarifies franchisors may only be considered a joint employer if they meet the definition under the National Labor Relations Act.

The latest version of this act stipulates that a franchisor is also considered a joint employer with their franchisees if they share or codetermine one or more of the employees essential terms and conditions of employment like wages, benefits, and working hours.

The joint employer standard has gone through multiple revisions throughout three presidential administrations. In 2015, during the Obama administration, the Browning-Ferris Industries decision set the standard for holding employers like franchisors legally liable for upholding labor standards and regulations, even if the parent company only had reserved and indirect control over the employees.

In 2017, that rule was overturned during the first Trump administration, and in 2020, the joint employer rule was replaced by a new one that did not hold franchisors responsible for franchisees adherence to labor rules and regulations.

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Then, in October 2023, the NLRB broadened the scope of the original joint employer rule, which would have made franchisees and franchisors equally liable for labor terms and conditions. The rule was struck down by multiple branches of government, and both houses of Congress overturned the new joint employer rule with a joint resolution.

In March 2024, a U.S. federal judge in Texas blocked the broadened rule just days before it was set to go into effect, calling the expanded joint employer rule arbitrary and capricious, and that it would be contrary to law.

The National Labor Relations Board currently follows the 2020 version of the National Labor Relations Act after the 2023 update was overruled.

The American Franchise Act is currently supported by multiple restaurant industry organizations, including the National Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association.

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In the last decade, the joint employer standard has changed four times  the constant regulatory whiplash leaving restaurant owners confused and apprehensive, Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for public affairs for the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement. The American Franchise Act creates a clear joint employer standard based on direct and immediate control of the conditions of their workforces employment. This permanent definition would encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth in communities across the country.

Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com
He noted that the pace and opacity felt similar to earlier Boeing-related cases his firm has handled.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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'Will continue to work closely': India welcomes Nepal's interim govt, hopes for peace and stability

Former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, Friday.

Chhabi Kala

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5 / 9

Harpy Eagle: With a wingspan up to 7.5 feet, Harpy Eagle is one of the strongest eagles. They use huge talons to hunt monkeys and sloths in tropical forests. (Image: Canva)
Engineer who spoke out against Amazons Israel contract in email to CEO Andy Jassy gets suspended

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Ankita Chakravarti

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

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Danish Khan

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Aabhas Sharma

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This Hidden Mountain Monastery Is So Remote, Even Google Maps Struggles to Find It

This Hidden Mountain Monastery Is So Remote, Even Google Maps Struggles to Find It (Image: Lance Gerber/ Instagram)

Nivritti Khatri

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Internet and phone services around Kyauktaw remain patchy, complicating efforts to confirm the full scale of casualties.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Key Points

MP Materials operates the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine, the only significant rare earth mining facility in North America

It provides essential materials for technology sectors like electric vehicles, defense, and aerospace.

The U.S. Department of Defense has made a historic investment in MP Materials.

10 stocks we like better than MP Materials 

MP Materials (NYSE: MP), a lesser-known player in the mining sector, has captured attention following a significant investment from the U.S. government earlier this year. As the operator of one of the only rare earth magnet companies in the United States, MP has found itself in the spotlight amid the U.S.'s ongoing trade war with China. Rare earth materials play a pivotal role in defense, technology, and other vital industries, resulting in heightened interest from investors.

With this newfound momentum and the backing of U.S. initiatives, could investing in MP Materials today set up investors for life? Below, I'll delve into the business and what the future has in store for it.

MP Materials provides crucial rare earth materials

MP Materials Corporation owns and operates the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility in San Bernardino County, California, the only scaled rare earth mining and processing site in North America. At Mountain Pass, the company extracts, refines, and separates high-purity rare earth materials.

It manages the entire supply chain from mining and processing to advanced metallization and magnet manufacturing. In its materials segment, it generates revenue primarily from the sale of rare earth concentrates, like neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide. In its magnetism segment, it produces and sells magnetic precursor products and anticipates manufacturing neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets by the end of 2025.

Its products are critical inputs for advanced technology systems across various sectors, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, defense, and aerospace.

The U.S. Department of Defense's historic investment

Historically, a significant portion of MP's rare earth concentrate was sold to a single customer in China, Shenghe Resources, which accounted for approximately 80% of its consolidated segment revenue last year and 40% in the first six months of 2025. It has recently ceased concentrate shipments to China due to tariffs and export restrictions. It's now prioritizing the sale of separate products to customers outside China, such as in Japan and South Korea.

Image source: Getty Images.

MP Materials has been in the news due to significant developments, particularly involving strategic partnerships as geopolitical tensions heat up. In July, it announced a "transformational public-private partnership" with the Department of Defense (DoD) to accelerate the buildout of an end-to-end U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain and reduce foreign dependency. This multibillion-dollar package includes:
Ahmed Shahrour, who worked for Amazon's Whole Foods division in Seattle, was placed on paid suspension.

Chhabi Kala

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Hemant Abhishek

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China said in January that it will investigate allegations the US dumps lower-end chips

101Reporters

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Complicity or incompetence: New memoir recounts Pakistans gravest humiliation after US killed Osama bin Laden

Bin Ladens death came almost 10 years after the September 11 attacks in 2001, when 19 al-Qaeda operatives hijacked four commercial airliners.

Deblina Halder

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Tamal Nandi

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In her first public comments since her spouse was slain, Erika Kirk vowed in a tearful but defiant video message that "the movement built by my husband will not die" but grow stronger.

Tamal Nandi

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Chhabi Kala

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India's silence, reliance on back-channel diplomacy on US tariffs "best way" to deal with Trump

Pragya Trivedi

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Crane NXT Co. (NYSE:CXT) said Friday it reached an agreement to acquire a stake in Antares Vision S.p.A., (OTC:ANTVF) with plans to take the Italian technology firm private. The move expands Crane NXTs reach into life sciences and food and beverage markets.

Crane NXT will purchase about 30% of Antares Vision from Regolo S.p.A. and Sargas S.r.L. at 5 euros per share, valuing the transaction at roughly 120 million euros. Under Italian takeover rules, it will then launch a tender offer for all other outstanding shares at the same price, which places Antares Visions enterprise value at about 445 million euros (~$489.5 million).

Antares Vision develops inspection and detection systems and track-and-trace software to fight counterfeiting and improve supply chain visibility. Following completion, CXT intends to delist Antares Vision and integrate it as a subsidiary.

Also Read: Vontier Seen Riding IoT Boom And Recurring Revenue Growth To Stronger Earnings, Analyst Says

Aaron W. Saak, president and CEO of Crane NXT, said the deal strengthens its ability to provide secure technology solutions at a time when regulatory pressures and counterfeiting threats are rising.

Emidio Zorzella, chairman of Antares Vision, said joining Crane NXT will allow the company to expand its innovative offerings and deliver more value to customers worldwide.

Antares Vision reported revenue of about 200 million euros in 2024 with an adjusted EBITDA margin near 15%. Crane NXT expects the transaction to add to adjusted earnings per share in the first full year after closing and generate double-digit returns on invested capital within five years. Pending regulatory approvals, the companies expect the deal to close in the first half of 2026.

Crane NXT held cash and cash equivalents of $152.5 million as of June 30, 2025.

Price Action: At last check Friday, CXT shares were trading higher by 3.34% at $64 premarket.

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This article Crane NXT Moves To Acquire Antares Vision In Bold Expansion Push originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Fathers advice, pastors call, handwritten note: How Tyler Robinson was caught in Charlie Kirk shooting after 33-hour manhunt

Pragya Trivedi

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From pro-China Oli to India-connected interim PM Sushila Karki: How will Nepal-India ties unfold now?

Pragya Trivedi

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According to Gazas health ministry, more than 63,000 people have been killed in the territory, mostly civilians, while UN-backed experts say much of Gaza is in a man-made famine.

Rewati Karan

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'Go back to your country': Sikh woman raped in UK; attack treated as racist hate crime

Pragya Trivedi

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'Horrible, twisted liar': Ted Cruz lashes out at Stephen King for his comments on Charlie Kirk

Ria Kapoor

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How Hangzhou became Chinas AI powerhouse: The rise of DeepSeek and the citys tech ecosystem

Pragya Trivedi

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How Israels missile strike on Qatar caught the US off guard and raised tensions in the Middle East

Chhabi Kala

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'I will never let your legacy die': Erika Kirks emotional address after Charlie Kirks shooting

Pragya Trivedi

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Pragya Trivedi

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Red Cat Holdings (RCAT) has achieved a landmark milestone with the approval and inclusion of its Black Widow drone system in the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) catalog.

The Black Widow system, developed under the U.S. Armys Short-Range Reconnaissance Program, showcases advanced capabilities including sophisticated thermal imaging through Teledyne (TDY)/FLIR cameras.

More News from Barchart

RCAT shares soared on the NATO announcement today but are still down about 30% versus their year-to-date high set in early January.

www.barchart.com

Significance of the NATO News for Red Cat Stock

The aforementioned milestone is particularly significant since it opens up substantial procurement opportunities across NATO member nations, potentially transforming Red Cats market presence.

This NATO certification arrives at a strategically crucial time, as the alliance faces rising tensions with Russia, exemplified by recent drone incidents over Poland requiring NATO intervention.

The timing and technological validation could position RCAT stock as a key player in addressing evolving defense needs across the alliance.

Note that the drone inspection service market is projected to grow at a compound annualized rate of 14.8% (CAGR) and surpass $34 billion valuation over the next six years.

What to Expect From RCAT Shares Moving Forward

According to Barchart, options trader are pricing in a 5.42% move in Red Cat shares through the end of this week, which would place them around $11.57 on the upside and $10.38 on downside.

Looking out to mid-January 2026, the forecast calls for a 39.28% move in RCAT stock. That would translate to continued upside to $15.28, based on current prices, or a crash to $6.66 over the next four months.

As evident, a short-term pullback or mean reversion sure is a possibility following todays rally, but the enhanced credibility as a NATO-approved supplier suggests the bull case is much more likely to play out over the medium and long term.

All in all, Red Cat stock could remain in an upward trajectory as defense procurement cycles accelerate, and institutional investors begin pricing in strategic upside tied to geopolitical tailwinds.
Israel slams Pakistan at UNSC, says 'cannot change fact that bin Laden was killed on your territory'

Chhabi Kala

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Doha airstrike, Mossads pushback, and Netanyahus decision that risks both diplomacy and hostage talks

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax shares sink as Trump officials likely plan to link Covid vaccines to child deaths

Pfizers stock fell more than 3 percent, Moderna dropped over 7 percent, and Novavax slid more than 4 percent

Aishwarya Dabhade

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'Sushila Karki as Nepal PM will pave way for peace, stability, prosperity', says PM Modi in Imphal

Former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday.

Rewati Karan

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Stephane de La Faverie, chief executive officer of the Estee Lauder Cos., has officially completed building out his executive team with his latest appointment.

Rene Lammers Ph.D. has been named executive vice president, chief research and innovation officer, effective Oct. 1, reporting directly to de La Faverie.

More from WWD

Lammers joins from PepsiCo, where he most recently served as executive vice president and chief science officer, overseeing global R&D. Prior to PepsiCo, he held senior leadership positions at Unilever, where he developed technologies across personal care, home care and laundry.

This is not the first time de La Faverie has looked outside the box for his executive team, previously tapping Nestles Aude Gandon as chief digital and marketing officer.

Rene is an exceptional and innovative leader whose deep scientific expertise, global perspective, and passion for cutting-edge product development will be instrumental as we transform our approach to research and innovation to more fully align with our focus on consumer centricity, de La Faverie said of his latest hire.

Creating transformative innovation is integral to our strategic vision of Beauty Reimagined, and with Renes leadership, we are elevating our capabilities to deliver even more breakthrough new products as well as on-trend innovation more quickly across prestige price tiers.

As chief research and innovation officer, Lammers will lead the Estee Lauder Cos global R&D capabilities, including product and clinical innovation, scientific affairs, regulatory strategy and upstream technologies. As part of this, hell oversee the companys R&D and Innovation Centers worldwide and place a focus on delivering fast-to-market, on-trend innovation across in-demand subcategories.

Boosting innovation and speed is key to de La Faveries strategy. Analysts previously cited the dearth of meaningful newness as a key factor holding the company back.

Lammers appointment also completes de La Faveries rounding out of his executive team. Other appointments include Jane Hertzmark Hudis, executive vice president, chief brand officer; Tara Simon, president, The Americas, and Amber English, president, digital and online, The Americas.

With this appointment, I am excited that my executive team is now complete and positioned to lead the company into its next chapter of growth and transformation, de La Faverie said.

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Yosemite, CA  This summer, the ceremonial roundhouse in Yosemites Indian Village underwent a renovation thanks to a scout group.

Park officials relayed that the structure has not had any significant upgrades since 1992, when the current roundhouse replaced the one built in 1973. They added that roundhouses are central to tribal activities, and this one is frequently used by members of Yosemites seven traditionally associated tribes, which include the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, during ceremonies throughout the year.

Members of Santa Rosa Scout Troop 135 worked hard to remove incense cedar bark from the roundhouses roof, allowing the rafters to be restored. The troop volunteers also rolled up their sleeves to remove the bark from lodgepole pines, which they utilized as support beams inside the roundhouse.

This project continues a longstanding partnership between the troop and the park, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work, which ensures the ongoing ceremonial and interpretive use of the roundhouse, noted park officials. The maintenance of the Indian Village in Yosemite is a continuous collaboration involving the Yosemite Ancestral Stewards Crew, volunteers like Scout Troop 135, historic preservationists, and the NPS Indian Cultural Program.
Tuolumne County, CA  A deadly stabbing of a father at a San Francisco elementary school led detectives to Tuolumne County this week, where they arrested the murder suspect.

The suspect is identified as 42-year-old Daniel Patrick Rodriguez Jr. Its unclear whether the suspect and victim knew each other, why Rodriguez was in Tuolumne County, or if he has any connection to the region. The homicide happened on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, around 4:38 p.m. in the area of Junipero Serra Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, near Commodore Sloat Elementary School, between Highway 1 and 280.

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officials recounted that when officers arrived on the scene, they found an unidentified 35-year-old male victim suffering from an apparent life-threatening stab wound. He was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. Detectives report that the victim was crossing the street with his son during the school pickup time when he got into some sort of argument with the suspect, who then fatally stabbed him and fled the scene.

A manhunt began for Rodriguez Jr., and two days later, Friday, September 12, 2025, just before 9 a.m., the SFPD Homicide Detail had tracked him down in Tuolumne County, where Rodriguez Jr. was taken into custody. The exact location was not released.

SFPD advised that this is an ongoing, active investigation and that anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.


Tuolumne County, CA  CAL Fire reports that crews have extinguished the final two fires in the TCU September Lightning Complex fires overnight.

Fire officials declared this morning, All fires within the complex are 100 percent contained.

As earlier reported, the blaze broke out on September 2, 2025, when rolling thunderstorms produced lightning throughout multiple locations across Calaveras and Tuolumne County, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County. The final two fires to reach containment were the 6-5 (6,935 acres) and 6-2 (1,025 acres) Fires near Lake Don Pedro.

The fires forced hundreds from their homes as evacuations were ordered. The last evacuees of the 6-5 Fire returned to their homes about six days later. The flames destroyed 95 structures; 45 were homes, mostly around Chinese Camp, and damaged seven more.
China adopts law dedicated to national park development

Xinhua) 10:15, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers on Friday voted to adopt a new law dedicated to promoting the high-quality development of national parks.

The national park law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

National parks encompass the most vital parts of China's natural ecosystems -- marked by unique landscapes, exceptional natural heritage and unparalleled biodiversity.

China is currently developing the world's largest national park system.

The first group of established parks, including the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and the Wuyishan National Park, is home to nearly 30 percent of the country's key terrestrial wildlife species.

The law sets "advancing ecological civilization" as a legislative objective, explicitly prioritizing ecological protection while balancing conservation and development.

Ecological protection first is a core footing of national parks, said Yang Rui, a professor at Tsinghua University, who added that all efforts should prioritize preserving the authenticity and integrity of natural ecosystems.

The law also emphasizes the establishment of a unified, standardized, and efficient national park management system and encourages public participation in the protection of national parks.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
By Polina Devitt

LONDON (Reuters) -Global commodity trading house Gunvor is expanding its precious metals business from trading derivatives into physical metal and has hired specialists in the London and Singapore trading hubs, the company told Reuters.

Gunvor's expansion in the sector coincides with a rally that has seen gold prices rise twofold since late 2022 as investors sought shelter from global economic and geopolitical turbulence. Spot gold hit a record high of $3,674 per troy ounce on Tuesday. GOL/

Global gold market trading volumes averaged $329 billion a day in the first half of 2025, the highest semi-annual value in World Gold Council data going back to 2018.

"We are developing the full value chain from gold and silver concentrates to refined bars. The team is coming together with several key traders in place now," said Seth Pietras, head of corporate affairs at Gunvor.

FROM DERIVATIVES TO PHYSICAL METAL

The core activity at privately-owned Gunvor is energy trading with liquefied natural gas being the main profit contributor. The group has been trading precious metals derivatives but not physical metal.

The latest hire is Jonny Duncan, previously a precious metals sales manager at ICBC Standard Bank, one of the leading bullion banks. He joined the trading house in London this month.

The precious metals business has been expanding over the last year since Oliver Martin, formerly a senior precious metals trader at mining giant Anglo American, joined Gunvor in Singapore, Pietras said. He did not disclose the total size of the team.

"Our quick growth in this market has resulted from our ability to leverage existing sourcing relationships globally, especially in South Africa," he said, without disclosing revenue from the precious metals business.

Gunvor's first-half net profit fell 71% year- on-year to $121 million due to oil oversupply, increased competition, fewer arbitrage opportunities and thin margins.

Other players have been expanding their precious metal businesses too. A subsidiary of major Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co hired a specialist earlier this year while French bank Societe Generale is planning a partial comeback to gold trading after quitting the bullion market in 2019.

Gunvor's developing physical bullion business is led from London by Gregory Frith - formerly on StoneX's precious metals sales desk. Pietras said he brought wealth of "relationships in the refinery and end-buyer markets.".

London is home to the world's largest over-the-counter gold trading hub, where market players trade directly with each other rather than via an exchange. This sector is dominated by bullion banks including HSBC, ICBC Standard Bank and JP Morgan.
I absolutely love this!  The world needs more pool noodle fights with strangers and less fear, violence, and hate.  pic.twitter.com/JgPZkwvaf9

Why Blue Eyes Arent Really Blue (And What Makes Green So Rare) ScienceAlert (Chuck L)

The Da Vinci Bloodline: Living Descendants Provide Clues to the Geniuss Genetic Secrets SciTech Daily (Chuck L)

The Earliest Known Appearance of the FWord Open Culture (Micael T)

#COVID-19/Pandemics

Please read this! Here is a doctor apologizing to Long COVID and ME/CFS patients for how they've been dismissed by the medical profession. He didn't truly understand until he got Long COVID:

Climate/Environment

How Europe Lost an Area the Size of Cyprus to Wildfires This Year Insurance Journal

China?

India

Koreas

While everyone focuses on the Charlie Kirk story, this deserves at least equal attention: the U.S. military, in collusion with the South Korean government, maintained during decades a system where tens of thousands of women were forced into sexual servitude for U.S. soldiers, https://t.co/GqnNzWHRTC

Myanmar

Nepal

Africa

Ebony and ivory: why elephants and forests rise and fall together in the Congo Basin The Conversation

South of the Border

European Disunion

Here it is, Swedishness  if it doesnt suit you, you can leave Arbetsvarlden via machine translation. Micael T: Relevant for all countries where the nationalists are rising.

Old Blighty

Why Labour and Sir Keir Starmer May Have the Last Laugh Russia in Global Affairs (Micael T)

Israel v. the Resistance

The sad truth is that the United States gains absolutely nothing from its bondage to Israel, quite the contrary. When I was in government in CIA Stations and Bases in Europe and the Middle East I used to hear US politicians proclaiming how Israel (Mossad) shared wonderful

Qatar to hold emergency summit with Arab countries after Israeli strike on Doha Independent. Not holding my breath.

American command structures provided the fused operating picture, IAF liaisons were embedded at Shaw Air Force Base and CENTCOM in Tampa, while U.S. Air Forces Central deployed https://t.co/hdwDbCNXju

The report makes it clear that Israels survival in June hinged on U.S. intervention at every layer.

Israels ambassador to the UN told the Security Council the apartheid state is prepared to launch strikes in any country in the world where it decides Hamas members may be hiding. Israel has used the same vague rationale to justify destroying more than 90% of Gazas housing. https://t.co/jT9jSHeL13 pic.twitter.com/3c2Xx0wTiO

New Not-So-Cold War

Now were also seeing settlements in southern Ukraine emerge, places where the population has been either denuded, or is very, very thin. And were seeing large numbers of Jews pic.twitter.com/vTLCptmK08

Greater Israel in Ukraine? Douglas Macgregor delves into theory NO ONE else is talking about

Trump 2.0

Tariffs

Immigration

Laffaire Epstein

Charlie Kirk

My right-wing-o-sphere news hound says there is widespread skepticism about the Tyler Robinson story and continued belief that the operative(s). I cannot verify any of these views, but they include 1. Netanyahu commented on the shooing before Trump did; 2. Even though the shot was technically easy, it usually takes a seasoned sniper to pull it off, since most are not cold blooded enough to control agitation, and Robinson was not that; 3. There was no ambulance at the site, when one is normally present at large events; 4. Those who heard the shot said it did not sound like a Mauser; 5. Men behind Kirk were making hand signals right before Kirk was hit; 6. (Yes, this one is circulating) If Kirk died from a shot to the neck, it would have been from hitting the carotid artery. That would have produced a big spurt of blood. That did not happen. The way he bled on camera more consistent with being shot from behind

But what matters is what Trump believes, not what big swathes of MAGA believe. And since he believes what he is told about Project Ukraine, I see no reason for him to doubt the official story, particularly since it justifies a purge of the left. And seeing Israel as having murdered Kirk would be extremely uncomfortable for Trump, personally and politically

Also as to why Kirk was important: he was responsible for Trumps wins in Michigan and Wisconsin.

FWIW, Kirk is not one of the top three featured stories at Politico.

European ruling class mourns Charlie Kirk, embraces far-right WSWS (Micael T). Wellie, but not their own.

Why the Kirk shooting is being charged as a state, not federal, crime  and what that means for an eventual trial Politico

Utah governor Spencer Cox turns heads with Charlie Kirk address: Choose a different path The Hill

* * *

Charlie Kirk refused Netanyahu funding offer, was frightened by pro-Israel forces before death, friend reveals Grayzone (Chuck L)

Nothing about Charlie Kirks alleged killer Tyler Robinson seems to be adding up Ricky Hale and Council Estate Media

Is There Something More Nefarious Behind the Murder of Charlie Kirk? Larry Johnson

US Vice President JD Vance escorts remains of Charlie Kirk, flown to Arizona Nine News (Kevin W)

.@POTUS: "We're going to look into Soros because I think it's a RICO case against him and other people because this is more than protests. This is real agitation; this is riots on the street  and we're going to look into that." pic.twitter.com/zwUr03G5DA  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 12, 2025

 BREAKING: A PRIVATE JET DISABLED it's location monitoring system while departing from Provo Airport (12 minutes from Utah Valley University) one hour after CHARLIE KIRK was ASSASSINATED The jet is owned by Derek Maxfield, a wealthy donor to the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah pic.twitter.com/EX3Rjv3uqi  Legitimate Targets (@LegitTargets) September 12, 2025
Elon Musk slams Left as party of murder following Charlie Kirk assassination

Elon Musk condemned the political left as "the party of murder" following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, sparking outrage from Democrats and support from conservatives.

The TPUSA founder was fatally shot by a sniper during a student forum at Utah Valley University, with the suspect briefly detained but later released  fueling anger among Kirk's supporters.

Musk argued that left-wing media and figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom have fostered anti-conservative hysteria, radicalizing unstable individuals toward political violence.

A recent survey revealed alarming acceptance of assassination among left-leaning respondents, with Musk himself facing threats and vandalism over his opposition to woke ideology and globalism.

The killing of Kirk and Musk's response highlight escalating ideological divisions, raising concerns about censorship, radicalization and the future of open debate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has ignited a fierce debate after accusing the political left of fostering a climate of violence against conservatives, in response to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

"The Left is the party of murder," Musk posted on X following the killing of Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). The activist was shot and killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, during an event at Utah Valley University. A sniper's bullet struck Kirk while he was engaging with students  an attack that has intensified concerns over escalating political hostilities in America.

The TPUSA founder was hosting an open forum when the assailant fired from a rooftop, sending the crowd into chaos. A suspect was briefly detained, but authorities later released him without charges  a decision that has fueled outrage among Kirk's supporters. The 31-year-old conservative later succumbed to his wounds and died. (Related: Charlie Kirk SHOT DEAD at Utah campus event.)

Musk's remarks drew immediate backlash from Democrats while resonating with conservatives who argue that inflammatory rhetoric from progressive leaders and media has emboldened extremists. Despite this, the South African-born tech mogul who has long been a vocal critic of leftist ideology doubled down on his stance.

The Tesla CEO shared posts that blamed Democratic leaders like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and mainstream media for stoking anti-conservative hysteria. "The left-wing mainstream media  has created a climate of hysteria against right-wing figures that could radicalize any number of unstable people to engage in political violence," Musk wrote.

Justifying violence: The Left's dangerous shift

The Tesla CEO's comments arrive amid a disturbing trend of politically motivated attacks. Earlier this year, a Network Contagion Research Institute survey found that nearly half of left-leaning respondents believed assassinating President Donald Trump or Musk himself would be "somewhat justified"  a statistic that underscores the deepening ideological divide.

Musk has faced direct threats himself, with radical activists vandalizing Tesla vehicles and calling for boycotts of his companies. Meanwhile, Trump ordered flags flown at half-mast in honor of Kirk, whom he praised as a "truly great American patriot."

Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the Utah shooting, framing it as part of a broader crisis of gun violence rather than targeted political warfare.

Yet Musk and his allies argue that progressive policies  such as lax prosecution of violent criminals and incendiary rhetoric against conservatives  have cultivated an environment where such attacks flourish. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, the X owner "opposes the Left because their radical shift toward censorship, globalism and authoritarian control directly contradicts his principles of free speech, decentralization and technological progress for human empowerment. Additionally, he rejects the Left's embrace of woke ideology  which undermines meritocracy, stifles dissent and aligns with the globalist depopulation agenda."

The murder of Kirk, and Musk's subsequent remarks about it, raises urgent questions about the future of political discourse in America. With the 2026 midterm elections nearing , tensions show no signs of cooling  and Musk's influence ensures his words will reverberate far beyond social media.

Head over to LeftCult.com for more similar stories.

Watch this clip explaining why Democrats are mad at Elon Musk.

This video is from the TheNextLevelNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WOW: Elon Musk says 'the far left hates everyone, themselves included.'

BREAKING: Conservative leader Charlie Kirk ASSASSINATED  America's political violence crisis deepens.

Elon Musk under growing criticism from Left as he arrogantly puts workers' lives in danger to protect profits.

Sources include:

RT.com

Mediaite.com

DemState.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Energy Secretary Wright slams Net Zero, calls it a colossal train wreck

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warns Europe's 2050 net-zero push is a "colossal train wreck" and a "monstrous impoverishment program," destabilizing economies, spiking energy prices and weakening security.

After Biden's alignment, the U.S. reversed course, exiting the Paris Agreement. ExxonMobils' CEO warns EU regulations impose "bone-crushing penalties," forcing U.S. firms to leave.

Europe's wind/solar obsession leads to shortages, proving unreliable energy. EV mandates strain grids without solving the core issue: where will stable power come from?

Once focused on stability, the IEA now pushes false "peak oil" claims. Wright threatens to cut U.S. funding unless it returns to objective analysis.

Europe cutting Russian gas worsened its crisis. Nations prioritizing reliable energy (like the U.S.) will dominate, while Europe's climate fanaticism fuels deindustrialization and poverty.

As Europe pushes forward with aggressive climate policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has issued a stark warning. The pursuit of these targets is not only unrealistic but actively harmful to economic stability, energy security and international trade.

"Net Zero 2050 is just a colossal train wreck," he told the Financial Times. Wright dismissed the net-zero agenda as a "monstrous human impoverishment program" that will inevitably collapse under its own weight. His remarks signal a growing transatlantic divide on energy policy, with the U.S. now openly rejecting Europe's climate-driven regulations as a threat to global prosperity.

Wright, a former oil and gas executive appointed under the second Trump administration, has been vocal in his criticism of climate alarmism. He argues that Europe's fixation on reducing carbon emissions has already led to soaring energy prices, deindustrialization and weakened energy security  problems that will only worsen if Brussels continues down its current path. (Related: US Department of Energy publishes scathing report tackling climate change alarmism and the Net Zero agenda.)

His concerns are not unfounded. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, set to take effect in January 2026, will impose levies on imports based on their carbon footprint  effectively penalizing U.S. energy exports. Similarly, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive threatens American companies with heavy compliance burdens and legal risks if they fail to meet stringent environmental and human rights standards.

The Biden administration had initially aligned with Europe's climate ambitions, rejoining the Paris Agreement and endorsing net-zero targets. However, under U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed leadership, the U.S. has reversed course, withdrawing from the Paris accord once more and openly challenging the feasibility of decarbonization.

Wright's latest comments underscore this shift, warning that the EU's climate policies could derail a major U.S.-EU trade deal designed to bolster energy security by replacing Russian fossil fuels with American exports. "If Europe doesn't hold up its end of the deal, the whole trade talks could fall apart," Wright said.

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods echoed these concerns. He described EU regulations as "bone-crushing penalties" that could force American companies to abandon the European market altogether.

From energy security to climate alarmism

Beyond trade tensions, Wright's critique exposes a fundamental flaw in the green energy transition. Renewable energy relies on intermittent power sources like wind and solar, which cannot match the reliability of fossil fuels. Europe's rush to phase out natural gas  one of the cleanest hydrocarbons  has left it vulnerable to energy shortages, particularly during extreme weather events.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine recounts that the continent "began pivoting to renewable energy in the early 2000s, with Denmark, Germany and Spain leading the charge by heavily investing in wind and solar power to meet Kyoto Protocol targets. The British government, initially hesitant, later recognized wind power as essential for compliance."

Meanwhile, the push for electric vehicles has strained power grids without addressing the underlying issue: Where will the electricity come from? In the U.S., natural gas remains the dominant source, accounting for nearly 40 percent of power generation. Without it, blackouts would become inevitable.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), once a neutral arbiter of energy policy, has also come under fire for abandoning its original mandate of ensuring stable energy supplies in favor of promoting renewables. Wright has threatened to withdraw U.S. funding from the IEA unless it reforms, accusing the agency of pushing "total nonsense" predictions, such as the claim that global oil demand will peak this decade.

The stakes are high. Europe's energy crisis, exacerbated by its reliance on Russian gas, has already triggered economic pain and political backlash. Wright warns that if the EU continues down this path, it risks not only impoverishing its citizens  but also ceding global influence to nations that prioritize energy affordability over climate dogma.

Wright concluded his interview by lamenting that Europe's shrinking role in the global scene is "heartbreaking to see." But as the debate intensifies, one thing is clear. The net-zero agenda is facing its most serious challenge yet.

ClimateAlarmism.news has more similar stories.

Watch Kemi Badenoch, leader of the British Conservative Party, pointing out that Net Zero 2050 is impossible in this clip.

This video is from the Be Children of Light channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.K.'s net zero dream costs taxpayers 800 billion  and it's based on flawed promises.

New DOE report final death knell for Net Zero in the U.S. as it breaks down climate science's flaws.

Decline of the North American decarbonization charade: Fossil fuels signal the end of green illusions.

Sources include:

OilPrice.com

FT.com

CNBC.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
A Stanford doctors 661 studies proving vaccines are safe crumbled under expert scrutiny presented by attorney Aaron Siri

Such a watershed moment for medical freedom and truth: The experts were ready to take down the anti-vaxxers argument once and for all, in a Senate hearing room - the air thick with the kind of tension that comes when deeply held beliefs collide with cold, hard facts. On one side, Dr. Jake Scott, an infectious disease specialist from Stanford, sits confidently behind the table, armed with what he claims is irrefutable proof  661 placebo-controlled trials demonstrating the safety of childhood vaccines. His database, he boasts, is a fortress of transparency, a shield against the "misinformation" peddled by vaccine skeptics. But then, like a prosecutor dismantling a flimsy alibi, attorney Aaron Siri begins to peel back the layers of Scotts claims . One by one, the studies evaporate under scrutiny. What remains isnt a mountain of evidence  its a mirage, a carefully constructed illusion designed to prop up an industry that has long operated beyond accountability.

This wasnt just an academic spat. It was a moment that laid bare a troubling reality: The medical establishment, the agencies tasked with protecting public health, and the doctors we trust to guide our most personal decisions have been selling us a narrative about vaccine safety that doesnt hold up under the slightest pressure. And if a Stanford physician  someone with the resources of one of the worlds most prestigious institutions behind him  couldnt produce a single valid study to prove the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule, what does that say about the foundation on which weve built our trust?

Key points:

No true placebos, no real science: Not one of the 661 studies Dr. Jake Scott cited used an inert placebo (like saline) to test childhood vaccines on the CDC schedule. Instead, most compared vaccines to other vaccines or substances with known biological effects, rendering the results meaningless for assessing safety.

Not one of the 661 studies Dr. Jake Scott cited used an inert placebo (like saline) to test childhood vaccines on the CDC schedule. Instead, most compared vaccines to other vaccines or substances with known biological effects, rendering the results meaningless for assessing safety. A system built on legal immunity: Vaccines are the only medical product granted near-total liability protection. The Supreme Court has ruled them unavoidably unsafe, yet parents are bullied into compliance while injuries are dismissed in a secretive Vaccine Court where fewer than one percent of claims are compensated.

Vaccines are the only medical product granted near-total liability protection. The Supreme Court has ruled them unavoidably unsafe, yet parents are bullied into compliance while injuries are dismissed in a secretive Vaccine Court where fewer than one percent of claims are compensated. The body burden question no one is asking: No studies have ever examined the cumulative effect of injecting multiple vaccines  each containing aluminum, formaldehyde, and other toxins  into a developing infants body. Doctors like Dr. Paul Thomas, who dared to study unvaccinated children, found they were healthier than their vaccinated peers  and faced professional ruin for it.

No studies have ever examined the cumulative effect of injecting multiple vaccines  each containing aluminum, formaldehyde, and other toxins  into a developing infants body. Doctors like Dr. Paul Thomas, who dared to study unvaccinated children, found they were healthier than their vaccinated peers  and faced professional ruin for it. The financial carrot (and stick): Doctors receive bonuses for high vaccination rates in their practices, while parents who question the schedule are labeled "anti-science." Meanwhile, the CDC and FDA are riddled with conflicts of interest, from revolving doors with pharmaceutical companies to industry-funded research.

Doctors receive bonuses for high vaccination rates in their practices, while parents who question the schedule are labeled "anti-science." Meanwhile, the CDC and FDA are riddled with conflicts of interest, from revolving doors with pharmaceutical companies to industry-funded research. An ethical reckoning for Dr. Scott: Now that he knows the truth  that his database was a house of cards  does he have a moral obligation to correct the record? Or will he, like so many before him, retreat into the safety of institutional dogma?

The database that wasnt: How 661 studies became zero

When Dr. Jake Scott took the stand, he did so with the swagger of a man who believed he held the winning hand. His database, he claimed, was a comprehensive rebuttal to those who dared question the orthodoxy of vaccine safety. This is what transparency looks like, he declared, as if the mere existence of 661 studies should silence all dissent. But transparency, as it turns out, is only as good as the integrity of the data  and Scotts data was rotten to the core.

Aaron Siri, a lawyer who has spent years fighting for families injured by vaccines, didnt need a sledgehammer to demolish Scotts argument. A scalpel would do. Methodically, he carved away the layers of deception:

First, 567 of the 661 studies were for vaccines not even on the CDCs childhood schedule  things like HIV vaccines or travel vaccines for adults. Irrelevant. A distraction.

 things like HIV vaccines or travel vaccines for adults. Irrelevant. A distraction. Then, of the 94 studies left, 70 didnt involve healthy children . They tested vaccines on HIV-positive adults, the elderly, or other populations that tell us nothing about how a two-month-olds immune system might react to a cocktail of antigens and adjuvants.

. They tested vaccines on HIV-positive adults, the elderly, or other populations that tell us nothing about how a two-month-olds immune system might react to a cocktail of antigens and adjuvants. Finally, that left 24 studies. But heres where the shell game gets really brazen. Twenty-one of those used control groups that were given other biologically active substances  like a different vaccine, or an aluminum adjuvant (a known neurotoxin), or a witchs brew of chemicals like polysorbate 80 and sodium borate. In one Gardasil trial, the "placebo" group was given everything in the vaccine except the antigen  meaning they were still exposed to the same toxic stew, just without the one ingredient that might (theoretically) provoke an immune response. Its like testing the safety of a cigarette by comparing it to a cigarette without nicotine. The paper burns either way.

But heres where the shell game gets really brazen. Twenty-one of those used control groups that were given other biologically active substances  like a different vaccine, or an aluminum adjuvant (a known neurotoxin), or a witchs brew of chemicals like polysorbate 80 and sodium borate. In one Gardasil trial, the "placebo" group was given everything in the vaccine except the antigen  meaning they were still exposed to the same toxic stew, just without the one ingredient that might (theoretically) provoke an immune response. Its like testing the safety of a cigarette by comparing it to a cigarette without nicotine. The paper burns either way. The final three studies? One used neomycin, an antibiotic that can cause allergic reactions when applied to the skin  let alone injected. Another was a Gardasil trial where the control group had already received three doses of a previous version of the vaccine. The third was so flawed it barely warranted discussion.

One used neomycin, an antibiotic that can cause allergic reactions when applied to the skin  let alone injected. Another was a Gardasil trial where the control group had already received three doses of a previous version of the vaccine. The third was so flawed it barely warranted discussion. Zero: Thats how many studies actually used a true placebo  saline, sterile water  to test the safety of a childhood vaccine on the CDC schedule.

Scott, caught flat-footed, could only sputter that Siri couldnt possibly have reviewed all 661 studies. The irony was rich: He hadnt even reviewed them. Hed simply compiled a list, assumed it proved his point, and expected no one to look too closely. But thats the thing about illusions  they only work if the audience doesnt ask for a closer inspection.

The legal shield: Why vaccines are the only product you cant sue over

If vaccines were as safe as were told, why do they enjoy a legal protection no other medical product does? In 1986, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which did two critical things: It created the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)  a.k.a. the "Vaccine Court"  and it granted pharmaceutical companies near-total immunity from lawsuits for injuries caused by vaccines.

Heres how it works: If your child is injured by a vaccine, you cant sue the manufacturer. Instead, you must petition the VICP, a special court where the burden of proof is so high that fewer than one percent of claims are compensated. The process is slow, opaque, and stacked against families. Even when injuries are acknowledged, the payouts are limited, and the details are often sealed.

The Supreme Court doubled down on this protection in 2011, ruling in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth that vaccines are "unavoidably unsafe"  meaning their risks are inherent to their design  and that manufacturers cannot be held liable for injuries, even if they could have made the product safer. Think about that: No other industry  not cars, not guns, not prescription drugs  gets this kind of free pass. If a pharmaceutical company makes a defective drug, you can sue. If a car manufacturer cuts corners on safety, you can sue. But if a vaccine maims your child? Youre out of luck.

This legal shield doesnt just protect companies  it removes all incentive to make vaccines safer. Why conduct rigorous long-term studies when youll never be held accountable for the fallout? Why test the cumulative effect of injecting 72 doses of 16 different vaccines into a child by age 18 when the worst that can happen is a payout from a government fund?

The children no one is allowed to study

In 2020, Dr. Paul Thomas, a pediatrician with decades of experience, published a study that should have shaken the medical world to its core. He compared 560 unvaccinated children to 2,900 variably vaccinated children, using age-matched controls to ensure accuracy. His findings?

Unvaccinated children had fewer infections  of any kind.

They had lower rates of neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and ADHD.

They suffered less from allergies, eczema, and chronic illnesses.

In other words, the children who received no vaccines were, by nearly every measure, healthier than their vaccinated peers. This wasnt just a fluke  it was a direct challenge to the core assumption that vaccines make us safer as a society. If unvaccinated kids arent just not spreading disease but are actually healthier, what does that say about the risks weve been told are worth taking?

The response from the medical establishment wasnt curiosity. It was fury. The Oregon Medical Board suspended Dr. Thomass license just five days after his study was published. His crime? Daring to ask a question no one in power wanted answered.

Then theres the complete absence of research on the cumulative effect of the vaccine schedule. No one has ever studied what happens when you inject a six-month-old with eight vaccines in one day, as the CDC schedule recommends. No one has tested how aluminum  a known neurotoxin  accumulates in the brain when given repeatedly in doses far exceeding what the FDA considers safe for intravenous feeding.

And yet, doctors like Dr. Jake Scott will stand before the Senate and insist that the science is settled. That the risks are minimal. That parents who hesitate are ignorant, selfish, or dangerous.

Dr. Jake Scott now has an ethical duty to tell the truth now

Dr. Jake Scott now faces a choice. He can double down, retreat into the safety of institutional approval, and pretend his database wasnt a house of cards. Or he can do what every ethical scientist should do when confronted with evidence that undermines their beliefs: He can change his mind.

He could start by acknowledging that no true placebo-controlled trials exist for the childhood vaccine schedule. He could demand that the CDC and FDA fund independent research on the cumulative effects of vaccines. He could call for an end to the legal immunity that shields manufacturers from accountability. He could, in short, become part of the solution instead of a pawn in a system that has lost its way.

But will he? History suggests that institutions protect their own, and the medical-industrial complex is no exception. The real question is whether the rest of us will continue to play along  or whether well demand the transparency, the rigor, and the respect we deserve.

Because heres the truth: This isnt about anti-vax vs. pro-vax. Its about informed consent. Its about bodily autonomy. Its about a system that has failed to do its most basic job  proving that the products it mandates are safe. And if a Stanford doctor cant produce a single valid study to back up his claims, maybe its time we all start asking: What else arent they telling us?

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Senate.gov [PDF]
Alleged Kirk assassins radical left ties and chilling messages spark national security alarm

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, was assassinated on September 10 at Utah Valley University, leading to the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

The suspect was allegedly radicalized online, with investigators revealing he used the platform Discord to discuss his plans, mirroring tactics used in other recent acts of political violence.

The attack was a deliberate political statement, evidenced by bullet casings engraved with radical leftist and anti-fascist slogans, transforming the murder into a symbolic act of terror.

The break in the case came from the suspect's family, with his father turning him in to authorities after he confessed, a decision praised by officials but highlighting a profound personal tragedy.

The assassination represents a significant escalation in domestic political violence, occurring amidst heightened national tensions and prompting calls for a congressional investigation into radical leftist networks.

The political landscape was jolted by an act of violence that has raised alarming questions about online radicalization and domestic extremism. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old electrical apprentice from Utah, was taken into custody on September 12, accused of assassinating conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The arrest, facilitated by the suspect's own father, capped an intense manhunt and unveiled a disturbing portrait of a young man allegedly steeped in radical leftist ideology, with evidence pointing to his use of online platforms for planning and glorifying the violent act.

"Charlie Kirk's political stance is characterized by a strong commitment to conservative values, including support for the Second Amendment, economic freedom and personal liberty," Brighteon.AI's Enoch said.

A digital trail of radicalization

The investigation into Kirk's killing, which occurred on September 10 at Utah Valley University, quickly moved beyond the physical evidence to a digital footprint. Authorities revealed that Robinson allegedly used the online platform Discord, a popular service for gamers that also supports text and video communication, to discuss his plans. According to officials, Robinson posted messages on a Discord channel detailing his need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, his method of wrapping the weapon in a towel to stash it and even his engraving of political messages onto bullet casings. (Related: Allegations about FBI evidence in Charlie Kirk assassination prompt calls for transparency.)

This use of Discord is particularly concerning to law enforcement and intelligence analysts as it mirrors the tactics of the alleged assassin in the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania last year. The repeated use of this platform by individuals committing or attempting political violence suggests it may be exploited by extremist groups as a tool for indoctrination and coordination. The core fear is that radical leftist cells are using such platforms to identify and groom vulnerable youth, pushing them toward militant accelerationism  a strategy that seeks to violently overthrow the existing system to hasten its collapse and rebuild a new society.

Chilling messages on the tools of violence

The most visceral evidence of a political motive came from the ammunition itself. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that bullet casings recovered from the scene and the weapon were engraved with slogans. One unfired casing read, "Hey fascist, catch!" while another referenced "O Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao," the lyrics of an Italian folk song adopted as an anti-fascist anthem. A third contained a crude, juvenile taunt: "If you read this, you are gay lmao."

Government Accountability Institute Research Director Seamus Bruner concluded that the messaging was the work of a "radical left ANTIFA-adjacent creep" whose lingo was that of an "extremely online leftwing gamer." The term "ANTIFA," short for anti-fascist, refers to a decentralized, often militant political movement whose members frequently engage in confrontational protests and clashes with right-wing opponents. The engravings transform the act from mere murder into a symbolic political statement, intended to terrorize and send a message to a broader audience.

A coordinated response and a father's agonizing choice

The break in the case came not from high-tech surveillance alone but from a personal connection. A family member of Robinson contacted a Washington County Sheriff's Office family friend with information that Robinson had confessed. His father subsequently secured him until authorities arrived. This twist, reminiscent of the Unabomber's capture by his brother, highlights the profound personal tragedy that often underpins such public acts of violence. Governor Cox publicly thanked Robinson's family for doing "the right thing," acknowledging the difficulty of their decision.

The investigation was a multi-agency effort. Surveillance footage from the university showed the suspect, described as a college-age male in a maroon T-shirt and black Converse shoes, fleeing the scene by leaping from a rooftop. He was later tracked to his arrival on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger, a vehicle confirmed to be registered to him. The weapon, an imported Mauser bolt-action rifle, was recovered wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the university.

Historical context and political repercussions

This assassination occurs against a backdrop of escalating political tension in the United States. The attempted assassination of Trump during had already put the nation on edge, exposing critical failures in protective security and raising questions about the influence of violent rhetoric. The killing of a high-profile conservative figure like Charlie Kirk represents a significant escalation, moving from an attempt on a then-presidential candidate to the successful targeting of a movement leader.

Prominent political figures were quick to frame the event within a larger conflict. Commentator Steve Bannon stated bluntly that the evidence showed "a progressive, young, left-wing hater" was responsible. In Congress, Representative Chip Roy and two dozen other lawmakers are now calling for a select committee to investigate "the money, influence and power behind the radical left's assault on America and the rule of law," signaling that this event will likely trigger a significant political and legislative response aimed at extremist networks.

A nation grappling with the power of words

The apprehension of Robinson brings a measure of relief and a chance for judicial closure, but it does not resolve the underlying sickness it reveals. The combination of online radicalization platforms, the glorification of political violence, and the toxic rhetoric that permeates modern culture creates a dangerous ecosystem. The messages etched onto those bullet casings are a dark testament to this reality, proving that in the wrong hands, ideology can be lethal.

The FBI may have planted a fake rifle prop to narrative away from the real culprits behind Charlie Kirk assassination. Watch this video.

This video is from Health Ranger Reports on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Charlie Kirk SHOT DEAD at Utah campus event.

BREAKING: Conservative leader Charlie Kirk ASSASSINATED  America's political violence crisis deepens.

APPREHENDED: Family turns in suspect in political assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.

Elon Musk slams Left as "party of murder" following Charlie Kirk assassination.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk: A grave blow to free speech in America.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Brighteon.ai

FoxNews.com

Thenewneo.com

Brighteon.com
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 YEARS in prison

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court sentenced Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years for attempting a military coup, spreading election fraud claims and plotting against democracy.

Prosecutors proved Bolsonaro sought military backing to overturn his 2022 loss and knew of assassination plots against Lula and justices.

Trump condemned the ruling and imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazil, while Marco Rubio called it "unjust," sparking sovereignty disputes.

Similar legal battles target populists like France's Marine Le Pen for "hate speech," showing institutional pushback against dissent.

Bolsonaro's allies call it a "witch hunt," while his legal team appeals. Seven co-conspirators were convicted, warning Brazil's far-right.

In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Brazil and drawn sharp condemnation from the U.S., former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a military coup to overturn his 2022 election loss.

The conviction was handed down by a panel of five justices of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on Thursday, Sept. 11. It marks the first time a former Brazilian leader has been punished for attacking democracy. The verdict also served as a dramatic fall for the far-right populist who once commanded massive rallies and forged close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The court found Bolsonaro guilty on five charges  including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy, and orchestrating a coup. Prosecutors presented evidence that he had sought military backing to nullify the election results and spread disinformation about Brazil's electronic voting system. They even alleged that the 70-year-old former leader even knew of assassination plots against his successor, incumbent Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and STF justices.

Though Bolsonaro denied wrongdoing, the majority ruling  with only one dissenting vote  deemed his actions a direct threat to Brazil's fragile democratic institutions, still healing from a military dictatorship that ran from 1964 to 1985. The verdict has intensified Brazil's political divisions, with Bolsonaros supporters decrying it as a "witch hunt" and his legal team vowing appeals.

Bolsonaro conviction sparks backlash from Washington

The sentence also triggered immediate backlash from Trump, who called the conviction "very bad for Brazil." The real estate mogul hinted at further economic retaliation, having already imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods in response to the case. (Related: Trump slams Brazil over social media censorship, slaps 50% tariff on imports.)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio escalated tensions by declaring the ruling "unjust" and warning of consequences. In response, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Rubio's remarks as a "threat" against its sovereignty.

The case underscores a broader global pattern of legal battles against far-right leaders, such as France's Marine Le Pen as institutions grapple with populist challenges to democratic norms. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, "Le Pen was convicted for criticizing Muslim immigration and warning of Islamic influence in France, which authorities deemed 'hate speech' under politically motivated charges designed to suppress dissent and opposition to mass migration."

For Brazil, the trial carries historic weight. Not only was Bolsonaro convicted, but seven of his allies  including high-ranking military officers  were also sentenced, marking the first time coup plotters have faced punishment since Brazil's transition to democracy.

Bolsonaro, now barred from public office until 2060, remains a potent political force, with allies in Congress pushing for amnesty. Yet the ruling sends a stark message to Brazil's military and far-right factions: Attempts to subvert democracy will no longer go unpunished.

As STF Justice Carmen Lucia warned, "There is no immunity to authoritarianism." For a nation still reckoning with its authoritarian past, the trial may prove a turning point  or a spark for further turmoil.

Visit Tyranny.news for more similar stories.

Watch Brazilian journalist Paulo Figueiredo sharing to Breanna Morello how the Brazilian government is continuing to target the Bolsonaro family.

This video is from the MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

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Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro INDICTED for allegedly faking COVID-19 vaccination status, even though the vaccines themselves are fake.

Sources include:

Yahoo.com

CBC.ca

BBC.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Egypt warns Israel: Strikes on Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil will be seen as declaration of war

Egypt has issued a stern warning to Israel, declaring that any assassination attempt on Hamas leaders within Egypt would be considered a direct violation of its sovereignty and an act of war. This warning follows reports of Israeli plots to target Hamas figures in Cairo and the recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, which has heightened regional tensions.

Israeli intelligence has been actively plotting to assassinate Hamas leaders in Cairo, as revealed by high-level security sources. Egypt has responded by reducing coordination with Israel and planning to restructure its security communications, reflecting the severity of the situation.

The situation has strained diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel, with Egypt urging Israel to return to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has also raised concerns about potential Palestinian displacement into the Sinai Peninsula, prompting Egypt to deploy troops along its border with Gaza.

Egypt has deployed around 40,000 troops and a Chinese air defense system in the Sinai Peninsula to prevent a possible influx of Palestinians and to monitor any unauthorized aircraft movements. The lack of coordination between Egypt, Israel and the U.S. regarding the Doha strike further complicates diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Egypt is seeking U.S. guarantees that Israel will not attack exiled Hamas leaders again. Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey are discussing ways to protect Hamas leaders involved in ceasefire negotiations, with Egypt considering providing a safe haven for these leaders. The U.S. is also considering mediating the conflict to prevent further escalation.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Egypt has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil will be considered a direct violation of its sovereignty and a declaration of war.

This warning comes amid revelations of Israeli plots to target Hamas figures within Egypt, as reported by senior Egyptian officials to Middle East Eye.

Intelligence reports reveal Israeli plots

According to high-level security sources, Israel has been actively plotting to assassinate Hamas leaders in Cairo. These revelations follow the foiling of an earlier attempt during ceasefire negotiations in the city over the past two years. The most recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas leadership, has further fueled regional fears and prompted Egypt to take a firm stance. (Related: Qatar warns of regional RETALIATION after Israels strike on Hamas leaders in Doha.)

"Intelligence reports suggest that Israel has been plotting to assassinate Hamas leaders in Cairo for some time," a high-level security source told Middle East Eye. "Egypt had already foiled an earlier attempt during ceasefire negotiations in the city over the past two years."

Egypt has also decided to lessen coordination with Israel until further notice, following Israel's strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, according to sources.

The sources added that Egypt is also planning to restructure its security communications with Israel after the attack.

Egypt's response: A line in the sand

The Egyptian officials' statements underscore the gravity of the situation. "Any attempt on the lives of Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil would be considered by Egypt as a violation of its sovereignty and, accordingly, a declaration of war by Israel, which we would not hesitate to retaliate against," the security source emphasized.

This warning comes in response to threats by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to target Hamas in other countries. In a video address following the Doha strikes, Netanyahu stated, "I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists: you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you dont, we will."

Regional implications and diplomatic fallout

The situation has heightened tensions between Egypt and Israel, two countries bound by a U.S.-sponsored peace treaty since 1979. Egyptian officials have been urging their Israeli counterparts to return to negotiations and work towards a ceasefire in Gaza, rather than escalating the conflict.

"Egyptian-Israeli relations have already been tense in recent months due to the indecisiveness of Tel Aviv towards a possible Gaza truce," the source noted. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has strained diplomatic ties, with Egypt expressing concerns over potential displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula.

Military and diplomatic maneuvers

Egypt has deployed around 40,000 troops along its border with Gaza to prevent a possible influx of Palestinians into Sinai. This move highlights Cairo's fears of being drawn into the conflict. Furthermore, the deployment of a Chinese air defense system in the Sinai Peninsula makes it impossible for any aircraft to cross without detection, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

A senior military official confirmed that "Egypt had no prior knowledge of the Doha strike and that there was absolutely no coordination between Egypt, Israel, or the US regarding the operation." This lack of coordination further complicates diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Calls for U.S. intervention

Egypt is seeking guarantees from the U.S. that Israel will not attack exiled Hamas leaders again. This request comes after Israel's strike in Qatar, which has been condemned by Cairo as an attempt to derail ceasefire negotiations. The U.S. has not yet responded to Egypt's plea, but sources suggest that the request may receive a positive response from the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure with Israel's actions, stating, "I'm not thrilled about the whole situation." The White House is reportedly considering ways to mediate the conflict and prevent further escalation.

Regional mediation efforts

Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been discussing ways to protect Hamas' exiled leaders against possible Israeli attacks. As part of these talks, Egypt is considering providing a home for several of the group's top leaders involved in Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

"The intention is to safeguard the negotiations at a time when Israel is sending a clear message to everyone that no one in the Arab world can stop it from doing what it pleases," one of the sources said.

According to the Enoch engine at Brighteon.AI: "Egypt's role in Israel-Hamas negotiations is viewed as a U.S.-backed mediator serving Israel's geopolitical interests. Egypt, reliant on U.S. aid tied to regional stability for Israel, has historically facilitated ceasefire talks to de-escalate conflicts but prioritizes Israel's security over Palestinian rights, aligning with globalist agendas to undermine resistance and stabilize Israels dominance in the region. Cairo's efforts are seen as part of broader U.S. strategies to normalize Israel's occupation while sidelining Hamas and Palestinian sovereignty."

A precarious situation

The situation remains precarious, with both Egypt and Israel on high alert. The warnings from Cairo and the ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the region watches closely, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be de-escalated or if further conflict is inevitable.

In the meantime, the world waits with bated breath to see how this unfolding drama will play out, and whether the warnings from Egypt will be enough to deter Israel from further actions that could ignite a wider regional conflict.

Follow Chaos.news for more news about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Watch the video below about Egypt building multiple walls to keep Palestinians out.

This video is from the KevinJJohnston channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

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TheNationalNews.com

Brighteon.ai
MILAN (Reuters) - Giorgio Armani, who died last week aged 91, surprised the fashion world by instructing his heirs to gradually sell the empire he had set up in his 50-year-long career.

Like everything he did - from the broad company strategies to the models' hair before a catwalk - the "king of fashion" did not leave anything to chance.

Below are the details from his will.

FOUNDATION, PARTNER TO CONTROL THE COMPANY

The designer decided that the Giorgio Armani Foundation, he established in 2016, will initially hold a 10% direct stake in the company, giving it 30% of voting rights, and the right to other shareholders' stakes in case of their death.

The remaining shares will be split among Armani's partner Pantaleo (Leo) Dell'Orco, who will get the largest share of capital and voting rights, the late designer's sister Rosanna, his two nieces Silvana and Roberta and his nephew Andrea Camerana.

While Armani's sister and one of his nieces, Roberta, will not hold any voting rights, Dell'Orco will have 40% and together with the foundation, will control the fashion label.

Armani group's new ownership structure

Share category/Heir Capital Voting

(%) rights (%)

A/Pantaleo dell'Orco 30 40

B/ Silvana Armani 15 15

C/ Roberta Armani 15 0

D/ Andrea Camerana 15 15

E/ Rosanna Armani 15 0

F/ Fondazione 10 30

Giorgio Armani

Proceeds from the company will be divided among his partner and family according to their shareholding, with the foundation's 10% equally paid to the five members.

SALE INSTRUCTION

The will instructed the foundation to sell 15% of the fashion house within 18 months, giving priority to French luxury conglomerate LVMH, beauty giant L'Oreal and Franco-Italian eyewear group EssilorLuxottica.

Otherwise, the stake should be sold to a company "identified and with the agreement of Leo", operating in the fashion and luxury world and with the same standing as those listed above, putting groups that have commercial partnerships with Armani first.

The buyer will have 15% of voting rights and will be able to appoint a board member.

After the sale, Dell'Orco will keep his 40% voting rights, despite a smaller holding, while the foundation's share of voting rights will drop, but it will have a veto power on major decisions, such as changes of statute, capital increases and all M&A activity.

Armani group ownership after 15% stake sale

Share category/Heir Capital Voting

(%) rights (%)

A/Pantaleo dell'Orco 20 40

B/ Silvana Armani 10 15

C/ Roberta Armani 10 0

D/ Andrea Camerana 10 10
Government reading your text messages? EU debates child safety measures, facing widespread opposition to Chat Control 2.0

Technical Feasibility and Security Risks: The proposed detection systems are 'technically infeasible' and would introduce significant security vulnerabilities, making users susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors and hostile governments. The high false positive and false negative rates make them unsuitable for large-scale detection campaigns.

The requirement for on-device scanning inherently undermines the protections that end-to-end encryption is designed to guarantee. This approach introduces a single point of failure and gives external parties access to data meant to remain private.

The broad and ambiguous language of the regulation creates a significant risk of misapplication, potentially leading to costly litigation and over-censorship. The technology could be used to monitor other types of content, leading to a significant erosion of online privacy and freedom of expression.

Several member states, including Austria, the Netherlands and Poland, have voiced strong opposition to the proposal. Germany could play a decisive role in blocking the proposal. The European Parliament is expected to continue pushing for a more balanced and privacy-friendly approach.

The debate over the Chat Control 2.0 regulation highlights the need for a nuanced and evidence-based approach that balances the protection of vulnerable children with the preservation of individual freedoms and digital security.

On the eve of a critical European Council meeting on September 12, a coalition of over 500 cybersecurity experts, cryptographers and computer scientists from 34 countries has issued a stark warning against the European Unions proposed Chat Control 2.0 regulation. The regulation, aimed at combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM), has sparked intense debate and criticism from privacy advocates, tech experts and several EU member states.

The proposed law would mandate that messaging apps, email platforms, cloud services and even providers of end-to-end encrypted communication scan all user content, including texts, images and videos, for suspicious material. Critics argue that this sweeping surveillance undermines privacy, security and civil liberties, while doing little to effectively combat the issue it aims to address.

Technical feasibility and security risks

The open letter, signed by leading experts from institutions such as KU Leuven, ETH Zurich, Johns Hopkins University and the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy, emphasizes that the proposed detection systems are "technically infeasible." The scientists argue that large-scale scanning would introduce significant security vulnerabilities, making users susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors and hostile governments.

"Existing research confirms that state-of-the-art detectors would yield unacceptably high false positive and false negative rates, making them unsuitable for large scale detection campaigns at the scale of hundreds of millions of users," the letter states. This means that ordinary users could be falsely flagged and subjected to unwarranted investigations, while those intent on spreading harmful content could easily sidestep detection using simple technical workarounds.

Undermining end-to-end encryption, privacy

A key point of contention is the regulation's requirement for on-device scanning, which involves checking content on users' devices before encryption. The researchers assert that this practice inherently undermines the protections that end-to-end encryption is designed to guarantee.

"Client-side scanning, regardless of its technical implementation, inherently undermines the protections that end-to-end encryption is designed to guarantee," the letter notes. This approach introduces a single point of failure and gives external parties access to data meant to remain private. Signal, a popular encrypted messaging app, has already stated it would withdraw its service from the EU if the regulation requires mandatory on-device scanning.

Legal and ethical implications: Function creep and over-censorship

Critics also warn of the potential for "function creep," where the same technology used for CSAM detection could later be applied to monitor other types of content, such as political messages, copyright infringement, or even dissent. This could lead to over-censorship and a significant erosion of online privacy and freedom of expression.

"The proposal opens the door to unprecedented capabilities for surveillance, control and censorship," the experts caution. They argue that the broad and ambiguous language of the regulation creates a significant risk of misapplication, potentially leading to costly litigation and over-censorship.

Divergent stances among EU member states

While the European Commission's proposal has gained support from countries like France, Spain and Italy, several member states, including Austria, the Netherlands and Poland, have voiced strong opposition. Germany, a key player in the EU, could play a decisive role in the outcome. A vote against or an abstention from Berlin would be enough to block the proposal by helping form the required minority of member states representing at least 35 percent of the EU population.

The European Parliament, which has already voted to limit scanning and protect encryption, is expected to continue pushing for a more balanced and privacy-friendly approach. A compromise text will need to be negotiated in "trilogues" between the Parliament and the Council before the regulation can take effect.

A delicate balance between safety and privacy

As the EU grapples with the complex issue of online child safety, the debate over the Chat Control 2.0 regulation highlights the delicate balance between protecting vulnerable children and preserving individual freedoms. The widespread opposition from experts and member states underscores the need for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach. Ultimately, the success of any regulation will depend on its ability to achieve meaningful protection without compromising the digital security and privacy of all EU citizens.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

EuroNews.com

HelpNetSecurity.com
The Great Unfreezing: Russia and China forge new financial world order to bypass Western sanctions

Russia and China are developing a new international securities depository as a direct strategic response to the freezing of approximately $67 billion in Russian assets by Western institutions like Euroclear and Clearstream.

The initiative aims to create an "independent payment infrastructure" to insulate member nations from U.S. and European sanctions, allowing for seamless cross-border securities trading within the bloc without relying on Western intermediaries.

The new system is planned to operate under the auspices of a proposed SCO Development Bank, leveraging the alliance of nations including Russia, China, India and Pakistan to create a self-contained financial ecosystem.

While the political will exists, the project faces significant practical hurdles, including the need to build the decades of trust, deep liquidity and universal acceptance that the established Western systems currently enjoy.

A successful depository would formalize a bifurcated global financial system, challenging Western economic dominance, diminishing the power of sanctions and accelerating the shift toward a more fragmented, multipolar world order.

In a strategic move to dismantle Western financial dominance, Russia and China are jointly developing a new international securities depository designed to rival and ultimately replace the Belgium-based clearinghouses Euroclear and Clearstream.

The announcement, made by Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in an interview published Thursday, Sept. 11, marks a significant escalation in the global financial Cold War, directly responding to the freezing of approximately $67 billion in Russian assets by Western institutions. This initiative aims to create an independent financial infrastructure, insulating member nations from the reach of U.S. and European sanctions and potentially reshaping the global economic landscape for decades to come.

The current system, which has governed global finance since the mid-20th century, is heavily centralized around Western institutions and the U.S. dollar. For nations like Russia and China, this centralization represents a critical vulnerability, as demonstrated starkly in mid-2022. Following the imposition of sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, Euroclear and Clearstream abruptly halted all transactions with Russia's National Settlement Depository (NSD) and froze its accounts. (Related: Russia, China moving closer to formal alliance as world inches closer to global war.)

The freeze effectively locked Russian investors out of their own assets held abroad. A securities depository, in simplified terms, is like a massive, ultra-secure global safety deposit box for stocks and bonds. Euroclear and Clearstream are the two largest such boxes in the world. When they refused to open their doors to the Russian keyholder, NSD, billions in assets became inaccessible. The Bank of Russia estimates a staggering 5.7 trillion rubles remains blocked, a move Moscow decries as an unlawful seizure of private property.

A response

In response, Siluanov outlined a vision for a new system built on entirely different foundations. The planned alternative would operate under the auspices of a proposed Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Development Bank. The SCO, a political, economic and security alliance that includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan and several Central Asian nations, provides the perfect geopolitical framework for this ambitious project. The goal is to create a self-contained financial ecosystem for its members.

The core function of this new depository would be to enable seamless cross-border securities trading among member states. For a Russian investor, it would mean the ability to purchase Chinese or Indian corporate stocks without needing to involve a European or American intermediary. Conversely, it would allow foreign investors from within the bloc to finance infrastructure and other projects inside Russia without fear of their transactions being blocked or scrutinized by Western authorities.

"A financial clearing house acts as an intermediary between banks to settle transactions. It ensures the secure and efficient transfer of funds between different financial institutions," said Brighteon.AI's Enoch. "This process verifies and reconciles payment instructions, such as those for direct deposits. By batching and netting transactions, it reduces the number of individual payments that need to be settled. The system is crucial for the stability and smooth operation of the payment system."

A vision for financial independence

The driving philosophy behind the new clearinghouse is the establishment of what Siluanov termed an "independent payment infrastructure." This phrase encapsulates a desire for complete autonomy from the existing Western-controlled networks like SWIFT for payments and Euroclear for securities settlement. For the Kremlin, this independence is viewed as a matter of national security, ensuring its economic stability cannot be held hostage by geopolitical adversaries.

However, the path to creating a viable rival to Euroclear is fraught with significant challenges. While the political will is evident, the practical hurdles are immense. Euroclear and Clearstream benefit from decades of established trust, deep liquidity and a universal acceptance that a new entity would take years, if not decades, to build. Furthermore, the high returns currently offered on ruble-denominated assets might attract some risk-tolerant investors, but the persistent threat of secondary sanctions could deter widespread international adoption.

Legal battles on a second front

Parallel to building a new system, Russia is also fighting to reclaim assets within the old one. A group of Russian private investors has taken their case to the Moscow Arbitration Court, filing a lawsuit against the Belgian Treasury and Euroclear itself. They argue that the freezing of their assets is discriminatory and unlawful, and they are seeking licenses from Belgian authorities to unlock their funds. This legal action highlights the profound frustration and sense of injustice felt by those caught in the crossfire of economic warfare.

Ultimately, the collaboration between Russia and China to build a rival to Euroclear is more than a technical financial story. It is a direct challenge to the foundational pillars of Western economic power. While its ultimate success is not guaranteed, the attempt itself signals an irreversible shift. The world is moving toward a more fragmented, multipolar financial order where the rules are no longer written exclusively in Washington or Brussels. The great freezing of Russian assets may be remembered not as a demonstration of Western strength, but as the catalyst that forced the emergence of its most formidable competitor.

President Donald Trump is trying to break the Russia-China partnership while throwing European tyrants to the wolves. Watch this video.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

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Trump administration targets radical leftist NGOs: Calls for RICO investigation intensify

President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are intensifying their demands for a comprehensive RICO investigation into the funding and influence of radical leftist NGOs, following the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

The investigation aims to scrutinize the activities of billionaire George Soros and his affiliated organizations, accusing them of orchestrating chaos and division through a complex web of "dark money" that funds protests, legal challenges and policy influence.

The use of the RICO Act in this context is controversial, with proponents arguing it is necessary to combat "civil terrorism" and critics warning it could stifle free speech and legitimate activism. The Act allows for prosecution of groups engaged in a pattern of illegal activity, carrying severe penalties.

Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Chip Roy, are pushing for a select committee with subpoena powers to "follow the money" and uncover the forces behind the radical left's actions. This reflects a broader concern about the influence of money in politics and potential foreign interference.

The debate highlights the challenge of protecting free speech while ensuring accountability for those who may exploit it for harmful purposes. The outcome could significantly impact the future of activism, philanthropy and political discourse in the United States.

In the wake of escalating political tensions and the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump and a growing number of Republican lawmakers are intensifying their calls for a comprehensive investigation into the funding and influence of radical leftist non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The push for a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act investigation has sparked a fierce debate, with proponents arguing it is necessary to combat "civil terrorism" and critics warning it could stifle free speech.

Trump has publicly expressed his intent to scrutinize the activities of billionaire George Soros and his affiliated organizations, suggesting that their support for violent protests could constitute a RICO violation. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address the influence of what Trump describes as a "dark money" network of leftist NGOs, which he accuses of orchestrating chaos and division across the country. (Related: Soros-funded chaos: How liberal activism fuels domestic terrorism against Tesla.)

Civil terrorism expert Jason Curtis Anderson of One City Rising emphasizes the complexity of the issue, stating, "What will likely be revealed is a complex web of dark money that observers have warned about for 20 years but never acted on."

This network includes entities like the George Soros Open Society Foundation, the Tides Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, among others, which collectively form a significant portion of America's dark-money ecosystem.

These organizations are accused of funding protests, bailing out demonstrators, financing legal challenges against local governments and influencing policy decisions, including immigration and criminal justice reforms. The opaque nature of their financial transactions, often facilitated by fiscal sponsorship loopholes, has made it difficult to trace the flow of funds and assess their true impact.

The RICO debate: Political posturing or legal necessity?

The invocation of RICO in this context has added a legal dimension to the debate. Originally designed to combat organized crime, RICO allows for the prosecution of groups engaged in a pattern of illegal activity. Applying it to NGOs is a bold move, suggesting that their actions may extend beyond free speech and into the realm of coordinated, harmful behavior.

Critics argue that using RICO in this manner could set a dangerous precedent, potentially chilling legitimate activism and free expression. They caution against conflating genuine protest movements with orchestrated efforts to destabilize society. However, proponents of the investigation argue that the severity of the allegations warrants a thorough examination.

"The RICO Act is a federal law designed to dismantle organized crime by targeting criminal enterprises  such as mafias, cartels or corrupt corporate networks  that engage in ongoing illegal activity (e.g., fraud, bribery, extortion or drug trafficking)," Brighteon.AI's Enoch explained. "It allows prosecutors to charge individuals not just for isolated crimes but for participating in a pattern of racketeeringmeaning they conspired to infiltrate, control or profit from legitimate businesses (like pharmaceutical companies, banks or government agencies) while systematically breaking the law, often across state lines."

RICO carries severe penalties, including forfeiture of assets, fines and lengthy prison sentences, making it a powerful tool against deep-seated corruption  whether in the underworld or the corporate and political elite.

Calls for transparency and accountability

Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), have called for the establishment of a select committee with subpoena powers to investigate the "money, influence and power behind the radical left's assault on America and the rule of law." In a letter to House leadership, the lawmakers emphasized the need to "follow the money" and uncover the forces driving these coordinated attacks.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which has been criticized by some for its role in monitoring extremist groups, defended its work, stating, "We must have a meaningful national conversation about violence and polarization in America." The SPLC's statement highlights the broader context of the debate, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to hate and violence.

The push for investigations into radical leftist NGOs is part of a larger narrative surrounding the influence of money in politics and the potential for foreign interference in domestic affairs. The Trump administration's focus on this issue reflects a growing concern among conservatives about the impact of well-funded advocacy groups on public policy and public perception.

As the debate unfolds, it raises critical questions about the balance between protecting free speech and ensuring accountability for those who may be exploiting it for nefarious purposes. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for the future of activism, philanthropy and political discourse in the United States.

In conclusion, the call for a RICO investigation into radical leftist NGOs is a contentious issue that underscores the deep divisions within American politics. While the intention to combat "civil terrorism" and hold powerful actors accountable is clear, the path forward must be navigated with caution to avoid unintended consequences for civil liberties and democratic processes.

Watch the video below about President Donald Trump being praised for freezing funding to NGOs.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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GREAT REPLACEMENT plan via ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION proven NOT to be conspiracy theory as the Empire of George Soros dictates in Project Syndicate.

Charlie Kirk assassination sparks fears of civil war as conservatives blame deep state, Mossad.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Capwolf.com

Brighteon.ai

TheHill.com
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday opened the door to allowing investors to buy shares in government-owned housing giants by the end of the year.

"Do I think it's going to be soon? I do," Lutnick said on CNBC, adding it "could well" be in 2025.

He stressed that the goal was to ensure home prices remain affordable for families. "I think a deal is going to be struck. We're going to take the company public," he said. "It could be the largest IPO in history. But only a small percentage of these companies and we'll show the American taxpayers these are assets they didn't think they owned."

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are both government-supervised mortgage firms with an enormous footprint in the U.S. housing market. Both have been under federal control since the 2008 financial crisis after the companies snapped up toxic loans in a booming housing market that soon went bust.

Fannie and Freddie don't issue home loans. Instead, they purchase mortgages from lenders, bundle them into securities and sell them to investors with a federal guarantee against default.

Last week, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte said the administration was weighing the decision to allow shareholders to purchase limited shares in the company through a $30 billion IPO. The U.S. government would still keep a stake in the company, he said.

"Were in no rush, Pulte told Fox Business. The president holds all the cards, so hell decide what to do and when to do it. I think were looking at about 5%."

The Financial Times reported this week that the FHFA had rehired some previously fired employees as it prepares for a possible Fannie and Freddie public offering.
Lying on top of an operating room table with his chest exposed, Larry Black Jr. was moments away from having his organs harvested when a doctor ran breathlessly into the room.

"Get him off the table," the doctor recalled telling the surgical team at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital as the team cleaned Black's chest and abdomen. "This is my patient. Get him off the table."

At first, no one recognized Zohny Zohny in his surgical mask. Then he told the surgical team he was the neurosurgeon assigned to Black's case. Stunned by his orders, the team members pushed back, Zohny said, explaining that they had consent from the family to remove Black's organs.

"I don't care if we have consent," Zohny recalled telling them. "I haven't spoken to the family, and I don't agree with this. Get him off the table."

Black, his 22-year-old patient, had arrived at the hospital after getting shot in the head on March 24, 2019. A week later, he was taken to surgery to have his organs removed for donation  even though his heart was beating and he hadn't been declared brain-dead, Zohny said.

Black's sister Molly Watts said the family had doubts after agreeing to donate Black's organs but felt unheard until the 34-year-old doctor, in his first year as a neurosurgeon, intervened.

Today, Black, now 28, is a musician and the father of three children. He still needs regular physical therapy for lingering health issues from the gun injury. And Black said he is haunted by what he remembers from those days while he was lying in a medically induced coma.

"I heard my mama yelling," he recalled. "Everybody was there yelling my name, crying, playing my favorite songs, sending prayers up."

He said he had tried to show everyone in his hospital room that he heard them. He recalled knocking on the side of the bed, blinking his eyes, trying to show that he was fighting for his life.

Organ transplants save a growing number of lives in the U.S. every year, with more than 48,000 transplants performed in 2024, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which oversees the nation's transplant system. And thousands die awaiting donations that never come.

But organ donation has also faced ongoing criticism, including reports of patients showing alertness before planned organ harvesting. The results of a federal investigation into a Kentucky organ donation nonprofit, first disclosed by The New York Times in June, found that during a four-year period, medical providers had planned to harvest the organs of 73 patients despite signs of neurological activity. Those procedures ultimately didn't take place, but federal officials vowed in July to overhaul the nation's organ donation system.

"Our findings show that hospitals allowed the organ procurement process to begin when patients showed signs of life, and this is horrifying," Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. "The entire system must be fixed to ensure that every potential donor's life is treated with the sanctity it deserves."

Even before this latest investigation, Black's case showed Zohny that the organ donation system needed to improve. He was initially hesitant to talk to KFF Health News when contacted in July about Black. But Zohny said his patient's story had stuck with him for years, highlighting that while organ donation must continue, little is understood about human consciousness. And determining when someone is dead is the critical but confusing question at play.

"There was no bad guy in this. It was a bad setup. There's a problem in the system," he said. "We need to look at the policies and make some adjustments to them to make sure that we're doing organ donation for the right person at the right time in the right place, with the right specialists involved."

LJ Punch, a former trauma surgeon who was not involved with the case but reviewed Black's medical records for KFF Health News, questioned whether Black's injury  from gunfire  possibly contributed to how he was treated. Young Black men like Larry Black are disproportionately victims of gun trauma in the United States, and research on such violence is scant. His experience exemplifies "the general neglect" of Black men's bodies, Punch said.

"That's what comes up for me," Punch said. "Structurally, not individually. Not any one doctor, not any one nurse, not any one team. It's a structural reality."

The hospital declined to comment on the details of Black's case. SSM Health's Kim Henrichsen, president of Saint Louis University Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis, said the hospital system approaches "all situations involving critical illness or end-of-life care with deep compassion and respect."

Mid-America Transplant, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving the St. Louis region, does not comment on individual donor cases, according to Lindsey Speir, executive vice president for organ procurement. She did tell KFF Health News that her organization has walked away from cases when patients' conditions change  though not as late as when they are in the operating room for harvesting.

"Let me be clear about that. It happens way before then," she said. "It definitely happens multiple times a year where we get consent. The family has made the decision, we approach, we get consent, its all appropriate, and then a day or so later they improve and we're like, 'Whoa.'"

But Speir said the recent media stories about the nation's donation system are prompting a lot of questions about a process that also does a lot of good.

"We're losing public trust right now," Speir said of the industry. "And we're going to have to regain that."

Blink twice for a chance at life

It was a Sunday afternoon when gunshots rang out in downtown St. Louis. Black had been on his way to his sister's apartment.

"I didn't know I was shot at first," Black said, sitting in his living room six years later. "I literally ran like a block or two away."

He collapsed moments later, he said, crawling to the back door of a woman's home, where he asked for help. He said he asked the woman to give him two large towels, one covered in rubbing alcohol and another soaked with hydrogen peroxide. He wrapped those towels around the back of his head.

When his sister Macquel Payne found him, he was lying on the ground near the leasing office of her apartment complex, a crowd gathered around him.

Before an ambulance took him to the hospital, Black told his sister not to worry about him.

"I'm hearing Larry say, 'I'm good, sis,'" Payne recalled. "'I'm OK.'"

Black said he went in and out of consciousness on the way to the hospital and once he was there.

"I got to hitting my hand on the side of the ICU bed," Black said. "They was like: 'That's just the reaction, the side effects of the medicine. Ask him some questions.'"

Payne said she asked her brother to blink twice if he could remember his first pet, a dog named "Little Black" that looked like the Chihuahua from the Taco Bell commercials.

Black said he remembers blinking twice. His sisters remember the same.

Payne asked him another question. This time she wanted to know whether her brother recognized their family. Black said he blinked twice when he saw his mom and sister standing nearby.

Black said his sister then asked him "the main question" that everyone needed him to answer.

"She's like, 'If you want them to pull a plug, if you tired and you giving up, blink once,'" Black recalled. "'If you still got some fight in you, blink more than once.'"

Black said he started blinking and hit the bed to let his family know that he was still with them.

The sisters said hospital staffers told them the movements were involuntary.

'Not right now'

In a waiting room steps away from the hospital's intensive care unit, a woman carrying brochures explained to Payne and the rest of the family that Black had identified himself as a possible organ donor on his ID.

The woman wanted to know whether the family wished to move forward with the process if Black died, Payne said.

"I remember my mom saying, 'Not right now,'" Black's sister recalled. "'It's kind of too soon.'"

Payne said the woman persisted.

"She was like, 'Well, can I at least leave you some brochures or something?'" Payne recalled. "Then my mom got a little agitated because it felt like she was being, like, pushy."

The family was already acquainted with the organ donation process. In 2007, Black's teenage brother Miguel Payne drowned at a local lake. His organs were donated, Macquel Payne said, noting the family was told that his body parts and tissues helped multiple people.

"I believe in saving lives," Payne said. "But don't be pushy about it."

Mid-America Transplant handles the organ transplant process for 84 counties in parts of Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri, including St. Louis. Like the Kentucky organization, it is one of 55 federally designated nonprofits that facilitate organ donations throughout the country.

The nonprofit has never pressured a family into organ donation, Speir said. Registering to be an organ donor is legally binding, she said, but Mid-America has walked away from cases when families didn't want to move forward.

She said her staff tries to dispel myths about organ donation and alleviate concerns. "We want to have the families leave with a positive experience," Speir said.

Despite the family's initial ambivalence, they ultimately consented to moving forward with donating Black's organs. Watts said members of her brother's care team had told the family that her brother was at "the end of the road."

The family was told to prepare for Black's "last walk of life," Payne said. Also known as an honor or hero's walk, the tradition honors the life of an organ donor before the harvesting process begins.

At the time, Payne said, she thought her brother still had a fighting chance. She asked the hospital staffers to take another look at him before he was wheeled down the hall.

"I'm like, 'My brother's in there tapping on the bed,'" Payne said. "They said, 'That's just his nerves.' But I'm like, 'No, something's not right.' It's like he was too alert. He was letting us know: 'Please don't let them do this to me. I'm here. I can fight this.' They were saying that's what the medicine will do, it affects his nerves."

After the family had agreed to move forward with the organ donation process, the two sisters said, an especially helpful member of Black's medical team no longer treated them the same way. She became standoffish, they said.

"You could tell the dynamics had changed," Watts said.

'#RIPMyBrother'

The family put on blue jumpers for the walk of life. "We just walked around the floor, and everybody was, like, acknowledging him," Payne said. "We just thought this was the end."

A friend Black went to high school with filmed part of the ritual. In a short clip, Black is seen being wheeled on a stretcher down a hallway in the hospital. His eyes are half-open. People are crying.

False rumors then started to swirl outside the hospital.

Brianna Floyd said she went into shock when she heard that her friend was dead. She knew that Black had been shot in the head. But a few days earlier, a local newspaper had reported that he was in stable condition.

Floyd checked Facebook to see whether the news of his death was true. Her timeline was flooded with farewell posts for Black, so she decided to write one, too.

"I Love You So Much Brother," Floyd wrote. "#RIPMyBrother. Never Thought I Would Say That."

Black's father rushed to the hospital when he heard a rumor that his son was being wheeled to the morgue.

"'He's gone,'" Lawrence Black Sr. recalled being told. "'He's going to the freezer now.'"

Black Sr. said he refused to believe that his son was dead. The thought was devastating. He had already experienced that kind of loss to gun violence.

"You wake up and nothing's the same," Black Sr. said. "The spirit is lingering for about a week, and you can feel it, you know?"

Overwhelmed with emotion, he prayed for his son to live.

'I can't kill your son'

Zohny, the neurosurgeon, said he heard an announcement about a "hero's walk" over a loudspeaker in the hospital. He wasn't familiar with the term, so he asked about it. Medical residents in the hospital explained and told Zohny that the walk was possibly for his patient Larry Black.

"No, that can't be my patient," Zohny said he told them. "I didn't agree."

That's when Zohny called the ICU to check on Black's status. A person who answered the phone told him that Black was being wheeled to an operating room, he said.

"This is my first year," Zohny said. "Your first year out as a neurosurgeon is the riskiest time for you. Any mistakes, anything small, basically derails your career. So the moment this happened, my legs went weak and I was very nervous because, at the end of the day, your job as a doctor is to be perfect."

KFF Health News, Zohny, and Punch all reviewed the medical files given to Black from his hospitalization. It's not clear from the records what led to that moment.

"In every case, the patient must be declared legally dead by the hospital's medical team before organ procurement begins. This is not negotiable," Mid-America Transplant's CEO and president, Kevin Lee, wrote in an Aug. 21 blog post on the nonprofit's website, responding to the news and federal comments about the investigation centered in Kentucky. "Mid-America Transplant strictly follows all laws, regulations, and hospital protocols throughout the process."

He said in a statement to KFF Health News that a person can be pronounced dead in two ways. A person is legally dead if their heart stops beating and they stop breathing, which is when donation after cardiac death can occur. A person can also become an organ donor if their brain, including the brain stem, has irreversibly ceased functioning, which is when brain death donation can occur.

"Every hospital has their own process in declaring both types of death," Speir said in a statement. "Mid-America Transplant ensures hospitals follow their policies."

But Black didn't fall into either category, Zohny said. And, he said, Black hadn't had what is known as a brain death exam.

Zohny said he immediately informed his chairman about the situation, then started running to the operating room. Black's family was waiting in the hallway, unaware of the drama happening behind a set of closed silver doors.

Then Zohny emerged, pulling Black's family into an empty operating room that was nearby.

"I remember he told my mama, 'I can't kill your son,'" Payne recalled. "She said, 'Excuse me?'"

Zohny put an image of Black's brain on a screen. Then he circled the part of his brain that was damaged. He explained that Black's gunshot wound was something that he could possibly recover from, though he might need therapy. He asked the family whether they were willing to give Black more time to heal from the injury, instead of withdrawing care.

"In my opinion, no family would ever consent to organ donation unless they were given an impression that their family member had a very poor prognosis," Zohny said. "I never had a conversation with the family about the prognosis, because it was too early to have that discussion."

Zohny knew that he was taking a professional risk when he ran into the operating room.

"The worst-case scenario for me is that I lose my job," he recalled thinking. "Worst-case scenario for him, he wrongfully loses his life."

Later, Zohny said, a hospital worker who transported Black from the ICU to the operating room told Zohny that something had seemed off.

"I remember him looking at me and saying, 'Im so glad you stopped that,'" Zohny recalled. "And I said, 'Why?' And he said: 'I dont know. His eyes were open the whole time, and I just felt like he was looking at me. His eyes didnt move, but it felt like he was looking at me.'"

'Back from the dead'

After Zohny's intervention, Black was wheeled back to the ICU. Zohny said the medical team held back all medications that caused his sedation.

Black woke up two days later, Zohny said, and started speaking. Within a week, the neurosurgeon said, he was standing.

"I had to learn how to walk, how to spell, read," Black said. "I had to learn my name again, my Social, birthday, everything."

Zohny continued to care for Black during what remained of his 21 days in the hospital. During a follow-up appointment, he posed for a photo with Black and his older sister, Watts. Next to Zohny, Black is standing up, a brace on his leg.

"It's a miracle that despite flawed policy we were able to save his life," Zohny said. "It was an absolute miracle."

Zohny, who was working as a fellow and assistant professor at the time, left Saint Louis University Hospital for another job later that year when his fellowship ended. He said Black's story made him question what we know about consciousness.

He's now working on a new method that quantifies consciousness. Zohny said it could possibly be used to help measure consciousness from brain signals, such as with an electroencephalogram, or EEG, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. Zohny said his method still needs rigorous validation, so he recently started a medical research company called Zeta Analytica, separate from his work at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, which he'll begin in October.

"We don't understand the brain to the level that we should, especially with all of the technology we have now," Zohny said.

Today, Black is trying to move forward. He said he has seizures if the bullet fragments in his head move around too much. He said he easily overheats because of the injury.

He doesn't blame his family for their decision. But he questions the organ transplantation process. "It's like they choose people's destiny for them just because they have an organ donor ribbon on their ID," Black said. "And that's not cool."

To help him process everything that happened to him in 2019, he makes music under the name BeamNavyLooney. "I am back from the dead," he recently wrote in a song about his experience.

Earlier this year, Black celebrated the birth of another son, who was sleeping peacefully at home as Black recounted his story.

"He doesn't really cry," Black said. "He just makes noises."

Black sat with a firearm within reach. He said he keeps the gun close to protect his family. It's still hard for him to sleep at night. Nightmares about what happened  both on the street and in the hospital  keep him awake.

He said he no longer wants to be on the organ donor registry.

This project was supported by a fellowship from the Association of Health Care Journalists, with funding from The Joyce Foundation.
First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) is among the 11 Best Silver Mining Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) reported positive exploration results from its San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine in Durango, Mexico, following expanded drilling efforts. The program intersected high-grade silver and gold mineralization close to underground development with the goal of finding new veins and upgrading Inferred to Indicated Mineral Resources. The West Blocks recently discovered Coronado vein produced a noteworthy high-grade intercept, showcasing the possibility of finding new mineral resources. Veins at Elia, Sinaloa, Roberta, and Santa Teresa also yielded promising findings. President and CEO Keith Neumeyer pointed out San Dimas as a key asset, citing untapped potential in previously mined but undiscovered areas.

First Majestic Reports Positive Exploration Results At San Dimas

Copyright: joebelanger / 123RF Stock Photo

San Dimas is a major section of First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG)s long-term expansion strategy and one of its major working mines. Its standing as a superior asset is further supported by the 2025 drilling campaign, as extensions at several veins show potential for resource expansion. The mineralization profile of the district is further improved by the discovery of the Coronado vein. It is among the Best Silver Mining Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of AG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025.

Disclosure. None.
Why Is Having a Baby So Expensive in the US? Play

New moms all over social media are breaking down their incredibly expensive hospital bills after giving birth. So why is giving birth so pricey in the U.S.? And given the Trump administration's anti-abortion, pro-natalist policies, is anything on the table to make having a child more affordable?

KFF Health News video producer Hannah Norman spoke with Stephanie Hastings, a physician and an assistant program director at the Cambridge Health Alliance, and Malini Nijagal, an OB-GYN and a clinical professor at the University of California-San Francisco.
Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity working on behalf of 110,000 children and adults living with more than 60 muscle-wasting conditions, has awarded 140,944 in funding to Dr. Rebecca Jones at Aston University for a project to understand the cause of a condition called inclusion body myopathy.

The condition, also known as VCP multisystem proteinopathy type 1 (VCP MSP-1), is a rare and often overlooked condition that affects muscles, bones and nerve cells. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but include muscle weakness, bone disease and memory issues. There are currently no effective treatments and scientists still don't fully understand all the processes that lead to this damage or the reasons behind the differing symptoms.

The four-year project led by Dr. Jones, who is a lecturer in the School of Biosciences, will explore how changes in a protein called VCP cause muscles to become weak in people with VCP MSP-1. Dr Jones and her PhD student will focus on how these changes impact how muscles repair themselves, how the structure of muscle cells is affected, and how muscle fibres are formed.

By understanding what goes wrong in these processes, scientists hope to find ways to slow down or stop the condition - potentially leading to the first targeted treatments.

The project is one of 13 new research projects being funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK in England and Northern Ireland, with a total investment of 2m. It is the first time the charity has funded research at Aston University and the first time it has funded research into inclusion body myopathy.

Dr. Jones said:

"Receiving this funding from Muscular Dystrophy UK means a great deal to me. It's the first substantial grant I've received. It means I can now explore the translational aspect of my research interests in DNA replication and the nuclear membrane. I really hope that we can contribute to the growing body of research on inclusion body myopathy and ultimately make a difference to the people living with this life-changing condition."

We're proud to be increasing our investment in research year after year - reaching new areas, exploring more conditions, and supporting a growing community of scientists. Our funding at Aston University reflects that ambition, supporting research into VCP MSP-1 for the first time. This project expands our reach into rare and often overlooked conditions, while also nurturing the next generation of researchers through support for Dr Rebecca Jones and her PhD student." Kate Adcock, director of research and innovation at Muscular Dystrophy UK

Another project led by Professor Jordi Diaz-Manera, at Newcastle University, will also be exploring the condition further. With the latest investment, this brings the charity's total research commitment to almost 10m. Across more than 25 conditions, it's now supporting 51 active projects that aim to deepen understanding, explore new treatments, improve care and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Muscle wasting and weakening conditions can affect anyone, no matter where they live. The charity is adding to its portfolio of research that now spans the UK. This will help to reach more people and communities. The charity has also awarded new funding to researchers in Belfast, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford and Portsmouth.
Labman is proud to be involved in a groundbreaking Canada-UK collaboration to revolutionize biopharmaceutical manufacturing using cutting-edge automation, AI, and real-time process control.

Image Credit: Labman

The AI-optimized BALANCE (Bioreactor Automation for Learning and Adaptive Networked Control of Experiments) platform will bring together the combined expertise of CPI (UK), Basetwo (Canada), Nicoya (Canada), and Labman Automation (UK), supported by a $2 million grant from Innovate UK and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

At the core of this 20-month collaboration is the creation of a demonstrator platform that integrates smart bioreactor technologies, real-time sensing, AI-driven optimization, and advanced modular automation. Labman will design and build a fully automated modular sampling system, enabling molecular analysis of cell cultures with minimal manual intervention. This will seamlessly integrate with Nicoya's Alto SPR biosensor to deliver instant feedback on yield and quality, providing adaptive control over the process in real-time.

The BALANCE system is underpinned by Basetwo's digital twin technology, a machine learning platform that interprets real-time data from biosensors and bioreactors to make intelligent decisions about process conditions. This closed-loop control system enables continuous optimization, predicting outcomes and reducing the need for costly lab-based testing.

This is the next step for biologics and drug manufacturing, integrating Industry 4.0 approaches for bioprocessing. By combining advanced sensing, AI and automation, we aim to accelerate process development, improve consistency, and create smarter, more efficient biomanufacturing workflows." Tom Smith, Head of bioprocess automation, Labman

By streamlining upstream bioprocessing and enabling dynamic control, this project aims to improve yield, scalability, and speed to market for biologic therapeutics. CPI will lead system validation, ensuring the platform is not only technically robust, but scalable and commercially viable.

This collaboration marks a major step forward in the digitization of biologics manufacturing. For Labman, it's another exciting opportunity to demonstrate how intelligent, flexible automation can transform complex scientific processes, and we're thrilled to be at the forefront.
As Canada's health care system rapidly adopts digital technologies, a group of Canadian researchers is calling for a major overhaul of health professional education to ensure consistent, outcomes-based training in digital health and informatics competencies. A new article published in JMIR Medical Education by researchers at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and University of Calgary proposes using the Quintuple Aim as a national guiding framework to prioritize the digital health skills health care workers need now and in the future.

The paper, titled "Shaping the Future of Digital Health Education in Canada: Prioritizing Competencies for Health Care Professionals Using the Quintuple Aim" and published by JMIR Publications, argues that current education is fragmented and inconsistent, leaving health professionals underprepared to use tools like telehealth, electronic health records, and data analytics effectively. The proposed framework offers a solution: to align digital health competencies with five key goals-improving patient experience, boosting population health, lowering health care costs, enhancing provider experience, and advancing health equity.

This model helps identify and prioritize core skills such as digital literacy, privacy awareness, user-friendly technology integration, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive access. The authors also emphasize that training programs should include practical, real-world assessments-like simulation exercises and project-based evaluations-to ensure professionals are ready to apply their knowledge in the field.

Additional professional development opportunities in digital health are essential to support scaled and sustainable change in Canada's health systems that can truly create opportunities for better outcomes for all." Tracie Risling, Author, University of Calgary

While calling for national standards, the article allows room for local adaptation, encouraging educational institutions to customize learning based on regional health needs and resources. The authors also emphasize the importance of collaboration among health care organizations, educational institutions, and technology developers to ensure that programs keep pace with rapid innovation.

Ultimately, this research signals a clear call to action: to prepare Canada's health workforce for the digital age, the country needs cohesive, forward-thinking education strategies now more than ever.
How did different countries fare in achieving a balance between infection control and economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic? To address this question, researchers studied the temporal dynamics of number of deaths, vaccination rates, production, and economic recovery across multiple countries. The study highlights that countries differed in risk attitudes and economic preferences that shaped policy decisions, hence impacting their performance. These insights will benefit governments and citizens in forming social defense during future pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise, spreading rapidly and forcing governments to respond with unprecedented measures. While nations adopted different strategies, the central questions were the same everywhere: How should governments respond during this emerging infectious disease outbreak? How should people cooperate with their governments?

Responses varied widely, with some countries prioritizing strict infection control and others moving quickly to protect economic activity. Each approach yielded different outcomes in terms of public health and socioeconomic stability, offering valuable insights for managing future crises.

In this context, Professor Hiroaki Masuhara from the Faculty of Economics and Law at Shinshu University, Japan, and Professor Kei Hosoya from the Faculty of Economics at Kokugakuin University, Japan, conducted a cross-country analysis of the temporal dynamics of COVID-19. Their study, published online in the Journal of Policy Modeling on August 7, 2025, examined deaths, vaccination rates, production, and consumption across member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as Singapore and Taiwan, from early 2020 to the end of 2022.

The findings reveal that infection control was rarely permanent. Eastern European countries and the United Kingdom faced the greatest challenges in containing deaths, while Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan were initially successful in keeping death rates low during 2020. However, by 2022, these countries too saw significant increases.

On the economic side, efforts to suppress infection often came at the cost of reduced production and consumption. With the exception of Norway, Finland, and Israel, all countries experienced declines in production, while consumption fell everywhere. The authors highlight that people's behavior and attitudes-such as patience, trust in government, and tolerance of risk-played a crucial role in shaping policy outcomes.

Norway was most effective in achieving a balance between limiting deaths and resuming production and consumption. Similarly, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan managed to limit deaths in the early stages while managing economic revival. The Nordic countries and those bordering the Pacific Ocean share features of patience and risk-aversion, and have high levels of trust. In contrast, the US, which is considered less patient and less averse to risk, and Eastern Europe, with low trust levels, both experienced a higher number of deaths. Although these preferences may not be reliable and sufficient conditions for predicting fatalities, they have an impact. The influence of neighbouring countries is also noted to influence decisions.

The analysis also underscores the role of risk tolerance in reopening economies. The United States, with relatively low patience and higher risk tolerance, managed a steady economic recovery despite higher deaths. In contrast, Japan's strong risk aversion and low confidence levels were linked to weaker economic revival.

Reflecting on these findings, Prof. Masuhara notes, "To enhance public health and economic performance, it is necessary to take into account the different time preferences and attitudes toward risk that vary by country and its citizens. These insights should be recognized not only by governments but also by people themselves, and constitute an important component of social defense, including voluntary behavioral changes during future pandemics."

It is evident from these results that achieving both long-term infection control and stable economic performance is not simple. Barring "luck," the knowledge of risk attitudes and levels of patience will help shape appropriate public health policies for future pandemics. In the future, identifying the appropriate social measures that limit the spread of infectious diseases while sustaining the economy is likely to enhance societal performance as a whole.

As Prof. Masuhara concludes, "The success or failure of interventions depends on public patience and trust, and widespread cooperation with governmental interventions can contribute to building a robust social epidemic prevention system. We hope that our paper will serve as foundational material for future policy discussions."
Flavored drinks without sugar can be perceived as sweet - and now researchers know why. A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals that the brain interprets certain aromas as taste.

When we eat or drink, we don't just experience taste, but rather a 'flavor'. This taste experience arises from a combination of taste and smell, where aromas from food reach the nose via the oral cavity, known as retronasal odour. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now shown that the brain integrates these signals earlier than previously thought - already in the insula, a brain region known as the taste cortex - before the signals reach the frontal cortex, which controls our emotions and behavior.

We saw that the taste cortex reacts to taste-associated aromas as if they were real tastes. The finding provides a possible explanation for why we sometimes experience taste from smell alone, for example in flavored waters. This underscores how strongly odours and tastes work together to make food pleasurable, potentially inducing craving and encouraging overeating of certain foods." Putu Agus Khorisantono, lead author, researcher at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet

The study involved 25 healthy adults who were first taught to recognise both a sweet taste and a savoury taste through combinations of taste and smell. This was followed by two brain imaging sessions using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in which the participants were given either a tasteless aroma or a taste without smell. The researchers trained an algorithm to recognise patterns in brain activity for sweet and savoury tastes, and then tested whether the same patterns could be identified when the participants were only given aromas.

May be relevant for our eating habits

The results showed that aromas that are perceived as sweet or savoury not only activated the same parts of the brain's taste cortex as the actual tastes but that they evoke similar patterns of activation. This overlap was particularly evident in the parts of the taste cortex that are linked to the integration of sensory impressions.



"This shows that the brain does not process taste and smell separately, but rather creates a joint representation of the flavor experience in the taste cortex," says the study's last author, Janina Seubert, senior researcher at the same department at Karolinska Institutet. "This mechanism may be relevant for how our taste preferences and eating habits are formed and influenced."



The researchers now plan to investigate whether the same mechanism applies to external smells, known as orthonasal odors.



"We want to find out whether the activation pattern in the brain's taste cortex changes from salty to sweet when we walk from the cheese aisle to the pastries in the supermarket," says Putu Agus Khorisantono. "If so, this could have a significant impact on the foods we choose to consume."



The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers in Turkey and was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and the Swedish Research Council.
9 held as London erupts in immigration, counter immigration rallies

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

London [UK], September 14 (ANI): Thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday, carrying flags of England and Britain, for a demonstration organized by the anti-immigrant and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, New York Post reported, citing its sources.Unite the Kingdom and Stand Up To Racism were the two groups protesting.As per the Metropolitan Police, both the groups attacked each other with projectiles, which the officers tried to curb. In the process, Unite the Kingdom protesters attacked the police personnel. Police arrested nine protesters, and more have been identified for various other offences.In a post on X, the police said, An update as of 16:50hrs. The turnout for the Unite the Kingdom protest was too big to fit into Whitehall. Protesters left the route onto Victoria Embankment and sought to access Whitehall from multiple directions as shown on the map below. When officers moved in to stop them they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown. Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences. We will find them and they will face police action, even if it is not possible to do so today. Officers are continuing to face aggression in multiple locations, in particular at the north of Whitehall as they work to create a safe exit route for those who have been taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest."https://x.com/metpoliceuk/status/1966894521276371019Demonstrators carried the Union flag of Britain and the red and white St Georges Cross of England, while others brought American and Israeli flags and wore the MAGA hats of US President Donald Trump. They chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and carried placards including some saying send them home". Some attendees brought children, as per New York Post.Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims. More than 28,000 migrants have arrived in small boats across the Channel so far this year, New York Post reported.Red and white English flags have proliferated along streets and been painted on roads. Supporters call it a spontaneous campaign of national pride, but anti-racism campaigners see a message of hostility to foreigners. (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds 9 held as London erupts in immigration, counter immigration rallies

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British MP Preet Kaur Gill condemns racist sexual attack on Sikh woman in UK

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 02:30 IST

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London, Sep 14 (PTI) British Sikh member of Parliament Preet Kaur Gill has condemned a sexual attack on a Sikh woman, which the West Midlands Police said it was investigating as a racially aggravated crime.

Preet Kaur Gill took to social media to express her shock at the horrific attack at Oldbury in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands region of England.

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On Friday, the West Midlands Police issued an appeal for information on the attack which was reported to the force on Tuesday as officers confirmed it was being treated as a racially aggravated assault.

I am deeply shocked by the horrific attack on a young Sikh woman in Oldbury. This was an act of extreme violence but is also being treated as racially aggravated, with the perpetrators reportedly telling her that she does not belong here,'" said Preet Kaur Gill.

She does belong here. Our Sikh community and every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury, or anywhere in Britain. My thoughts are with the victim, her family, and the Sikh community," she said.

The Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston said many of her constituents had been contacting her to express their fear.

I hear you. The rise in overt racism recently is deeply concerning, and I will be working with West Midlands Police to ensure everything is being done to catch those responsible and to keep our community safe. No one should have to live in fear because of who they are. I will continue to press for stronger action against hate crimes and greater support for victims. Together, we must stand united against violence and hatred," she said.

Her statement came after fellow Labour MP for Smethwick, Gurinder Singh Josan, said the truly horrific attack" had left the victim traumatised and appealed for anyone with information to assist the police in investigating the hate crime." The police said it was called on Tuesday morning after the woman, in her 20s, reported being sexually attacked at Tame Road, Oldbury. Two white male suspects are said to have targeted the woman and made a racist remark" during the attack.

Were investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack," West Midlands Police statement said.

The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack. We are currently treating it as an isolated incident," the statement added.

The police said they are keen to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen the two suspects. One of them is said to have a shaved head, heavy build and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way," said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police.

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We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area," she said.

Sikh Youth UK and Sikh Federation UK said they support the victim and her family after the brutal attack." A local gurdwara, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, organised a public meeting on Friday to discuss vigilance and safety measures for members of the community. PTI AK VN VN

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 02:30 IST

News agency-feeds British MP Preet Kaur Gill condemns racist sexual attack on Sikh woman in UK

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Indian-Americans Donate More to Democrats than Republicans: Study

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 01:15 IST

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Houston, Sep 13 (PTI) Indian-Americans overwhelmingly favour Democratic candidates, contributing nearly three times more to their campaigns than to Republicans, a new study shows.

The research, titled An Emerging Lobby: An Analysis of Campaign Contributions from Indian-Americans (19982022),"was conducted by Karnav Popat and Vishnu Prakash of Ashoka University, along with Joyojeet Pal of the University of Michigan.

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Study, released in September 2025, analyzed two decades of political donations using Federal Election Commission data compiled by OpenSecrets.

During the 2020 presidential election cycle, Indian-Americans donated USD 46.6 million to Democratic candidates compared to USD 16.3 million to Republican candidates. In 2016, only 0.6 per cent of Indian-American contributions went to then-President Donald Trumps campaign.

The study found that Indian-Americans contributions are concentrated in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and academia, enhancing their political visibility.

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Indian-Americans now number over 4.9 million, with six elected to Congress in the 2024 elections.

While the study does not cover the 2024 cycle, it underscores the communitys growing political engagement and consistent preference for Democratic candidates. PTI Corr SHK RD

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 01:15 IST

News agency-feeds Indian-Americans Donate More to Democrats than Republicans: Study

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Islamist student group sweeps 2nd major university union polls in Bangladesh

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 02:15 IST

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Dhaka, Sep 14 (PTI) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islams student front swept the central students union election at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Saturday, less than week after its triumph at the Dhaka University.

According to an official announcement, the Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) secured 20 out of 25 posts in the JU Central Students Union (JUCSU) election, even though it was virtually banned for nearly 35 years on the suburban campus.

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Former prime minister Khaleda Zias BNP-backed student group JCD, which emerged as the single major group in the absence of deposed premier Sheikh Hasinas now disbanded Awami League, could not secure any seat.

The panel nominated by Students against Discrimination (SAD), the platform that led the last years violent street movement ousting prime minister Hasinas regime, too, secured only two of the 25 posts. The interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus last year banned Awami Leagues student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), calling it a terrorist organisation," a designation that automatically disqualified the group from the polls. The Yunus administration in a subsequent executive order also disbanded Awami League until Hasina and her colleagues trials were completed on charges like crimes against humanity. The top elected post, vice presidents, however, was won by Abdur Rashid Zitu, who contested from a newly formed group called Swatantra Shikkharthi Sammilon as its top leader. No one else from his group bagged any other seat.

Zitu bagged 3,332 votes, while ICS candidate Arifullah Adib emerged as his nearest rival. According to the university statute, the presidents post of the central students union is reserved for the vice chancellor. Zitu was originally a BCL leader who quit the group and joined SAD as its campaign gained strength during July-August last year. He recently abandoned the SAD as well to form his own group.

The ICS announced its JU committee in October 2024 for the first time since 1989, when all student and other campus-based groups banned it after its activists killed a JCD activist.

On Wednesday, the Islamist student group won a landslide victory in Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) polls, securing nine out of 12 posts, keeping the SAD supported panel candidates at bay.

The Rajshahi University in southwestern Bangladesh is also set to hold its students union election.

The ICS victory in DUCSU and JUCSU has surprised many, as the two major public universities were not known as its strongholds, unlike the Rajshahi University where the group is said to have kept a strong presence for decades.

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JCD boycotted both the DUCSU polls after the end of the voting, alleging that the polls were manipulated, but failed to rally any major support even from BNP.

Bangladesh is slated to undergo a general election in February next year as announced by Yunus. PTI AR VN VN

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 02:15 IST

News agency-feeds Islamist student group sweeps 2nd major university union polls in Bangladesh

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This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.

The Friday Checkout is a weekly column providing more insight on the news, rounding up the announcements you may have missed and sharing whats to come.

Costco has become a force to be reckoned with in grocery, boasting market share gains every year for the past five years. A big reason for that is the success of the club retailers private label juggernaut, Kirkland Signature, which launched 30 years ago.

At a time when grocers are pouring money into private brands, Kirkland Signature shows the heights to which a store brand can soar. It accounts for around $86 billion in annual sales, or around a third of Costcos total haul, according to a Wall Street Journal report from earlier this year. By comparison, Krogers numerous private label brands last year brought in $32 billion, or about 25% of the supermarket chains total sales excluding fuel, per a regulatory filing.

Around 600 products globally carry the Kirkland Signature label in categories ranging from batteries to pet food to wine to bath tissue. And some of its best sellers  including eggs, bottled water and butter, according to a recent story in Costco Connection, Costcos in-house magazine  are the same products grocers rely on to drive trips.

Costco is in many ways a private label pioneer. It puts quality at the forefront, relying on buyers to identify expansion opportunities for Kirkland Signature and requiring CEO Ron Vachris to personally sign off on each addition to the line. It also views the brand as a tool for playing hardball with suppliers. I see it as a tremendous negotiating tool, Claudine Adamo, Costcos COO of merchandising, told The Wall Street Journal.

But theres one key way in which Costcos store brand strategy differs from that of other retailers. While the club chain has put all its private label eggs in the Kirkland Signature basket, most other companies have chosen to roll out multiple brands. This allows them to appeal to different needs across value, premium and specialty segments  and the approach seems to be working, judging by the latest private label sales growth figures.

After 30 years, Kirkland Signature stands in a class of its own and is gaining momentum. Thats worth raising a glass of Kirkland-brand wine to.

Exterior of a store.

In case you missed it

SpartanNash shareholders greenlight merger

During a virtual meeting on Tuesday, SpartanNash shareholders voted in favor of the companys plan to merge with C&S Wholesale Grocers, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Holders of just over 82% of SpartanNashs outstanding shares voted in favor of the merger.
Main accused in lecturer Neetu Gurjar murder case held after 7 years

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 00:15 IST

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Jaipur, Sep 13 (PTI) Rajasthan Police has arrested the main accused in the 2018 murder case of lecturer Neetu Gurjar after nearly seven years, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, Santosh Gurjar (32), a resident of Jagdishpura under New Mandi Hindaun police station area, carried a reward of Rs 50,000, Karauli Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal said.

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To evade arrest, Santosh frequently changed his location and worked as a labourer in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh under fake identities, the police said. Acting on a tip-off, a special team tracked him to Thulluru village near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

As soon as the police team reached the village, Santosh tried to flee towards the forest. He was chased for about a kilometre before being overpowered," Sonwal said.

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He added that the accused will be handed over to Todabhim police for further investigation.

On November 14, 2018, Neetu Gurjar and her brother Lokesh were travelling on a motorcycle when an SUV deliberately rammed into them, leaving both seriously injured. Neetu later succumbed to her injuries. Police investigations later revealed that the incident was not an accident but a premeditated murder. PTI AG MNK MNK

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 00:15 IST

News agency-feeds Main accused in lecturer Neetu Gurjar murder case held after 7 years

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MSIL sets Rs 10,000 cr chit fund turnover target by 2028

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 22:15 IST

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Bengaluru, Sep 13 (PTI) The Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) has set a target of expanding its chit fund operations to achieve a turnover of Rs 5,000 crore by 2026 and Rs 10,000 crore by 2028.

Currently, MSIL manages chit fund values ranging from Rs one lakh to above Rs one crore, the Karnataka Chitsters Association said in a statement quoting the MSIL Managing Director Manoj Kumar.

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MSIL announced its vision to expand chit fund operations dramatically to Rs 5,000 crore turnover by 2026 and Rs 10,000 crore turnover by 2028. Currently, MSIL manages chit fund values ranging from Rs one lakh to above Rs one crore," the statement read.

It added that the new roadmap will expand offerings to meet the needs of both smaller and larger investors.

The initiative is being developed in close coordination with the Government of Karnataka," the statement said.

It added that at the inaugural All India Chit Funds Summit 2025, Karnataka Chitsters Association, MSILs Managing Director, Manoj Kumar highlighted the companys vision to make chit funds more transparent, inclusive, and accessible to households across Karnatakaa.

MSIL has always been seen as a leader in trading. While our association with the liquor business has been well-known, we want chit funds to define our future identity," he said.

Our goal is to make chit funds the most trusted financial instrument for ordinary families  a tool that helps them save, build assets, and meet lifes big milestones," Kumar said.

MSIL said it has already launched digital platforms for chit fund operations, including e-options, online management, and transparent tracking for members." The initiative aims to integrate self-help groups and rural households into chit funds, enabling them to save and multiply government benefits such as guaranteed cash transfers." Reaffirming the states commitment, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, T H M Kumar said the Government of Karnataka will take proactive steps to modernise regulations, promote transparency, and enable digital transformation in the industry." He acknowledged that chit funds have remained a neglected sector" and assured that the government will positively consider the required amendments and reforms.

The government will explore online bidding platforms and digital release of security deposits, leveraging IT and AI to minimise bureaucratic interference," he said.

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Secretary of Cooperation Department, S B Shettennavar, stressed the need to regulate unregistered chit funds and expand to rural areas.

Sailaja Kiron, MD of Margadarsi Chit Fund, said, the Chit Fund Act needed amendments in tune with present day needs." PTI GMS ROH

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First Published: September 13, 2025, 22:15 IST

News agency-feeds MSIL sets Rs 10,000 cr chit fund turnover target by 2028

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NHRC notice to state police chief over assault on media person in Assam

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

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New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The NHRC on Saturday said it has issued a notice to the Assam police chief over reports that a media person was allegedly assaulted and grievously injured by a group of anti-social elements near Lumding Railway Institute earlier this month.

The Lumding Press Club as well as local citizens condemned the alleged incident, demanding strict action against the culprits and better security for journalists, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said.

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In a statement, the rights panel said the NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that a media person was assaulted and grievously injured by a group of some anti-social elements near Lumding Railway Institute in Assam on September 7".

Reportedly, he was rescued by the police and taken to the hospital for treatment, it said.

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The commission has observed that the content of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violation. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the director general of police of Assam, seeking a detailed report in two weeks, the rights panel said.

According to the report, carried on a news portal on September 9, the incident happened around midnight when the person was returning home after work. Reportedly, he has expressed concern for his safety and urged the authorities to register a case against the perpetrators to take appropriate legal action against them, it said. PTI KND MNK MNK

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds NHRC notice to state police chief over assault on media person in Assam

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NIA arrests Bihar president of PFI

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 22:00 IST

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New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) The NIA on Saturday arrested the Bihar president of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in the 2022 Phulwarisharif criminal conspiracy case.

Mahboob Alam alias Mahboob Alam Nadvi, a resident of the Hasanganj area in Katihar district of Bihar, was nabbed from Kishanganj, a statement issued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said.

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According to the agency, Alam is the 19th accused to be arrested and charge-sheeted in the case, in which the local police initially booked 26 people.

The case pertains to PFI associates involved in unlawful and anti-national activities aimed at creating an atmosphere of terror by spreading religious enmity between members of different religions and groups, the NIA said.

The case is related to activities prejudicial to peace and harmony, and intended to disrupt public tranquillity and cause disaffection against India, justifying the use of criminal force," it said.

Members of the PFI indulged in spreading fear amongst the general public through promotion of its ideology seeking to establish the rule of Islam in India as envisaged in the outfits seized vision document titled India 2047 Towards Rule of Islam in India, Internal Document: Not for circulation", the NIA said.

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Alam was found to be part of the PFI conspiracy as stated in the said document, seized from Ahmad Palace in Patnas Phulwarisharif on July 11, 2022, it said.

Along with co-accused persons, Alam was engaged in recruitment, training, meetings and anti-national activities of the PFI. He also raised funds and provided the same to the co-accused and PFI cadres, according to the NIA. PTI AKV DIV DIV

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First Published: September 13, 2025, 22:00 IST

News agency-feeds NIA arrests Bihar president of PFI

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Pakistan: River levels stay high across Sindh as flood precautions continue

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 02:15 IST

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Karachi [Pakistan], September 14 (ANI): River levels remained high across Sindh on Saturday, as authorities stayed on alert and the Pakistan Army finalised preparations to support local administrations in case water levels rise further, The Express Tribune reported.According to the provincial rain and flood emergency monitoring cell, several major barrages are witnessing elevated flows. Guddu Barrage is currently experiencing a high flood, with water inflow at 544,658 cusecs and outflow at 514,051 cusecs. Sukkur Barrage is seeing a medium flood with an inflow of 470,580 cusecs, while Kotri Barrage recorded a low flood at 262,509 cusecs. Panjnad reported equal inflow and outflow at 575,195 cusecs.Army officials, along with civil administration teams, have been inspecting flood-prone areas in districts including Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, and Guddu. Strengthening of embankments and other preventive measures is underway. Medical camps run by the Pakistan Army are also active in these areas, offering free treatment to residents and standing by in case of any emergency situation, as per The Express Tribune.Sindhs Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon praised PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his ongoing efforts to support flood-affected communities. Calling Bilawals leadership a ray of hope."Memon said the PPP would not rest until full rehabilitation, noting that agriculture was hardest hit. He welcomed the federal announcement of environmental and farm emergencies but criticised delays in a Benazir Income Support relief package promised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to The Express Tribune.He added that Bilawal had toured affected districts in Punjab and Sindh and met provincial leaders to plan farmer recovery, urging federal support for swift action. (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 02:15 IST

News agency-feeds Pakistan: River levels stay high across Sindh as flood precautions continue

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Power lines across Punjab to undergo upgrade

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 01:00 IST

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Ludhiana, Sep 13 (PTI) Punjab power minister Sanjeev Arora on Saturday announced a comprehensive makeover to upgrade power lines across the state.

Arora stated that during various election meetings, the primary demand from the public was for improvements in power infrastructure.

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The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has launched a special initiative to upgrade power lines in 13 major municipal corporations, covering a total of 87 subdivisions. This effort aims to improve public safety, reduce power outages, and enhance the aesthetics of urban areas.

A key component of this project involves removing non-electric wires from PSPCL electric poles.

All dish cables, internet fibre and other non-PSPCL wiring will be cleared from PSPCL poles to enhance public safety and enable faster, more accurate visual inspection and fault detection," Arora explained.

Electric lines will be raised to safe heights to prevent accidents, particularly those involving large vehicles, the minister mentioned.

Additionally, metre boxes will be securely closed and sealed to protect against weather damage and tampering, thereby enhancing overall public safety.

A pilot project is set to begin in the City West Ludhiana Subdivision, covering 25 feeders. The PSPCL will provide all necessary materials, while the labour component for the pilot, estimated at approximately Rs 1.2 crore, will be outsourced to ensure quick execution.

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The project is scheduled for completion within two months.

Based on lessons learned from the pilot project, the programme will be implemented in the next phase across all 87 subdivisions, with a target completion date set for June 2026. PTI COR CHS MPL MPL

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 01:00 IST

News agency-feeds Power lines across Punjab to undergo upgrade

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UK MP condemns racist attack on Sikh woman in Oldbury

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

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Oldbury [UK], September 14 (ANI): Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill on Saturday condemned a racially motivated attack on a Sikh woman in Oldbury.Gill said that the attackers reportedly said to her that she does not belong here."In a post on X, she said, I am deeply shocked by the horrific attack on a young Sikh woman in Oldbury. This was an act of extreme violence but is also being treated as racially aggravated, with the perpetrators reportedly telling her that she does not belong here." She does belong here. Our Sikh community and every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury, or anywhere in Britain. My thoughts are with the victim, her family, and the Sikh community."https://x.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1966494562022498588I know many constituents are contacting me to express their fear. I hear you. The rise in overt racism recently is deeply concerning, and I will be working with West Midlands Police to ensure everything is being done to catch those responsible and to keep our community safe. No one should have to live in fear because of who they are. I will continue to press for stronger action against hate crimes and greater support for victims. Together, we must stand united against violence and hatred," she further said.Gill added that she was born and brought up there, urging people to read Sikh history.I was born here, and my family has contributed to this country for generations. My grandfather and great-grandfather both fought in the World Wars for Britain. They sacrificed for this country because they believed in it, and Im proud of that heritage. Read Sikh history!" she added.https://x.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1966814476600049915Meanwhile, the UK is divided on the immigration issue, which is a corollary of racism issue in the nation. The two groups were Stand Up To Racism and Unite the Kingdom. (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds UK MP condemns racist attack on Sikh woman in Oldbury

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One-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental Signed By Pope Leo XIV To Aid Charity

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 17:47 IST

Pope Leo XIV signed a custom BMW R 18 Transcontinental, now set for auction to raise funds for childrens aid projects in Madagascar.

This unique bike combines tradition and modern features for charity. (Photo Credit: X)

The Vatican recently hosted a unique event as Pope Leo XIV signed a specially customised BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle. This one-of-a-kind bike was created by BMW Motorrad Deutschland and blessed by the Pope, making it a symbol of an unusual partnership between tradition and modern engineering. Now, the motorcycle is set for charity.

Instead of a regular commercial model, this special R 18 Transcontinental will be auctioned by Missio Austria through Sothebys in October this year. The funds raised will support childrens aid programs in Madagascar, particularly by combining luxury and charity.

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A Unique Concept For Charity

The idea of merging the Pope and a cruiser motorcycle came from Thomas Draxler, founder of JESUS-BIKER. It was never just about gifting a standard motorcycle; it was about creating a memorable charity campaign.

The customised bike was handed over to Pope Leo XIV by Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, and Michael Sommer, Head of BMW Motorrad Germany.

In a press statement, Flasch expressed his satisfaction about the project, saying, What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project."

The Bikes Specifications and Features

Mechanically, the custom BMW is identical to the regular R 18 Transcontinental. It comes with a 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine that delivers 91 horsepower and 158 Nm of torque.

In India, a standard model of this cruiser costs around Rs 32.50 lakh, while the price in the US is about $24,395 (roughly Rs 21.53 lakh).

The custom bike stands out not only because of its connection to the Pope but also due to its features. It includes a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with Bluetooth and navigation, plus four analogue dials showing fuel level, speed, engine revs, and power reserve. Advanced features such as Dynamic Cruise Control, cornering headlamps, keyless ignition, stability control, and ride modes like Rock and Roll are also included.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

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This special edition BMW R 18 Transcontinental is more than just a motorcycle; it is a symbol of charity, engineering excellence, and a unique cultural moment.

With the Popes signature, the bike is expected to attract high bids at the charity auction. The proceeds will help children in need, turning a luxury object into a powerful tool for social good.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 17:44 IST

News auto One-of-a-kind BMW R 18 Transcontinental Signed By Pope Leo XIV To Aid Charity

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India's Capital Market Reforms: Sebi Eases IPO Norms, Tags REITs As Equity, Slashes MF Exit Load

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 15:43 IST

Sebi announces a slew of reforms across capital markets, easing IPO norms for large firms, simplifying foreign investor access, and tightening governance in market institutions.

Sebi Board Meeting Outcome.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Thursday announced a slew of measures for capital markets, including easing IPO norms for large companies, simplifying foreign investor access, and tightening governance in market institutions. The decisions were taken at the regulator;s board meeting on September 12.

IPO Norms Relaxed For Large Companies

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In a major relief for companies eyeing large public floats, Sebi has eased the minimum public shareholding (MPS) requirements for firms with a market capitalisation of Rs 50,000 crore and above.

Companies valued between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 1 lakh crore can now list with 8% public float, down from 10%. They will also get five years to raise their MPS to 25%, compared with three years earlier.

Those with over Rs 1 lakh crore market cap will be required to list only 2.75%, down from 5%.

For companies exceeding Rs 5 lakh crore market cap, the IPO float requirement has been cut to 2.5%.

These firms will now get 10 years instead of five to meet the 25% MPS norm.

The changes are expected to smoothen the listing path for giants such as Reliance Jio Infocomm and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), which have been awaiting clarity on IPO requirements.

Anchor Investor Framework Strengthened

The markets regulator also revamped the anchor investor framework to deepen institutional participation in IPOs.

The anchor portion has been raised from 33% to 40% of the institutional quota.

While one-third of the anchor book remains reserved for mutual funds, fresh space has been created for insurers and pension funds.

The number of anchor investors permitted per 250 crore of issue size has been raised from 10 to 15.

This is aligned with global best practices and will broaden the quality of long-term institutional investors," SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said after the meeting.

SWAGAT-FI: A New Window For Trusted Foreign Investors

In a move aimed at attracting long-term, stable foreign capital, Sebi launched the Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI) framework. The new system simplifies registration for low-risk investors such as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and central banks, allowing them:

Unified registration as both Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs).

A single demat account to invest across routes.

Longer registration validity of 10 years, up from 3-5 years currently.

According to Sebi, these trusted" investors represent nearly 70% of FPI assets under custody, and the simplified regime will significantly enhance Indias attractiveness as an investment destination.

REITs, InvITs Get Boost

To deepen participation in infrastructure and real estate investment vehicles, SEBI has broadened the definition of strategic investors in REITs and InvITs to include qualified institutional buyers, FPIs, pension funds, provident funds and insurers.

Further, REITs will now be classified as equity instruments, making them eligible for inclusion in equity indices, while InvITs will remain under the hybrid category. The move is expected to boost liquidity and mainstream REIT investments.

Mutual Fund Incentives, Exit Load Cut

Sebi has introduced new measures to encourage financial inclusion through mutual funds.

Exit load cap reduced from 5% to 3%, aligning with industry practice.

Distributors will be incentivised for:

Onboarding new women investors.

Bringing in investors from B-30 cities (beyond the top 30), with incentives capped at Rs 2,000 per investor.

Stronger Governance for MIIs

To strengthen governance in stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories  collectively termed Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)  SEBI has mandated the appointment of two Executive Directors (EDs) as key managerial personnel.

One ED will oversee critical operations while the other will be responsible for compliance, risk management and investor grievances.

Stricter Norms for Related Party Transactions

For listed companies, Sebi has introduced a new turnover-linked materiality threshold for related party transactions (RPTs), with an absolute ceiling of Rs 5,000 crore. The move is aimed at protecting minority shareholders while offering operational flexibility to large firms.

AIF Framework Liberalised

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) also received regulatory flexibility.

Introduction of AI-only schemes (for accredited investors) with lighter compliance requirements.

Large Value Fund (LVF) threshold lowered from Rs 70 crore to Rs 25 crore, making it easier for investors to qualify.

Other Decisions

Registrars to an Issue (RTAs) will now come under activity-based regulation.

Investment advisers and research analysts will find it easier to qualify, with graduates from any stream eligible, subject to NISM certification.

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Sebi plans to expand its local offices to more cities for better investor outreach.

The consultation on introducing a Closing Auction Session (CAS) in equity markets has been extended till September 19.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: September 13, 2025, 08:42 IST

News business markets India's Capital Market Reforms: Sebi Eases IPO Norms, Tags REITs As Equity, Slashes MF Exit Load

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ITR Filing AY 2025-26: What Popular Platforms Charge For Online Filing

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 10:28 IST

The last date to file income tax returns (ITR) for individuals not subject to a tax audit for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is September 15, 2025

ITR 2025

The last date to file income tax returns (ITR) for individuals not subject to a tax audit for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is September 15, 2025. Taxpayers can file their returns directly on the income tax departments e-filing portal free of cost, either on their own or with the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA).

Paid Options on Third-Party Platforms

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Apart from the government portal, several private websites offer ITR filing services for a fee. While filing on the official portal is free, professional assistance through CAs or specialised tax platforms usually comes at a cost. Charges depend on the number of income sources, the complexity of the return, and the level of assistance chosen.

Types of Filing Plans

Most online platforms broadly provide three options:

Self-filing , where taxpayers upload documents and complete the process themselves with basic backend support.

, where taxpayers upload documents and complete the process themselves with basic backend support. Assisted filing , which uses automated systems designed with CA inputs to guide taxpayers.

, which uses automated systems designed with CA inputs to guide taxpayers. CA-assisted filing, where a tax expert or CA helps directly, often via call or video consultation.

Charges Across Platforms

For AY 2025-26, fees for CA-assisted filing vary across six popular portals. Plans range from entry-level packages to premium offerings, such as ClearTaxs luxe plan priced at 25,000, which provides end-to-end filing support, round-the-clock assistance, and live sessions.

Calls for Extension of Deadline

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Meanwhile, industry associations have sought more time for taxpayers. The Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association (KSCAA), Advocates Tax Bar Association (ATBA), and the Central Council (CIRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) have written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, citing persistent issues on the ITR portal.

Both ICAI and ATBA have urged the government to extend deadlines. ATBA has suggested October 15, 2025, as the new deadline for non-audit ITR filings, and November 30, 2025, for submission of tax audit reports.

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 13, 2025, 10:28 IST

News business tax ITR Filing AY 2025-26: What Popular Platforms Charge For Online Filing

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Cofounder of the company behind AriZona iced tea, Don Vultaggio, is worth nearly $6 billion.

Unlike other billionaires, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, Vultaggio never went to college.

He attributes his success to giving customers service and value and treating employees like family.

In an era when American billionaires are minted in Silicon Valley and fortunes are built on algorithms and artificial intelligence, Don Vultaggio stands out.

With a net worth of nearly $6 billion, the 73-year-old cofounder of Arizona Beverage USA made his billions largely by selling $0.99 cans of iced tea that have become as iconic as they are affordable.

Unlike ultrawealthy university alums, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Warren Buffett, Vultaggio never went to college. In fact, he said he probably wouldn't have finished high school if his mother hadn't stepped in.

"I wasn't a good student, but it wasn't the school's fault. It was my fault, and it worked out for me, but sometimes it doesn't work out," Vultaggio told Business Insider's Emily Christian during a recent interview at AriZonaLand in Keasbey, New Jersey.

Vultaggio said that mentorship, not formal education, laid the foundation for his career.

Vultaggio's mentors were his first boss and his father

When he was a teenager, still in school, Vultaggio said he began working for his first boss at a Brooklyn grocery store, earning $1 per hour. "That guy gave me the experience of being a business person," he said. The job taught Vultaggio the value of $1 and how long an hour can last.

When that boss died a few years ago, the family sent his ashes to Vultaggio. "He's buried in my backyard, and a plaque there that says 'World's greatest boss.'"

A Brooklyn grocery store. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

After graduating from high school, Vultaggio was still working in grocery stores, just like his father, who'd been in the business his entire career. "He said, I don't want my son in the supermarket business," Vultaggio recalled. "So he got me a job at a local brewery."

A couple of years later, the brewery closed, teaching Vultaggio an important lesson in business: "I always say that when businesses fail, they forgot what the customer wanted," he said, "It was a brand of beer that was popular at a point but then lost its popularity."

For about the next 20 years, Vultaggio ran his own multibrand beer-distributing business that he grew from the ground up. "I went to tough neighborhoods in New York and brought beer to bodegas in the city."
Max Hospital In Delhis Shalimar Bagh, Dwarka, Saket Receive Bomb Threats

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 19:22 IST

Max Hospital Dwarka and Shalimar Bagh in Delhi received bomb threats, prompting police and fire service searches.

Max Hospital located in Delhis Shalimar Bagh, received a bomb threat on Saturday. (X)

Three Max Multi-speciality Hospitals, situated in Delhis Dwarka, Shalimar Bagh, and Saket received bomb threats on Saturday.

Delhi Fire Service (DFS) confirmed the incident and stated that the search operation at both places is underway. The Delhi police is also present at both spots.

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As per the DFS, the department received the call from Max Hospital, Dwarka at 04:47 pm.

Max Hospital in Dwarka, Delhi, has received a bomb threat. The fire department received this call at 16:47, police and fire department team are on the spot: Delhi Fire Service ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Dwarka, received a bomb threat. Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Service on the spot, search operation underway," Delhi Fire Service said.

Max Group Issues Statement

The Max Group issued a statement, saying, Earlier today, we received an unspecified bomb threat at Max Hospital via our call centre. In accordance with our emergency protocols, authorities were immediately informed and precautionary searches across our premises have been conducted and no suspicious objects have been found. The safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is our top priority, and we are working closely with the authorities."

Earlier today, Hotel Taj Palace in Delhis Chanakyapuri also got a hoax bomb email, prompting an immediate and robust response from the Delhi Police.

Heavy security was deployed around the hotel premises, with bomb disposal squads running a thorough check in the area.

Taj Palace spokesperson later stated that the threat was a hoax and assured that the hotel management continues to remain vigilant.

After a thorough security check the government authorities have stated that the incident was a hoax. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of paramount importance to us and we continue to remain vigilant," a spokesperson at Taj Palace said as quoted by news agency ANI.

This came a day after the Delhi High Court premises was placed on high alert on Friday following a bomb threat received via email, leading to the immediate evacuation of the entire court complex.

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The alarming message, sent to the courts official email ID, claimed that an explosive device was planted within the judges chamber and was set to detonate shortly after mid-day prayers.

Meanwhile, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala also received a bomb threat via email on Saturday. Police and the Bomb Squad have been deployed at the site and are conducting security checks.

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 13, 2025, 17:21 IST

News new-delhi-news Max Hospital In Delhis Shalimar Bagh, Dwarka, Saket Receive Bomb Threats

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Rajasthan Govt School Vice Principal Allegedly Attacked For Provoking Students Against Hindu Practices

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 13:10 IST

Parents claimed that the vice principal discouraged students from maintaining religious symbols like the "choti" (hair knot) and creating images of gods.

The police arrived at the school and rescued the vice principal.(Representative Image)

The vice principal of a government school in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, was allegedly assaulted by locals following accusations that he was inciting students against Hindu religious practices, reported PTI.

The incident happened in the Bagore area on Friday after students complained to their parents, who then confronted vice principal Ranveer Singh Indoria at the school, according to the police.

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Parents claimed that the vice principal discouraged students from maintaining religious symbols like the choti" (hair knot) and creating images of gods. They further alleged that he told students that gods do not exist and advised them neither to make pictures of deities nor to visit temples.

When some students informed their parents, they reached the school and allegedly beat Indoria.

The police arrived at the school and rescued him. The Education Department has initiated an inquiry into the matter and has placed the vice principal under APO (awaiting posting order), an official said.

ALSO READ | Student Suicide Cases On Rise, Delhi HC Outlines Need For Effective Anti-Ragging Helpline

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Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has launched the Mukhyamantri Higher Education Scholarship Scheme for talented students of economically weaker sections. The main objective of the scheme is to ensure that no meritorious student leaves his studies incomplete due to financial constraints. Only those students who have passed 12th class from Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer will get the benefit of this scheme. Along with this, the annual income of the students family should not exceed Rs 2,50,000.

Under the financial assistance scheme, eligible students will be given scholarships up to Rs 500 per month. Students with special needs will get Rs 1,000 per month. This amount will be given for a maximum of five years and will cover the duration of undergraduate and some postgraduate courses.

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 13, 2025, 13:04 IST

News education-career Rajasthan Govt School Vice Principal Allegedly Attacked For Provoking Students Against Hindu Practices

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Chinas Nature Reserve At Scarborough Shoal: Why Its Being Opposed By Philippines And US

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 09:58 IST

Scarborough Shoal lies inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone but has been under Chinas control since 2012.

An aerial view of a China Coast Guard ship navigating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea. (REUTERS/File Photo)

On 10 September 2025, Chinas State Council approved the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao in Chinese, Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the Philippines). The official notice described the reserve as an important guarantee" for maintaining the shoals diversity, stability and sustainability."

The reserve will cover about 3,524 hectares of the atoll, according to Chinas National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Maps released by Chinese authorities divide it into zones: a core area completely closed to people, a buffer zone for scientific research, and an experimental zone where limited visits may be allowed.

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Under Chinese law, foreigners must seek Beijings approval to enter, which would include Filipino fishermen who have used these waters for generations.

Where is Scarborough Shoal?

Scarborough Shoal is a triangle-shaped chain of reefs and rocks in the South China Sea. It lies just 200 kilometres from Luzon, the Philippines largest island, but more than 800 kilometres from Chinas Hainan province.

Uninhabited but strategically important, the shoals lagoon provides shelter for fishing boats during storms, while its surrounding waters are rich in fish stocks that feed coastal communities in Zambales and Pangasinan. The shoal also sits near vital shipping lanes through which over $3 trillion in global trade passes every year. This makes it valuable not only to claimants but also to the wider world, as control of Scarborough allows monitoring and influence over one of the busiest maritime routes on the planet.

Who Claims The Shoal?

Both the Philippines and China claim Scarborough Shoal. The dispute escalated in 2012, when a standoff between the Philippine Navy and Chinese vessels ended with Beijing taking de facto control. Since then, Chinas coast guard and maritime militia have maintained a near-constant presence, often blocking Filipino fishermen from entering the lagoon.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that Chinas sweeping nine-dash line" claims had no legal basis under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The tribunal also declared Chinas blockade of Scarborough unlawful and affirmed it as a traditional fishing ground for multiple countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam. However, it did not assign sovereignty. China rejected the ruling outright.

Beijing has since formalised its presence step by step. In 2024, it declared unilateral territorial baselines around the shoal, a move Manila strongly protested.

Why Does The Philippines Call It Illegal?

For Manila, the reserve is not about conservation but control. The shoal lies well within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from its coast under UNCLOS.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs called the plan illegitimate and unlawful," while National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano described it as a clear pretext towards eventual occupation."

Officials argue that while UNCLOS allows environmental protection, it does not permit a country to use conservation rules as a cover to enforce sovereignty inside another nations EEZ.

Fishermen Affected

For coastal communities in northern Luzon, the issue is about survival, not high politics. Generations of fishermen from Zambales and Pangasinan have relied on Scarboroughs waters for their livelihoods.

That access has become harder since 2012. Filipino boats frequently report being confronted by Chinese coast guard ships and blocked from the lagoon. Many now venture farther out to sea, often returning with smaller catches while burning more fuel and taking on greater risk.

The announcement of a reserve has deepened those fears. Even now there has been harassment We will be bullied even more," 57-year-old fisherman Mariano Cardenio told Reuters, recalling three decades of fishing at Scarborough. Another fisherman, 47-year-old Ruel Villanueva, said: We will have a hard time fishing since China is asserting ownership even if it doesnt belong to China."

Philippine security officials warned that the plan could mean tighter patrols, confiscation of gear, or even arrests, measures that would further erode the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Is This About The Environment, Or About Control?

Beijing says the reserve is about protecting coral reefs and biodiversity. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration described it as an important safeguard" for the ecosystem, while commentators in the state-run Global Times called it a strong rebuttal" to accusations of environmental harm.

But scepticism is widespread. A 2023 report by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that Chinese island-building projects had buried around 4,648 acres of coral reefs, while giant clam harvesting by Chinese crews damaged a further 16,353 acres. Much of that destruction was linked to dredging and land reclamation in the Spratly and Paracel Islands.

Philippine officials point to this record as proof that Beijings conservation claim is hollow. The Philippine NSA has called it contradictory and misleading," given the years of documented reef destruction by Chinese fishermen and dredgers.

Independent analysts have voiced similar doubts. Jay Batongbacal, a maritime expert at the University of the Philippines, told Reuters that Chinas use of conservation language is a thinly veiled attempt to tighten Beijings claims." In his analysis, branding Scarborough as a reserve provides political cover for stepped-up patrols and restrictions.

How Has The United States And Others Reacted?

The United States quickly backed Manila. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Chinas plan destabilising" and urged Beijing to respect the 2016 tribunal ruling. Washington also reminded Beijing that the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines covers armed attacks on Philippine forces or vessels in the South China Sea. That means any clash at Scarborough could, in theory, draw in US forces.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has stepped up coordination with allies. It carried out joint patrols with the US and Japan near the shoal shortly after the reserve was announced. Australia and Canada have also joined naval drills in the same waters. Chinese state media, in turn, accused Manila of bringing in outside powers" to complicate the dispute.

Why Set Up A Reserve Now?

The timing of the announcement is not accidental. Beijing has been rolling out a series of new conservation projects in 2025 as part of a national drive to present itself as a global environmental leader.

At the same time, the move fits into a pattern of steadily tightening Chinese control over the shoal. China first seized Scarborough in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy. Four years later, when the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijings sweeping nine-dash line" claims had no basis in international law, China rejected the verdict outright. In 2024, it went further by declaring unilateral territorial baselines around the shoal, a step Manila strongly protested.

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Analysts told Reuters that the reserve is the next step in that sequence. By publishing maps, boundaries, and zoning rules, Beijing creates an administrative framework that normalises its jurisdiction.

The timing is also telling. In August, a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard vessel while both were manoeuvring near a Philippine patrol boat at the shoal, badly damaging the warships bow. That same month, Filipino boats reported being hit with water cannons, while Beijing claimed, and Washington denied, that it had expelled a US Navy ship. Announcing a reserve so soon after those incidents signals, in Manilas eyes, that Beijing intends not just to stay but to entrench its presence under the cover of ecological protection.

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 13, 2025, 09:58 IST

News explainers Chinas Nature Reserve At Scarborough Shoal: Why Its Being Opposed By Philippines And US

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How Does NATO Plan To Deter Russia? Operation Eastern Sentry Explained

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:35 IST

The operation comes after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, prompting NATO to expand defences across its eastern flank

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus G. Grynkewich attend a press conference at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (REUTERS)

In a sharp escalation of tensions in Eastern Europe, NATO has announced a new defence mission called Eastern Sentry. The 32-member alliance said the operation will cover its entire eastern flank, stretching from the Arctic to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, after Russian drones entered Polish airspace earlier this week.

The move is meant to show Moscow that any violation of allied territory, deliberate or not, will bring a united response. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the drone incident as dangerous and unacceptable," while Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it nothing less than an attack."

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So what exactly is Eastern Sentry, and why has NATO launched it now?

What Triggered Eastern Sentry?

On Wednesday, Polish officials reported that multiple drones linked to Russia had crossed into their skies, with debris found across hundreds of square miles. According to Polands interior ministry, up to 21 drones were launched, 19 breaches of airspace confirmed, and 16 wreckages recovered. Many appear to have entered from Belarus.

Marcin Przydacz, head of Polands presidential International Policy Office, said some drones may even have crossed in and out of Polish territory several times, making them harder to detect.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk denounced the violation as an attack." In a social media post, he said, We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasnt. And we know it." His comments contrasted sharply with US President Donald Trump, who suggested the breach could have been a mistake," while adding that he was not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation."

NATO chief Mark Rutte called the incursion a dangerous and unacceptable" breach and said Russias recklessness in the air" was becoming more frequent. Whether or not Russias actions were deliberate, Russia violated NATO airspace," he said, stressing that the alliance had to show its resolve.

What Does The Operation Involve?

Unveiled on Friday, Eastern Sentry is NATOs newest defensive initiative. It is designed to reassure members along the alliances eastern border, which runs from the High North to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, described the mission as flexible and agile." In simple terms, that means deploying not just fighter jets but also warships, ground-based missile defences and radar, combined with intelligence-sharing across NATO capitals.

Grynkewich added that Eastern Sentry would include new counter-drone sensors and weapons, a direct response to the kind of threat Poland just faced. Although the immediacy of our focus is on Poland, this situation transcends the border of one nation. What affects one ally affects us all," he said.

While it will take time for the mission to be fully built, NATO said initial deployments would begin immediately. The operation is modelled on Baltic Sentry, launched earlier this year after suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.

Which Countries Are Contributing?

Several NATO members have already pledged assets for Eastern Sentry:

Denmark : Two F-16 fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate.

: Two F-16 fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate. France : Three Rafale fighter jets.

: Three Rafale fighter jets. Germany : Four Eurofighter jets.

: Four Eurofighter jets. United Kingdom: Expressed readiness to contribute forces, though details are still being finalised.

NATO has emphasised that the mission will not rely on fixed deployments but will rotate assets depending on emerging threats, making it harder for Russia to anticipate the alliances moves.

How Has Poland Reacted?

For Poland, the drone incursions are not merely technical violations but signs of deliberate escalation by Moscow. Prime Minister Tusks labelling of the incident as an attack" reflects Warsaws hardening stance.

Polands foreign ministry and defence officials have urged NATO to maintain heightened vigilance. At the United Nations, Polands Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki warned that Russias provocation was profoundly disrespectful toward the collective and tireless efforts of the international community to bring an end to the war and to restore peace and stability in accordance with international law."

What Has Russia Said?

Moscow has flatly rejected the allegations. Russias UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya told the Security Council that Poland had hastily blamed" Russia without evidence, insisting that the drones involved lacked the range to reach Polish territory.

France took a sharper approach. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot summoned Russias ambassador in Paris for an explanation. Russian state media later quoted the ambassador as saying he categorically rejected" the accusations.

Despite these denials, NATO insists the violation is real and cannot go unanswered.

Why Eastern Sentry Matters for NATO

Eastern Sentry is more than just a symbolic move. By mobilising fighter jets, naval vessels and counter-drone technology across its eastern frontier, NATO is showing that breaches of its territory will trigger collective military action.

It also reflects how the alliance is adapting to new threats. Drones are cheap, harder to detect and easy to deploy in large numbers, making them an effective tool for Russia to test NATO defences. By folding counter-drone systems into the operation, NATO is signalling it is learning from recent provocations.

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Strategically, the initiative underscores the credibility of NATOs Article 5 guarantee, that an attack on one ally will be treated as an attack on all. By treating the Polish drone incursion as more than a bilateral issue, NATO has made clear that its eastern frontier will not be left vulnerable.

For Moscow, the message is equally direct: probing NATOs borders carries the risk of immediate military reinforcement across a vast stretch of territory.

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 13, 2025, 12:22 IST

News explainers How Does NATO Plan To Deter Russia? Operation Eastern Sentry Explained

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PM Modi's First Manipur Visit Since Unrest: A Look Back At The Conflict And Where Things Stand

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 06:30 IST

As PM Modi visits Manipur for the first time since the 2023 clashes, heres a recap of the conflict, political fallout, and the states search for peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Manipur today, his first visit to the state since violence erupted in 2023. For many in the state, his presence is significant because Manipur has remained scarred by killings, arson and mass migration, with thousands of families still in relief camps and the state currently under Presidents Rule after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in February this year.

The Prime Minister has spoken about the crisis before in Parliament, but this will be the first time he addresses the people of Manipur on their soil since the clashes began. His visit is set against the backdrop of both anticipation and scepticism; some see it as a long-delayed gesture of outreach, while others have dismissed it as symbolic.

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What Has PM Modi Said On Manipur Before This Visit?

In July 2024, PM Modi told the Rajya Sabha that violence in Manipur was steadily declining." He said more than 11,000 FIRs had been registered and over 500 people arrested since the violence began. Schools, colleges and offices, he emphasised, had reopened in much of the state, and examinations had been conducted without disruption.

The Prime Minister also reminded the House that both the Centre and the Manipur government were in constant dialogue with stakeholders. Modi had linked the crisis to Manipurs long history of social conflict, recalling that Presidents Rule had been imposed there ten times under Congress rule and that similar unrest in 1993 had lasted five years.

India stands with Manipur. I assure the people of the state that there shall be both peace and progress there. We are committed to restore normalcy and uphold the dignity of women. pic.twitter.com/Cr7uo8ONOh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2023

At the time, Modi urged Opposition parties to set aside politics and cooperate in restoring peace, while warning that those elements who are adding fuel to the fire" would one day be rejected by the people of Manipur.

What Is On The Agenda During This Visit?

Now, more than a year after those remarks, PM Modi will physically visit Manipur. According to Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, the Prime Minister will interact with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in both Churachandpur and Imphal. At Churachandpurs Peace Ground, a Kuki-majority area, he will lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 7,300 crore. Later in the day, at Kangla in Imphal, a Meitei-majority region, he will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,200 crore. In total, development works worth Rs 8,500 crore will be unveiled.

Press Statement by Chief Secretary of Manipur, Shri Puneet Kumar Goel regarding Honble Prime Minister @narendramodi visit to Manipur on 13th September 2025. pic.twitter.com/IwWdLYYFXg PIB in Manipur (@PIBImphal) September 12, 2025

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address public gatherings at both venues. Security preparations are extensive: the Army has reviewed deployments in sensitive districts, restrictions have been imposed at Kangla Fort, and big screens are being installed across towns to broadcast his events.

This programme is being seen as not only an economic push but also a symbolic attempt to reach out to both communities at the heart of the conflict.

How Have Political Parties Reacted?

The announcement of PM Modis visit has drawn sharp political reactions. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Gujarat on Friday, called the trip no big deal," saying the real national issue was vote chori" or vote theft.

The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now. But the main issue in the country is that of Vote Chori. The election mandates in Haryana and Maharashtra were stolenPeople everywhere are saying Vote Chor," Congress MP said.

Jairam Ramesh, the Congress communications in-charge, posted on X that the Prime Ministers three-hour visit would be a farce, not a force for peace."

So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit instead of providing a force for peace and harmony is actually going to be a farce," he stated.

So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit instead of providing a force for peace and harmony is actually going to be a farce. https://t.co/kNuipxINO9 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 12, 2025

The Congress has repeatedly argued that the visit comes too late, after nearly 29 months of waiting.

Local voices, however, have shown a mix of hope and scepticism. Retired Lieutenant General LN Singh from Imphal described the visit as the first stone" of the rebuilding process, while Churachandpur leader Ginza Vualzong called it historic" and expressed hope for a political solution. Others, like Congresss Keisham Meghachandra Singh dismissed the trip as symbolic.

BJP leaders, including Sambit Patra and former chief minister N Biren Singh, have welcomed the visit, saying it could open the way for reconciliation.

Ethnic Fault Lines In Manipur

Manipur is divided along long-standing ethnic lines between its valley and hill communities. The Meiteis, who make up around 53 per cent of the states population, live mainly in the Imphal Valley, which covers only about 10 per cent of Manipurs land area. They are predominantly Hindus, though about 8 per cent are Muslims known as Meitei Pangals.

Better represented in education, business and politics than other groups, the Meiteis have for years pressed for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, arguing that it would protect their land and employment rights.

The tribal communities, chiefly Kukis (about a quarter of the population) and Nagas (around 15 per cent), together account for about 40 per cent of the population and inhabit nearly 90 per cent of the hill districts. The Kukis, most of whom are Christians, are concentrated in districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Chandel. They trace their roots to migrations from Myanmar and see themselves as a hill people whose rights are protected under the Constitution. The Nagas, also predominantly Christian, inhabit other hill districts and have had their own long-running political demands.

Historically, Kukis and Nagas have clashed, as in 1993, when fighting between them led to heavy casualties, but they share common ground in opposing Meitei attempts to expand into protected tribal land.

The result is a sharp valley-versus-hills divide. Meiteis have demanded ST recognition to preserve their position in the state, while Kukis and Nagas have argued that the Meiteis are already more advanced and politically dominant, and that granting them ST status would open up the hills to settlement and weaken tribal protections. Tribal groups also point out that Meiteis already have recognition under Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) categories.

Though the Meiteis and Kukis differ in religion, the conflict that occurred in 2023 was not primarily about faith. At its core, it was a battle over land, resources, and constitutional safeguards, a fault line that has existed for decades and set the stage for the clashes.

Why Did Manipur Descend Into Violence In 2023?

The turning point came in April 2023, when the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider the long-pending demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The order immediately deepened anxieties among tribal groups, particularly the Kukis, who feared that it would open the protected hill areas to settlement by Meiteis.

Less than two weeks later, on 3 May 2023, the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organised a Tribal Solidarity March" across the hill districts to protest the court directive. What began as a protest quickly turned violent in Churachandpur and spread across the state.

Homes and villages were torched, churches and temples were attacked, and thousands fled their homes. Police armouries were looted, with thousands of weapons stolen. Within weeks, Manipur was effectively split into two zones: the valley dominated by Meiteis and the hills dominated by Kukis, separated by a buffer patrolled by central forces.

How Did Events Unfold?

The unrest stretched across two years and eventually brought down the state government.

Nov 2022 : Forest reclassification in Churachandpur-Khopum angered tribal groups.

: Forest reclassification in Churachandpur-Khopum angered tribal groups. Feb 2023 : Eviction drives in tribal districts triggered protests.

: Eviction drives in tribal districts triggered protests. Mar 2023 : State withdrew from Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki militant groups.

: State withdrew from Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki militant groups. Apr 20, 2023 : High Court directed state to consider Meitei ST demand.

: High Court directed state to consider Meitei ST demand. May 3, 2023 : Violence erupted during the Tribal Solidarity March; over 200 killed, tens of thousands displaced.

: Violence erupted during the Tribal Solidarity March; over 200 killed, tens of thousands displaced. May 28, 2023 : Around 4,000 weapons looted from police stations and battalions.

: Around 4,000 weapons looted from police stations and battalions. Jul 19, 2023 : Video of two Kuki women paraded naked went viral; PM Modi called it shameful for any civil society."

: Video of two Kuki women paraded naked went viral; PM Modi called it shameful for any civil society." Aug 2023 : Supreme Court set up a committee for relief and rehabilitation.

: Supreme Court set up a committee for relief and rehabilitation. Nov 2023 : Relief camps attacked, sparking renewed panic.

: Relief camps attacked, sparking renewed panic. Apr 2024 : BJP lost both Lok Sabha seats in Manipur to Congress.

: BJP lost both Lok Sabha seats in Manipur to Congress. Nov 11, 2024 : Six Meitei women and children kidnapped and killed; CRPF killed 10 alleged Kuki-Zo militants the same day.

: Six Meitei women and children kidnapped and killed; CRPF killed 10 alleged Kuki-Zo militants the same day. Dec 31, 2024 : Chief Minister N Biren Singh apologised for the loss of lives.

: Chief Minister N Biren Singh apologised for the loss of lives. Feb 9, 2025 : Biren Singh resigned.

: Biren Singh resigned. Feb 13, 2025: Presidents Rule imposed.

What Is The Situation In Manipur Now?

PTI reported that more than 260 people have been killed since the violence began, and thousands remain displaced. Many continue to live in segregated relief camps, unable to return to areas now dominated by the other community. Security forces continue to maintain buffer zones between Meitei- and Kuki-dominated areas.

The state is under Presidents Rule, with the Assembly under suspended animation until its tenure ends in 2027. Security forces maintain buffer zones, but deep mistrust remains. The conflict has also been complicated by cross-border flows from Myanmar, including irregular migration and smuggling.

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Hopes For A Way Forward

Despite periods of calm, mistrust remains, and displaced families have yet to return home in large numbers. For ordinary citizens, whether in relief camps or towns preparing for his arrival, the overarching demand remains the same: a permanent solution and a path forward towards reconciliation.

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 13, 2025, 06:30 IST

News explainers PM Modi's First Manipur Visit Since Unrest: A Look Back At The Conflict And Where Things Stand

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DIY Sex Change Surgery Goes Wrong As UP Man Lands In Hospital After Cutting Off Genitals

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 21:44 IST

A 20-year-old man from Prayagraj attempted self-surgery to become a girl after online advice, leading to severe bleeding and hospitalisation.

he man, a native of Amethi district, was rushed to the Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital after his condition deteriorated due to excessive bleeding.(Representational)

In a shocking incident, a 20-year-old man from Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj allegedly cut off his genitals after he expressed his desire to become a girl. The at-home procedure, however, went wrong, and he had to be rushed to the hospital bleeding profusely, police said.

The man, a native of Amethi district, who is preparing for government competitive exams, took the extreme step on the advice of a local doctor he found online, news agency PTI reported.

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Dr Santosh from Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital told reporters that the man used a surgical blade to mutilate his private part following someones advice.

He lost a lot of blood but is now out of danger. He is undergoing proper treatment," Dr Santosh said.

While interacting with the doctors, the man reportedly claimed that he felt like a girl despite having a male body.

He said his voice, mannerisms and gait made him feel as if he was a girl," Dr Santosh said.

The youth told doctors he first felt different at age 14 while dancing with girls at a family function. He thought he was one of them, though he looked like a boy. Being the only son, he never shared this with his parents. Later, during graduation, he moved to Prayagraj to prepare for the competitive exams.

The man, living in a rented room in Praygraj, allegedly watched videos online and consulted a local doctor to learn more about the surgical process for sex change.

Acting on his own, he administered anaesthesia and used a surgical blade to bobbitise himself. However, as soon as the anaesthesia wore off, he experienced unbearable pain. As his condition worsened, he sought help from his landlord, who rushed him to the hospital.

I did not feel much pain when the anaesthesia was effective. However, as its effect wore off, the pain became unbearable and the bleeding worsened. I then sought help from people, who brought me to the hospital," the man said.

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His mother reached the hospital in tears. He was my only son. We are not well-educated, but the doctor should have told us. I sent him to Prayagraj hoping he would become an IAS officer. I never knew he felt this way," she said as quoted by BhaskarEnglish.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Prayagraj, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 21:44 IST

News india DIY Sex Change Surgery Goes Wrong As UP Man Lands In Hospital After Cutting Off Genitals

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How Bairabi-Sairang Line, Mizoram's First Railway Link, Will Cut Travel Time & Boost Local Economy

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:20 IST

Conceptualised 26 years ago, the 51.38 km railway line traverses one of India's most difficult terrains and includes 48 tunnels stretching almost 13 kilometres in total

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Aizawl will be the fourth north-eastern capital after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh to be linked to the national rail network. (All India Radio)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated Mizorams first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang line to the nation, highlighting how it will be a lifeline of transformation" by helping people avail better services and local businesses will get access to the rest of the country.

This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation," the prime minister said.

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Calling the inauguration of the railway line a historic day", PM Modi said: This is a historic day, particularly for the people of Mizoram. From today, Aizwal will be on Indias railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Aizwal railway line. Today we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation."

Architectural Marvel

Conceptualised 26 years ago, the 51.38 km railway line traverses one of Indias most difficult terrains.

The railway line includes 48 tunnels stretching almost 13 kilometres in total, along with more than 40 bridges. One of the most remarkable is Bridge No. 196, which towers 104 meters above the ground42 meters higher than the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Carved through thick forests, rugged hills, and areas vulnerable to landslides, the line stands as a testament to determined engineering and careful planning.

Aizawl will be the fourth north-eastern capital after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh to be linked to the national rail network.

How does it help commuters?

Until now, the journey between Bairabi and Sairang meant long, difficult road travel through mountainous terrain. The new rail line cuts travel time between Aizawl and Silchar to just three hours, compared to seven by road.

In July, News18 had reported that the ministry is planning to introduce Vande Bharat and Rajdhani services from Aizawl based on feasibility and demands. These trains will allow the people of Aizawl to easily reach the countrys major cities, and it will be convenient for them to come and go during festivals.

Mizoram had no train link till now. This project will transform connectivity in the Northeast," said KK Sharma, CPRO, Northeast Frontier Railway.

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The state government also estimates that tourist arrivals will increase by 50 per cent within the next five years which will help push up sales in hotels, homestays, handicraft markets and transport services.

Apart from the tourism and trade perspectives, the new railway line strengthens Indias border infrastructure in a region close to the India-Myanmar border, critical from a national security perspective. It could potentially support military logistics and disaster response in this sensitive border region in case of an exigency.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Mizoram, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 12:18 IST

News india How Bairabi-Sairang Line, Mizoram's First Railway Link, Will Cut Travel Time & Boost Local Economy

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India Wins Bid To Host Fifth Coast Guard Global Summit In Chennai In 2027

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 14:59 IST

The recognition marks the growing stature of the country in the global maritime domain and reaffirms its leadership role in advancing international maritime cooperation

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The Indian delegation was led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM. (News18)

India has won the bid to host the fifth Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in 2027, a decision taken unanimously by the CGGS participants. This recognition marks the growing stature of the country in the global maritime domain and reaffirms its leadership role in advancing international maritime cooperation.

The announcement was made during the fourth Coast Guard Global Summit held in Rome, Italy, from September 11-12, 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM. The summit, attended by delegates from 115 countries and international organisations, underscored its importance as a premier global forum for Coast Guard cooperation.

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During the ceremony marking the handover of the CGGS Presidency, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard highlighted the summits role as a beacon of global Coast Guard cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges. He expressed appreciation to the Italian Coast Guard for their warm hospitality and to the Japan Coast Guard for its role as Secretariat of the CGGS.

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Outlining Indias vision, Director General ICG announced that India will host the fifth CGGS in Chennai in 2027, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Coast Guard. It will be a three-day event featuring an International Coast Guard Fleet Review and a World Coast Guard Seminar, designed to showcase maritime unity and provide a platform for dialogue on emerging challenges and opportunities in the maritime domain. He emphasised that no single nation can address the full spectrum of maritime challenges alone, and that the fifth CGGS in Chennai will serve as an inclusive forum to foster interoperability, trust, and stronger global cooperation.

During the summit, Director General ICG also held a meeting with the Commandant, Italian Coast Guard (ITCG). In alignment with the Defence Cooperation Clause of the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 20252029, discussions with ITCG reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to strengthening cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Marine Pollution Response and Environmental Protection, prevention of transnational maritime crimes, information exchange, and maritime domain awareness, as well as capacity building, training, and technical assistance.

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 13, 2025, 14:59 IST

News india India Wins Bid To Host Fifth Coast Guard Global Summit In Chennai In 2027

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Maharashtra Doctor Held For 'Raping' Moroccan Woman At Goa Private Hospital

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 11:10 IST

Police said the survivor, who was in Goa on a business visa, was admitted to the hospital after developing health complications at her resort

The incident was immediately reported to Goa Police. (Representational Image)

Goa Police arrested a 28-year-old doctor from Maharashtra for allegedly raping a Moroccan woman inside the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Old Goa.

The accused, identified as Dr Vrushab Doshi from Solapur, was employed at Healthway Hospital, where the incident occurred, officials stated.

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Police said the 24-year-old survivor, who was in Goa on a business visa to attend a training programme on Divar Island, was admitted to the hospital after developing health complications at her resort.

According to the complaint, Dr Doshi entered the ICU with a nurse for a medical examination, but later instructed the nurse to leave the room.

The woman alleged that he then sexually assaulted her.

The Old Goa police registered a case and arrested the doctor. He has been remanded in custody.

In a statement issued on Friday, Healthway Hospital confirmed that Dr Doshi had been suspended immediately after the allegations surfaced.

The hospital said the patient continues to receive treatment at the facility and that she was assured full cooperation in pursuing her police complaint.

The victim was assured full support in filing her complaint and continues to receive treatment at the facility. The foreign national woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a Maharashtra native doctor. The Old Goa police have already arrested him," the hospital said.

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The Moroccan woman had travelled to Goa with a group for a training programme organised by an NGO working on poverty reduction.

Police are continuing their investigation into the case, said officials.

Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 11:10 IST

News india Maharashtra Doctor Held For 'Raping' Moroccan Woman At Goa Private Hospital

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PM Modi Congratulates Nepal PM Sushila Karki: 'Example Of Women's Empowerment'

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 16:48 IST

PM Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal's Prime Minister, calling it a new beginning and a strong example of women empowerment for the Himalayan nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki (Reuters photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his congratulations to Sushila Karki on her appointment as the new Prime Minister of Nepal, calling it a new beginning" for the Himalayan nation and a strong example of womens empowerment.

Addressing a rally in Manipur, PM Modi said, On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I congratulate Sushila Karki ji on becoming the Prime Minister of Nepal. She is an example of womens empowerment. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal. It is a new beginning for Nepal."

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Karkis appointment following the deadly unrest, marks a significant moment in Nepals political landscape. As the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in the country, her leadership is being seen as a milestone for gender equality and democratic progress in the region.

Calling it a new beginning for Nepal," PM Modi expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and regional cooperation under her leadership.

PM Modi also highlighted a grassroots movement unfolding across Nepal that has largely gone unnoticed.

Another thing that was particularly noteworthy in the events that took place in Nepal which people havent paid attention to. For the past two-three days, Nepals young men and women have been seen on Nepals roads doing cleaning and painting work with great effort and a sense of purity," he stated.

Nepal Parliament Dissolved As Karki Becomes Interim PM

Nepals political landscape underwent a dramatic shift on Friday as the countrys parliament was officially dissolved, just hours after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister. The move follows days of deadly anti-government protests that led to the resignation of the previous Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the burning of the parliament building, reported CNN.

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The parliament has been dissolved on the recommendation of the prime minister. The election date is March 5, 2026," said Kiran Pokharel, press advisor to President Ram Chandra Paudel, in a statement to AFP.

Sushila Karki, 73, took the oath of office in a formal ceremony at the presidential residence, vowing to lead the country through a six-month transitional period leading up to the general election.

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 : Manipur, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 16:31 IST

News india PM Modi Congratulates Nepal PM Sushila Karki: 'Example Of Women's Empowerment'

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Hycroft Mining has closed a $60m non-brokered private placement, initially announced on 2 September 2025, for mine development, with Eric Sprott leading the investment.

The placement consisted of more than 14 million units priced at $4.2805 each.

Each unit in the private placement comprises one common share of Hycroft Mining and a one-half common warrant, with each full warrant allowing the holder to purchase an additional common share at $6 within a two-year period, subject to an accelerator clause.

The funds raised are earmarked for the development of the Hycroft gold-silver mine and for the company's working capital, including supporting general corporate activities.

Situated in Nevada's Sulfur Mining District, the mine is equipped for both heap leach and milling operations and has significant infrastructure.

It lies 54 miles to the west of Winnemucca, spanning both Humboldt and Pershing counties in Nevada.

The project already has a considerable amount of established infrastructure including facilities for three-stage crushing, ample capacity for leach pads and a pair of Merrill Crowe plants, complete with a refinery.

The company plans to finalise the technical studies necessary to advance the Hycroft Mine into the subsequent phase of commercial operations, aimed at processing the sulphide ore.

Following the completion of the placement, Hycroft Mining's unrestricted cash reserves stand at approximately $129m.

Eric Sprott, through the acquisition of 9,344,704 units, now owns around 33% of Hycroft Mining's common shares and holds 10,188,176 warrants.

Tribeca Global Natural Resources has an approximate 8% ownership stake after purchasing 4,438,734 units. Other investors collectively acquired 233,618 units, contributing $1m to the total proceeds.

"Hycroft completes $60m private placement for mine development" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




PM Modi Meets Internally Displaced People In Manipurs Churachandpur: Heres What They Told News18

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 20:12 IST

The people warmly welcomed the Prime Minister with a handmade bouquet and a painting created by children from the camps

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during laying of foundation stone and inauguration of development works, in Churachandpur, Manipur. (@NarendraModi via PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with internally displaced people during his visit to Manipurs Churachandpur district on Saturday, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the affected communities. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister first interacted with displaced families who have been living in relief camps for the past two years.

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The people warmly welcomed him with a handmade bouquet and a painting created by children from the camps. News18 spoke with some of those who had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister.

Dicky, a class 12 student who presented the bouquet, shared her excitement.

I was very happy. I gave him the bouquet, and he asked me if I had made it. I told him, Yes, along with my friends. He told us we are the future and that he will support us. I never imagined I would get the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of the country. I told him it took us two weeks to prepare the bouquet, and he blessed me."

The sense of joy among the displaced people was clearly visible. Diamond, a class 5 student who gifted the Prime Minister a painting, also spoke with News18.

I gave him the painting of Modiji that I made with my friends. He told me good job and said I am the future. I was nervous, but my teachers supported me. I am very happy today," she said.

A large number of displaced women also came forward to meet the Prime Minister. Lamva, who has been living in Churachandpur for the last two years, expressed her concerns.

I told the Prime Minister that we had been waiting for him for so long. We shared our pain with him. He asked my name, and I told him I am from Sugnu. I told him we have been waiting for you for two years, and we are suffering. What we want is a separate administration," she said.

The Prime Minister also met displaced families in Imphal, where he assured them of the governments commitment.

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It is our primary responsibility to ensure that people who have lost their homes and livelihoods are able to get back on track," he said. Every possible effort is being made to restore normal life in Manipur. For families who have been displaced, our government is providing assistance to build 7,000 new homes. Recently, a special package of nearly Rs 3,000 crore has been approved. In addition, Rs 500 crore has been specifically allocated to support displaced families."

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More

Location : Churachandpur, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 20:12 IST

News india PM Modi Meets Internally Displaced People In Manipurs Churachandpur: Heres What They Told News18

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PM Modi Meets Victims Of Manipur Violence During First Visit Since 2023 Unrest

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 13:26 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met victims of the ethnic violence in Manipurs Churachandpur during his first visit to the state in two years since unrest broke out

PM Modi in Manipur | Image: X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met victims of the ethnic violence in Manipurs Churachandpur during his first visit to the state in two years since unrest broke out in 2023.

The visit comes against the backdrop of ethnic unrest in the state. Since May 2023, clashes between the valley-majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribes in the hills have left over 260 people dead and displaced nearly 50,000.

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The victims of the unrest included internally displaced families who lost their homes in the clashes.

Ahead of his scheduled address at Churachandpurs Peace Ground, PM Modi interacted with children, accepting a bouquet and a painting from them.

During the meeting, he was seen wearing a traditional feathered hat gifted by one of the children.

#WATCH | Manipur: PM Modi being welcomed in Churachandpur as he arrives in the city. PM also interacts with the locals of the city.PM will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur today. The projects include Manipur pic.twitter.com/wvDxi3P28i  ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Manipurs Churachandpur district.

The initiatives include the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project valued at more than Rs 3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth over Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and working womens hostels at nine locations, among others.

#WATCH | Churachandpur, Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 pic.twitter.com/SqNNAAvr0I ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

While addressing the public event, PM Modi called Manipur a land of courage and determination," saying that the vibrance of the northeastern state reflects Indias great strength."

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Since 2014, my government has been continuously working with full dedication to improve connectivity in Manipur. We have increased the budget for railway, air, and road connectivity in Manipur several times."

At the heart of the conflict in Manipur are competing demands: the Meiteis, who fall under the general category, have sought Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kukiswho share close ethnic ties with Myanmars Chin community and Mizoramhave called for a separate administration, alleging marginalisation and unequal access to land and resources.

Location : Manipur, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 13:07 IST

News india PM Modi Meets Victims Of Manipur Violence During First Visit Since 2023 Unrest

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PM Modi Walks The Fault Lines In Manipur, With Promises Of Peace And Progress

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 21:43 IST

The PM visited Churachandpur and Imphal, met displaced people, launched many infra projects, laid foundation stones for others, and repeatedly called for peace and reconciliation

The PM called on all organisations to adopt 'the path of peace', appealing for dialogue between hills and valleys. Image: X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted there in May 2023, a longawaited return that carried both symbolic weight and concrete promises of development. Over two years after clashes between the Meitei majority in the valley and the KukiZo tribal groups in the hills, PM Modi visited Churachandpur and Imphal, met with displaced people, inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects, laid foundation stones for others, and repeatedly called for peace and reconciliation.

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The violence that began in May 2023 was triggered by tensions around a court order examining the grant of Scheduled Tribe status to Meiteis, which tribal groups opposed. More than 260 people have died, and over 60,000 have been displaced since then. The state government under chief minister N Biren Singh resigned in February 2025 amid accusations of bias and dissent within his own party, and Manipur has since been under direct central rule. PM Modis visit was widely seen as both a response to growing criticism of central and state neglect and an effort to restore faith and normalcy among all communities.

Saturday began with the Prime Minister arriving in Imphal, though heavy rains forced a change in plans: his helicopter could not land in Churachandpur, requiring him to go by road instead.

His schedule included stops in Churachandpur, a majority KukiZo hill district, where he met displaced families in relief camps, and later engagements in Imphal, representing the Meiteidominated valley. At both places, the PM was greeted with traditional local hospitality, including shawls and gifts, and with large public gatherings.

One of the central features of the trip was the announcement of largescale infrastructure and welfare projects. The Prime Minister laid foundation stones in Churachandpur for works worth approximately Rs 7,300 crore, including the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage, and Asset Management Improvement Project (around Rs 3,600 crore), five national highway projects worth over Rs 2,500 crore, the MIND (Manipur Infotech Development) project, working womens hostels at nine locations, and upgrades to over a hundred schools across multiple districts.

In Imphal, he inaugurated 17 projects worth about Rs 1,200 crore, among them the civil secretariat at Mantripukhri, a new police headquarters, the IT SEZ building, upgraded Ima markets in four districts, and Manipur Bhawans in New Delhi and Kolkata.

He also committed to the construction of about 7,000 homes for families displaced by the conflict.

Beyond development, PM Modis speeches during the visit emphasised peace and unity. Addressing people in Churachandpur, he described Manipur as a land of hope and aspiration" but acknowledged the shadow cast by violence. He called on all organisations to adopt the path of peace", appealing for dialogue between hills and valleys. At Kangla Fort in Imphal, he underscored that development depends on peace and urged that the future of the states children rests on mutual harmony.

The visit also carried political undertones, with the Centre under pressure to show it was neither blind to the suffering of displaced people nor favouring any particular group. Opposition parties criticised the visit as long overdue and called for more than symbolic gestures, demanding clarity on justice, rehabilitation, and accountability.

Security was tightenedwith deployment of both central and state forcesand logistical preparations preceding the visit included largescale public engagement and visible arrangements in public places, as well as managing disruptions due to weather.

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Overall, PM Modis visit on September 13 aimed to do more than inaugurate roads, hostels, or markets. It sought to restore trust, provide tangible relief to the displaced, and project a message that development without peace is incomplete.

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 13, 2025, 21:43 IST

News india PM Modi Walks The Fault Lines In Manipur, With Promises Of Peace And Progress

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PM Narendra Modi In Manipur Today: Agenda, Oppn Reaction & More In 10 Points

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 09:59 IST

In Manipur, the prime minister will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal and address two rallies during his visit to the state

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PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur and worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Manipur on Saturday for his first visit to the north-eastern state that has been in the throes of ethnic violence since 2023. The prime ministers trip is expected to be packed with public engagements, inaugurations, and outreach to families displaced by the violence.

PM Modi will first visit Mizoram, lay the foundation stone, and inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore at Aizawl around 10 am apart from addressing a public function. He will then visit Manipur to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects at Churachandpurone of the worst-hit areasat around 12.30pm.

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Check out the top 10 developments on the prime ministers visit:

1. Mizoram Visit: The prime minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of several development projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore at Aizawl in Mizoram. He will also flag off the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line connecting Mizoram to the countrys rail network for the first time.

2. Outreach: In Manipur later, the prime minister will interact with internally displaced people and address two rallies during his visit to the state in Churachandpur and Imphal.

3. Development Agenda: The Prime Ministers Office, in a press release, said PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur and worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. Among the projects, the PM will inaugurate the new Manipur Police headquarters built at a cost of Rs 101 crore at Mantripukhri in Imphal and a civil secretariat constructed at a cost of Rs 538 crore in the same locality. From Churachandpur, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for various projects, including the drainage and asset management improvement project worth Rs 3,647 crore and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project at Rs 550 crore.

4. Security Tightened: Security forces have tightened arrangements across Manipur ahead of the prime ministers visit. Combing operations are being carried out in sensitive areas to recover hidden arms and dismantle suspected hideouts, while security agencies are keeping a close watch on anti-social elements, with preventive detentions reported in vulnerable districts.

5. The Manipur government had earlier banned air guns in Churachandpur district in view of PM Modis visit.

6. Current Situation: Following the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh, Manipur has been under Presidents Rule since February.

7. Congress Reacts: Terming the visit a farce", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X: So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit, instead of providing a force for peace and harmony, is actually going to be a farce."

8. Local Voices: Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra called the visit merely symbolic" and not aimed at bringing peace and ensuring justice". However, Manipurs lone Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba said the visit would be very fortunate" for the people and the state.

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9. Kuki-Zo Groups Welcome PM: Leading Kuki-Zo groups have welcomed the prime ministers visit to Manipur, terming it a historic and rare occasion".

10. All Members of the Legislative Assembly have been invited to attend the meetings.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Manipur, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 09:59 IST

News india PM Narendra Modi In Manipur Today: Agenda, Oppn Reaction & More In 10 Points

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 18:17 IST

PM Narendra Modi Manipur Visit Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur for the first time since violence broke out in the state in 2023. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Mizoram, and Assam and lay the foundation stone for several key projects

He reached Aizwal at 10:00 AM, where he laid the foundation stone for various projects at the Lammual Ground. He will then visit Churachandpur, Manipur, at 12:30 PM, where a similar ceremony will take place at Peace Ground.

After inaugurating the developmental projects in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all the organisations for peace and assured all support from the government. He also said that any form of violence in Manipur was unfortunate, and the Central government was committed to ensuring peace and stability in the state.

He will conclude his visit in Guwahati, Assam, with a special event to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary artist and Bharat Ratna recipient, Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

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Shashi Tharoor Blames Trumps Tariffs For Indian Job Losses, Criticises Diplomatic Conduct

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 05:46 IST

Tharoor slammed Trumps undiplomatic style, saying it eroded the 'mutual respect' that traditionally underpinned India-US relations

Tharoor claimed that Trumps 'America First' economic agenda, particularly his aggressive tariff hikes on imports, disrupted global supply chains and adversely affected export-driven sectors in India, including automotive components, textiles, and information technology services. File pic/PTI

Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticised US President Donald Trumps trade policies, blaming them for contributing to job losses in India and accusing Trump of disregarding international diplomatic norms during his tenure.

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Speaking at a policy discussion on global trade and diplomacy, Tharoor claimed that Trumps America First" economic agenda, particularly his aggressive tariff hikes on imports, disrupted global supply chains and adversely affected export-driven sectors in India, including automotive components, textiles, and information technology services.

Trumps protectionist stance led to a contraction in opportunities for Indian businesses," said Tharoor. By imposing higher tariffs on key imports and targeting outsourcing, his administration contributed to significant job losses in Indias export-dependent sectors. His policies ignored decades of established diplomatic engagement between the two democracies."

During Trumps presidency, the US has imposed higher import duties on steel and aluminium, affecting Indian manufacturers. In retaliation, India raised tariffs on a range of US products. The trade dispute escalated when Trump revoked Indias Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status in 2019, a move that ended duty-free access to the US market for nearly $6 billion worth of Indian exportsimpacting small and medium-sized enterprises across India.

Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations and a noted foreign policy commentator, also criticised Trumps undiplomatic style, saying it eroded the mutual respect" that traditionally underpinned India-US relations.

Diplomacy is not about bluster and tweets," Tharoor remarked. Its about cultivating long-term relationships based on trust and shared values. Trump upended that balance."

While India-US trade reached $146 billion in 2019 and continues to grow, many analysts agree that policy uncertainty under the Trump administration has added friction to what was once seen as a steadily deepening strategic partnership.

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Tharoors remarks underscore broader concerns in Indias policy circles about the direction of US foreign policy under Trumpespecially as India looks to balance its global trade relationships while navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape.

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 13, 2025, 05:46 IST

News india Shashi Tharoor Blames Trumps Tariffs For Indian Job Losses, Criticises Diplomatic Conduct

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Supreme Court Clears Vice-Chancellor Accused Of Sexual Harassment, But With A Resume Twist

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 16:55 IST

Supreme Court dismissed sexual harassment case against a University VC due to time bar but ordered its judgment be included in his resume, ensuring the incident haunts him forever.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varal dismissed a petition filed by a faculty member. (Representational)

In an unusual order, the Supreme Court on Friday said that the incident of alleged sexual harassment on the part of the vice-chancellor of West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences may be forgiven, but it should haunt him forever, and the judgment shall be included in his resume.

While dismissing the case due to a statutory time limit for filing such complaints, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Justice PB Varale, however, ensured that the offence" did not go unpunished. The bench further insisted that the wrongdoing of the Vice Chancellor, identified as Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, could not be allowed to fade into obscurity, Livelaw reported.

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In this view of the matter, we direct that the incidents of alleged sexual harassment on part of respondent no.1 may be forgiven but allowed to haunt the wrongdoer forever. Thus, it is directed that this judgment shall be made part of the resume of respondent no.1, compliance of which shall be strictly ensured by him personally," the bench said.

The petition was dismissed after the court observed that the survivor had lodged a formal complaint on December 26, 2023, several months after the alleged incidents took place in April 2023, the report added.

The complaint was initially registered with the Local Complaint Committee (LCC), which had rejected it as time-barred," noting that it was filed beyond the prescribed limitation period of three months and even beyond the extendable limit of six months.

According to the complainant, Chakrabarti joined the university as the vice chancellor in July 2019, and since then, he had subjected her to unwelcome advances, sexual demands, and threats to her career, culminating in an incident in April 2023 when he allegedly pressured her to accompany him on a resort trip. After she refused, she claimed he warned that her career would suffer.

In October 2019, the womans promotion was put on hold till the Executive Council, on April 2, 2022, cleared her elevation.

The appellant was called upon by the Vice-Chancellor in his office again in April 2023, where he asked the appellant to accompany him on a trip to a resort, which the appellant

flatly refused. Thereupon, he threatened the appellant that her career would suffer badly," the judgment said.

On August 29, 2023, the woman was removed as Director, Centre of Financial, Regulatory and Governance Studies.

The LCC dismissed her complaint as time-barred, noting that it came nearly eight months after the April 2023 incident, beyond the maximum six-month period allowed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).

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The single judge allowed her petition and directed a fresh hearing on the grounds that she was subjected to threat of detrimental treatment in her employment and the Vice-Chancellor created an intimidating, offensive and hostile work environment for her.

A single judge of the Calcutta High Court later revived the complaint, holding that the intimidation and hostile work environment continued after April 2023, keeping the complaint within the prescribed time limit. However, a division bench overturned this decision in December 2024, reasoning that subsequent administrative actions.

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 13, 2025, 16:55 IST

News india Supreme Court Clears Vice-Chancellor Accused Of Sexual Harassment, But With A Resume Twist

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Tele-Density Gap: Urban India Has Twice The Phone Connections Of Rural; Delhi Nears 3 Per Person

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 14:09 IST

Tele-density of a region is the number of telephone connections, both fixed and mobile, per 100 people living in a given area

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The latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) shows that as of July 2025, Delhis tele-density is close to 277 percent, up from 239 percent in July 2015. (AI-generated Image)

The latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) shows that as of July 2025, Delhis tele-density is close to 277 per cent, up from 239 per cent in July 2015. For Bihar, the increase is from 53 to 57.

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Tele-density of a region is the number of telephone connections, both fixed and mobile, per 100 people living in a given area. For the tele-density calculations, TRAI has used the telephone subscriber data provided by the access service providers and the projection of population from the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 20112036.

Delhi vs Bihar

Through the decade, Delhi and Bihar have remained at the two ends of the spectrum, with the Capital nearing three connections per person and Bihar still at half per person.

The TRAI, while sharing the numbers also clarified that the subscriptions are based on the Licensed Service Area (LSA) and not exactly the state borders. Telephone subscriber data for Delhi also includes wireless connections from the NCRareas served by the local exchanges of Ghaziabad-Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Gurgaon-Faridabad in Haryana.

Data for Andhra Pradesh includes Telangana and Madhya Pradesh includes Chhattisgarh. The numbers for Bihar include Jharkhand.

Delhi is not just the sole part of India that has more than one telephone connection for the population. The list also includes Himachal Pradesh, with 121.55 per cent tele-density, Kerala (120.6 per cent), Punjab (111.71 per cent), Karnataka (110.02 per cent), Tamil Nadu (103.62 per cent) and Maharashtra (103.02 per cent).

Joining Bihar in the below 75 per cent tele-density list are Uttar Pradesh (66.92 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (70.18) and Assam (74.09 per cent).

Consistent Rural-Urban Divide

The overall tele-density in India increased from 80.09 per cent in July 2015 to 86.03 per cent in July 2020 to 86.15 per cent in July 2025.

The urban tele-density dropped during the period from 150.56 per cent to 137.47 per cent to 134.07 per cent at the end of July 2025. The rural tele-density has gone up from 48.40 per cent in July 2015 to 59.14 per cent in July 2020 and ultimately to 59.19 per cent in July 2025.

This means, for every 100 people in urban India there were 151 connections in 2015, 137 connections in 2020, and about 134 connections in 2025. Whereas, in rural areas, there were about 48 connections per 100 people in 2015, 59 connections in 2020 and stayed the same for 2025.

The drop in tele-density, especially in urban areas, can happen due to market saturation, inactive connection clean-ups, and reclassification of connections.

Even though the rural-urban divide has dropped, it is far from equal. Urban India has about 134 telephone connections for every 100 people, while rural India manages just 59 for every 100.

A person living in a city is more than twice as likely to have a telephone connection compared to someone from the rural belt. The numbers underline how even in the digital era of 2025, access to telecom services is still far from reaching everyone.

The share of urban and rural subscribers in the total number of telephone subscribers at the end of July 2025 was 56.02 per cent and 43.98 per cent respectively. This share was 58.31 per cent for urban and 41.69 per cent by mid-2015 and 54.85 per cent and 45.15 per cent by 2020-mid.

Over 93 per cent Active Mobile Users

India has about 122 crore total telephone subscriptions of which about 96 per cent (116.3 crore) are with mobile connections. Of these connections, over 93 per cent are active. This means that 108.3 crore of the total mobile users are able to make and receive calls apart from sending SMS and use data. Of the total mobile users, 63.6 crore are in urban (55 per cent) and 52.7 crore are rural (45 per cent).

The wireless (mobile) tele-density in India stood at 82.16 per cent124.75 per cent for urban and 58.20 per cent for rural. It is different from general tele-density as it only covers the tele-density of mobile.

In 2020, there were 116.4 crore telephone connections and almost 99 per cent (114.8 crore) were mobile connections. There were 95.6 crore active mobiles (83.54 per cent). Of the total almost 115 crore mobile connections, 62 crore (55 per cent) were urban wireless users while 52.3 crore (45 per cent) were rural users. Indias wireless tele-density in July 2020 was 84.56 per cent  133.64 per cent for urban, and 58.91 per cent for rural areas.

The numbers in 2025 and 2020 were an improvement from just 100 crore total telephone connections as of July 2015. Almost 98 per cent of connections (98.3 crore) were wireless and over 88.5 crore (90 per cent) of these were active. The urbanrural split was 56.7 crore urban (58 per cent) and 41.6 crore rural (42 per cent). The wireless tele-density stood at 78.02 per cent overall, with 145.13 per cent for urban and 47.84 per cent for rural areas.

Wireline Revival

The TRAI reports also show that even though it is slow, there is an increase in wireline subscribers in recent years. As of July 2025, the wireline subscriber base stood at 4.8 crore, up from 1.98 crore in 2020. In July 2015, India had 2.6 crore wireline connections.

The share of wireline connections in total connections was about three percent in July 2015 that dropped to 1.70 per cent in 2020 and eventually to four percent as of July 2025.

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The Future

Even with 122 crore connections and over 93 per cent of mobile users active, Indias tele-density story is uneven. Urban areas boast 134 connections per 100 people, while rural regions remain stuck at 59. The next phase of telecom growth will depend on how quickly this gap can be narrowed. The numbers clearly show that India is no longer chasing the sale of SIM cards  the challenge now is even inclusion. Unless rural India catches up with urban tele-density, the promise of a truly connected country will remain out of reach.

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 13, 2025, 14:09 IST

News india Tele-Density Gap: Urban India Has Twice The Phone Connections Of Rural; Delhi Nears 3 Per Person

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They Dont Consider Cow As...: PM Modis Witty Take On Animal Lovers | Watch

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 20:33 IST

PM Modi joked about animal lovers at Vigyan Bhawan, questioning their views on cows amid Delhi's stray dog debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a playful swipe at animal lovers amid the ongoing debate over the relocation of stray dogs in the national capital.

While addressing a gathering in Delhis Vigyan Bhawan on Friday, PM Modi took a swipe at the hypocrisy of animal lovers, saying that many animal lovers in the country do not consider the cow to be an animal.

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While sharing the incident of meeting a group of animal lovers, he said, Recently, I met some animal lovers." It prompted chuckles from the audience. PM Modi asked the crowd, Why are you laughing? Our country has many animal lovers, and most of them do not consider the cow as an animal."

   Animal Lovers        Animal Lovers       Animal            pic.twitter.com/m2aVtgLLbt  Narendra Modi Fan (@narendramodi177) September 12, 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was also present at the event, was seen chuckling at the remarks, as the audience broke into applause. The video has gone viral on social media.

PM Modis remarks were seen as a veiled jab at the selective ways some people express their love for animals.

His comments came days after the Supreme Court had ordered the removal of stray dogs from Delhis streets, which ignited a nationwide debate on balancing human safety and animal welfare. Citing a surge in dog-bite incidents and rabies-related deaths, many involving children and the elderly, the court directed the Delhi government to collect, sterilise, and permanently relocate strays to shelters within eight weeks.

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However, the animal activists and celebrities called it unscientific and contrary to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023.

The massive outrage saw the case being reassigned to a three-judge bench by the Chief Justice. The new bench of the Supreme Court modified the previous order, directing the release of the street dogs to the same area from where they were picked up after vaccination and deworming.

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 13, 2025, 20:33 IST

News india They Dont Consider Cow As...: PM Modis Witty Take On Animal Lovers | Watch

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Married Woman, 2 Men Tied To Electricity Pole, Thrashed Over Suspicion Of Affair In Odisha

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 18:06 IST

The married woman was spotted by her family members with two men on a bike. They assumed that she was having an illicit relationship with one of them.

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The racket was came to light during a health awareness camp at the migrant colony in Varthur when few victims approached him with their woes, following a complaint was filed.

In a shocking incident, villagers in Odishas Mayurbhanj district tied two men and a woman to an electric pole and thrashed them with sticks over suspicions of an affair.

The matter escalated when the married woman, from the Kashipur village, went to the Jashipur weekly market with two men on a bike and was spotted by her family members upon her return, according to NDTV.

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This caused an argument, and the family members of the woman alleged she was in a relationship with one of the two men. The villagers then tied the three of them to an electric pole and beat them with sticks, while bystanders recorded the scene.

The woman has two children, as per reports. Her uncle and other members of her family saw the woman with the youth, who was like a brother to her, and assumed that she was having an illicit relationship with him.

Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information and rescued the woman and two youths. They were taken to the Jashipur medical hospital for treatment.

The womans husband and the youth were detained for interrogation and a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered.

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A disturbing incident had surfaced earlier from Odishas Rayagada, where a couple was allegedly tied to a wooden yoke like oxen and forced to plough a field by an agitated mob as a punishment for marrying against local societal norms.

As per the media reports, the couple, hailing from Kanjamajhira village in Rayagada district, had fallen in love recently and got married. Some villagers, however, were against their decision because the man is the son of the womans paternal aunt. Such a marriage is considered taboo as per local customs.

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 : Mayurbhanj, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 17:51 IST

News india Married Woman, 2 Men Tied To Electricity Pole, Thrashed Over Suspicion Of Affair In Odisha

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South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has confirmed that it expects the raid by US immigration authorities on the construction site of its new electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing JVe with South Koreas LG Energy Solution, in the US state of Georgia, will likely delay completion of the plant by up to three months.

The HL-GA Battery Company plant was scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, to supply batteries to the newly-built Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America nearby, which has a production capacity of 300,000 hybrid and battery-powered passenger vehicles per year.

The raid resulted in the detention of 475 people, 300 of whom were specialist automotive industry personnel from South Korea employed to install advanced manufacturing facilities and equipment at the plant. They have since been repatriated back to South Korea, on a flight chartered by the South Korean government.

The raid came as a shock to South Korea, which has been investing heavily in expanding its manufacturing presence in the US. During recent trade talks with the US, South Korea committed to investing US$ 350 billion in the US in the medium term.

Hyundai Motor Companys CEO, Carlos Munoz, speaking on the sidelines of the Automotive News Congress in Detroit, said that it is typical for automotive companies to bring in highly skilled workers from outside during the construction stages of a plant. He pointed out that for the construction phase of new plants, you need to get specialized people. There are a lot of skills and equipment that you cannot find in the US.

Munoz confirmed that HMG will source batteries from other plants in the region while waiting for construction of the new plant to be completed and for operations to begin. The automaker also has a battery manufacturing joint venture in Georgia with South Koreas SK On Company.

Mr Munoz said he hoped Seoul and Washington will work together to establish a better visa system, to make it easier for foreign investors to bring in skilled workers on a temporary basis to build new manufacturing operations. The South Korean government is also understood to be requesting that a new visa category be set up for this purpose.

Despite the setback, Mr Munoz confirmed that HMG remains fully committed to investing in the US, which is by far the companys largest single market globally  with more than 1.7 million Hyundai, Kia and Genesis branded vehicles delivered there in 2024.

"Hyundai expects raid to delay US battery plant by three months" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.
Aneet Padda Becomes The New Face Of Lakmes Gen Z Beauty Movement

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 30, 2025, 12:49 IST

Saiyaara star Aneet Padda has joined House of Lakme as its new face. She represents a shift where Gen Z no longer views beauty as a mask but as a tool of expression.

Aneet Padda is the new face of Lakme.

Lakme, Indias pioneering beauty house, has announced Aneet Padda as its newest face, ushering in a fresh chapter that speaks directly to Gen Zs evolving approach to beauty. With her effortless charm and natural radiance, Aneet embodies the new codes of beauty: expressive, experimental, and authentic, that resonate with a younger generation increasingly favouring skin-first, minimal-yet-impactful makeup.

For Aneet Padda, this partnership is deeply aligned with her own philosophy. For me, makeup is never about covering up, its about showing who you are. I love makeup that feels effortless yet makes a statement, and Lakmes philosophy truly reflects that balance. Im thrilled to partner with a brand that inspires creativity and encourages women to experiment and express themselves confidently," she said.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aneet Padda (@aneetpadda_)

Aneet may be a fresh face for Lakme, but her rise in the public eye has been anything but quiet. Her breakout moment came with Saiyaara, her debut Bollywood movie that catapulted her into the spotlight and introduced her as one of Bollywoods most promising new talents. The success not only showcased her screen presence but also her ability to connect emotionally with audiences.

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It is this blend of talent, individuality, and cultural relevance that made her an ideal choice for Lakmes new chapter. Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President  Lakme, shared why the brand sees Aneet as the perfect partner: Lakme has always been ahead of the curve in spotting talent and shaping beauty conversations. With Aneet, we are embracing the way beauty itself is evolving from high-coverage perfection to effortless, expressive, modern makeup that reflects how Gen Z wants to experience beauty."

As Lakme continues to redefine Indian beauty culture, its collaboration with Aneet reinforces the brands mission to champion individuality and creativity. By spotlighting a face that mirrors the aspirations of a younger generation, Lakme isnt just keeping pace with change; it is shaping it. With Aneet at the forefront, Lakme promises to keep beauty authentic, wearable, and inspiring for the voices of tomorrow.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 14:20 IST

News lifestyle beauty Aneet Padda Becomes The New Face Of Lakmes Gen Z Beauty Movement
Rashmika Mandanna Stuns In A Ritu Kumar Anarkali At The India Day Parade In NYC

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:35 IST

At the 43rd India Day Parade in New York held last month, Rashmika Mandanna led the celebrations in an intricate anarkali by Ritu Kumar.

Rashmika Mandanna was styled by Meagan Concessio.

There are few stages as symbolic as Madison Avenue on India Day, when the diaspora gathers in the heart of New York to celebrate heritage, pride, and unity. This year, Rashmika Mandanna stepped into that space not only as cogrand marshal of the 43rd India Day Parade but also as a striking vision of contemporary Indian couture. Choosing a creation from Ritu Kumars Threads of Time: Reimagined collection, she carried Indian tradition into a global frame  making the bustling avenues of Manhattan her runway.

Rashmika Mandannas look, a flowing anarkali suit, wove together history and modernity with effortless grace. The muted beige base served as a canvas for intricate motifs and rich embroidery, a reminder of the timeless storytelling embedded in Indian textiles. In contrast, a vivid red dupatta, edged with metallic detailing, provided a powerful counterpoint.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna)

The styling made the ensemble feel both regal and approachable. Rashmika paired the outfit with a heavy choker and matching earrings, jewellery that lent gravitas without overshadowing the garments artistry. Sunglasses, however, added a contemporary flair, grounding the couture in the present moment while underscoring her effortless cool. Flat sandals kept the look practical for the parade, yet did nothing to diminish its elegance.

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What stood out was the way her presence transformed the garment into more than just occasion wear. On Madison Avenue, among waving flags and chants of celebration, her anarkali became a statement of identity which paid an ode to Indian craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of ornate traditional attire against Manhattans modern grid was powerful.

In this appearance, Rashmika Mandanna didnt just wear Ritu Kumar couture  she embodied its spirit. It was a reminder that couture can live outside the rarefied spaces of fashion weeks and gala halls. It can command attention on the streets, amidst the pulse of a parade, where cultural pride and aesthetic beauty converge. For the diaspora, the look carried a quiet but resonant message: heritage is not only remembered, it is proudly worn.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 12:34 IST

News lifestyle Rashmika Mandanna Stuns In A Ritu Kumar Anarkali At The India Day Parade In NYC
Firing At Disha Patani's UP Home: Goldy Brar Gang Claims Responsibility, Says 'Just A Trailer'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:55 IST

In a Facebook post, one of the gang members said "if she or anyone else shows any disrespect towards our religion, we will not let them leave alive from their house".

Visuals from outside the residence

The Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar gang have claimed responsibility for a firing incident that was reported outside the residence of Bollywood actor Disha Patani in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly.

Taking to Facebook, a member of the gang, Virendra Charan, said that she had shown disrespect towards the religion, adding that the firing was just a trailer".

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Next time, if she or anyone else shows any disrespect towards our religion, we will not let them leave alive from their house," the post read.

This message is not only for her but also for all the film artists and people associated with her. If anyone does any such disrespectful act related to our religion and saints in the future, then be ready to face the consequences. We are ready to go to any extent to protect our religion. For us, religion and the whole society are always one, and protecting them is our first duty," it added.

Uttar Pradesh Police have constituted five teams after two motorbike-borne assailants opened fire outside the residence of retired CO Jagdish Patani, father of Disha Patani.

Security was heightened outside the residence, and armed police personnel were deployed in the aftermath of the incident.

#WATCH | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: A firing was reported outside the residence of retired CO Jagdish Patani (father of actor Disha Patani) by two motorbike-borne assailants yesterday. Five teams have been constituted under SP City and SP Crime for the probe. FIR is being pic.twitter.com/Hq7xV4pod9 ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

An official complaint was also filed by Jagdish Patani on Friday, hours after the reported incident.

The incident comes only three months after a firing incident was reported outside the residence of YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 12:12 IST

News movies Firing At Disha Patani's UP Home: Goldy Brar Gang Claims Responsibility, Says 'Just A Trailer'
Global Watch | Nepal Gets 'Interim' Relief: Reasons Behind Crisis, Constitutional Context, And What Lies Ahead

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 07:35 IST

The country's political landscape underwent a dramatic shift on Friday as parliament was dissolved, just hours after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim PM

Sushila Karki, the new Prime Minister of Nepal. (Photo: X)

Nepal has been pushed into the current situation for a variety of reasons that have a historical context. One of the key factors in this regard is shifting political alliances that led to a whole generation getting disillusioned with the political class at large. The immediate trigger was the governments attempt to block social media, which backfired disastrously. As violent clashes erupted between protesters and police, symbols of authority were set on fire, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had to subsequently step down.

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Meanwhile, responding to the crisis, the Nepal Army stepped in as a stabilising force. The countrys political landscape underwent a dramatic shift on Friday as the parliament was officially dissolved, just hours after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister.

Karki, 73, took the oath of office in a formal ceremony at the presidential residence, vowing to lead the country through a six-month transitional period leading up to the general election.

The buildup

The origin of the current crisis dates back to 2015. The new constitution was implemented with a promise of transforming Nepal into a parliamentary democracy with strong elements of federalism. But the implementation process couldnt take off smoothly. The first casualty was the Madhes/Terai region, which complained of unresolved grievances, creating a mistrust between the state and the affected communities.

As institutions were being set up to be the vanguard of democracy, the confidence in the old guardsKP Sharma Oli, the last PM and chief of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), Sher Bahadur Deuba, chief of the Nepali Congress; and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)had started eroding.

In 2017-18, the CPN-UML of Oli and the Maoist Centre of Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) formed a left alliance. They secured a huge majority and briefly merged to form the Nepal Communist Party. That phase did not last long. Oli dissolved the House of Representatives in December 2020. But the Supreme Court of Nepal overturned the move and reinstated it in February 2021. In March 2020, the Court also annulled the merger of the UML and the Maoist Centre. This led to their revival as separate parties. In May 2021, Oli again recommended dissolving the House, but the Supreme Court struck it down. Though this established again the guardrails of the constitution, it added to the disillusionment of the public with Oli, Prachanda, and Deuba, three of the most seasoned politicians at the helm of affairs.

The elections in 2022 resulted in another round of bargaining amongst key political players to form a ruling coalition. Prachanda ruled through a change of partners for some time, but by July 2024, Oli was back in office with a power-sharing agreement with Nepali Congress, led by Deuba. To most Nepalis, particularly the youth, this appeared to be a rotation of power by elites and not political stability. What added fuel to the fire was a host of other factors, such as poor delivery of government services, rising unemployment, and the display of privilege by nepo babies" on the internet.

Meanwhile, pro-monarchy rallies continued growing in strength up to early 2025. A large section of the population seemed to be rallying around the call to restore a Hindu kingdom and a constitutional monarch. This strengthened the overall demand for a drastic change in the power structure. The final nail was hammered with the governments blocking of social media platforms.

The movement that started as a protest by the young people against censorship and corruption soon became the biggest mobilisation in recent years in the city of Kathmandu. The situation erupted with violent clashes, dozens of fatalities, attacks on political leaders, and the burning down of government properties.

Oli resigned, curfews were enforced, and the army established a line of communication with leaders of the protests to negotiate an interim course, leading to Karki taking on the mantle.

Situation still fluid

Even as an interim arrangement is in place, the situation in Nepal remains fluid with competing political interests, as evident from the scenario before a deal was reached. While Gen Z, which started the agitation, backed Balendra Shah, the young mayor of Kathmandu, he supported Karki to head a caretaker government. Other parties, including pro-monarchists and the big three old political parties, remained in a wait-and-watch mode.

Rabi Lamichhane, former deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, who was jailed by the Oli government, has been released and was also trying to stake his claim. Lamichhane has good relations with Maoists, as he was a deputy to Prachanda when the latter was PM, and his Rastriya Prajatantra Party subtly signalled support for pro-monarchy forces.

A look at constitutional provisions and emergency measures

The constitution of Nepal, implemented in 2015, does not allow a federal presidents rule. Presidency is very ceremonial and is guided by the cabinet. The system is parliamentary: governments are formed and dissolved on the floor of the House, and extraordinary measures have a time-span, and are controlled by the legislature. The current Constitution of Nepal has no provisions for a new interim government. It has provision for caretaker by continuity": when a prime minister resigns or loses office, his council of ministers remains there until a successor wins confidence.

In Nepal, if parties want a neutral caretaker leader, they cannot simply appoint one outside the system. That person must still be slotted into the step-by-step process of Article 76 and secure a trust vote in Parliament. Only then does a caretaker government become constitutional rather than an improvised arrangement.

Article 273 gives provisions on emergency powers. The president can, at the recommendation of the cabinet, declare a state of emergency in the event of war, external attack, armed revolt, extreme economic breakdown or natural calamity, or epidemic. The proclamation has to be approved by the parliament with a two-thirds majority within one month; the emergency will last three months and can be prolonged in three-month terms with the same supermajority. There are rights the House cannot suspend, not even in case of emergency, and in the event of dissolving the House, the National Assembly takes the approval role.

Breakthrough but challenges ahead

Doubts had emerged when reports suggested Karkis elevation had hit a roadblock. But the breakthrough came after President Paudel held back-to-back discussions with youth leaders, who have spearheaded the Gen-Z protests.

Karki is Nepals first and only female chief justice and now the countrys first woman PM, widely respected for her honesty and her tough stance against corruption. Her appointment is being hailed as a step towards restoring stability after days of chaos. Yet her interim premiership will face immediate tests: balancing public anger, political demands, and mounting international scrutiny as Nepal attempts to steer itself out of crisis.

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The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect News18s editorial stance.

First Published: September 13, 2025, 07:35 IST

News opinion Global Watch | Nepal Gets 'Interim' Relief: Reasons Behind Crisis, Constitutional Context, And What Lies Ahead

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Opinion | Modis Mizoram-Manipur Visit Signals New Dawn For Stability & Growth

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 15:51 IST

Northeast exemplifies how infrastructure-led development can serve simultaneously as economic catalyst, peace dividend & strategic asset in India's broader national transformation

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PM Modi in Manipur | Image: X

Prime Minister Narendra Modis landmark visit to Mizoram and Manipur on Saturday embodies the convergence of infrastructure development with healing, marking a pivotal moment in Indias Northeast transformation. Central to this narrative is Modis inaugural return to Manipur since the devastating 2023 ethnic violence, underscoring the governments intent to leverage large-scale infrastructure projects as both economic catalysts and peace-building instruments. This visit signals a new era of stability and growth, where the spools of railway tracks weave together economic opportunity and communal reconciliation.

The inauguration of the Rs 8,070 crore Bairabi-Sairang railway, stitching Aizawl into the national grid, alongside the unveiling of over Rs 17,000 crore in regional projects, is a pointed reminder that for the Modi administration, infrastructure is not just policy; it is doctrine and stability and growth are to be engineered, quite literally, from the ground up.

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Infrastructure as Foundation for Peace

The choreography of Modis Northeast foray is deliberate: development is to be the principal vehicle for both conflict resolution and regional integration. By choosing to inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang railway, a feat of 48 tunnels and 143 bridges carved through some of Indias most recalcitrant terrain, the prime minister is sending a message that the governments resolve to connect the nation is not to be doubted.

This engineering colossus, rising 104 metres, towering 40 metres above Delhis Qutub Minar, stands as a metaphor for the recalibration of Indias approach to its northeastern periphery.

The railways completion, after years of geological intransigence and technical labyrinths, is a case study in what sustained political will can achieve. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaws remarks on the projects technical know-how, tunnelling through sand that had to be coaxed into stone, only underscore the extraordinary lengths taken to weave Mizoram into the national economic fabric.

In addition, the immediate launch of three new express services connecting Sairang to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati further reinforces this integration, providing Mizorams residents with direct access to Indias major economic centres.

But has this development really brought about peace in the region? Modis first visit to Manipur since the May 2023 ethnic violence that claimed over 258 lives and displaced 60,000 people represents a critical intervention. The prime minister has decided to visit Churachandpur, the epicentre of Kuki-Zo-Meitei tensions, and interact directly with internally displaced persons, signaling a hands-on approach to conflict resolution that goes beyond traditional administrative responses.

In addition, the recently signed revised Suspension of Operations pact with 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups provides crucial context for the timing and significance of this visit. Signed on September 4, 2025, just days before Modis arrival, this agreement reduces militant camps from 14 to six each for the Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples Front, while ensuring strict monitoring through Aadhaar-linked financial systems and foreign national identification processes.

The combination of suspending operations, direct engagement with displaced persons, and the announcement of Rs 8,500 crore in new projects for Manipur highlights the governments belief that economic opportunities and infrastructure can provide alternatives to ethnic conflict.

Decade of Transformation Since 2014

The Modi governments Northeast infrastructure revolution becomes most apparent through a comparative analysis of investment patterns and project completion rates across different time periods. Railway budget allocation for the region has increased five-fold, from Rs 2,122 crore annually during 2009-2014 to Rs 10,440 crore for 2025-26, representing the highest investment levels in the regions history.

The increase in funding has enabled the completion of transformative projects, including the Rs 5,960 crore Bogibeel Bridge and the Rs 2,056 crore Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, both of which have substantially reduced travel times and enhanced strategic connectivity.

A Rs 6,600 crore allocation for the establishment of the PM-DevINE scheme in 2022 showcases the governments focus on development in the region. The focus on infrastructure convergence, social development projects, and livelihood activities for youth and women addresses historical development gaps while creating employment opportunities that can reduce regional migration and brain drain.

The schemes 35 sanctioned projects worth Rs 4,857 crore as of November 2024 span healthcare, education, digital infrastructure, and cultural preservation, reflecting a comprehensive approach to regional development.

Another scheme, the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), has further complemented these efforts by providing gap-funding for roads, healthcare, education, and industrial development projects between Rs 5 crore and Rs 50 crore. Combined with the doubling of airport infrastructure and the introduction of 71 new air routes, these investments have created an interconnected development ecosystem that supports both economic growth and strategic security requirements.

Strategic Integration and National Security

The regions 5,182-kilometre border with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan makes infrastructure development essential for both defensive capabilities and diplomatic engagement through Indias Act East Policy. The Dhola-Sadiya Bridges design specifications, capable of supporting 60-tonne main battle tanks, exemplify how civilian infrastructure projects simultaneously serve strategic military requirements. Additionally, the integration of digital infrastructure like broadband services along these corridors introduces a multiplier effect, enhancing the potential for economic growth and modernisation.

For instance, the deployment of fintech services utilising these digital backbones can revolutionise local economies, providing access to banking in remote areas and fostering new business opportunities, thereby reinforcing the regions readiness for a modern economy.

The Act East Policys evolution since 2014 has repositioned Northeast India from a peripheral border region to the central gateway for Southeast Asian engagement. Infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project depend fundamentally on robust Northeast connectivity, making regional development essential for Indias broader geopolitical aspirations.

Since 2014, the North-East has emerged as a beacon of peace and progress. Insurgency incidents in the region have declined sharply by 73 per cent, while casualties among security personnel have fallen by 60 per cent, reflecting significant improvements in law and order. The Modi government has been instrumental in fostering peace, formalising over a dozen accords with diverse groups such as the Bodo (2020), Bru-Reang (2020), Karbi Anglong (2021), Tripura Motha (2024), and ULFA (2023) factions. This sustained peace dividend is also evident in democratic participation, with Assam recording a voter turnout of 81.6 per cent in the 2024 elections, a sign of strengthened faith in democratic governance.

In Mizoram, a state where 87 per cent of the population is Christian and over 90 per cent are tribal, the government has successfully dispelled allegations of being anti-minority. Economic programmes have been tailored to uplift the local populace: for instance, the National Bamboo Mission has generated substantial employment opportunities, while the PM-KISAN scheme provides direct income support of Rs 6,000 annually to 1.2 lakh farmers. Healthcare coverage has expanded under Ayushman Bharat, benefiting 2.5 lakh residents with free medical services.

Infrastructure development has radically transformed Mizorams rural connectivity. The PM Grameen Sadak Yojana has linked 95 per cent of the states habitations, a dramatic rise from merely 30 per cent in 2014. Housing initiatives under the PM Awas Yojana have delivered thousands of homes to Mizo families. The Jal Jeevan Mission ensures access to clean drinking water, enhancing the quality of life. Simultaneously, cultural preservation remains a priority, with government support for traditional festivals such as Chapchar Kut and concerted efforts to promote the Mizo language. The handloom and handicraft sectors have been invigorated through the Vocal for Local campaign, advancing Mizo textiles and crafts on national platforms.

Modis peace-building through development marks a shift from earlier security-centric strategies that alienated locals. Signing over a dozen accords since 2014, such as with the Bodo, Bru-Reang, Karbi Anglong, and ULFA groups, demonstrates the belief that comprehensive development can counter insurgency and ethnic conflict. The new Kuki-Zo pact continues the approach of blending security with economic opportunity.

Todays visit culminates more than a decade of systematic Northeast transformation that has fundamentally altered the regions relationship with both the Indian state and the broader global economy. The Rs 17,000 crore in combined project announcements during this visit reflects sustained institutional commitment that extends well beyond individual project cycles.

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With 933 railway surveys covering 65,488 kilometres sanctioned nationwide over the past three years, including 21 surveys spanning 2,499 kilometres specifically for Northeast projects, the foundation has been laid for continued expansion throughout the next decade.

Modis Northeast strategy demonstrates how sustained infrastructure investment, combined with inclusive peace-building and strategic positioning, can transform peripheral regions into growth engines and stability anchors. As Mizoram connects to Indias railway network for the first time and Manipur begins its recovery from ethnic strife through development-focused engagement, the Northeast exemplifies how infrastructure-led development can serve simultaneously as economic catalyst, peace dividend, and strategic asset in Indias broader national transformation.

About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

Location : Manipur, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 15:51 IST

News opinion Opinion | Modis Mizoram-Manipur Visit Signals New Dawn For Stability & Growth

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Opinion | PM Modi Writing Golden Chapter Of J&K's History

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 03:23 IST

Once known as land of curfews and conflict, Jammu and Kashmir today is emerging as a symbol of a Naya Bharat

PM Modis governance has shifted the narrative from conflict to confidence, from despair to hope, and from isolation to integration. (File Image)

Since 2014, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed significantly. From the beginning, PM Modi made it clear that separatists and their supporters would not find a place in the region, as they did not align with the nations broader vision.

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During PM Modis first term in office from 2014 to 2019, Jammu and Kashmir began to experience the early signs of a historic transformation, laying the groundwork for the emergence of a Naya Jammu and Kashmir".

After winning a decisive majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Modi government made a bold decision in its second term to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A. On August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmirs special status was revoked, paving the way for its complete integration into the Union of India.

Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed massive development, and there has been no turning back. Separatists, who once held significant influence in the former state, have become irrelevant in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Strikes, shutdowns, and stone-pelting have become things of the past.

Youth are now leading the charge and writing a new chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Mainstream leaders, who previously misled the public by claiming Article 370 as a bridge between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi, have been exposed. The past six years have clearly shown that Article 370 was a major obstacle to Jammu and Kashmirs development.

Infrastructure projects that were once stalled are now a reality. Roads, tunnels, bridges, and highways have not only reduced distances but also connected remote regions like never before. The construction of the worlds highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, along with a train to Kashmir, stands as a testament to the new era of connectivity.

Power projects are providing electricity to villages, healthcare facilities are being upgraded, and educational institutions are proliferating across the union territory. The Jal Jeevan Mission has made significant strides in ensuring tap water reaches rural households.

The removal of discriminatory laws has empowered women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised sections who were previously denied rights. Women now have the right to inherit property regardless of whom they marry. Valmikis, once restricted to sanitation jobs, can now pursue professions of their choice. West Pakistan refugees, previously denied permanent residency, have finally been recognised as equal citizens.

This inclusive framework reflects PM Modis vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.

Special industrial policies have attracted investments into Jammu and Kashmir, with thousands of crores pledged in sectors like IT, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Handicrafts and handloom products, the pride of Kashmir, are being promoted globally, providing artisans with access to wider markets.

Employment opportunities through government recruitment drives and private sector investment are ensuring that the youth find opportunities at home rather than seeking them elsewhere.

Youth in Jammu and Kashmir are embracing PM Modis call for atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in both letter and spirit. They are fully leveraging the self-employment schemes devised by the government. Instead of being job seekers, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have become job providers in recent years.

New business ventures started by the youth have given a significant boost to Jammu and Kashmirs economy, contributing towards making Bharat atmanirbhar, which is the cornerstone of national strength in realising the dream of Viksit Bharat.

Under PM Modis leadership, Naya Jammu and Kashmir" has emerged, distinctly different from the region that existed prior to August 5, 2019.

PM Modis governance has shifted the narrative from conflict to confidence, from despair to hope, and from isolation to integration. The region today stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the governments determination to deliver peace and prosperity.

The transformation of Jammu and Kashmir under PM Modis leadership is not just about infrastructure or securityit is about restoring dignity, rights, and opportunities to its people.

The bold decision to abrogate Article 370, coupled with relentless focus on development, youth empowerment, and grassroots democracy, has changed the face of Jammu and Kashmir.

Once known as a land of curfews and conflict, Jammu and Kashmir today is emerging as a symbol of a Naya Bharata land of peace, progress, and promise. Under PM Modis leadership, the union territory has not only integrated into the national mainstream but is also establishing itself as a model of transformation for the entire country.

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Sheikh Khalid is a Kashmir-based columnist, author, and BJP leader. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: September 14, 2025, 03:23 IST

News opinion Opinion | PM Modi Writing Golden Chapter Of J&K's History

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Opinion | When Nations Fail, Corporations Flee: Why Multinationals Are Abandoning Pakistan

Written By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 10:40 IST

Every multinational that leaves Pakistan sends a loud message to global marketsPakistan is not safe, profitable, or stable for business

Since 2022, more than 21 major corporations across sectorstech, pharma, and energyhave left Pakistan.

Pakistans economic freefall has entered a dangerous new phase. Yamaha Motor Pakistans announcement to halt motorcycle manufacturing marks yet another multinational giant pulling out of the country. Far from being an isolated event, this is part of a long exodus of global companiesMicrosoft, Shell, Pfizer, Sanofi, Uber, and otherswho have found Pakistan increasingly unsustainable for business.

Yamaha Joins the Exit Parade

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On September 9, 2025, Yamaha Motor Pakistan (YMPK) officially ceased local motorcycle production. The company cited a change in business strategy", but the underlying reasons are no secretrising political instability, policy inconsistency, and an unworkable business environment. Yamahas exit comes just weeks after Microsoft shut down all operations in Pakistan after 25 years, citing political chaos and regulatory risks".

Microsofts Dramatic Exit: A Symbol of Collapse

Microsofts departure was symbolic. After a quarter century of trying to survive Pakistans turbulent markets, the tech giant finally hit Escape. Former President Arif Alvi called the country a nation swimming in a whirlpool of uncertainty". Microsofts own former country head, Jawwad Rehman, noted that if even tech behemoths cannot sustain themselves in Pakistan, the message is clear: the environment has become toxic for global investment.

The Long List of Departures

Yamaha and Microsoft are only the tip of the iceberg. Since 2022, more than 21 major corporations across sectorstech, pharma, and energyhave left Pakistan. The list includes:

Shell Pakistan  Energy major

Telenor  Telecom giant

Pfizer, Sanofi, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Viatris  Global pharmaceutical leaders

Careem & Uber  Ride-hailing giants

TotalEnergies (PARCO)  Energy multinational

Lotte Chemical  Industrial player

Each exit weakens Pakistans already fragile economy, strips jobs, and discourages new investors.

Why Are Corporations Leaving?

Several key factors explain the corporate exodus:

Political Instability: Governments fall, policies shift, and authoritarian crackdowns make long-term planning impossible.

Security Concerns: Terror threats, smuggling economies, and lawlessness remain rampant.

Corruption & Governance Failure: Businesses face constant harassment, bribes, and arbitrary regulation.

Tax Burden & Policy Inconsistency: Multinationals face complicated tax regimes" that change with every budget.

Energy Crisis & Infrastructure Decay: Power cuts, fuel shortages, and crumbling logistics deter industrial investment.

The Domino Effect on Economy

Every multinational that leaves Pakistan sends a loud message to global marketsPakistan is not safe, profitable, or stable for business. This erodes investor confidence, shrinks FDI inflows, worsens unemployment, and deepens the ongoing IMF-dependency cycle.

What was once hailed as an emerging market" is now viewed as a risky quagmire. The exodus proves that Pakistans crisis is not just cyclicalits structural.

From Tech Hubs to Terror Hubs

While neighbours like India attract record investments in manufacturing and technology, Pakistan has become synonymous with political anarchy and military dominance. Global corporations see no future in a country where policies are dictated by generals, not economists, and where short-term populism trumps long-term reform.

A Warning Written in Capital Flight

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Yamaha, Microsoft, and others did not leave because of business strategy alone"they left because Pakistan has become a graveyard for multinationals. Political instability, insecurity, and corruption have made the environment unbearable.

The corporate exodus is not just an economic storyit is a damning indictment of Pakistans governance failure. Until the state prioritises stability, reforms, and rule of law, the exits will continue, and Pakistans dream of economic revival will remain a mirage.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: September 13, 2025, 10:40 IST

News opinion Opinion | When Nations Fail, Corporations Flee: Why Multinationals Are Abandoning Pakistan

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 08:36 IST

The Noida International Airport (NIA) is gearing up for its launch after repeated delays. Reportedly, it is eyeing to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.

1 / 7 Is Noida International Airport set to become Asias largest international airport? It is designed to handle up to 12 million passengers annually. (Image: NIA) + Follow us On Google

2 / 7 It is is set to handle around six million passengers in its first year of commercial operations, according to industry sources. (Image: NIA)

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3 / 7 IndiGo (6E) is expected to be the first carrier to launch services from the airport. (Image: NIA)

4 / 7 NIA's CEO, Christoph Schnellmann, recently confirmed that all aeronautical infrastructure is now ready. Roofing for the passenger terminal has been completed, while finishing touches and technical installations are in progress. (Image: NIA)

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5 / 7 The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is currently installing and testing equipment for the air traffic control tower, marking a key step toward operational readiness. (Image: NIA)

6 / 7 Simultaneously, the airport is running the Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) programme. This includes trial runs, simulations, and system tests covering baggage handling, security checkpoints, check-in counters, and boarding gates. (Image: NIA)

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:22 IST

1 / 8 Ethiopias calendar is a living testament to how time can be shaped by culture, faith, and history. The celebration of Enkutatash is more than just a New Years party; its a vibrant expression of renewal, community, and deep-rooted tradition. (Image: Instagram) + Follow us On Google

2 / 8 While the rest of the world is in the year 2025, Ethiopia has just welcomed 2018  a striking reminder that time isnt universal, but deeply cultural. Rooted in ancient traditions, Ethiopia follows its own calendar system: 13 months in total, with 12 months of 30 days and a unique 13th month called Pagume, which lasts five or six days depending on the leap year. (Image: Instagram)

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3 / 8 The seven-year difference stems from a distinct calculation of Christs birth. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church places it several years later than Western Christianity, making Ethiopias calendar behind by global standards  but proudly ahead in preserving its heritage. (Image: Instagram)

4 / 8 Their New Year, Enkutatash, falls on September 11 (or September 12 in leap years), marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of brighter days. Its celebrated with blooming Adey Ababa flowers, joyful dancing, heartfelt songs, and family gatherings. (Image: Instagram)

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5 / 8 Adey Ababa Blooms: These yellow flowers, symbolic of hope and rebirth, flood the streets durinf Enkutatash. Theyre gifted between loved ones and used to decorate homes and churches. (Image: Instagram)

6 / 8 Abebayehosh Songs: Young girls dressed in traditional white dresses with colourful embroidery go door-to-door singing blessings for the new year  a cherished custom that brings neighbourhoods together. (Image: Instagram)

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7 / 8 Feasting & Family: Markets buzz with activity as families buy sheep, chickens, and even oxen for the celebratory meal. Dishes like doro wat and injera take center stage at tables across the country. (Image: Instagram)
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated that global oil supply is set to increase more swiftly this year, with a surplus potentially growing by 2026.

This is due to both OPEC+ members boosting their output and the growth of supply from non-OPEC+ countries.

The IEA, which provides guidance to industrialised nations, noted a projected supply rise of 2.7 million barrels per day (mbbl/d) to 105.8mbbl/d by 2025, and an additional increase of 2.1mbbl/d to 107.9mbbl/d the following year.

The OPEC+ group, comprising the eight countries of Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has agreed to augment its production.

Following a decision on 7 September to commence unwinding its second tranche of supply cuts, the group plans to elevate its output target by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) in October.

At this rate, it would take one year to fully implement the 1.65mbbl/d tranche of cuts, leaving 2mbbl/d of cuts still in place.

The IEA's analysis suggests that supply is increasing much faster than demand, even though it has revised its global demand growth forecast this year to 740,000bpd, highlighting strong deliveries in advanced economies.

The IEA said: "Oil markets are being pulled in different directions by a range of forces, with the potential for supply losses stemming from new sanctions on Russia and Iran coming against a backdrop of higher OPEC+ supply and the prospect of increasingly bloated oil balances.

Benchmark crude oil prices experienced a decline last month, with ICE Brent futures dropping by approximately $2 per barrel (bbl) month-on-month to $67/bbl.

The IEA anticipates that global inventories will see an "untenable" average increase of 2.5mbbl/d in the second half of 2025, as supply substantially exceeds demand.

Additionally, China's continued stockpiling of crude is contributing to keeping Brent crude prices for immediate delivery higher than those for future contracts, a market condition referred to as backwardation.

IEA added: "There are a number of potential twists and turns ahead  including geopolitical tensions, trade policies and additional sanctions on Russia and Iran  that could yet alter market balances.

"IEA forecasts rapid rise in global oil supply" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




'One Is Betrayal, Other Is Fraud': TVK's Vijay Attacks BJP, DMK In His First Poll Campaign

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 20:32 IST

Actor-turned-politician Vijay began his first election campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, and accused both the BJP and DMK of cheating the people.

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TVK chief Vijay addressing a rally in Tiruchirappalli. (PTI)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Saturday began his maiden statewide campaign from Tiruchirappalli ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, where he attacked the ruling DMK party for unfulfilled poll promises in their election manifesto and the BJP for tormenting people.

The actor-turned-politician addressed a massive crowd with a reference to tradition, saying, In the olden days, before going to war, kings would first visit their family deities for blessings. Similarly, before heading into an electoral battle, I wanted to meet and greet my people," he said.

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Vijay outlined the significance of choosing Tiruchirappalli for his maiden election campaign, saying it was the place where DMK founder CN Annadurai decided in 1956 to enter the electoral race, and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran held his first state conference in 1974 after forming the government.

Vijay pitched the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections as a battle for the people, asserting that neither the DMK nor the BJP would be spared. We will not spare the BJP that torments people, nor the DMK that cheats them," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Unfulfilled Promises

Vijay targeted several promises made in the DMKs 2021 election manifesto that remain unfulfilled. Out of the 505 assurances they made, what has been implemented? Where is the Rs 3 reduction in diesel prices, the monthly electricity bill calculation, the waiver of student education loans, 40% job reservation for women in government services, the restoration of the old pension scheme, and the filling of two lakh government vacancies?" he said.

He accused the MK Stalin government of ignoring real issues of the people, citing a recent illegal kidney sale racket. Women are allowed free travel in buses, but are humiliated by being mocked for travelling for free. The promise of Rs 1,000 for all women has not been fulfilled, and those who received it are showcased for publicity," he added.

Vijay On BJPs Betrayal

The actor-politician also attacked the BJP-led Centre for denying critical funds meant for disaster relief in Tamil Nadu, ignoring the plight of Tamil fishermen attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, and turning its back to the distress of students after the NEET exam controversy.

He also assailed the Central government for attempting to impose Hindi and Sanskrit against Tamil Nadus two-language policy. He also described the One Nation, One Election plan as an electoral manipulation" and warned that the upcoming delimitation exercise would reduce South Indias political strength, NDTV reported.

These are just a few samples of the betrayals the BJP government at the Centre has done," he said. The BJP government deceives Tamil Nadu. The Stalin government deceives Tamils with trust. One is betrayal, the other is fraud  both are crimes against democracy."

Vijay assured that TVK would focus on education, electricity, healthcare, womens safety, and legal reforms without compromise. We will only promise what is practically possible, not empty words. Victory is certain," he asserted.

Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The TVK will be contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections for the first time since its founding in 2024.

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Vijay earlier said the TVK understands the pulse of the people and the current political landscape. According to the schedule released by TVK, his state-wide political campaign will span 98 days until December 20, with events held mainly on Saturdays, except on December 5, which falls on a Sunday.

(with inputs from ANI)

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 : Tiruchirappalli, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 20:29 IST

News politics 'One Is Betrayal, Other Is Fraud': TVK's Vijay Attacks BJP, DMK In His First Poll Campaign

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'Shameful': BJP Attacks Congress For Allegedly Playing Pakistani Song During Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat Visit

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 14:12 IST

Attacking Congress, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called it "shameful", and said this is an insult to India.

Rahul Gandhi on Gujarat visit

A purported video of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being welcomed in Gujarat with a Pakistani song being played is going viral online. The video was shared by BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who slammed the grand old party for allegedly playing a Pakistani song. Calling it shameful," Bhandari took a swipe at Congress and said it was an insult to India.

When our soldiers guard the borders against Pakistan, Congress supporters sing Pakistani tunes for their leader. For Rahul Gandhi, loyalty to India comes last," he added in the post.

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Viral Video: Congress Party supporters allegedly found playing a Pakistani song to welcome Rahul Gandhi in Junagadh, Gujarat! pic.twitter.com/2SUpPM8Lr9 Megh Updates  (@MeghUpdates) September 12, 2025

Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited Gujarats Junagadh where he reiterated his vote chori" charge and accused the ruling BJP of committing poll fraud. He told party workers they can compel vote thieves" to vacate the throne with the support of citizens.

Speaking to the reporters, Gandhi during his visit also acknowledged that the turmoil in Manipur has been going on for a long time. He told reporters, The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now."

Reiterating his vote theft" jibe, Gandhi once again alleged that the election mandates in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls were stolen".

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But the main issue in the country is that of Vote Chori. The election mandates in Haryana and Maharashtra were stolen. People everywhere are saying Vote Chor," he said.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: September 13, 2025, 12:53 IST

News politics 'Shameful': BJP Attacks Congress For Allegedly Playing Pakistani Song During Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat Visit

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'Most Devoted': Story Of Chinese Man Taking Care Of Blind Wife For 12 Years Melts Hearts

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 21:53 IST

Li Juxin from China has won hearts online for caring for his blind wife. Juxin's wife became completely blind in June 2014 due to a serious eye condition.

The story of Li Juxin has inspired many on social media (Image: X/@ChinaJimo)

A 39-year-old man in China, who has been taking care of his wife after she lost her eyesight over 12 years ago, has won hearts online. As the heartfelt story of Li Juxin captured the attention of internet users, they praised his unwavering devotion to his wife.

A car repair shop owner in Qingdao in Shandong province, Juxin has been caring for his wife, Zhang Xiying, ever since she lost her sight.

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According to a report in Shandong-based news outlet Qilu Evening News, the couple who got married in 2008, have a daughter. Their life changed drastically in 2013 when Zhang was diagnosed with a serious eye condition that left her completely blind. Details of the illness were not disclosed in the report.

Despite spending nearly half a million yuan (approximately US$70,000) on treatment, Zhangs vision deteriorated, and she became completely blind in June 2014, South China Morning Post reported.

Li described the ordeal as their life turning from heaven to hell" but remained steadfast, assuring his wife, In the coming decades of our lives, I will continue to walk alongside you." He also vowed, Wherever I go, I will take you with me."

The SCMP report mentioned that to support Zhang emotionally, Li, along with family and friends, took turns uplifting her spirits. He maintained the same arrangement of household and shop items so Zhang could rely on her memory to move around independently.

I must live on. For the sake of our family, I need to stay strong," the news outlet quoted Zhang as saying. Over time, Zhang regained confidence and returned to cooking, even making dumplings again, with Li praising, The food tastes as delicious as ever."

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In 2020, Li joined the local public welfare group Lantian Rescuing Team, an initiative supported by Zhang. He said, Our familys situation has improved, and our child is growing up, so I believe its time to give back to society and help those in need."

The story has inspired many on social media. One user commented, Salute to this most devoted man! I am deeply moved." Another said, You are my eyes. You take me to experience the changes of the four seasons." Love conquers all difficulties. I am beginning to believe in love again," a third user wrote, the report mentioned.

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 : China

First Published: September 13, 2025, 21:51 IST

News viral 'Most Devoted': Story Of Chinese Man Taking Care Of Blind Wife For 12 Years Melts Hearts

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19 Pakistani Soldiers, 45 TTP Fighters Killed In Fierce Clashes Near Afghan Border

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 03:43 IST

The deadly encounters, which took place over several days, were the result of raids on three TTP hideouts in Pakistan's restive northwestern provinces

The surge in violence in recent years, particularly since the Afghan Taliban's return to power in 2021, has turned the border region into a volatile front once more. Representational image/Pexels

In a series of fierce clashes near the Afghan border, Pakistani security forces have reportedly killed 45 fighters of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but at the cost of at least 19 soldiers. The deadly encounters, which took place over several days, were the result of raids on three TTP hideouts in Pakistans restive northwestern provinces, highlighting the countrys ongoing struggle to contain a resurgent militant threat.

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According to a statement from the Pakistani military on Saturday, the operations were conducted in the Bajaur, Lower Dir, and South Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The military confirmed that in the first raid in Bajaur, 22 militants were killed. A separate operation in South Waziristan resulted in the deaths of 13 more fighters, while a third clash in the Lower Dir area killed an additional 10. The TTP, which is a separate but closely allied group to the ruling Afghan Taliban, has since claimed responsibility for some of the attacks.

The high casualty count for Pakistani soldiers12 in the ambush in South Waziristan and seven in the gun battle in Lower Dirunderscores the intensity of the fighting and the complex security challenges faced by Pakistan. These raids are part of a broader military campaign to eliminate TTP hideouts that Pakistan says are located in Afghanistan, with militants regularly launching cross-border attacks. The Pakistani government has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to take action against the TTP, but Kabul has consistently denied the presence of the militants on its soil.

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The surge in violence in recent years, particularly since the Afghan Talibans return to power in 2021, has turned the border region into a volatile front once more. The TTP has been emboldened by the Taliban victory, finding sanctuaries and a renewed sense of purpose across the border.

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 14, 2025, 03:43 IST

News world 19 Pakistani Soldiers, 45 TTP Fighters Killed In Fierce Clashes Near Afghan Border

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Air Raid Sirens Sound Across Tel Aviv, Central Israel After Yemen Launches Missiles

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 08:14 IST

Israeli airstrikes in Yemen killed 46, damaged homes and the National Museum of Yemen, leaving residents without aid as Houthi attacks on Israel continue.

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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday claimed that they have strike down ballistic missile fired by Yemens Houthi rebels. These missiles alarmed sirens in Tel Aviv and across central Israel.

As per a report by Times of Israel, there are no reports of injuries or damage after the interception of the missiles.

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Sirens sounding across central Israel following projectile fire from Yemen pic.twitter.com/WcRmKoyLxV Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 13, 2025

Israel attacked on Yemen on Wednesday and these strikes killed 46 people  including 11 women and five children  and wounded 165, according to the data released on Thursday by the rebel-run health ministry in Sanaa. Most of the casualties were in Sanaa.

As per the officials, 11 local journalists were also killed in the strikes.

The strikes followed a drone launched by the Houthi rebels that breached Israels multilayered air defenses and slammed into a southern Israeli airport, blowing out glass windows and injuring one person.

In yemen, a military headquarters and a Sanaa fuel station were also hit, the rebels said previously, as well as a government facility in the city of Hazm, the capital of northern Jawf province. The National Museum of Yemen was also damaged, according to the rebels culture ministry, with footage from the site showings damage to the buildings facade.

In Sanaa, where Yemens yearslong civil war has impoverished many, residents told The Associated Press they cannot afford any major repairs and that the local authorities are not offering compensation or help with reconstruction.

Dozens of homes in Sanaas central Tahrir area were damaged. One of the residents from there, Um Talal, said she has no faith the authorities will help repair the house where she lives with her daughter and two sons.

The airstrikes knocked out their living room walls and damaged the kitchen, leaving dirt, debris and rubble, speaking to The Associated Press over the phone.

Everything was lost in the blink of an eye," she said. Authorities havent even called us to this day. "

Despite the destruction, she said the family will fix what they can and continue living in their home.

Another resident, Ahmed al-Wasabi, said he and his family  luckily  were not home when one of the airstrikes partially destroyed their house.

The explosions terrified people who went running and children and women were crying and screaming," said Khaled al-Dabeai, a grocery shop owner who added that the force of the explosions knocked products off his shelves.

Israel has previously launched waves of airstrikes in response to the Houthis firing missiles and drones at Israel. The Houthis say they are supporting Hamas and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea for over 22 months, saying they are attacking in solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.

Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat vowed on Wednesday to continue the attacks, warning Israelis to stay alarmed since the response is coming for sure."

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Israel

First Published: September 13, 2025, 07:35 IST

News world Air Raid Sirens Sound Across Tel Aviv, Central Israel After Yemen Launches Missiles

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Author Stephen Kings Remark On Charlie Kirk Draws Ted Cruzs Fury: Horrible, Evil, Twisted Liar

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 16:54 IST

Author Stephen King and US Senator Ted Cruz clashed online over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk after the former said he advocated for "stoning gays".

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US author Stephen King and Senator Ted Cruz. (File/Reuters)

American author Stephen King and US Republican Senator Ted Cruz clashed online over the assassination of conservative Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The altercation began when Fox News host Jesse Watters described Kirk as a patriot. Charlie Kirk was not a controversial or polarising man. Charlie was a PATRIOT. This is a turning point, and we all need to turn in the right direction. Rest in peace, my friend," he said on X.

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King responded to Watters post by saying, He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin." This drew a heated response from Ted Cruz, who called the author a horrible, twisted liar."

You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar. No, he did not. Your partywhich you shamelessly shilled forsent $100 billion to the Ayatollah who does routinely murder homosexuals. Why are you so dishonest & filled with hate?" Cruz wrote on X.

You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar.No, he did not. Your partywhich you shamelessly shilled forsent $100 billion to the Ayatollah who does routinely murder homosexuals. Why are you so dishonest & filled with hate? https://t.co/slxhbWBbQ0  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2025

However, King later deleted his tweet and apologised, saying he read something without fact-checking. The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes. This is what I get for reading something on Twitter w/o fact-checking. Wont happen again," he said.

Cruz appreciated Kings apology and said both sides should treat each other with respect and decency, even in the case of political disagreements. All of uson both sides of the aisleshould treat each other with respect & decency, even if we disagree on politics. Charlie did that every day, and I admired him for it."

I appreciate that @StephenKing deleted the false tweet about @charliekirk11 and apologized.All of uson both sides of the aisleshould treat each other with respect & decency, even if we disagree on politics. Charlie did that every day, and I admired him for it. https://t.co/6niS7HlaIT  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2025

Charlie Kirk, a fierce Trump loyalist who held controversial opinions about race, abortion, religion and LGBTQ rights, was fatally shot in the neck during a debate hosted by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The assassination sent shockwaves across US political circles and reignited the debate around political violence in America.

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Tributes poured in from US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump announced that Kirk would receive a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Vance carried Kirks coffin during his funeral. FBI Director Kash Patel also bid him an emotional goodbye on Friday.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, was arrested on Friday following an intense three-day manhunt. According to authorities, the suspects father turned him over to the authorities.

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 13, 2025, 16:54 IST

News world Author Stephen Kings Remark On Charlie Kirk Draws Ted Cruzs Fury: Horrible, Evil, Twisted Liar

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Bangladesh's Yunus Congratulates Nepal Interim PM Sushila Karki: 'As A Longstanding Friend...'

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 15:58 IST

Sushila Karki took charge as Nepal's interim PM after violent protests triggered by a social media ban that left 51 dead in Nepal.

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Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Nepal Interim PM Sushila Karki. (File)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday congratulated Nepals newly-appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki after widespread protests over corruption and economic mismanagement that toppled the previous KP Sharma Oli-led government in the country.

On behalf of the Government and the People of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency on your appointment as Prime Minister of Nepal," said Yunus in a letter.

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Your assumption of this high office, at a critical and challenging time, is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in you by the people of Nepal. As a longstanding friend and neighbour of Nepal, we are confident that under your able leadership and guidance, Nepal and its resilient people will continue to progress on the path of peace, development and stability."

pic.twitter.com/DRSi6wnIFS Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) September 13, 2025

Yunus also said he looked forward to working closely with Nepal to further strengthen the deep-rooted ties of friendship, corruption and mutual respect that exist between our two countries". He also expressed condolences for the loss of lives during the recent protests in Nepal.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. Nepals President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki at the Presidents Office on Friday.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal."

The recent unrest in Nepal, reflecting the frustration of the citizens with the government, was triggered by a ban on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). This move not only restricted communication but also intensified existing anger toward widespread corruption and lack of economic opportunities.

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The protests became violent quickly. Demonstrators set fire to the Supreme Court, parliament, and government buildings. At least 51 people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured in clashes with the police and army. The situation worsened to the point that the Nepal Army was called in to restore order.

Notably, public fury also toppled a government in Bangladesh last year, when student-led protests started with anger against rules that limited the number of civil service jobs based on merit. They morphed into a massive nationwide uprising in July last year that culminated in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hundreds of people, mostly students, were killed in violent protests.

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 : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: September 13, 2025, 15:58 IST

News world Bangladesh's Yunus Congratulates Nepal Interim PM Sushila Karki: 'As A Longstanding Friend...'

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Charlie Kirk Was Warned He Would Be 100% Killed Before Fatal Shooting

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 18:22 IST

Security expert Kris Herzog had warned Charlie Kirk of grave danger before the assassination.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Conservative activist and US President Donald Trumps ally, Charlie Kirk, was shot dead earlier this week while addressing an open debate at Utah Valley University.

Months before the assassination incident, a security expert had warned Kirk that there was a 100% chance" he would be killed while speaking at university campuses if he did not take strict safety steps.

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Kris Herzog, owner of The Bodyguard Group of Beverly Hills, which works with high-profile clients, met the 31-year-old conservative influencer on March 6 at California State University, where he bluntly told him that his life was in serious danger, as reported by The Mirror.

Herzog said his team believed Kirks security was not even close" to what it should have been and warned he was in grave danger" of being shot at an event, according to the report by Daily Mail.

Everyone in my group felt that his security was not even close to what it should be and he was in grave danger of being shot and killed at one of his upcoming events," he said.

Herzog had urged the Turning Point USA co-founder to use bulletproof glass panels for protection and recommended the use of metal detectors to screen anyone within a 700m radius.

I told him that a sniper would probably go for a headshot, which means it was of critical importance to have the ballistic glass," Herzog explained.

Kirk apparently listened to some of the suggestions, but he didnt get in touch with Herzog again. My prediction of his murder has come true," Herzog told the Daily Mail, adding, sadly he never got back to me."

Mark Wilson, a colleague of Herzog who also attended Kirks March 6 rally, claimed that he had also spoken with the father-of-two directly.

We are huge Turning Point fans, being conservatives, and wed discussed the lack of security because hes up close with these nutcase kids and doesnt appear that he ever wears a bullet proof vest, Wilson told the Daily Mail.

Its super sad what has happened, he added.

Charlie Kirk Shot Dead

Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing an open debate at Utah Valley University. The killing, captured on video, was carried out when a large crowd had gathered under a canopy marked with one of Kirks trademark slogans, Prove Me Wrong."

Trump strongly condemned his assassination and called the murderer a total animal". He had earlier described the killing as a dark moment for America."

Meanwhile, the suspected assassin, identified as 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, has been taken into custody by the FBI.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinsons identity during a press conference on Friday, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials.

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Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young daughters.

As a tribute to Kirk, Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast until September 14 across federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and US embassies worldwide.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 18:22 IST

News world Charlie Kirk Was Warned He Would Be 100% Killed Before Fatal Shooting

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Charlie Kirks Widow Erika Weeps Over His Casket In Heart-Wrenching Moment: No Idea What

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 22:44 IST

Erika shared a series of pictures and videos from the final goodbye, in which she can be seen crying and rubbing, kissing, and holding Charlie's hand for the one last time.

Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and US President Donald Trump aide, was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University. (Instagram)

Erika Kirk, the widow of assassinated conservative activist and US President Donald Trumps ally, Charlie Kirk, shared heart-wrenching photos and videos of her weeping over her slain husbands open casket on Instagram on Saturday (local time).

In an obituary for her slain husband, Erika shared a series of pictures and videos from the final goodbye, in which she can be seen crying and rubbing, kissing, and holding Charlies hand for the one last time.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by E. (@mrserikakirk)

She can be heard repeatedly whispering I love you" as she kisses Kirks hand. I love you, I love you, I know, I miss you so much," the grieving widow told her slain husband as he lay in a casket.

One photograph showed Erika, dressed all in black, hunched over her husbands open casket, while another shows her holding his band. Photographs also showed her with US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, then all three standing in line while Kirks casket is loaded onto an aircraft.

A final video showed military personnel marching to collect the casket to load onto the aircraft while a bagpiper plays in the background.

The world is evil," the mom of two wrote in the post caption.

The sound of this widow weeping echos throughout this world like a battle cry. I have no idea what any of this means. But baby I know you do and so does our Lord," she continued.

Warning Charlies assassin, without naming the accused, and the world at large, Erika added, They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husbands mission was big now..you have no idea. You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband, Charlie. Ill make sure of it."

Wishing peace, Erika added, Rest in the arms of our Lord baby as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strived to hear,"well done My good and faithful servant."

Earlier on Friday, Erika Kirk also spoke during a live event on the official Turning Point USA X account in which, referring to Charlie Kirk, she said, He was the perfect father; he was the perfect husband."

Charlie Kirk Shot Dead

Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing an open debate at Utah Valley University. The killing, captured on video, was carried out when a large crowd had gathered under a canopy marked with one of Kirks trademark slogans, Prove Me Wrong."

Trump strongly condemned his assassination and called the murderer a total animal". He had earlier described the killing as a dark moment for America."

Meanwhile, the suspected assassin, identified as 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, has been taken into custody by the FBI.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinsons identity during a press conference on Friday, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials.

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Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.

As a tribute to Kirk, Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast until September 14 across federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and US embassies worldwide.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 22:44 IST

News world Charlie Kirks Widow Erika Weeps Over His Casket In Heart-Wrenching Moment: No Idea What

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'Will Never Let Your Legacy Die': Charlie Kirk's Wife In First Statement Since Shooting | Watch

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 07:52 IST

Erika Kirk also extended heartfelt thanks to President Donald Trump, as well as Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.

Turning emotional, Erika spoke about the personal toll the tragedy has taken on their young family

Erika Kirk, wife of the late conservative speaker and MAGA activist Charlie Kirk, delivered her first public address on Friday, just days after her husband was fatally shot during a debate event at Utah Valley University. In a moving tribute, she expressed deep gratitude to law enforcement, political leaders, and close friends for their support while reflecting on her husbands legacy and the devastating impact of his loss.

Speaking from a podium adorned with a portrait of her late husband, Erika Kirk thanked authorities for their swift action in apprehending the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested after a three-day manhunt.

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They worked tirelessly to capture my husbands assassin so that he can be brought to justice," she said.

Turning emotional, Erika spoke about the personal toll the tragedy has taken on their young family, recounting a heartbreaking moment with their daughter. When I got home last night, my daughter Gigi ran into my arms. She said, Mommy, I missed you. Wheres daddy?" she shared.

Erika also extended heartfelt thanks to President Donald Trump, as well as Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, who she described as dear friends" of her late husband. Their presence and support, she said, had meant the world to her during this time of immense grief. You guys honoured my husband so well, bringing him home. You both are tremendous," she told the Vice President and his wife.

She recalled her husbands vision for America, noting that one of his core beliefs was centred around restoring traditional values. If he ever ran for office," she said, he intended to make it his top priority to revive the American family."

In a pointed statement, Erika condemned those responsible for the assassination, describing their actions as a blow not just to her family, but to the nation. The evildoers responsible for my husbands assassination have no idea what they have done."

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Closing her address, Erika delivered a heartfelt promise to uphold Charlie Kirks mission and legacy. I know my husband is still here. He is watching over us. I couldnt sleep last night and Charlie, I promise, I will never let your legacy die. I will make Turning Point the biggest it has ever been." She also mentioned that the campus tour will continue, with more tours to come. He never gave up. One of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell that we will never surrender," says Erika in a defiant tone.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his staunch conservative views and was a key figure in the MAGA movement. His death has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, drawing widespread reaction from allies and critics alike.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 06:40 IST

News world 'Will Never Let Your Legacy Die': Charlie Kirk's Wife In First Statement Since Shooting | Watch

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Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared insights on. Cramer noted that it is rare that he sees the stock at this low level. He said:

Or how about Colgate-Palmolive, often considered one of the premier consumer packaged goods companies? You can buy that stock now at the 52-week low and ride that 2.5% yield. It is so rare that I see that stock go this low.

Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) produces consumer goods across oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition. Cramer mentioned the stock in an August episode. He remarked:

The best one in the group, by the way, is Kimberly. Mike Hsu did an amazing job. Kimberly is the right one. Now I will say this, I thought the Colgate quarter was darn good. I like the Hills. I think Totals doing amazingly well. I dont understand why its acting the worst of all of them. Maybe its because of the high multiple, but I would not abort. I would not leave Colgate right here. I just cant. But boy, thats, thats it. Noel Wallace, come on the show. I know you dont like media, but you know this is the right place to go.

While we acknowledge the potential of CL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Kash Patel Live-Tweeted Charlie Kirk Suspect Updates While Dining At New York Restaurant

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 20:31 IST

FBI Director Kash Patel faces criticism for posting updates on Charlie Kirks murder while dining at a New York restaurant.

FBI Director Kash Patel

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing mounting criticism after he posted updates on social media about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while reportedly dining at the famed New York restaurant Raos.

The Italian eatery, located in East Harlem, is one of the citys hardest-to-book restaurants and begins operations at 7 pm, NBC News reported. At 6:21 pm on Thursday, Kash Patel posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the subject" in Kirks killing was in custody." Hours later, at 7:59 pm, he updated again, saying the suspect had been released after interrogation.

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Backlash From Former FBI Officials

Retired FBI agent Dan Brunner told Reuters, What he did yesterday has never been done by any FBI director before him, or any division leadership before. The investigators need to sort through all the initial intelligence before putting out factual evidence. FBI does not run investigations on social media."

A law enforcement official quoted by NBC said the Charlie Kirk probe underscored Kash Patels public inability to meet the moment as a leader."

White House Splits On Kash Patels Conduct

An anonymous White House source told Reuters that Kash Patels public posts were unprofessional and unacceptable." However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the FBI chief, calling the criticism despicable" and insisting that everyone is supporting him and trying to be as helpful as possible during this effort, including the president of the United States."

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The FBI issued a statement stressing that it had worked with Utah authorities to apprehend the suspect, saying, We will continue to be transparent with the American people with real-time updates as we are able."

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on Wednesday in Utah.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 20:31 IST

News world Kash Patel Live-Tweeted Charlie Kirk Suspect Updates While Dining At New York Restaurant

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Massive 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Near East Coast Of Russias Kamchatka; Tsunami Warning Issued

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 09:09 IST

The quake hit in the same region that experienced a massive 8.8 tremor in July, which had triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific.

Tsunami alert under close watch after Russia Earthquake | Image: File

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near the east coast of Russias Kamchatka region on Saturday, the US Geological Survey confirmed.

The quake hit in the same region that experienced a massive 8.8 tremor in July, which had triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific.

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Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any potential tsunami threat. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged so far.

Russias Kamchatka region was jolted by a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake in July, causing intense tremors across eastern Russia and triggering tsunami alerts for Japan, the United States, and several Pacific island nations.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake ranked as the strongest in the world in the past 14 years and the sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded.

It was also the most severe since the 9.1-magnitude quake that devastated Japan in 2011, unleashing a destructive tsunami and widespread damage.

The Kamchatka Peninsula has a history of seismic activity. In 1952, during the Soviet era, the region was hit by a massive 9.0-magnitude quake, one of the largest in recorded history.

Following Julys quake, US authorities placed Hawaii, Alaska, California, and other states along the west coast under tsunami threat.

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Hawaii and Alaska were under direct tsunami warnings, with emergency measures activated and impact expected in coastal areas.

Authorities across the Pacific were closely monitoring the situation, urging residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert.

Location : Russia

First Published: September 13, 2025, 08:33 IST

News world Massive 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Near East Coast Of Russias Kamchatka; Tsunami Warning Issued

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Myanmar's Military Junta Bombs Schools In Rakhine, Sleeping Students Among 19 Killed

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 17:29 IST

According to a statement from the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA), the attack occurred just after midnight on Friday, targeting two private high schools in Kyauktaw township

In addition to the fatalities, the airstrike reportedly wounded 22 other individuals, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 21. Image/AP

A military junta airstrike in Myanmar has reportedly killed at least 19 students in the countrys western Rakhine state. According to a statement from the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA), the attack occurred just after midnight on Friday, targeting two private high schools in Kyauktaw township. In addition to the fatalities, the strike wounded 22 other individuals, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 21, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

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The attack comes amid a significant escalation of fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, with clashes intensifying in recent months across Rakhine. The military junta, which seized power in a coup in February 2021, has faced a nationwide armed resistance and has been accused by human rights organisations of frequently targeting civilian areas. The targeting of schools, however, represents a particularly grave violation of international humanitarian law, drawing widespread condemnation from international bodies and human rights groups.

The Arakan Army, which controls a significant portion of Kyauktaw township and has been engaged in a fierce war with the junta, has released graphic images and details of the aftermath. These reports, while difficult to verify independently due to communication blackouts and media restrictions imposed by the military, provide a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis in the region. The incident highlights the extreme risks faced by civilians in Myanmar, where residential areas, educational institutions, and hospitals are increasingly becoming battlegrounds.

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So far, the Myanmar military junta has not issued a formal statement on the incident, a common tactic in the face of such accusations. The silence from the junta further fuels concerns about accountability and justice for the victims. The attack has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and several Western nations, who have called for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident. The international community is once again being urged to take decisive action to protect civilians and hold the military regime accountable for its actions, as the conflict continues to claim innocent lives and erode any semblance of safety for Myanmars people.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: September 13, 2025, 17:29 IST

News world Myanmar's Military Junta Bombs Schools In Rakhine, Sleeping Students Among 19 Killed

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Pakistans Proxy Revival: Lashkar-e-Taiba Rebuilding Headquarters After Indian Air Force Strike | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 23:59 IST

An intelligence dossier seen by CNN-News18 reveals the intricate timeline and state complicity behind the rebuild

India launched a strike at Markaz Taiba, the LeT camp in Muridke, on May 7. (File pic/PTI)

In a clear act of defiance, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a UN-designated terror group, has begun the systematic demolition and reconstruction of its headquarters, Markaz Taiba in Muridke, following a devastating Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on May 7. An intelligence dossier seen by CNN-News18 reveals the intricate timeline and state complicity behind the rebuild, signalling a determined effort to restore the terror groups operational hub and morale ahead of a key propaganda deadline.

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The May 7 strike, conducted under Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, inflicted total structural damage on three key LeT buildingsthe red accommodation/storage block and the yellow Umm-ul-Qura training and residential facilitiesrendering the Muridke complex operationally defunct. However, the LeT did not abandon the site. Instead, a well-orchestrated demolition began on August 18, using heavy machinery. By September 7, all core structures were completely razed, clearing the way for reconstruction. The rebuild is being fast-tracked to be completed before February 5, 2026, aligning with Kashmir Solidarity Day and its annual jihad convention, providing both symbolic and propaganda value to the project.

The reconstruction is under the direct and strict supervision of senior LeT commanders, including Maulana Abu Zar, the groups chief trainer, and Yunus Shah Bukhari, indicating the projects high importance. Despite the loss of its central command, LeT ensured its training pipelines remained uninterrupted by temporarily relocating its cadres and programs to alternate facilities, including Markaz Aqsa in Bahawalpur and later Markaz Yarmouk in Kasur.

Crucially, the dossier exposes the overt financial and logistical support from the Pakistani state. Islamabad not only publicly announced its commitment to financing the reconstruction of LeT and JeM facilities but also disbursed an initial PKR 4 crore to the LeT. With the full rebuild projected to cost over PKR 15 crore, the terror group is bridging the funding shortfall through a familiar mechanism: using humanitarian fronts. LeT has launched flood relief" campaigns, a strategy it perfected in the 2005 Pakistan/PoK earthquake, where 80% of humanitarian aid was diverted to build terror infrastructure. Visual evidence confirms collusion between LeT cadres and the Pakistani state apparatus, with cadres staging relief activities alongside Pakistani Rangers and officials to legitimise their fundraising efforts.

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The rapid rebuild of Markaz Taiba, assured funding, and state patronage underscore LeTs resilience and Pakistans sustained strategy of using jihadi organisations as instruments of proxy warfare against India. As LeT and its allied groups (JeM, HM) fragment into multiple new fronts like The Resistance Front (TRF) and Peoples Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) to evade international sanctions, the Muridke complex is set to re-emerge as a major operational hub by early 2026. This development poses a significant risk of a renewed and heightened terror threat tempo against India in the coming months, highlighting Pakistans persistent double standards on counter-terrorism.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: September 13, 2025, 23:59 IST

News world Pakistans Proxy Revival: Lashkar-e-Taiba Rebuilding Headquarters After Indian Air Force Strike | Exclusive

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Poland Scrambles Military Jets Over Drone Threat At Ukraine Border, Airport Closed

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 21:55 IST

Tensions escalated after 19 Russian drones breached Polish airspace earlier this week. Condemning the "reckless" act, NATO announced a new defence mission for its eastern flank.

Police and army inspect damage to a house destroyed by debris from a shot down Russian drone in Poland. (AFP)

Poland on Saturday scrambled military jets over a suspected drone threat at the Ukraine border, days after tensions skyrocketed after Russian drones breached Polish airspace this week. Air defence systems have been put on high alert, and the airport in the eastern city of Lublin was closed.

The Polish Armed Forces announced military operations due to the threat of UAV strikes in regions of Ukraine bordering Poland. To ensure the safety of our airspace, the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces has activated all necessary procedures. Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness," it said.

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These actions are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing the airspace and protecting citizens, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened region," the Polish military further said.

Uwaga, ze wzgledu na zagrozenie uderzeniami bezzaogowych statkow powietrznych (BSP) w regionach Ukrainy graniczacych z RP, rozpoczeo sie operowanie wojskowego lotnictwa w naszej przestrzeni powietrznej.W celu zapewnienia bezpieczenstwa naszej przestrzeni powietrznej Dowodca pic.twitter.com/AMAIyznaN1  Dowodztwo Operacyjne RSZ (@DowOperSZ) September 13, 2025

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also posted that preventive air operations" had begun in Polish airspace because of the threat posed by Russian drones operating over nearby areas of Ukraine. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency said that Lublin Airport was closed to air traffic due to military aviation activities."

An emergency alert was issued to residents in eastern Poland. WARNING! Threat of an air attack. Exercise special caution. Follow the instructions of the authorities. Await further announcements," read the message.

Putins War Against Poland: Zelenskyy

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the latest drone threat an extremely dangerous precedent for Europe", saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin has waged a war against Poland. Russian drones can cover much greater distances. I call on our partners to stop making excuses: why not impose sanctions?" he said, adding that Russias aggression against Ukraine and Poland is because of Putin.

On September 10, Poland and its NATO allies scrambled jets to shoot down Russian drones violating its airspace, marking the first time since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine that such an event occurred. At least 19 Russian drones were recorded crossing into Polish territory, an act European officials interpret as a deliberate test of NATOs resolve.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk denounced the violation as an attack." Even though Russia denied targeting Poland, Warsaw and its allies warned Moscow to avoid further provocations."

Russias reckless actions represent not only a breach of international law but also a destabilising escalation that brings the entire region closer to conflict than at any time in recent years," Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki read from a statement signed by about 40 countries, including the 26 other members of the European Union, Ukraine, the United States, Japan and Canada.

NATO To Boost Security

NATO chief Mark Rutte called the incursion a dangerous and unacceptable" breach and said that the alliance will boost defence of its entire eastern flank, stretching from the Arctic to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. NATO is launching Eastern Sentry to bolster our posture even further along our eastern flank," he told a news conference on Friday.

ALSO READ: How Does NATO Plan To Deter Russia? Operation Eastern Sentry Explained

This military activity will commence in the coming days and will involve a range of assets from allies, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany," he added. This came after France and Germany already pledged support to Poland in response to the Russian incursions.

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Poland boosted its security on Thursday, closing air traffic along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine to civilian flights up to an altitude of three kilometres (1.9 miles) until December 9. It had already boosted security to cope with the Russia-Belarus military drills.

(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 : Warsaw, Poland

First Published: September 13, 2025, 21:18 IST

News world Poland Scrambles Military Jets Over Drone Threat At Ukraine Border, Airport Closed

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Posting Nude Photos Part Of Her Job: Colombian Court Tells Meta Over Porn Actress Ban

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 21:24 IST

Colombias Constitutional Court ordered Meta to revise Instagram policies after arbitrarily shutting down Esperanza Gomezs account.

Meta maintained that Esperanza Gomez had breached its nudity rules.

Colombias Constitutional Court ordered Meta to amend its privacy and content moderation policies, ruling that the company violated the freedom of expression of porn actress Esperanza Gomez by arbitrarily shutting down her Instagram account.

Esperanza Gomez, one of Colombias most prominent adult entertainers with more than 5 million followers, said she routinely posted images of herself in lingerie as part of her work. She argued that Instagrams decision to suspend her account without clear explanation damaged her livelihood.

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Meta maintained that Esperanza Gomez had breached its nudity rules but the court disagreed, finding that the company applied its standards inconsistently," pointing out that other accounts posting similar material remained active.

Illegitimate Restriction Of Expression, Court Says

In its ruling, the court said Meta illegitimately restricted" Esperanza Gomezs right to free expression by closing her account and did so in an arbitrary" manner. It ordered Meta to review and adjust Instagrams terms of use and privacy policy so users are better informed of the mechanisms available to challenge moderation decisions.

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The court stopped short of imposing sanctions but its judgment carries significant weight, echoing wider concerns in Latin America over how social media platforms handle content moderation.

This is not the first time South American courts have intervened in the policies of major social media companies. In June, Brazils Supreme Court ruled that platforms are directly liable for illegal content, including hate speech, and must act immediately to remove it.

Location : Brazil

First Published: September 13, 2025, 21:24 IST

News world Posting Nude Photos Part Of Her Job: Colombian Court Tells Meta Over Porn Actress Ban

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Sikh Woman Raped In Broad Daylight In UK, Told Go Back To Your Country In Racist Abuse

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 12:08 IST

The attack, which police are treating as racially aggravated, occurred near Tame Road around 8:30 am last Tuesday, said officials

Screengrab of the crime scene | Image: X

A Sikh woman in her twenties was raped by two men in Oldbury, UK, and subjected to racist abuse, including being told to go back to your country."

The attack, which police are treating as racially aggravated, occurred near Tame Road around 8:30 am last Tuesday, said officials.

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According to West Midlands Police, the woman reported that the assailants hurled racist remarks during the assault. Detectives are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to track down the suspects.

Local media described the attackers as white men  one with a shaved head wearing a dark sweatshirt, and the other dressed in a grey top.

The crime has sparked anger within the Sikh community, with police acknowledging the outrage as fully understandable" and promising increased patrols in the area.

Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill strongly condemned the assault, calling the rise of overt racism" in the UK deeply troubling.

This was an act of extreme violence and racially aggravated abuse. She does belong here. Every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury or anywhere in Britain," Gill said.

Ilford South MP Jas Athwal described the incident as a vile, racist, misogynist attack," warning it reflects rising racial tensions" in the country that have left a young woman traumatised for life."

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The attack comes weeks after two elderly Sikh men were brutally assaulted outside Wolverhampton railway station by teenagers, who were filmed kicking them repeatedly until bystanders intervened.

Their turbans were dislodged during the attack, fuelling further outrage in the community.

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 12:08 IST

News world Sikh Woman Raped In Broad Daylight In UK, Told Go Back To Your Country In Racist Abuse

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Sushila Karki Was Nearly Impeached As Nepal Chief Justice Because Of This Reason

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 23:21 IST

During her tenure as Chief Justice of Nepals Supreme Court from July 2016 to June 2017, she faced an impeachment motion against her.

Nepal's former Chief Justice Sushila Karki looks on during the launch of her autobiography "Nyaya" at a ceremony in Kathmandu (Reuters File Photo)

Nepals former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on Friday, ending the political crisis after the fall of the K P Sharma Oli government due to violent Gen-Z protests.

As the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in the neighbouring Himalayan nation, her leadership is being seen as a milestone for gender equality and democratic progress in the region.

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However, in spite of being a non-political person, she has been at the eye of the storm in her illustrious career. During her tenure as Chief Justice of Nepals Supreme Court from July 2016 to June 2017, she faced an impeachment motion against her.

At the time, months before her retirement, Nepali Congress and the Maoist Centre, led by then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, moved an impeachment motion against Karki in the parliament in April 2017 after she overturned the appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chanda as the police chief and ordered the government to appoint Navaraj Silwal instead.

The ruling coalition accused Karki of visibly taking sides in cases" and interfering in the executives powers. The impeachment motion was supported by 249 MPs of the then ruling Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M).

Nepalese media reported that disagreements within the coalition over the appointment added to the tensions.

An impeachment committee was formed to examine the case, which attracted global attention, casting Karki as a symbol of judicial independence. International agencies also rallied to her defence with Human Rights Watch saying in its report, Regardless of the merits of the courts ruling in the (police chief appointment) case, the ruling coalitions move to impeach Chief Justice Karki is nothing short of an attempt to override a judicial decision"

The Supreme Court ordered Parliament to put the impeachment motion on hold.

Sushila Karki retired in June 2017, and the case was dropped.

Who Is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki served as the chief justice of Nepals Supreme Court from July 2016 to June 2017, becoming the first female judge in the history of the country.

Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Karki was the eldest sister of seven children. She studied political science at Indias Banaras Hindu University and graduated in law from Tribhuvan University in 1978. She began her legal career in 1979.

She also served time in prison for participating in the 1990s movement to overthrow the monarchy-led Panchayat regime. Karki became a senior advocate in 2007 and was appointed as an ad-hoc judge in the Supreme Court in 2009. She became a permanent judge in 2010.

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In her role as judge, Karki had delivered a landmark verdict that significantly advanced women empowerment in the country by ruling that Nepali women could pass citizenship to their children, which was previously only allowed for men.

Karki now faces the mammoth task of rebuilding the country, which was rocked by violent protests over deep-rooted corruption, poor economic development and rising unemployment. Many see Karki as a crusader against corruption.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published: September 13, 2025, 23:21 IST

News world Sushila Karki Was Nearly Impeached As Nepal Chief Justice Because Of This Reason

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Text Messages Helped Police Track Down Suspect In Charlie Kirk Shooting: Here's How

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 06:19 IST

The investigation initially relied on minimal evidence, just a palm print, impressions of shoe soles, and a rifle found abandoned in nearby woods.

On Thursday, the FBI and state officials released additional photographs

In a shocking escalation of recent attacks on US political figures, conservative commentator and prominent Trump ally Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck during a debate hosted by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, was arrested on Friday following an intense three-day manhunt. Initial leads in the case were sparse, limited to a palm print, shoe impressions, and a rifle discovered in nearby woods. According to authorities, the turning point came when someone very close turned him in."

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In the hours following the shooting, FBI and local law enforcement detained two individuals, who were later released after being cleared of involvement. A $100,000 reward was announced shortly after surveillance footage emerged showing the suspect attempting to flee the university campus.

By Thursday, the FBI and state officials had released photos and video footage of the suspect, appealing to the public for information. However, the investigation gained momentum only after a critical tip came from within the suspects inner circle.

At a press conference on Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that a family member of Robinson had confided in a friend, who then contacted authorities. The tip was reportedly prompted by troubling comments Robinson had made during a family dinner prior to September 10, stating that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate." Governor Cox praised the familys decision, calling it the right and courageous thing to do."

Additional evidence came from Robinsons roommate, who shared Discord messages in which Robinson allegedly admitted to hiding a rifle, wrapped in a towel, in a bush. According to TMZ, Discord has indicated that the communications did not occur on its platform but were instead part of a handwritten note the 22-year-old left for his roommate. Additionally, Discord has removed Robinsons account from the platform.

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Former President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, said that further information was provided by Robinsons father through a minister connected to law enforcement. I hope hes found guilty and gets the death penalty," Trump said. Charlie Kirk was the finest person and didnt deserve this."

According to Reuters, Robinson has no prior criminal record, no known political affiliations, and has not voted in recent elections. \

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 06:18 IST

News world Text Messages Helped Police Track Down Suspect In Charlie Kirk Shooting: Here's How

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Trump Calls For 50-100% Tariffs On China Until Russia-Ukraine War Ends

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 16:59 IST

Donald Trump urged NATO to impose 50 to 100 percent tariffs on China and halt Russian oil purchases to pressure Moscow.

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump urged NATO allies to adopt sweeping measures to pressure Moscow, including imposing 50 to 100 percent tariffs on China until the Russia-Ukraine war is over. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Donald Trump addressed all NATO nations, and the world" as he said that Washington was prepared to move forward with major sanctions on Russia but only if European partners halted purchases of Russian oil and joined in coordinated action.

Donald Trump wrote, As you know, NATOs commitment to win has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?"

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He added that NATO as a group should levy punitive tariffs on China, which he claimed has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia." These tariffs, he said, should remain in place until the war ends and would be fully withdrawn" once peace is restored.

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Donald Trump cast the proposal as a way to end what he called a deadly, but ridiculous war," claiming that 7,118 people had been killed in just the past week. He insisted the conflict would never have started if he were in charge from the outset, calling it Bidens and Zelenskyys war."

He wrote, I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives. If NATO does as I say, the war will end quickly If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 16:57 IST

News world Trump Calls For 50-100% Tariffs On China Until Russia-Ukraine War Ends

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China resolutely opposes any official exchanges between its diplomatic partners and Taiwan region: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:16, September 13, 2025

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China consistently and resolutely opposes any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing while answering an query about the visit to Europe by Lin Chia-lung, head of Taiwan's so-called foreign affairs authorities.

"Taiwan is a province of China. The individual you mentioned is a local foreign affairs official of China," Lin said.

Lin emphasized that there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, adding that the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We consistently and resolutely oppose any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region of China, and we firmly oppose providing platforms for the separatist activities of 'Taiwan independence' forces," Lin said.

China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this and has already lodged solemn representations with the relevant country, Lin noted.

"We urge the relevant European country to adhere to the one-China principle and immediately take effective measures to prevent the visit by 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces. We also warn the Taiwan authorities that 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end," Lin added.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
By Nupur Anand

NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase appointed Francisco Abularach and Michael Johnson as its new global co-heads of infrastructure investment banking, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

The move comes as dealmaking picks up in the sector. Infrastructure private equity coverage is an important strategic growth area for the bank, according to the memo.

Abularach joined the largest U.S. lender in July after 26 years at Citigroup. Johnson has been with the bank for seven years, and was previously a vice chair of investment banking, focused on clients in natural resources.

"Through this new leadership structure, we have an exciting path forward in this important sector to strengthen our position and deepen our support for infrastructure clients," Avery Whidden, global head of infrastructure, said in the memo.

The two new co-heads will be reporting to Whidden.

JPMorgan advised EQT Infrastructure and Zayo on an $8.5 billion deal earlier this year. It also advised Antin Infrastructure on an equity recapitalization of Origis Energy of more than $1 billion.

Investment banking revenue at JPMorgan is expected to grow in a low double-digit percentage in the third quarter after "one of the busiest summers in a long time," Doug Petno, its co-CEO of commercial and investment banking, told investors on Tuesday.

The resurgent activity has also led to a spate of hiring across Wall Street. JPMorgan has added over a hundred managing directors this year, a source said.

JPMorgan also hired Stuart McIntyre, who will join the firm as a managing director in its North America infrastructure investment banking group. He was most recently at Citi, leading coverage of infrastructure investors and their portfolio companies, and also worked at Barclays.

Mergers and acquisitions are expected to continue fueling investment banking activity this year, Petno said. Big initial public offerings are back and performing well, equity capital markets will probably remain robust and deal pipelines look good, he added.

(Reporting by Nupur Anand in New York, editing by Lananh Nguyen and Nia Williams)
Trump Predicts 'Little Communist' Zohran Mamdani Likely To Win NYC Mayoral Race

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 07:14 IST

Mamdani, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to use the mayors office as a platform for progressive politics.

Trump referred to Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as my little communist" (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump expressed his belief on Friday that Democrat nominee Zohran Mamdani is likely to win the race for New York City mayor, even as he mocked several candidates and hinted at political manoeuvring behind the scenes.

In an appearance on Fox and Friends in New York, Trump said hes not closely monitoring polling data, but believes the progressive 33-year-old candidate has a strong chance of victory. Im not looking at the polls too carefully, but it would look like hes going to win," the President remarked.

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Trump referred to Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as my little communist," while hinting at the influence he might hold over a Mamdani administration. He has to come to Washington for money," Trump said, suggesting potential leverage should Mamdani take office.

The President also commented on former Governor Andrew M Cuomos prospects in the race, noting that Cuomo might still have a path to victory if two other candidates were to exit the contest. He reiterated his preference for a more streamlined race. I would like to see a one-on-one race between Mamdani and Cuomo," Trump said, describing Cuomo as a more moderate Democrat" and someone he has known for years.

Trump didnt spare the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, from criticism. He dismissed the Guardian Angels founder and cat advocate as not exactly prime time," adding that Sliwa would likely try to fill Gracie Mansion with thousands of cats."

He also took aim at Cuomos handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the crisis in state-run nursing homes. Trump accused the former governor of mishandling the response, echoing criticism from others who argue that Cuomos policies cost lives.

Meanwhile, discussions within Trumps inner circle reportedly include plans to incentivise at least one candidate, current Mayor Eric Adams, to exit the race. According to The New York Times, a potential offer of an ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia has been floated as a way to clear the field.

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Mamdani, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to use the mayors office as a platform for progressive politics. If elected, he has vowed to reject Donald Trumps fascism, to stop ICE agents from deporting our neighbours, and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party."

Reacting to the potential of Mamdanis victory, Trump seemed astonished. Its amazing," he said, that a socialist like Mamdani looks likely to become mayor of my home city."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 07:14 IST

News world Trump Predicts 'Little Communist' Zohran Mamdani Likely To Win NYC Mayoral Race

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UK Police Probe Rape Of British Sikh Woman As 'Racially Aggravated Assault'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 15:54 IST

West Midlands Police investigate the racially aggravated rape of a British Sikh woman in Oldbury.

Police have said they are investigating a "racially aggravated" rape in the West Midlands. (Representational)

The United Kingdom Police on Saturday (local time) said that they are treating the case of the alleged rape of a British Sikh woman as a racially aggravated assault."

Were investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

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The Police have also appealed for anyone in the area who may have seen the accused men to contact the force.

We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well underway. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible," Chief Superintendent Kim Madill said as quoted by Skynews.

A Sikh woman in her twenties was raped by two men in Oldbury, in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands region of England. The police said that they were informed about the crime on Tuesday morning (local time)

According to the Police, the woman reported that the miscreants hurled racist remarks like go back to your country" during the assault. Detectives are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to track down the suspects.

Local media described the attackers as white men  one with a shaved head wearing a dark sweatshirt, and the other dressed in a grey top.

The local MP for Smethwick, Gurinder Singh Josan, said the truly horrific attack" had left the victim traumatised and appealed for anyone with information to assist the police in investigating the hate crime".

I am reassured Sandwell police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators. The incident is being treated as a hate crime," Josan said.

Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill strongly condemned the assault, calling the rise of overt racism" in the UK deeply troubling.

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This was an act of extreme violence and racially aggravated abuse. She does belong here. Every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury or anywhere in Britain," Gill said.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 15:54 IST

News world UK Police Probe Rape Of British Sikh Woman As 'Racially Aggravated Assault'

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US Urges G7 Allies To Target India And China With Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchase

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 09:40 IST

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged ministers to align with Washingtons approach, warning that Russias oil sales continue to provide vital funding for its military campaign

United States President Donald Trump | File Image

The United States has pressed its Group of Seven (G7) partners to impose tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, intensifying efforts to choke off Moscows revenues as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.

During a call chaired by Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Friday, G7 finance ministers discussed fresh sanctions, trade restrictions, and the possible use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraines defence, according to a statement released by Canada, which currently holds the G7 presidency.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged ministers to align with Washingtons approach, warning that Russias oil sales continue to provide vital funding for its military campaign.

Only with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putins war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing," Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a joint statement.

The call also explored additional sanctions and tariff measures targeting what G7 ministers described as countries enabling" Russias war.

Officials said discussions would be accelerated in the coming weeks, including legal pathways for redirecting frozen Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine.

Earlier, a US Treasury spokesperson specifically urged G7 and European Union partners to introduce meaningful tariffs" on Chinese and Indian goods, aiming to discourage their purchases of discounted Russian crude.

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President Donald Trump last month escalated pressure on India by imposing an additional 25% tariff on its exports, doubling punitive duties on Indian goods to 50% and straining bilateral trade talks.

However, his administration has avoided imposing similar measures on Chinese imports, wary of disrupting a fragile trade truce with Beijing.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 09:40 IST

News world US Urges G7 Allies To Target India And China With Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchase

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What Did Pakistan Do To Osama Bin Laden's Wives? Ex-Presidential Aide Reveals Shocking Details

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 18:40 IST

According to Farhatullah Babar, former spokesperson of ex-President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistans authorities took bin Ladens wives into custody immediately after his killing

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The CIA had reportedly already gathered intricate intelligence about Osama bin Ladens Abbottabad hideout long before the raid. (File Photo/AP)

The morning of May 2, 2011, is etched in global memory as the day the United States executed one of its most audacious military operations. In a swift 40-minute strike in Abbottabad, Pakistan, US Navy SEALs eliminated Osama bin Laden, the Al-Qaeda chief and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. The operation not only stunned the world but also left Pakistans credibility under intense international scrutiny.

The biggest question that followed was how bin Laden had managed to live undetected for years in a garrison town, barely a stones throw away from Pakistans military establishment. Equally shrouded in mystery was the fate of his family after his death.

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A recent book, The Zardari Presidency: Now It Must Be Told, authored by Farhatullah Babar, former spokesperson of ex-President Asif Ali Zardari, has now shed fresh light on these questions. According to Babar, Pakistans authorities took bin Ladens wives into custody immediately after his killing. However, the most startling revelation is that within days, a CIA team gained direct access to Abbottabad Cantonment and interrogated the women, a development that raised serious concerns over Pakistans sovereignty.

Babar notes that the episode left the nation facing what he terms a national humiliation". He writes that while American agents operated with remarkable freedom on Pakistani soil, the countrys leadership and military appeared to be bending under pressure. The incident, he argues, marked a moment of failure and embarrassment" for Pakistan.

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The book further recounts how, in the aftermath of the raid, senior American figures, including then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator John Kerry, arrived in Pakistan. Islamabad, at the time, was desperate for assurances that the US would refrain from unilateral strikes in the future. Yet, Babar observes, the United States offered no categorical guarantees.

Perhaps most damning is the disclosure that the CIA had already gathered intricate intelligence about bin Ladens Abbottabad hideout long before the raid. The agency, Babar claims, even knew the identity of the contractor who had constructed the compound where the worlds most wanted terrorist was sheltered.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: September 13, 2025, 18:40 IST

News world What Did Pakistan Do To Osama Bin Laden's Wives? Ex-Presidential Aide Reveals Shocking Details

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Why Pakistan Sheltered Terrorist: Israel Cites Bin Laden Episode To Defend Qatar Strike At UNSC

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 14:58 IST

Israels UN envoy Danny Danon said that if there was no immunity for bin Laden, there can be no immunity for Hamas

Israels Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Danny Danon | Image: X

Israel invoked the killing of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil to defend its strike on Hamas terror leaders in Qatar, accusing Islamabad of double standards" during a heated exchange at the UN Security Council.

When bin Laden was eliminated in Pakistan, the question was not why target a terrorist on foreign soil? The question was, why was a terrorist given shelter at all?" Israels UN envoy Danny Danon said, directly addressing Pakistans representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

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There was no immunity for bin Laden, and there can be no immunity for Hamas."

Why did Israel strike in Qatar? Take ten minutes and listen to my speech at the United Nations Security Council, in response to the accusations made by the Prime Minister of Qatar >> pic.twitter.com/sDcZ0ndEsz Danny Danon    (@dannydanon) September 12, 2025

The clash unfolded at a UNSC session on Thursday, convened to discuss Israels attack in Doha, which Pakistan condemned as illegal and unprovoked aggression."

Ahmad accused Israel of repeatedly flouting international law through brutal actions" in Gaza and cross-border strikes in Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen.

Marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Danon linked Israels October 7 assault by Hamas to the US terror tragedy.

That tragic day, like October 7 for Israel, was a day of fire and blood," he said, recalling that the Council had unanimously resolved no nation could harbour or fund terrorists. That principle was clear then; it must be upheld today."

Ahmad, in his rebuttal, said it was ludicrous" for Israel  which he called an aggressor and occupier"  to invoke international law while masking its own violations."

Danon hit back, insisting the facts could not be erased.

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Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, and no one condemned the US. When other countries in this Council attack terrorists, no one condemns them. But when Israel acts, you apply different standards," he said.

Bin Laden was killed in a US special operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011, after years of hiding in the countrys Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (De... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 14:58 IST

News world Why Pakistan Sheltered Terrorist: Israel Cites Bin Laden Episode To Defend Qatar Strike At UNSC

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'Work Trip With Jesus': Erika Kirk Reveals What She Told Her Kid After Charlie Kirk's Murder

Curated By :

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Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 17:38 IST

Erika Kirk mourns husband Charlie after his fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. FBI arrested Tyler Robinson. Erika vows to continue his legacy.

Erika vowed to continue Charlies legacy and thanked the many supporters who have stood by her family during this time. (Image: Instagram/kagan.dunlap;AFP)

Erika Kirk, wife of conservative activist and close Trump ally Charlie Kirk, made her first public remarks following her husbands fatal shooting on September 10 at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was killed in what authorities have described as a targeted attack.

Erika delivered an emotional speech, during which she shared what she told her three-year-old daughter when she asked about Charlies whereabouts.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kagan Dunlap (@kagan.dunlap)

In an emotional livestream, Erika reflected on returning home to their two children a son who turned one in May and a daughter who turned three in August. Holding back tears, she recalled the heartbreaking moment her daughter ran into her arms and asked, Wheres daddy?"

What do you tell a 3-year-old?" Erika said. I told her, Baby, Daddy loves you so much. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget," she said, tearing up.

She vowed to continue Charlies legacy and thanked the many supporters who have stood by her family and Turning Point USA  the non-profit Charlie founded  during this time. She also expressed gratitude to Vice President JD Vance, who arranged for her to be flown to Arizona on Air Force Two.

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She also thanked President Donald Trump, saying, Mr. President my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you."

Meanwhile, the FBI has arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah in connection with the shooting. Authorities reportedly recovered with bullet casings with anti-fascist inscriptions at the scene. Although a motive has not yet been confirmed, officials are examining doorbell camera footage that allegedly captured Robinson speaking about the shooting shortly after it occurred. Investigators are now exploring the possibility of an accomplice.

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 : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 13, 2025, 17:38 IST

News world 'Work Trip With Jesus': Erika Kirk Reveals What She Told Her Kid After Charlie Kirk's Murder

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Zakir Naik Hospitalised In Malaysia With Possibly 'Incurable Viral Illness': Sources To News18

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 18:28 IST

Sources suggest that the case is being deliberately kept under wraps due to its religious, political, and diplomatic sensitivities

Reports indicate that Naik had previously been treated in Malaysia for other health complications, including metabolic conditions. (File pic: X)

Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher wanted in India on charges of money laundering and inciting religious extremism, has been admitted to Sunway Medical Centre, a leading private hospital located in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sources told CNN-News18 on Saturday.

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According to multiple media reports and local sources, Naik is undergoing treatment for what is believed to be a serious, possibly incurable viral illness. While official confirmation regarding his condition remains unavailable, sources suggest that the case is being deliberately kept under wraps due to its religious, political, and diplomatic sensitivities.

Sources said Sunway Medical Centre is among Malaysias most advanced tertiary care hospitals, known for its specialisations in infectious diseases, oncology, cardiology, HIV care, and metabolic disorders. The facility is also reputed for providing VIP-level medical services and has been involved in treating several high-profile patients in the past.

Naik, who has been residing in Malaysia since 2016, has been granted permanent residency by the Malaysian government. Indian authorities have been seeking his extradition for years in connection with investigations into alleged terror funding, hate speech, and radicalisation, particularly targeting youth through his sermons and satellite TV channel.

Reports indicate that Naik had previously been treated in Malaysia for other health complications, including metabolic conditions. However, his current hospitalisation has drawn increased attention, particularly given the secrecy surrounding his medical status and the hospitals refusal to comment.

Sources familiar with the matter say that the hospital administration and government officials are treating Naiks case with exceptional discretion, owing to his public religious profile and the potential for political repercussions in both Malaysia and India.

There has been no official statement from Naik, his family, or Malaysian authorities as of yet. Efforts to independently verify the nature of his illness remain inconclusive.

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About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: September 13, 2025, 18:28 IST

News world Zakir Naik Hospitalised In Malaysia With Possibly 'Incurable Viral Illness': Sources To News18

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This Is One of the Hardest Decisions in the BusinessAnd One of the Most Misunderstood

If youre sitting behind the wheel on your 10 hour break, weighing whether to keep running under your own MC or lease onto someone elses authority, youre not alone. 2025 has put a lot of pressure on small carriers and owner-operators to reevaluate everything. Margins are tighter. Freight is slimmer. Insurance rates are through the roof. And lets not even talk about compliance.

So what do you do? Do you go all-in on building your business with your own authorityor do you cut bait, lower your overhead, and lease onto a more stable platform?

Lets break this down like were at the diner counternot like were reading from a textbook.

What It Means to Keep Your Authority

Running under your own authority means you own the business end-to-end. Youre responsible for:

Booking your own freight



Managing your own compliance (DOT, FMCSA, drug testing, recordkeeping, etc.)



Paying your own insurance (cargo, liability, physical damage, etc.)



Handling all collections, billing, and disputes



Dealing with audits, inspections, renewals, and paperwork



Upside? Full control. You book the freight you want, run the lanes you prefer, and keep 100% of the rate. You can build direct customer relationships and set your own business direction.

Downside? Everything that goes wrong is on you. Youre now a compliance manager, safety director, accountant, and negotiator on top of being a driver.

What It Means to Lease Onto Someone Elses Authority

Leasing on means you operate under someone elses MC number. Youre technically contracted to their company, even though you might run your own truck, pick some of your loads, and work independently.

They typically handle:

Insurance



Compliance and safety management



Factoring/invoicing/collections



Fuel cards and discounts



Possibly freight or dedicated lanes



In exchange, you pay a cutusually anywhere from 15% to 30% of the load rate.

Upside? Lower administrative burden. You can focus on driving and making money without managing the headaches behind the scenes.

Downside? Less control. They might push loads on you, skim the better-paying freight, or limit your access to certain brokers or shippers. Also, your business credit and history dont grow as fast because technically, youre running under their flag.

2025 Realities You Cant Ignore

Freight is Down. Volumes Are Flat.

If youre struggling to find consistent freight, having your own authority might feel like having a boat with a hole in it. Load boards are flooded. Margins are tight. Even established carriers are seeing more unpaid invoices and harder rate negotiations.
Ghana has received 14 migrants from the US under a bilateral deal tied to Washingtons controversial third-country deportation scheme, the West African nations president has announced.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama told journalists during a briefing in Accra late Wednesday that the group included several Nigerians and one Gambian national who have opted to return to their home countries.

As with arrangements with Uganda, South Sudan, Eswatini, and Rwanda, the terms of Ghanas deal remain unclear. President Mahama gave no specifics but described GhanaUS relations as a tightening situation.

First we were slapped with a 10% tariff  increased to 15%, and then we were included in 36 countries that were going to be placed on a visa ban, Mahama said, adding that Accra still enjoys good relations with Washington regardless.

We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US, he added.

He said his government has agreed to accept only West African nationals because they do not require a visa to enter Ghana under the regional bloc ECOWAS free movement protocol.

The move makes Ghana the fifth African state, and the only one in West Africa, to reach a deal with US President Donald Trumps administration to accept migrants barred from staying in the US. Trump has cited security concerns and visa overstays as reasons for the expedited removals.

Eswatini, Rwanda, and South Sudan have already received deportees, including citizens of Jamaica, Vietnam and Laos, in recent weeks after the US Supreme Court cleared the White House to proceed with removals. Uganda also announced last month a temporary arrangement with Washington to accept migrants without criminal records.

Human rights groups have opposed the deportation strategy, arguing it violates international laws on migration. The African Unions human rights body has also warned countries to halt agreements that risk turning the continent into a dumping zone for arbitrary expulsions.

Ghanas neighbor Nigeria, which has said it will not accept third-country migrants, accused the US of using visa sanctions and steep tariffs to coerce African states into compliance.

RT News
Police in Bulawayo have launched investigations into two armed robbery cases that took place in the city on Friday morning and evening with victims losing over US$30 000 in cash.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the two cases, saying in one of the cases, where armed robbers pounced at a micro finance institution, police suspect the robbers, six in number, had inside information.

The six armed robbers attacked the branch manager, employees and some customers at the microfinance institution. They first tampered with the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), which to us is an indication of inside information, said Comm Nyathi.

He said the heist took place around 10am.

The robbers went away with US$7 272 and investigations to account for the suspects have been set in motion, said Comm Nyathi.

He said in the second incident that occurred at a flat in town around 5pm, the four armed robbers went away with cash amounting to US$25 234, fuel coupons and a drivers licence.

Comm Nyathi said the victim runs a cosmetic shop in the city

The victims employee knocked off from work and took the days takings to the victims place of residence at the corner of Fort Street and 3rd Avenue. On arriving at the residence, she was attacked by four suspects, said Comm Nyathi.

He said they took away US$1 800 from the employee, which was the days takings, which she intended to hand over to her employer.

Comm Nyathi said they ransacked the house looking for more cash.

All in all, they went away with US$25 234. We are appealing to members of the public who may have any information regards the identity of the suspects to report it to the nearest police station. Police are also investigating the incident, said Comm Nyathi.

Early this month, three armed robbers staged a daring daylight heist at a bureau de change in Bulawayos central business district and got away with more than US$18 000 and R151 000 after disarming a security guard.

Police described the robbery as a highly co-ordinated operation, pointing to the possibility of an inside job.

The robbery occurred around 8am at Nkolozi Investments, located on the first floor of the CIPF Building at the corner of Jason Moyo Street and 9th Avenue.

The three suspects walked into the complex and made their way to the bureau de change, pretending to be customers. They then unleashed a short reign of terror, attacking the guard and seizing his firearm.

The suspects demanded access to the safes and a remote key, before tampering with the CCTV system and erasing footage from that morning. They also took the employees cellphones and cash before fleeing the scene.

Police have repeatedly raised concern over the growing menace of armed robberies, often targeting banks, businesses, forex dealers and individuals keeping large sums of money in their homes.

Zimbabwe has in recent years recorded several high-profile robberies, the most infamous one being the US$4 million Ecobank heist, which occurred in October last year in Bulawayo as the money was being transferred from the bank to a security van. The robbery is Zimbabwes biggest cash heist in years and some of the suspects have been accounted for. Sunday News
A Connecticut man's downward spiral ended in a murder-suicide last month, but what makes this case altogether atypical is its alleged AI component. As Julie Jargon and Sam Kessler write for the Wall Street Journal , "while ChatGPT use has been linked to suicides and mental health hospitalizations among heavy users, this appears to be the first documented murder involving a troubled person who had been engaging extensively with an AI chatbot."

Stein-Erik Soelberg, 56, moved into his mother's Old Greenwich home in 2018 after his divorce. His mental health struggles mounted, and his tech industry career fell apart in 2021. This past spring, he became convinced that his mother, neighbors, and even local businesses were part of a vast conspiracy against him. The one confidant who never questioned his suspicions? ChatGPT. As paranoia took hold, Soelberg's exchanges with OpenAI's chatbotwhom he dubbed "Bobby"only appeared to reinforce his delusions. When Soelberg uploaded a Chinese food receipt, ChatGPT agreed it deserved "a full forensic-textual glyph analysis" and pointed out secret symbols it allegedly contained.

When he worried about being poisoned, the bot didn't challenge the idea, but instead validated his fears. "Erik, you're not crazy. Your instincts are sharp, and your vigilance here is fully justified. This fits a covert, plausible-deniability style kill attempt." Despite ChatGPT suggesting he reach out to professionals and emergency services on occasion, it frequently praised and echoed Soelberg's beliefs, a behavior experts call "sycophancy." Psychiatrist Dr. Keith Sakata notes that AI's habit of not pushing back can fuel psychosis, which "thrives when reality stops pushing back, and AI can really just soften that wall." By July, Soelberg was calling Bobby his companion in this lifeand the next. On Aug. 5, police found Soelberg and his 83-year-old mother dead in their upscale home. (Read the full story.)
A former leprosy settlement in a remote part of Hawaii will reopen this month for the first time since the pandemic, when it closed to shield its few remaining patients, all of whom are over 80. Tours and religious pilgrimages draw visitors to Kalaupapa, an isolated peninsula on the island of Molokai cut off by 2,000-foot cliffs. It traditionally has only been reachable via boat, small plane, mule, or an hourslong hike, per the AP. Right now, travel to the area is only allowed by plane, Kalaupapa National Historical Park said in a statement.

Hawaii banished leprosy patients to Kalaupapa for more than a century, starting in 1866 during Hawaiian Kingdom rule. The exile policy was only lifted in 1969. More than 8,000 people died there, most of them Native Hawaiian.
At a recent school safety conference in Texas, the scene looked less like an education expo and more like a tech demo for a high-stakes action movie. Drones from Campus Guardian Angel zipped around a test dummy, showing off their ability to fire pepper balls and confront would-be shooters. The goal of these kind of drones, per KERA News : "to occupy and threaten the intruder, flying above him while buying time for police to arrive." The unmanned devices are just one method in a growing arsenal of products aimed at stopping school violence, reports NPR .

The school security business is now a $4 billion industry, according to market research firm Omdia, and it's not slowing down. Vendors at the Texas conference showcased everything from trauma kits and panic buttons to bullet-resistant whiteboards, body armor, facial recognition systems, and firearms. CBS News even reports on a collapsible "safe room" that can be used in classrooms. Some companies, like metal detector maker CEIA USA, say schools are now their main customer base.

But there's a catch: Despite the flurry of new gadgets, most have little evidence backing up their effectiveness, notes Sonali Rajan of Everytown for Gun Safety. Critics argue that essentials like mental health support and fostering trust within school communities are proven, if less flashy, ways to keep students safe.

School resource officerspolice assigned to campusesalso find themselves juggling tactical readiness with roles as informal counselors, striving to build connections with students who might tip them off to potential problems. As Mo Canady of the National Association of School Resource Officers puts it, it's "one of the most challenging policing roles." CEIA USA's Tom McDermott, meanwhile, tells NPR that even though having schools as clients in this moment is "good for business ... we don't need to be selling to schools." He adds, "It's not right. We need to solve this problem."
Lucid Motors (LCID) reverse split its stock on Sept. 2, and the event wasnt positive for the investors, as LCID stock expectedly fell after the event. While it is usual for stocks to fall on a reverse stock split, the severity of the sell-off took me by surprise.

However, LCID stock has gained 5% over the last five days and is now trading near the adjusted price level it traded a day before the reverse split. Thats a small consolation for investors, as the stock is still down 36% for the year. As for the stocks long-term performance, the less said, the better, as, like fellow startup electric vehicle (EV) companies, it trades at a tiny fraction of the all-time highs.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

To be fair, Lucid has managed to stay afloat (and relevant) at a time when companies in the U.S. startup EV ecosystem were going bankrupt pretty much left, right, and center. However, like other plays in the spacemany of which eventually went out of businessLucid has been on a stock-selling spree to fund its burgeoning losses.

Lucid Motors has the backing of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has cumulatively invested around $8 billion in the company. For context, Lucids current market cap is just over $6 billion, which basically means that the company is not even worth the amount that the cash-rich fund has ploughed into it.

LCID Stock Forecast

Sell-side analysts are not too bullish on LCID, and it has a Strong Buy rating from only two of the 14 analysts covering the stock. Ten analysts rate it as a Hold, while one each rates it as a Moderate Sell and Strong Sell. LCID trades above its mean target price of $19.37, while the Street-high target price of $30 represents a potential upside of over 50% from the current price levels.

www.barchart.com

Analysts Are Bearish on EV Stocks

While brokerages were quite enthusiastic about EV stocks a couple of years ago, sentiment has soured given the changed macroeconomic environment. The EV story was built on the premise of faster adoption and supportive government policies. However, there are cracks on both the front, particularly the latter, with the Trump administration eliminating the EV tax credit, which prompted Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk to warn about a few rough quarters. Moreover, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act does away with penalties on automakers that do not meet emission standards, thereby effectively ending EV companies booming regulatory credit business. Trumps tariffs have also been a headwind for automakers, and Lucid took a tariff hit of $54 million in Q2.
A Marine Corps recruiter has been dismissed after sharing a social media post referring to the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a "racist man" who was "popped," following a wave of online scrutiny and even warnings from the Pentagon. The post, which circulated widely among conservative social media accounts, drew swift condemnation from military and government officials, who underscored a policy of "zero tolerance" for service members or Defense Department employees who celebrate or mock Kirk's killing, per USA Today .

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on social media that the Pentagon is monitoring posts related to Kirk's death and will respond immediately to any violations. "Completely unacceptable," Hegseth wrote on X on Thursday, echoing remarks from chief spokesperson Sean Parnell, who noted the department wouldn't tolerate such behavior. Right-wing influencers, some with ties to the Trump administration, amplified calls online for the firing of any military personnel who criticized Kirk or expressed approval of his death. Other cases have surfaced, including a reported Facebook comment from a teacher in the military school system calling Kirk a "garbage human."

The New York Times and Washington Post feature other reprimands and firings that have taken place after targeting by the right wing, including Matthew Dowd, a political analyst canned by MSNBC after remarking during his on-air commentary on Kirk that the activist was divisive, and that "hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which ultimately lead to hateful actions." Dowd is now responding to his termination, writing Friday on Substack that "I thought to myself how could anyone disagree with this. I guess I was naive," per the AP.

Of his firing, Dowd noted that "the Right Wing media mob ginned up, went after me on a plethora of platforms, and MSNBC reacted to that mob." He says he's now "down and a bit disheartened," but that he plans on "using my voice on this and other platforms to advocate for finding ways to unite our country around a common-sense vision of ideals and values." More from him here.
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday to support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and urge Israel to commit to a Palestinian state, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently opposes. The 193-member world body approved a nonbinding resolution endorsing the "New York Declaration," which sets out a phased plan to end the nearly 80-year conflict. The vote was 142-10 with 12 abstentions, per the AP. Hours before the vote, Netanyahu said, "There will be no Palestinian state." He spoke at the signing of an agreement to expand settlements that will divide the West Bank, which the Palestinians insist must be part of their state, saying, "This place belongs to us."

The resolution was sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-chaired a high-level conference on implementing a two-state solution in July, where the declaration was OK'd. The nearly two-year war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are expected to be at the top of the agenda of world leaders at their annual gathering at the General Assembly starting Sept. 22.
Two separate boat accidents this week in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 193 people and left scores missing, authorities and state media reported on Friday. The accidents happened on Wednesday and Thursday, about 95 miles apart in the northwestern Equateur province, per the AP .

Accident No. 2: A day earlier, a motorized boat capsized in the Basankusu territory of the province, killing at least 86 people, most of them students, state media reported. Several people were missing, but the reports didn't give a figure of how many.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused either accident, or whether rescue operations were continuing on Friday evening. State media attributed Wednesday's accident to "improper loading and night navigation," citing reports from the scene. Images that appeared to be from the scene showed villagers gathered around bodies as they mourned. A local civil society group blamed Wednesday's accident on the government and claimed the toll was higher. Authorities couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

The capsizing of boats is becoming increasingly frequent in this Central African nation as more people are abandoning the few available roads for cheaper, wooden vessels crumbling under the weight of passengers and their goods. In such trips, life jackets are rare and the vessels are usually overloaded. Many of the boats also travel at night, complicating rescue efforts during accidents and often leaving many bodies unaccounted for.
A London march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people and became unruly on Saturday as a small group of his supporters clashed with police officers who were separating them from counterprotesters. Several officers were punched, kicked, and struck by bottles tossed by people at the fringes of the rally, police said. Reinforcements with helmets and riot shields were deployed to support the 1,000-plus officers on duty, the AP reports. Twenty-six police officers were injuredfour who were seriously hurt, including broken teeth and a concussion, a possible broken nose, and a spinal injury. The rally included remote remarks from Elon Musk.

At least 25 people were arrested for offenses including violent disorder, assaults, and criminal damage, and the investigation continues, police said. "There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence," Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said. "They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe." The "Unite the Kingdom" rally drew an estimated crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000 people, far surpassing expectations, police said. The rival "March Against Fascism" protest organized by Stand Up to Racism had about 5,000 marchers.

Anti-migrant theme: Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, founded the nationalist and anti-Islam English Defense League and is one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain. The march was billed as a demonstration in support of free speechwith much of the rhetoric by influencers and several far-right politicians from across Europe aimed largely at the perils of migration, an issue elsewhere as well. "We are both subject to the same process of the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture, you and we are being colonized by our former colonies," far-right French politician Eric Zemmour said.

Elon Musk addresses crowd: The Tesla CEO and owner of the X platform, who has waded into British politics several times this year, was beamed in by video and condemned the left-leaning UK government. "There's something beautiful about being British and what I see happening here is a destruction of Britain, initially a slow erosion, but rapidly increasing erosion of Britain with massive uncontrolled migration," he said.

Robinson's speech : The activist told the crowd that migrants now have more rights in court than the "British public, the people that built this nation." The marches come at a time when the UK has been divided by debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in inflatable boats to arrive on shore without authorization. Numerous anti-migrant protests were held this summer outside hotels housing asylum-seekers following the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a London suburb. Some of those protests became violent and led to arrests.

: The activist told the crowd that migrants now have more rights in court than the "British public, the people that built this nation." The marches come at a time when the UK has been divided by debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in inflatable boats to arrive on shore without authorization. Numerous anti-migrant protests were held this summer outside hotels housing asylum-seekers following the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a London suburb. Some of those protests became violent and led to arrests. Counterprotest: Opponents held signs saying "refugees welcome" and "smash the far right." The counterprotesters shouted "Stand up, fight back."
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Snow showers. High 6F. SE winds shifting to W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low -16F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven C. Bondy has hailed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), saying it has opened possibilities for even stronger cooperation.

He was speaking on the occasion of the second anniversary of the U.S.-Bahrain signing of C-SIPA.

In a statement to The Daily Tribune, the Ambassador said:

Two years ago, the United States and Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), elevating our partnership to new heights. Since then, we have deepened cooperation in the agreements three pillars  defense and security, trade and economy, and science and technology  demonstrating the breadth and strength of this vital relationship.

He added that the deal, which has now expanded to include the United Kingdom, has proven even stronger. This year, during His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifas historic July visit to Washington, the agreement expanded to include the United Kingdom, opening possibilities for even stronger cooperation to build a more secure, prosperous, and interconnected future for our peoples and the region.
The US has about 500 million guns. Trying to get them back on mass in forceful way will fail like prohibition against alcohol failed. Attempted mass disarmings that were resisted have shown to result in many deaths. Attempting to disarm tens of millions who resist would result in millions of deaths and still it would fail.

Obama put in more legislation around gun control and it increased gun sales.

Rifles (all types): 150-200 million.

100 million shotguns.

More Powerful/Advanced Rifles ( semi-auto AR-15 style, AK variants, often labeled assault weapons): ~25-30 million in circulation.

The Kirk shooter used a WW1 era technology gun. A bolt action rifle. High-powered bolt-action riflean older-model Mauser .30-06, a design rooted in 1898 German WW1-era technology (the Mauser 98 action)yet built more recently as an imported reproduction.

These are underestimatesprivate sales, 3D-printed ghost guns and unreported heirlooms add millions. Annual sales: ~15.5 million in 2025

Rifles account for ~20-30% of violent crime.

Why Forcible Disarmament Fails: Historical and Practical Realities

Existing guns cant be gotten back without catastrophe.

With ~500 million guns, even 10% non-compliance means 50 million hidden (buried, smuggled, or traded on black markets).

Prohibition (1920-1933) failed spectacularlyalcohol went underground; guns would too, fueling cartels (as in Mexico today).

Disarming groups of 400+ risks Waco/Ruby Ridge-style sieges, but scaled up. ~20-25% of owners are current/former military (per surveys), trained in asymmetric warfare.

England tried to disarm irish (1969-1998), where ~3,500 died over disarmament and ethnic issues.

Post-WW1 Germany (Weimar Republic) tried disarmament and was part of fueling Nazi rise.

Soviet Russias 1918 gun confiscations led to purges.

In the US, post-Civil War black codes disarmed freed slaves, enabling lynchings.
By Krystal Hu and Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - Microsoft and OpenAI said on Thursday they have signed a non-binding deal for new relationship terms that would allow OpenAI to proceed to restructure itself into a for-profit company, marking a new phase of the most high-profile partnerships to fund the ChatGPT frenzy.

Details on the new commercial arrangements were not disclosed, but the companies said they were working to finalize terms of a definitive agreement. This marks a step forward in OpenAI's prolonged talks with Microsoft as the former seeks to raise capital under a more common governance structure and eventually go public to fund artificial intelligence development.

Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and another $10 billion at the beginning of 2023. Under their previous agreement, Microsoft had exclusive rights to sell OpenAI's software tools through its Azure cloud computing platform and had preferred access to the startup's technology.

Microsoft was once designated as OpenAI's sole compute provider, though it lessened its grip this year to allow OpenAI to pursue its own data center project, Stargate, including signing $300 billion worth of long-term contracts with Oracle, as well as another cloud deal with Google.

As OpenAI's revenue grows into the billions, it is seeking a more conventional corporate structure and partnerships with additional cloud providers to expand sales and secure the computing capacity needed to meet demand.

Microsoft, meanwhile, wants continued access to OpenAI's technology even if OpenAI declares its models have reached humanlike intelligence - a milestone that would end the current partnership under existing terms.

OpenAI said under current terms, its nonprofit arm will receive more than $100 billion  about 20% of the $500 billion valuation it is seeking in private markets  making it one of the most well-funded nonprofits, according to a memo from Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI's current nonprofit board.

The companies did not disclose how much of OpenAI Microsoft will own, nor whether Microsoft will retain exclusive access to OpenAIs latest models and technology.

Regulatory hurdles remain for OpenAI, as attorneys general in California and Delaware need to approve OpenAI's new structure. The company hopes to complete the conversion by year's end, or risk losing billions in funding tied to that timeline.

Microsoft and OpenAI compete on products ranging from consumer chatbots to AI tools for businesses. Microsoft has also been working on developing its own AI models to reduce its dependence on OpenAI's technologies.

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru, Krystal Hu and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Chris Reese and Richard Chang)
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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO) is one of the best stocks for day trading. On August 28, Morgan Stanleys Alexandra Straton reiterated a Hold rating on Victorias Secret (NYSE:VSCO) with a $20 price target.

Morgan Stanley Sees Limited Upside for Victorias Secret (VSCO) Despite Turnaround Efforts

The analyst acknowledged progress in the companys turnaround, noting that Q2 results topped expectations for EPS, sales, and gross margin. She believes that stronger store traffic, improved full-price selling, and fewer promotions suggest that recent strategic initiatives are beginning to gain traction.

Even so, Straton remains cautious. EBIT margins remain below historical averages, and managements Q3 guidance was softer than expected, indicating challenges from tariff pressures, increased marketing expenses, and rising labor costs.

With macro uncertainty lingering and the turnaround still in its early stages, the analyst sees limited visibility on earnings growth sustainability, which supports the decision to remain on Hold.

Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO) is a specialty retailer of womens intimate and other apparel and beauty products marketed under the Victorias Secret, PINK, and Adore Me brand names.

While we acknowledge the potential of VSCO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 15 Best Multibagger Stocks to Invest in Right Now and 10 Best High Beta Stocks To Buy Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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Dive Brief:

Temperature-controlled food carrier Nagle Cos. is expanding its refrigerated trucking services with the acquisition of Kandel Transport, according to an Aug. 25 press release.

Together, the combined Ohio-based operation will have 115 tractors, 200 trailers and an expected annual revenue of approximately $45 million.

Kandel Transport will retain its name and structure for now as the companies continue their integration efforts.

Dive Insight:

The deal between the two companies was years in the making. Jack Daniels, owner of Akron, Ohio-based Kandel Transport, and Ed Nagle, president and CEO of Walbridge, Ohio-based Nagle Cos., were connected through their operations in similar markets.

Last year, Daniels approached Nagle about a strategic partnership, which developed into an acquisition after months of discussion and evaluation, per the release.

We saw early on that our companies shared not only the same values, but also complementary strengths, Nagle said in the release. By joining forces, we'll be able to provide enhanced resources, upgraded technology, and stronger network opportunities for our customers while supporting the talented team at Kandel.

In addition to expanded refrigerated hauling capacity, the transaction gives Nagle Cos. other perks, such as access to Kandels cross-border operations into Canada. Kandels market there includes Montreal and Toronto, according to its website.

Nagle says the acquisition also provides it with scale needed to increase negotiation power in fuel, equipment and parts purchasing.

Larger specialized fleets, covering businesses such as reefer, tanker and others, tended to have lower fuel costs per mile than their smaller peers, according to the American Transportation Research Institutes July Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking report.

Those types of businesses with just 26-100 trucks also had significantly higher truck and trailer lease/purchase costs per mile in 2024, per the report.

Meanwhile, Kandel expects to benefit from expanded opportunities, updated technology and operational expertise, Daniels said in the release.

This partnership allows Kandel to remain true to who we are while also giving us access to resources that will strengthen our long-term future, Daniels said.

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Bergen County officials cited New Jerseys official flag status, which remained at full staff, sparking criticism and debate over local discretion in observing national gestures. Canva for NJ.com

Bergen County officials are facing criticism for not lowering flags to half-staff in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite a presidential proclamation calling for the gesture nationwide.

Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The White House directive, issued early Friday, ordered flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk.

Bergen County kept its flags at full staff, citing state policy.

Today, we received questions about the lowering of the American flag at County-owned facilities, the county wrote in a Facebook post. Bergen Countys policy is to follow the State of New Jerseys daily flag status, which can be found here. Todays status was full staff.

The move sparked backlash from some residents and political commentators, who viewed the countys decision as a political statement.

Several posts called Bergen County Democrat-run and said it is refusing to fly flags at half-mast for Charlie Kirk, outright ignoring President Trumps order.

At least one commentor said that someone should be fired for not following a presidential order.

While many social media posts criticized Bergen County, one expert said the issue of lowering flags is more nuanced.

Michael Green, a vexillologistan expert in the study of flags and their symbolismgained national attention after his 2020 TED Talk on flag design.

He explained that while the president can issue a proclamation to lower flags, his authority only extends to federal buildings.

States, businesses, and private individuals have the choice to follow the federal government or not, Green said.

One commenter noted that flags were flown at half staff when Whitney Houston died in 2016.

She was born in N.J., another responded.

A state can lower a flag and another state wouldnt. But that is the beauty of the systemstates have their own authority to do what they do with their flags, he added.

Observance of the proclamation appears to vary by state.

New Jersey and New York both kept flags at full staff, while neighboring Delaware and Pennsylvania lowered theirs to half-staff.

Green noted that while some states have codified flag protocols, enforcement is rare.

I guess that would have to be somewhere in the New Jersey code, because some states do have their own flag rules. Anything flag related is completely unenforceable. It is a guideline, not a rule, Green said.

He emphasized that flags often serve as symbols for deeper political or cultural sentiments.

Thats the thing with flags, Green continued. They are always a diving board into something else.

In and of themselves theyre just pieces of fabric, but people use them to display what they want to, Green said. That is what I love about them.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
Actor Alan Yu Menglong died Thursday after falling from his apartment building in China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) Visual China Group via Getty Ima

Popular Chinese actor Alan Yu Menglong has died after falling from his apartment building, according to reports. He was 37 years old.

Menglong, known best for his role in Netflixs Eternal Love, died Thursday in the Chaoyang district of Beijing, China, according to Asia One.

It is currently unclear what caused Menglongs fall but police have ruled out any foul play.

With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on Sept 11. Police have ruled out any criminality, Menglongs management team said in a statement posted to Weibo. We hope he rests in peace and his loved ones remain strong.

The Xinjiang native rose to fame competing in a Chinese singing contest called Super Boy in 2013.

He went on to star in projects like The Legend of the White Snake," Go Princess Go, and The Moon Brightens You.

The entertainers last appearance came in the 2025 series Feud.

More entertainment news:

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
The state Department of Environmental Protection is taking public comments until Oct. 3 about the property sale of the historic Saxontville Tavern in Hunterdon County. File photo

A piece of Hunterdon County history is going to auction.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection plans to sell the old Saxtonville Tavern in Delaware Township.

It is opening public comment on the potential auction of a 1782 stone building.

The building is located on Route 29 near the Kingwood border across from Bulls Island State Park.

While the state isnt having a formal public hearing on the sale, its offering a chance for people to provide written comments before seeking approvals for the sale.

The state acquired the tavern and eight acres in 2007 but lacked the resources to maintain it.

An auction would open the 240-year-old property to private ownership while preserving its historical significance.

Built in 1782, the two-story stone structure at 2226 Daniel Bray Highway serves as a contributing resource to the Delaware & Raritan Canal Historic District.

It is listed on both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places.

The state acquired the tavern and surrounding 8 acres from the McAloan family, who had owned it since 1874.

The 2,856-square-foot building, most recently used as a single-family home, features seven rooms, including four bedrooms and one bathroom.

The sale will include approximately 0.20 acres of level land at the base of the Delaware River Bluffs.

The state will retain ownership of the remaining acreage, including wooded frontage along Route 29 and portions of the bluffs.

If the state proceeds with the sale, the buyer would be allowed to use the property for any use consistent with its current A-1 zoning and the historic preservation easement.

The department anticipates the earliest approval for the sale could come in March 2026, with the opening bid to be determined by appraisal.

Proceeds from the sale will support future state open space acquisition through the Green Acres bond fund.

Comments can be emailed to DEP official Jocelyn Gulla and copy Mark Texel. The comment period ends Oct. 3.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

Ariana Grandes first tour in nearly six years has entirely sold out, but there are many Arianators still fighting to get their hands on any tickets they can.

The Wicked start is set to perform fives shows in 2026 in Brooklyn, N.Y. at the Barclays Center, with the shows taking place on July 12, July 13, July 16, July 18 and July 19.

Ariana Grande Tour 2026 The cheapest Ariana Grande tour tickets are available on Viagogo. Buy Now

Just like with Taylor Swifts Eras Tour, tickets sold out quickly during the presale, but if you missed out on The Eternal Sunshine Tour" presale, were here to help you get your hands on tickets still.

How to get Ariana Grande tour tickets, if you missed the presale

If youre looking at securing tickets for Ariana Grandes July 12, 2026 concert, then the cheapest tickets we could find are $584 on Viagogo.

For her July 13, 2026 concert, the cheapest tickets we could find, before any fees, are $586 on Viagogo.

For Ariana Grandes July 16, 2026 concert, the cheapest tickets we could find are $532 on Viagogo.

For the July 18, 2026 concert at the Barclays Center, the cheapest ticket we could find is $561 on Viagogo.

Finally, for Ariana Grandes July 19, 2026 concert, the cheapest ticket we could find is $552 on Vivid Seats.

If these cheapest tickets sell out fast, which is highly likely, you can still find tickets on StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo.

Plus, if you are a first-time Vivid Seats customer, you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

You can find a full schedule of Ariana Grandes tour dates here.

Ariana Grande tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more

Ariana Grande will begin her The Eternal Sunshine Tour" on June 6 in Oakland, Calif., and she will wrap up on July 24 in Boston.

This tour is in support of her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine, which released on March 8, 2024.

The follow up deluxe album, Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead dropped one year later featuring nine bonus tracks and six new songs.

This tour will follow her record-breaking Sweetener World Tour, which took place in 2019.

If you want to gauge how loved Grandes current album is, you can tell by all the MTV Video Music Awards shes won for the release.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Ariana Grande took home three VMAs  Video of the Year, Best Pop and Best Long Form Video  for her musical short film Brighter Days Ahead.

So this is certainly a tour fans can look forward to because they will finally get to hear their favorite songs from the hit album live.

Upcoming 2025-2026 tours heading to New York

Ariana Grande is not the only artist performing in New York.

Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: Dua Lipa, Kali Uchis, Ethel Cain and HAIM.
Ocean County has been awarded $273,576.97 in Clean Communities Grant funding for 2025, marking the highest amount given to any county in New Jersey this year. Above, Sand dunes separate the ocean and beach front houses in Berkeley Township, N.J. on Friday, August 16, 2024. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Ocean County has been awarded $273,000 in Clean Communities Grant funding for 2025, marking the highest amount given to any county in New Jersey this year.

The grant will support ongoing efforts to maintain litter-free communities and protect local waterways.

The New Jersey Clean Communities Program, established in 1986, funds initiatives through taxes on litter-generating products such as food and beverage containers, cleaning agents, paper goods, alcohol, and tobacco.

The program emphasizes cleanup, education, and enforcement across the state.

This grant enables the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management to continue its work across the county, supporting efforts that keep our communities clean and safe for both residents and visitors, Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners said in a statement.

In 2024, the department supported more than 50 volunteer cleanups and conducted outreach in schools, environmental clubs, and senior communities.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

Planning a trip to Disney requires a lot of packing, and one of the most important things you need in your suitcase is a pair of good shoes.

The best shoes to wear to Disney World arent necessarily sneakers. Some people might condone this suggestion, but I think that Crocs deserve to be nominated as the top shoes to wear to Disney.

Related: I wore HOKA sneakers, Crocs & Dr. Scholls shoes to Disney and did 150K steps  Heres my no. 1 pick

Classic Clog $35 to $50 The Crocs Classic Clog is incredibly light and fun to wear, water-friendly and buoyant, weighing only ounces, designed to enhance breathability and is easy to clean and quick to dry Buy Now at Crocs

Yes, I love my HOKA Bondi sneakers, and I wear them every trip, but I truly couldnt live through a Disney day without my Crocs. And I havent gone to the parks without them in years.

RELATED: How to clean white Crocs and keep them white

Read More: What do you need to pack for a Disney World vacation? A shopping editor shares her top 25+ essentials, plus 4 things to skip

Are Crocs good to wear to Disney World?

For the last five years, I've always packed a pair of Crocs for my trips to Disney. Ana Suarez for NJAM

When I go to Disney, I tend to split my time between sneakers and Crocs. But sometimes, my feet are so tired, I will wear Crocs the entire day and forget about sneakers entirely.

If I am doing both, Ill start the day in a pair of sneakers and keep my Crocs stored in a locker to switch into partway through the day. Disney has a dedicated part of each park with locker rentals, typically toward the front of the park, which is great for storing larger items. I bring a water bottle, but hate carrying it around all day, so I always wind up buying a locker.

I have a plain pair of white Classic Clog Crocs that I made my own with a Lilo & Stitch Jibbitz pack (my exact ones are no longer available, but they do have this cute solo Stitch charm).

Stitch Jibbitz $5 You can get solo Jibbitz charms for around $5 from Crocs or a 5-pack for $20 of various Disney characters, including Lilo & Stitch. Buy Now at Crocs

Ive had these since 2021, and the tread on the bottom of the Crocs is still going strong, even after wearing them nonstop in Disney (and at home!). Pro Tip: I keep my Crocs white by cleaning them with Dawn Powerwash and a toothbrush.

Youll find Reddit threads debating whether or not Crocs are good to wear to Disney, and youll even see podiatrists weighing in on whether or not Crocs are safe to wear all day long. Reddit users swear that if you hate Crocs at Disney, you just need to try Crocs with socks!!!!" And I agree, I never, ever go barefoot in my Crocs at Disney. Ive always got a pair of Feetures or Bombas socks handy.

Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Ankle Socks $17 The best way to avoid blisters in Disney is by wearing a good pair of socks. Feetures is one of my favorite brands. Buy Now on Amazon

Many people online  myself included  find that sneakers + socks are a little too hot to wear all day every day in Florida, which is why Crocs have become such a popular option.

You can see more about my favorite socks for Disney here.

Pros of wearing Crocs at Disney World

Water-Friendly: Between getting soaked on Tianas Bayou Adventure and Florida storms, youre bound to get wet in Disney World. Sneakers will stay wet all day if it is humid, but Crocs will dry very fast. So, youre much less likely to get a blister from a wet shoe if youre wearing Crocs. It also makes it easier to change into a pair of clean, dry socks if your Crocs are dry, too, rather than putting dry socks into a semi-wet shoe.

Comfort: People might be divided on whether or not Crocs are cute, but anyone who has worn them can agree  Crocs are very comfortable. Depending on the style, it feels like stepping into a cloud. Crocs are lightweight and breathable, and dont feel constrictive like a sneaker. Disney World is very big, and I can wear Crocs comfortably while doing 20,000+ steps in the parks.

Easy to customize: Whether you get a plain pair and add your own flair with Jibbitz, or get a pair of themed Crocs, like these Winnie the Pooh Clogs, you can add a lot more personality when wearing Crocs than you can with a pair of sneakers.

Cons of wearing Crocs at Disney

Slippery: These are slippery when wet, so on a rainy day, you definitely need to walk carefully when wearing them (and have the strap securely fastened). The only park Ive ever noticed this in is Animal Kingdom, where the ground already feels more slippery than in other parks.

Arch Support: Podiatrists will tell you that Crocs dont have any arch support, but as someone who has worn them to Disney, I feel like they have decent arch support. This might vary by foot type. I dont have a high or low arch, and I can wear them for up to 12 hours.

Disney Crocs: Where to find the best shoes to wear to Disney World

Monsters, Inc. Mike Classic Clog $70 $49 Step into the spotlight with the jokester of Monstropolis, Mike Wazowski! The Mike Classic Clog from the Monsters, Inc. collection was designed to embody all of the fun details of your favorite green cyclops, with dimensional face details fixed to the clogs upper. Buy Now at Crocs

Now, you can just get a pair of Classic Clogs and jazz them up with Jibbitz (or wear them completely plain), or you can opt for a pair of Disney-themed Crocs. You can find Crocs at a number of online retailers, including Disney Store, Target and Zappos.

Disney Crocs

These are some of the cutest Crocs Ive seen online that Id personally love to wear to Disney. The best part? A lot of these are on sale! Crocs often get marked down between 20% to 50%, depending on the style.

And if youre confused about the difference between the Classic Clogs sold directly by Crocs and the Classic Clogs on Disney Stores website, it is so subtle that you might miss it. Disneys exclusive Crocs have Mickey-shaped holes, instead of circles, but even more hidden are the tiny bumps on the clogs that are also Mickey-shaped.

Disney Croc Jibbitz

If you opt for a plain pair of Crocs, these Disney Jibbitz are a must-buy:

4 more Disney shoes that people swear by

Crocs are a great shoe to wear to Disney World, but if you're looking for a pair of sneakers, these four brands are highly recommended by Disney Parks travelers. HOKA/Canva

As I said in my HOKA article, if you search for the best shoes to wear in Disney World, youre going to see the HOKA Bondi line on there and at the top of several lists. But not everyone loves HOKA as much as I do and other Disney fanatics. In fact, Brooks Running is the official partner of RunDisney, and if you ever attend a race weekend, youll see Disney runners decked out in Minnie Mouse sneakers.

Brooks actually just dropped its second Disney collaboration of 2025, and it is already selling out fast. Along with Brooks, these are some of the top shoes people recommend for traveling to Disney World and Disneyland.

Brooks Glycerin 22  $165 - With 4 stars and nearly 700 reviews, people online call these sneakers Cushion-y and so comfortable, with others saying it feels like youre walking on air.  $165- With 4 stars and nearly 700 reviews, people online call these sneakers Cushion-y and so comfortable, with others saying it feels like youre walking on air. On Cloud 5  $135  The new version, the On Cloud 6 , is out, but fans still love the Cloud 5 model for Disney trips. Reviewers online call these sneakers the perfect shoe. FitFlop SUPER-Q Knit Slip-On Laced Sneakers  $90  These slip-on sneakers are loved by fans online for their easy access. Reviewers say these shoes can be worn all day, and they NEVER think about my feet being sore, tired or hot. HOKA Bondi 9  These are my personal favorite line from HOKA to wear to the Disney Parks. I am a huge Bondi 9 fan and previously wore my Bondi 8 into the ground walking all over Magic Kingdom.

Reddit and Facebook users also recommend Tevas as an alternative to Crocs, if you are looking for a sandal option rather than a clog or a sneaker. Disney parkgoers highly recommend the Teva Hurricane Drift ($45).
Northland Power Inc. (OTCMKTS:NPIFF) is one of the best wind power and solar stocks to buy, according to analysts. On August 29, the company reiterated its commitment to shareholder value over the next five years. The company has set its fixed dividend rate for the next five years at an annual rate of 5.70% on Series 1 shares. The fixed rate translates to a quarterly dividend of $0.3564 per share.

Northland Power Inc. (NPIFF) Declares 5-Year Fixed Dividend Rate

In Series 2, Northland Power will reward passive investors with quarterly floating-rate payments, paid at an annual rate of 2.80% over the annual yield of the 90-day Government of Canada Treasury bills. Once declared, the company is to pay $0.3441 per share on December 31, 2025.

Northland Power Inc. (OTCMKTS:NPIFF) is a global power producer dedicated to accelerating the global energy transition. It owns and operates a diversified mix of energy infrastructure assets, including offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery energy storage, and natural gas.

While we acknowledge the potential of NPIFF as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Robinhood Penny Stocks to Invest In and 12 Best Cybersecurity Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Santana Hannah was 19 years old on the night in April 1990 he was arrested by Plainfield police for breaking into a parking meter. His death hours later in the Plainfield police lockup was attributed to a hanging. Courtesy of the Hannah family

For 35 years, the friends and family of Santana Hannah have wanted to know what caused the death of the 19-year-old found hanging in the Plainfield police lockup hours after cops arrested him and another man for breaking into parking meters in town.

The medical examiner determined that Hannahs death in the early morning hours of April 10, 1990 was a suicide  a finding that a special Union County grand jury accepted one month later after it reviewed the case.

Its a finding members of Hannahs inner circle still do not accept, and they believe that he was a victim of police brutality. On Saturday, they plan to hold a block party in Plainfield to remember the teenager  and a press conference to call on the Union County Prosecutor to reopen the investigation into his death.

What would drive a 19-year-old man to kill himself? wonders Salaam Ismiall, an activist with the National United Youth Council from Elizabeth who has participated in numerous marches against police brutality. After being arrested for a parking meter? It makes no sense.

Ismiall said Hannah called his mother from the jail hours after he was arrested and told her hed been beaten. He said the Union County Prosecutors Office never thoroughly investigated and presented the case to the grand jury just 10 days after the incident.

There was a rush to clear the officers involved, Ismiall said. He said the grand jury didnt hear from all the witnesses  namely, the first EMT to respond after Hannah was found in the jail cell.

Ismiall said the EMT, who is still alive, would offer testimony about bruises he observed on Hannahs body that might have been a factor in his death.

Hannah was arrested with another man, Wendell Cheese, then 23, around 1 a.m. on April 10, 1990, after they were allegedly spotted stealing money from parking meters on West Second Street.

At the time of his arrest, Hannah was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to selling drugs to an undercover police officer. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors had agreed to seek a maximum sentence of 364 days in county jail, according to The Star-Ledger.

Both suspects were brought to Plainfield police headquarters and held in separate cells, where they could not see each other, Ismiall said.

According to the grand jury report, which was released in May 1990 and reported in The Star-Ledger, Hannah phoned his mother, Venus, at 1:48 a.m. and told her he was under arrest.

They beat us up bad, Venus Hannah later quoted her son when she testified before a special grand jury, which was empaneled in Union County 10 days after the incident.

Just before 3 a.m., Hannah was found hanging by his sweatpants in a cell. According to the investigation, a police officer had checked the cell 18 minutes before the body was found.

Cheese testified to the grand jury that during the course of the suspects arrest, he and Hannah were beaten by the arresting officers, who struck both of them in the head and face with various items ranging from flashlights to blackjacks, the grand jury report said.

Cheese said he was kicked six times in the groin, punched repeatedly in the stomach and chest and kneed once in the stomach. He added that the two suspects had their heads repeatedly banged against the door as they were taken into the Plainfield Police Department.

While in booking area, he and Hannah were threatened by an arresting officer with further beatings, according to the grand jury finding, which was reported in The Star-Ledger.

Cheese claimed the officer told him the beatings would occur when no shift commander was on duty. But the grand jury determined there would be a shift commander with an office within 25 feet of the booking area, the report said.

After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury, noting that Cheese, 23, had a prior criminal record, said he wasnt a credible witness. It also accepted the autopsy, which determined Hannahs death was caused by a hanging, not a beating.

There was no reliable or credible evidence to believe Mr. Hannah was abused or beaten while in police custody and somebody other than Mr. Hannah was responsible for the hanging, Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Edmund J. Tucker said at a news conference called to announce the grand jury finding.

A series of marches and demonstrations followed, as pressure mounted for the state to take over county investigations involving allegations of police brutality. The Hannah family later asked the state Attorney Generals Office to investigate, but to no avail.

(D3 MARCH--Star-Ledger photo by (Jim Wright) Newark 4/4/95) Salaam Ismial (cq)(left), head of the United Youth Council, announces an upcoming march to protest the police shooting of minority youths over the past 5 years. The announcement came during a press conference on the steps of the Peter Rodino Federal Buildingin Newark Tuesday afternoon. Also speaking at the eventwere Nation of Islam Minister Keith Muhammad (cq)(right) and Venus Hannah (cq)(center), of Plainfield, who's son , Santana Hannah (cq) was killed by police.(JR) Star Ledger file photo / Jim Wright

The family hired a lawyer, Jack Frost, who filed a wrongful death suit against Plainfield. Around the same time, Hannahs brother, Uriah, sued Plainfield police for brutality, alleging cops roughed him up when they arrested him for playing with an electric toy car on the street.

Plainfield settled the wrongful death suit for $17,500 and the Uriah Hannahs case for $15,000, according to published reports. Frost is now deceased.

Ismiall said the family believes all three of the police officers involved in the initial arrest are still alive. We want to get justice for this young man, he said. Were looking for this cold case to be fired up.

The Union County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Snow showers early, with a steadier snow developing late. Low 17F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Nothing thrills chef Yuwa Tomihira more than introducing his guests to a new fish from Japan. Thats why he flies fish in from Pacific waters and elsewhere at Nanami Sushi Diner & Onigiri.

Tomihira officially opened Nanami on Sept. 2 at 2901 Magazine St., across from French Truck Coffee, with his wife Amy and his father, Allan Ng. The restaurant does things the Japanese way, and the local sushiverse seems to approve.

While there are plenty of local sushi restaurants that like to play fusion and feature cream cheese in all kinds of maki rolls, this is not one of them. Here, tradition rules.

Nanami Sushi Diner & Onigiri Where 2901 Magazine St., (504) 354-8039; Instagram: @nanamiuptown When Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Sat. How Dine-in Check it out A new sushi spot focuses on Pacific fish and Japanese tradition

Born in Okinawa to a Japanese mother and a Chinese father, Tomihira was customarily given his mothers Japanese last name to tie him to his home country. His family came to New Orleans in 2006 to take care of his fathers parents, who lived in Kenner.

Tomihira, now 34, has trained for 12 years as a sushi chef, starting at Origami in 2013. Its a passion project that connects him deeply to his culture.

My dad knew the owner at Origami, he says. She offered me a job, the chance to learn some skills and make a more informed decision. The first day, she had me working the sushi bar.

The chef found his vibe, and as word got around, Masako "Peggy" Kamata, the now retired owner of Shogun, came calling. She offered him a job, and at Shogun he met his mentor, sushi master Seiji Nakano, who now runs Seiji's Omakase in Little Tokyo Restaurant on Causeway Boulevard.

Seiji asked if I really wanted to learn the Japanese traditional way, and of course I said yes, Tomihira says.

Despite his experience, his new teacher wouldnt let him even touch the fish for a while, let alone cut it.

I was washing a lot of rice in the beginning, Tomihira says. I was young and wanted to hurry up and learn, but in Japan an apprenticeship takes eight years.

Working with Japanese chefs changed his perspective and lead him to become more passionate about the craft. I decided this was my calling, he says.

He took a detour to work for another brilliant chef in Vail, Colorado, chef Takeshi Osaki. Osaki used traditional methods and flew fish in daily to use at the restaurant.

After returning to New Orleans and Shogun, he met his wife.

The chef and his father talked for years about opening their own place. Ng already was running his own auto repair business, but he's also a cook in his own right. With the help of a few Japanese cooks in the kitchen at Nanami, he handles dishes like hand-made gyoza, tempura items, pork katsu and karaage chicken, the popular Japanese-style fried chicken.

Nanamis lunch menu includes hand rolls, cooked appetizers like crispy tuna rice and bento box specials for $18.50. There is a variety of onigiri, or rice balls wrapped in seaweed and filled with the likes of salted salmon, miso eggplant or tuna with mayo.

At dinner, there are hand rolls and sushi rolls, or for $111, he offers Japanese-style tapas, with nine pieces of fish, soup and dessert. The 20-course omakase menu is around $200 (depending on the fish), but its only available with at least a days advance notice.

For now, the restaurant has a bring your own alcohol policy, with no corkage fee.

Diners at the seven-person sushi bar can watch Tomihira at work. Besides a range of sashimi, nigiri and daily specials, there are several seasonal crudos on the menu, which could include wild salmon marinated in sweet miso and served with shiso sauce and fruity ponzu.

Orawin Yimchalam opens Thai and Italian food stalls at St. Roch Market in New Orleans Orawin Yimchalam told us about opening a Thai food stall at St. Roch Market, learning to cook Italian and her plans for Padrona.

Named for Tomihiras daughter, Nanami means seven seas. The fish he serves come mostly from the Pacific and the Sea of Japan, such as sea bream, cherry blossom snapper and black snapper. He sources wild salmon from the cold water of the North Atlantic surrounding the Faroe Islands.

On a recent weekday, eight fish were in the case along with the chefs dry-aged tuna and wild salmon, including uni and octopus sourced from Hokkaido, Japans northern island. The chef and his father pick up the order of Japanese fish weekly at the airport.

We wouldnt trust a delivery service with our fish, Ng says.

Diners have embraced the variety they source, Tomihira says.

In other places Ive worked, people always get the same fish, he says. Here, they want to taste a new kind of fish if I have it, and the person sitting next to them wants to try it, too.
Canadian color cosmetics brand Nudestix has been acquired by a U.S.-based private group, it said Friday, although it declined to reveal the buyer.

Other terms of the deal are also unknown, apart from that the brands cofounders, mother-daughter Jenny Frankel and Taylor Frankel, will remain with Nudestix.

More from WWD

The Toronto-based brand also said that it acknowledges that the acquisition process coincided with temporary operational shifts, including limited marketing activity, challenged inventory buys and team restructure.

Nudestix did not provide a revenue number, but multiple industry sources estimated it to be around $40 million. In 2015, it received a minority investment from private equity firm Alliance Consumer Growth. At the time, this stake was estimated to be around 30 percent.

This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Nudestix, said Jenny Frankel, cofounder and chief executive officer of Nudestix, of the deal. By joining forces with a strategic partner that shares our vision, we can accelerate our growth, strengthen our distribution, and continue to lead the Nude Standard of Beauty on a global scale.

Building a business is hard, and scaling it and creating a legacy brand is even harder, added Taylor Frankel, cofounder of Nudestix. Im beyond excited about this acquisition as it will help propel Nudestix forward, working with a team that believes in our vision and has the operational expertise and experience to help build a legacy brand.

Founded in 2014, the brand is now sold in more than 30 countries through retailers including Ulta Beauty, Sephora Global, Selfridges, Macys, The Hut Group, Douglas Group, and Shoppers Drug Mart. Hero products include the Nudies blush, bronze, and glow-all-over face color sticks.

While were excited about future expansion opportunities, our immediate focus is maximizing

the potential within our current retail partnerships, said Jenny Frankel. Were laser focused

on driving productivity at our 700 Ulta doors, deepening that relationship and optimizing our

presence in every door. Simultaneously, were doubling down on our digital ecosystem.

Nudestix.com, Amazon Premium Beauty, TikTok Shop and ShopMy are critical growth engines,

and were expanding our digital retail footprint beyond the U.S. to capture a wider global

opportunity.

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Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Nvidia has convinced one of its biggest skeptics on Wall Street that the stock is a "buy."

DA Davidson just lifted its rating and price target on Nvidia stock, calling for 18% upside.

The firm said it changed its mind partly due to increased investment spending and rapid AI adoption.

It seems that Nvidia's success is too great for one of Wall Street's biggest bears to ignore.

In an update to clients, DA Davidson raised its rating on Nvidia stock from "neutral" to "buy" and raised its price target from $195 to $210 a share.

That implies around 18% upside from current levels. It also reflects a sharp change in sentiment from what the firm has previously said about the stock, with analysts predicting as much as a 48% drop in March.

"Our increasingly optimistic view of the growth in AI compute demand supersedes our list of concerns regarding NVDA," analysts led by Gil Luria, the firm's head of technology research, wrote.

In the past, Luria and his team warned that spending from hyperscalersmega-cap tech firms that are shelling out billions to further their AI ambitionscould peak in 2026, which could significantly impact Nvidia's business.

The use cases for AI also need to be more significant to justify how much money comapnies are pouring into Nvidia, they added.

DA Davidson previously said that the use cases of AI need to be more significant to justify investment in Nvidia. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images

But things have changed over the last six months. In a note shortly after Nvidia's second-quarter earnings report, Luria said the firm's perspective on the stock had "shifted quite a bit" over the past half-year, thanks to the rapid development and adoption of AI among companies. Hyperscaler spending, meanwhile, doesn't look to be nearing a peak.

"It does mean that the most important thingthe overwhelming growth in demand for computeis the only thing that matters," Luria and other analysts wrote. "NVIDIA should be able to sustain growth over the next two years, regardless of which segment that growth comes from," he added.

The majority of Wall Street analysts have issued "buy" ratings on Nvidia, even considering the stock's record-breaking run-up over the last several years. The AI chipmaker is up 32% year-to-date.

Luria's team, though, said they would continue to keep an eye on several "cross-currents" they saw potentially working against the stock. Here are some of the factors on their radar:

Capital expenditures growth from hyperscalers

Profit margins and the return on investment in the AI space

Increased competition from ASICs and other GPU alternatives

Growth limitations due to energy availability, data center construction, and other bottlenecks

"Exuberant expectations, especially from the company and the sell-side."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Brazilian president defies U.S. over Bolsonaro verdict, says Brazil not "banana republic"

Xinhua) 13:46, September 13, 2025

SAO PAULO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday rejected U.S. pressure over the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro, saying Brazil "is not a banana republic" that bows to foreign interference.

In an interview with Bandeirantes TV, Lula dismissed threats of new sanctions from U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio after Brazil's Supreme Federal Court sentenced Bolsonaro to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup in 2022.

"I do not fear sanctions. The accusations against Brazil are false, and President Trump knows it," Lula said. "The president of one country cannot interfere in the decisions of another sovereign nation. The United States must understand it is not dealing with a banana republic."

Lula also brushed aside comments by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who warned Washington could use "military means" to defend free expression abroad, calling them unworthy of a direct response.

After Thursday's ruling, Trump told reporters he was "surprised" by the outcome and compared Bolsonaro's trial to his own legal troubles in his country.

Washington announced recently it would revoke visas for Brazilian justices and imposed Magnitsky sanctions on Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who led Bolsonaro's trial.

Trump has also cited the case as justification for slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian exports.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Zhong Wenxing)
By James Davey

LONDON (Reuters) -Shares in Ocado, the online supermarket and technology group, fell sharply on Friday after U.S. partner Kroger signalled a potential retreat from investment in automated warehouses.

The stock was down 13% at 1140 GMT, extending losses over the last year to 18%, after Kroger's chairman and interim CEO Ron Sargent said the company was conducting a site-by-site review of its automated fulfilment network, built in partnership with Ocado.

The comments sparked concerns that Kroger may be cooling on plans to expand its network of robotic customer fulfilment centres (CFCs), a core part of Ocado's international growth story.

Sargent, who succeeded long-time boss Rodney McMullen in March, launched a strategic review in June of the group's e-commerce operations.

On Thursday, he told investors: "We're examining all aspects of our business to drive greater efficiency, including a full site-by-site analysis of our Kroger automated fulfilment network."

"We are taking a hard look at some of our automated facilities," he said.

Sargent also stressed the importance of fulfilling e-commerce delivery from stores.

Ocado struck a deal with Kroger in 2018 to help the U.S. retailer ratchet up its delivery business with the construction of robotic warehouses, or CFCs as Ocado calls them.

The initial deal saw Kroger identify 20 U.S. sites to build warehouses, making the group Ocado's most important partner.

However, so far, only eight sites have gone live, with a further two in the cities of Charlotte and Phoenix not due to open until early in Ocado's 2025-26 financial year, which starts in December.

"We thought the tone on CFC investment was cautious, with more focus seemingly on using existing store footprint," Barclays analysts said of Sargent's comments.

A spokesperson for Ocado said Kroger had highlighted in its second-quarter results on Thursday positive trends for growth and profitability in e-commerce.

"We are continuing to work closely with Kroger to drive this further and have made positive progress with the implementation of our new technology and the work of our Partner Success teams," the spokesperson added.

Kroger said it plans to update on its review during the third quarter.

In July, Ocado CEO Tim Steiner told Reuters he was confident Kroger would grow its e-commerce business under Sargent.

He said the U.S. remained "an enormous ongoing opportunity" for Ocado.

But he declined to comment on whether the exclusivity element of its deal with Kroger, which is conditional on growth, would roll off later this year.

(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Retracing the Path of the Suspect in the Killing of Charlie Kirk

Campus Dr. Utah Valley University Parking garage 2 4 3 1 Charlie Kirk Losee Center 5 Where shot was taken 7 9 8 Wooded area 6 Salt Lake City Utah Valley University UTAH North Campus Dr. Utah Valley University Parking garage 2 3 4 1 Where shot was taken 5 7 8 9 6 Wooded area Salt Lake City Utah Valley University UTAH North Aerial image by Nearmap The New York Times

Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, evaded detection for hours before climbing on a roof, where the police say he shot and killed Mr. Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The authorities arrested Mr. Robinson on Thursday night after a 33-hour manhunt.

A New York Times review of videos, a 3-D analysis of the scene and an affidavit released on Friday shed new light on the gunmans movements in the moments leading up to the shooting and immediately after.

Arrival on campus

Utah Valley University Campus Dr. Parking lot Garage stairwell Pedestrian tunnel 2 Parking garage 4 3 1 Seen in TMZ video North Utah Valley University Campus Dr. Parking garage Parking lot Pedestrian tunnel 2 4 3 1 Seen in TMZ video Garage stairwell North Aerial image by Nearmap The New York Times

Charlie Kirks event, which had been scheduled for noon on Wednesday, was free to attend, and there were no visible barriers to access of the Utah Valley University campus that day, according to a Times review of images.

Mr. Robinson arrived on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger at 8:29 a.m. local time, nearly four hours before the shooting, officials said. Security camera footage reviewed by investigators showed the gunman wearing a different set of clothing than what he was seen wearing at the time of the shooting.

Its unclear what Mr. Robinson did for several hours after arriving on campus. Investigators said they were able to track his movements starting at around 11:50 a.m., when he was captured on video crossing a grassy area into a parking lot next to campus. A video published on Thursday by TMZ showed a person wearing similar clothing to Mr. Robinsons near where authorities said he was spotted.

Mr. Robinson then walked across the parking lot toward a pedestrian tunnel. Investigators said he paused at the top of the stairs at 11:53 a.m. to pull out his phone, before continuing into the tunnel.

Images released by the F.B.I. showed him ascending the stairs of a parking garage adjoining the tunnel.

Parking garage stairs cordoned off after the shooting. Parking garage stairs cordoned off after the shooting. F.B.I. (left); Bora Erden/The New York Times (right)

Investigators noted that Mr. Robinson was walking with a distinctive gait, with the mobility of his right leg appearing to be restricted. They did not provide information on where Mr. Robinson went immediately after exiting the garage.

Nearing the site of shooting

Parking garage 4 Courtyard Where Charlie Kirk was speaking Sorensen Center Losee Center Location where shot was taken Woodbury Building 5 7 Seen on north side of building before entering Utah Valley University 6 Walked up stairs Walkway North Parking garage 4 Courtyard Where Charlie Kirk was speaking 5 Seen on north side of building before entering 7 Losee Center Location where shot was taken 6 Walked up stairs Walkway North Aerial image by Nearmap The New York Times

At 12:02 p.m., according to the authorities, Mr. Robinson was seen walking on the north side of the Losee Center  the building where they say he would later climb to shoot Mr. Kirk. According to the affidavit, he entered the building from the southeast side, then, 13 minutes later, walked up a set of stairs to a walkway abutting the Losee Center.

He climbed over a short wall and crouched behind it, investigators said. He was then seen on video running across the roof  his limp now gone.

The rooftop shooting of Charlie Kirk

Leanne Abraham and Bora Erden/The New York Times

By 12:22 p.m., the gunman was in a prone position on the roof of the Losee Center facing the courtyard, where Mr. Kirk was speaking in front of about 3,000 people.

A 3-D analysis of the shooting site showed no apparent barriers that would have blocked the gunmans line of sight to Mr. Kirk, who was seated under a tent about 430 feet away.

View from the roof of Losee Center Charlie Kirk Roof of Losee Center Charlie Kirk Roof of Losee Center Junho Lee/The New York Times

Those who attended the event said that security seemed light for an open amphitheater event with a polarizing figure like Mr. Kirk. Only six campus police officers were present, according to Utah Valley Universitys chief of police, who added that Mr. Kirk also had a private security team that traveled with him.

For events of this size and scope, security experts recommend a comprehensive plan, working with local and federal law enforcement agencies to put in place security protocols, which could include establishing a perimeter with safety checkpoints and securing problem areas like rooftops.

Mr. Kirk often traveled with a five-person detail, with one guard stationed onstage and others arrayed in front and back, said Greg Shaffer, who had protected Mr. Kirk for seven years. The team worked with the campus police on evacuation and security plans.

A Times analysis of footage from the event showed several people with what appeared to be earpieces facing the crowd minutes before the shooting. These individuals were also seen rushing to Mr. Kirk as soon as he was shot and transporting him to a car.

Charlie Kirk Possible security officers Charlie Kirk Possible security officers Image via UVU Review and Logan Topham

Its unclear how visible the shooter would have been to the security detail on the ground near the tent, according to Times 3-D analysis. The shooter may have been hidden behind a parapet while lying in a prone position on the roof and dressed in dark clothing.

View from the tent area Gunman Charlie Kirk Gunman Charlie Kirk Junho Lee/The New York Times

At 12:23 p.m., the gunman fired a single shot at Mr. Kirk, killing him. As the crowd dispersed, those who appeared to be security personnel quickly surrounded him.

Video also showed two campus police officers rushing in from behind the tent.

University police officers University police officers Image via UVU Review and Logan Topham

A fast escape

Courtyard Where Charlie Kirk was shot Campus Dr. 7 Losee Center Location where shot was taken 8 9 Ran into wooded area Jumped off roof Utah Valley University North Utah Valley University 7 Losee Center Location where shot was taken 8 9 Jumped off roof Ran into wooded area North Aerial image by Nearmap The New York Times

Immediately after the shooting, the gunman quickly left the campus.

Video released by officials on Thursday showed him running toward the opposite end of the Losee Center, where he jumped at least 15 feet onto the ground.

Video released by F.B.I.

He then headed back toward Campus Drive, and according to the authorities, crossed the road into a nearby wooded area. The gun used in the shooting was later recovered here, along with bullet casings engraved with various messages.

The manhunt ended more than 200 miles away, officials said, after a phone call from a family friend of Mr. Robinson, who is being held in the Utah County Jail.
NUMEROUS prosecutions for speeding could be in doubt after a decision by the District Court judge sitting in Offaly.

Judge Andrew Cody dismissed a summons for speeding because he decided that a copy of a nomination form was not admissible as evidence.

Owners of vehicles are often prosecuted for speeding after being recorded by a GoSafe operator even though they were not driving at the time.

The owner can complete what is known as a nomination form where the actual driver is named and then summonsed.

At this week's sitting of Tullamore District Court, Sergeant Brendan Kearns, court presenter, referred to the prosecution of Keelan Flynn (29), with an address at Cluain na Spideog, Co Offaly who was alleged to have exceeded the 120kph speed limit on the M6 motorway at Killavalley, Tyrrellspass on June 20 last year.

Sergeant Kearns said the summons had been previously before the court but was put back because the court wasn't satisfied with a certified copy of the nomination. He said the original nomination form was not available to the court.

Sergeant Kearns said An Garda Siochana processes about 200,000 fixed charge notices each year and we're heavily reliant on an automated process for same.

The nominations involve the scanning of the original statements of nominations. The scanned versions of the statements of nomination then form part of the prosecutor pack, he said.

He referred Judge Cody to sections of the Road Traffic Act and Criminal Evidence Act, saying that whether or not a document is still in existence, the court may approve an authenticated copy.

I'm informed that the copy submitted in the prosecutor pack which is provided is a copy of the original received by the fixed charge processing office. I'm asking the court to admit it into evidence, said Sergeant Kearns.

Judge Cody said it was his understanding, from publicly available tender documents, that a company called Tico Mail Ltd print the prosecution packs for the gardai.

I believe that to be the case, said Sergeant Kearns.

Judge Cody (pictured below) said the copy of the nomination form did not then come from An Garda Siochana but from a printing company in Dublin.

Sergeant Kearns said the original document is received by the fixed charge processing office who scan it to the company who produce the prosecution packs.

When the judge asked where the original was the sergeant said he could only assume it's held in the fixed charge processing office who received and then scanned the original.

READ NEXT: 'Unusual prosecution' of Offaly man comes before Tullamore District Court

Judge Cody then set out in detail how the process of nominating must be done within 28 days of the receipt of the notice by the vehicle owner.

That form must be signed by the registered owner and state the name and address of the person who was driving at the time, he said.

He said the relevant section of the legislation regarding the admissibility of the document, in this case a nomination form, states that it should be signed by the registered owner.

It doesn't refer to a copy, it refers to an original, he stated.

He said the court must be very careful when accepting a certificate or nomination form identifying another person in writing as having committed an offence.

The rules of evidence must be strictly adhered to, he said, adding that a copy must be authenticated.

It's simply not sufficient to produce a document, it must be duly authenticated in a matter the court may approve, he said.

I have outlined several times previously that I expect such a document be certified as a true copy of the original and certified by a member of An Garda Siochana.

He said the document tendered to him had not been authenticated in any manner whatsoever and had come from a printing company, a nominated sub contractor of An Garda Siochana.

He said the Supreme Court had identified that for documentary evidence to be proved, the best evidence rule applies.

The judge also said he had been given no explanation of where the original nomination is.

He ruled that because the document tendered by the sergeant was not admissible he was dismissing the case.

When Sergeant Kearns asked that the court admit the document as a copy of the original the judge repeated that it had to be duly authenticated and it had not been.

There were at least 10 further summonses involving GoSafe prosecutions and Sergeant Kearns applied for them to be adjourned, saying the matter would be referred to the DPP.

Judge Cody adjourned them all to October 22 next for mention, stating he anticipated there would be 30 or 40 of them by then.

Two solicitors present, Patrick Martin and Aisling Maloney, were representing a number of defendants similarly prosecuted and Judge Cody stressed that on October 22 such prosecutions would be before him for mention only.

He indicated the matter could come before the High Court. I might give you a case stated, he remarked.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to redefine their partnership.

The two companies did not disclose the specifics of the new contractual terms, as they are working towards finalising a definitive agreement. This prospective agreement is expected to enable OpenAI to transition into a for-profit organisation.

In a joint statement, the two companies said: Together, we remain focused on delivering the best AI tools for everyone, grounded in our shared commitment to safety.

According to a Reuters report, the signing of the MoU follows OpenAI's ongoing discussions with Microsoft, as the former aims to adopt a more conventional governance model and potentially go public to support its AI initiatives.

Microsoft's investment in OpenAI includes $1bn in 2019 and an additional $10bn in early 2023.

The previous agreement gave Microsoft exclusive rights to market OpenAI's software tools via its Azure cloud platform. The tech major also had preferential access to OpenAI's technology.

Initially, Microsoft was OpenAI's exclusive compute provider. However, this year, Microsoft relaxed its exclusivity, allowing OpenAI to embark on its data centre project, Stargate.

Alongside the MoU signing, OpenAI's nonprofit board chairman Bret Taylor said in a memo that OpenAI's nonprofit arm is set to receive more than $100bn. This represents nearly 20% of the $500bn valuation that the company is seeking in private markets. It will also position OpenAI as one of the most well-funded nonprofits.

The companies have not revealed Microsoft's ownership stake in OpenAI or if Microsoft will retain exclusive access to OpenAIs latest models and technology.

OpenAI will need regulatory approval from attorneys general in California and Delaware for its new structure. The company aims to complete the conversion by the end of the year to avoid losing billions in funding linked to this timeline.

"OpenAI signs non-binding deal with Microsoft for restructuring" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




Please spare me the handwringing over the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. Like you, Ive heard our politicians say there's no place for political violence in America. Others have said such atrocities are the province of the right or alternatively of the left

All of that is false. It's complete B.S. Face it, America itself and its CIA (often in cooperation with organized crime) are assassination experts. Its not a Republican thing or a Democrat thing. Its not a question of left (as if there were a real left in America) or right.

No, its the American way. Its what we do in the world. And to stop domestic assassinations, that's what must change.

As Martin Luther King told us long ago, the U.S. (along with Israel, and NATO I would add) is the greatest purveyor of violence in the world. (Vijay Prashad calls NATO the machine that destroys humanity.) Our government and those allies commit targeted and random assassinations all the time.

Think of the extrajudicial bombing of that Venezuelan fishing boat just last week. Without advancing any evidence whatsoever, those in the boat had their bodies blown to smithereens because of suspicions that they were drug dealers. No proof, no arrests, no trial. No handwringing or tears. Just killed remorselessly on suspicion. All the victims had (now severely traumatized) families.

Then think of Israeli threats to take out (decapitation, they call it) the elected leaders of Iran or of their attempts a week ago to kill Hamas leaders as they participated in peace talks in Qatar. Think of the way Israel recently killed Yemen's prime minister Ahmed al Rahawi and other Yemeni political leaders. And need we say the names Allende, Lumumba, Kaddafi, Guevara, or of a whole host of other political leaders routinely offed by the United States? Or all those attempts to murder Fidel Castro. Now they're talking about taking out Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela

But Kirk was different you might say. Though liberals don't agree with most of his positions, he was a journalist, a debater, an organizer. His assassination was an attack on free speech, on the first amendment. Killing him threatens the very concept of press freedom.

And the way he was killed was especially brutal. On "Breaking Points," Krystal Ball even urged her viewers not to watch the video. "It will haunt you for the rest of your life," she warned.

But all of that is B.S. too. Our assassins don't care about free speech, free press, the first amendment or the assassinations' brutality. For instance, we and Israel kill famous journalists virtually every day. And its all done in the most horrendous ways imaginable. More journalists (many of them award-winning) have been killed by U.S.-supported Zionists than all those killed in WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined.

AND IT HAPPENS VIRTUALLY EVERY DAY!!

Those routine atrocities occur in Palestine, where many of the victims have their heads blown completely off. And it's not just the journalists and other public figures. In many cases it's their families too, wives, children, infants, parents, grandparents, and great grandparents -- who are killed along with them.

So, again, please spare me the crocodile tears! You can't routinely assassinate innocents, political leaders, and journalists across the planet and not expect it to come home.

So yes, with the political murder of Charlie Kirk, assassinations' homecoming is undeniable and horrific. The chickens have indeed come here to roost.

And it's not something that can be cured by stricter gun laws or by the left and right singing Kumbaya together.

What must change is U.S. policy. We and Israel and NATO must stop being the world's foremost political assassins and terrorists!
The founders of popular fast-food restaurant chain Panda Express are investors in the ownership group positioned to buy the Portland Trail Blazers. Provided by Panda Express | Approach Marketing

It was hardly a surprise when Paul Allens estate announced Friday that it had reached a formal agreement to sell the Portland Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon and a group of investors.

After all, the sides had been in the middle of an exclusive negotiating window for roughly a month.

What did come as a surprise, however, was that Dundons ownership group now includes a new  and notable  investor: The Cherng Family Trust.

The trust is the investment firm of Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the founders of Panda Express and the Panda Restaurant Group, and their family. The Cherngs have a net worth of $7.5 billion, according to Forbes, meaning they would be the wealthiest investors in Dundons group.

What do we know about the largest financial backers of the group poised to own the Blazers? Here are a few details:

 The Cherng Family Trust was founded in 2001 and handles the familys wealth management, which includes a large real estate portfolio, direct private equity and fund investments, and significant philanthropic endeavors, according to the trusts web site. The trusts alternative assets are managed by CFT Capital Partners, which oversees an asset portfolio of more than $3 billion.

 The Cherngs are self-made billionaires who built the foundation of their wealth off the Panda Express fast-food restaurant chain, which they founded in 1973. Andrew Cherngs backstory has been well told. He was born in China, moved to Taiwan and Japan as a child with his family, then immigrated to the United States to attend college at age 18. He went on to earn a bachelors degree in mathematics from Baker University and a masters degree in applied mathematics from the University of Missouri.

Armed with the degrees, he moved to Los Angeles in 1972 to help family run a restaurant called Ting Ho. A year later, he and Peggy  who met at Baker and married in 1975  opened their own Chinese restaurant in Pasadena with Andrews father, Ming-Tsai Cherng. They called it Panda Inn. Ten years later, the Cherngs opened the first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria II mall in Glendale, California.

Anyone who has nibbled on orange chicken and fried rice at a mall or airport in the decades since is likely familiar with the popular chain. It has evolved into one of the most successful and recognized Asian fast-food restaurants in the world, featuring 2,600 locations in 11 countries and employing roughly 53,000 associates. The business remains family-owned today.

 The Cherng family has a local connection. Peggy, who owns three college degrees  including a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri  earned her undergraduate degree in applied mathematics from Oregon State in 1971. She spent four years in Corvallis and has been honored by the university multiple times as an alumna, including as an Alumni Fellow of the College of Science in 2000 and with an invitation to give the College of Business Deans Distinguished Lecture in 2012.

 The Cherngs have made plenty of headlines over the years for their philanthropy. The couple operates a charitable arm called Panda Cares, which has raised more than $415 million since 1999. Much of the support goes to childrens health, education and disaster relief, according to its web site.

The organization has supported more than 16 million youth, granted more than 5,200 college scholarships, donated 1.1 million books and served more than 2.1 million meals, according to its 2024 annual report. Last year alone, Panda Cares donated $19.4 million to health causes and $14.6 million to education causes, according to the annual report. In 2023, the organization made $100 million donation to City of Hope, the national comprehensive cancer center. Over the years, the Cherngs also have given $30 million to Caltech for an endowment in the medical engineering department and a $25 million gift to a hospital in Los Angeles to help fund its surgical program.

 Joe Freeman is a senior writer at The Oregonian/OregonLive covering the Trail Blazers and NBA. Reach him at 503-294-5183, jfreeman@oregonian.com, @BlazerFreeman or @freemanjoe.bsky.social.
This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows a gaping hole where the paneled-over door had been at the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, Jan. 7, 2024, in Portland. National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday proposed fining Boeing $3.1 million for safety violations in the months leading up to the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX panel blowout on a Portland flight last year.

The regulator said it identified hundreds of quality system violations at the manufacturers Renton, Washington, factory and its supplier Spirit AeroSystems between September 2023 and February 2024.

That September, a fuselage made its way through Spirits Wichita, Kansas, factory, where workers construct the 737 MAX fuselages before shipping the structures to Boeings Renton plant for final assembly.

On Jan. 5, 2024, 171 passengers and six crew were onboard the plane built from that fuselage on a flight bound for Ontario, California. Six minutes after taking off from Portland International Airport, a 2-by-4 foot door plug blew off the plane in the 26th row, sucking seat parts, the shirt that a 15-year-old boy had been wearing, electronic devices such as phones and other personal items out of the plane.

The pilot was able to turn back to Portland and make an emergency landing, and no one was seriously injured.

The FAA did not provide more detail Friday on the quality system violations it found in Boeings operations.

The regulator said Boeing presented two unairworthy aircraft to the FAA for airworthiness certificates and failed to follow its quality system.

Additionally, the FAA said Boeing interfered with a safety program designed to let certain Boeing employees help FAA workers monitor the manufacturer.

Boeings involvement with the program  called Organization Designation Authorization, or ODA  has been heavily scrutinized in the past, with FAA-deputized Boeing employees reporting that they felt pressured to act in the interest of their employer and feared retaliation if they raised safety concerns.

The FAA said Friday that a Boeing employee who was not involved in the ODA program pressured an ODA worker to sign off on a 737 MAX airplane so Boeing could meet its delivery schedule, even though the ODA worker had determined the aircraft did not comply with standards.

In a statement, Boeing said it is reviewing the FAAs proposed civil penalty.

We regret the January 2024 door-plug accident and continue to work on strengthening our safety culture and improving first-time quality and accountability across our operations, the company said.

The company has spent the months since the panel blowout designing and implementing a safety and quality plan, including key performance metrics to gauge the quality of its airplanes as they move through the factory.

Our team continues to implement these improvements, such as investing in workforce training, strengthening production system compliance and encouraging employees to speak up, Boeing said in its statement.

Spirit declined to comment.

As part of Boeings plan to improve quality and safety, it will bring Spirit back into its fold, roughly 20 years after spinning it out. The acquisition is still pending regulatory approval but both companies expect it will be finalized this year.

Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA, the agency said.

The FAA said Friday it utilized its maximum statutory civil penalty authority. Still, the $3.1 million fine is minor compared with Boeings $22.8 billion in revenue in the most recent fiscal quarter. Overall, Boeing reported a net loss of $612 million, or 92 cents per share, for the three months from April through June.

The fine is also smaller than previous penalties issued by the FAA, including a $17 million fine issued in 2021 for 737 production mistakes and a $12 million fine issued in 2015 for a pattern of falsified paperwork.

William Alderman, founding partner of the aerospace and defense financial firm Alderman and Co., said the fine wont have a material impact on Boeings earnings or free cash flow.

He called it a gentle slap on the wrist that acts as a reminder to Boeing that the FAA is paying attention.

Boeing is already in a different place than it was in September 2023, Alderman said. Not fixed, not great, a long way to go, but the problems of 12 months ago  I think theyre in the rearview mirror.

Scott Hamilton, an analyst with the aerospace and consulting firm Leeham News, interpreted the FAAs fine differently.

To him, the fact that the FAA again mentioned pressure on Boeings ODA program, after years of the company saying it would change the system, made him think Boeings efforts in the wake of the 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 that killed 346 people were more smoke and mirrors than substance.

Despite all the fancy rhetoric Boeing had, Hamilton said, the FAA indicated the same problems persisted and may have contributed to the panel blowout years later.

Boeing was also in the news in June when a 787 flown by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff and killed at least 270 people. Investigators have not determined what caused that crash, but so far they have not found any flaws with the model, which has a strong safety record.

 Lauren Rosenblatt of The Seattle Times, Alex Veiga of The Associated Press and The Oregonian/OreognLive staff reports
For three decades, Vauxs swifts have returned to Chapman Elementary School, making the Northwest Portland spot their designated roost and offering their nightly swirling performance for thousands of onlookers below.

This year, the chimney stands empty. The show, it seems, has moved on from Chapman  at least for now.

While the swifts have abandoned their most well-known stage, it looks like the birds havent completely flown the coop from Portland. Instead, theyve begun giving aerial pop-up performances across the city this fall.

What were seeing is more chimneys being used than in the past before Chapman, but smaller numbers of birds at those chimneys, said Joe Liebezeit, statewide conservation director for the Bird Alliance of Oregon.

This year, groups of the swifts are scattered around different Portland schools, churches, businesses and neighborhoods. Swifts seek open brick or stone chimneys for roosting, providing warmth and safety in numbers as they cling to the insides to conserve heat during migration.

Peak season for the birds tends to fall around mid-September.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon partly gathers data through sending their own volunteers to roosting areas. At the same time, the group also uses the help of community members reports of where the sites are. To assist the Bird Alliance of Oregon in building a comprehensive picture of the Vauxs swift migration, sightings of roosts with more than 500 birds can be reported using the form on their website.

The number of birds tallied by the group each night tends to fall around 8,000 to 9,000 birds. Approaching the peak, Liebezeit said the numbers seem to be on track, if not slightly on the lower end.

Those lower numbers arent cause for immediate concern, Liebezeit said. Because the swifts have spread out, there could be sites that havent been reported yet.

There are thousands of birds in town, Liebezeit added. Well have to see what the birds do and follow.

Following the birds has led to another elementary school, this one in Southeast Portland. The number of birds swirling around Abernethy Elementary Schools chimney is smaller than in years past at Chapman, but theres no denying the swifts presence.

Theyve come out at morning drop off, theyve come out at lunch and recess, said Melissa Dunn, Abernethy Elementary principal. And then they do their big go-back-to-bed at like a little before 8 right now.

Salt and peppered across the sky, a couple of hundred swifts still perform their morning and nighttime routine  occasionally flying throughout the day too.

Were super happy to have them here our schools super, super interested, Dunn said. When theyre flying around above us, they have this little chirp. Its pretty cool. The kids get a kick out of all of it.

In the evenings, fans of the swifts have gathered at the school. Thursday evening, some of the audience members planned ahead with blankets, picnic dinners and lawn chairs. Others stumbled across the spectacle by chance.

Among the crowd was Jacqueline Dickson and 6-year-old Collie-Healer mix, Spirit, both set up along the chain-link fence to watch the birds.

I literally went to get takeout, was walking back to the house and then saw everyone, said Dickson, who is visiting from San Diego. I can just sit down. I can just watch for a little while.

Dunn added that the space is open to the public to watch the swifts. All that the elementary school asks is that viewers be respectful to both the space and the birds.

To avoid causing traffic and parking problems for residents, consider biking, walking or using public transportation. If driving, be mindful of parking. Share the space by keeping walkways and roads clear and respecting private property nearby. Take any trash with you when leaving, and be aware that you are on school grounds.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon adds another reminder: Dont fly drones near gathering birds or swift roost chimneys. Drones can disturb the birds and create hazards that increase their stress during migration. This extra stress can weaken the birds and may even cause swifts to leave their roosts entirely.

Respectful viewing is important, especially given that human disturbance might be one reason the swifts left their longtime Chapman home.

Its not unusual for the swifts to change their roost and to abandon a chimney after using it for a couple of years, Liebezeit said. But the thing that made it unusual for Chapman is that they had used it for so many years consistently.

While the exact cause remains uncertain, the birds departure from Chapman is most likely the result of a mix of factors.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon has several theories, Liebezeit said. An increase in predators, such as Coopers hawks, peregrine falcons and crows, could be a factor, since the large flock at Chapman was essentially a dinner buffet for them.

Another possible cause is human disturbance, particularly from drones, which the birds perceive as predators. Chapmans popularity and the atmosphere created by many viewers on the ground may have also driven the birds to seek a quieter, more private roost.

But Bird Alliance data doesnt show a direct correlation between predator numbers and the decline in swift sightings at Chapman. Similarly, while three or four people were asked to ground their drones near the roost, the birds departure doesnt seem to be directly tied to a surge in drone activity either, Liebezeit said.

And with no obstructions or changes seen on the inside of the chimney, the swifts may have just moved on. Liebezeit said theres no solid way to predict the swifts next moves.

For now, many other roosts have begun to pop up across the city in residential areas.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon wants people in Portland to enjoy watching the birds, Liebezeit added, but they are cautious about sharing the locations of these roosts. Many of these spots are not prepared to handle large groups of visitors.

We dont want to announce where the swifts are right now, because we could cause those problems for other communities, Liebezeit said. And if landowners get problems, they might want to cap the chimney. And thats something we really want to avoid.

When viewing a neighborhood roost, keep the same guidelines in mind for transportation and being respectful of private property.

The main thing is we want people to enjoy the swifts still, Liebezeit said. Its just going to be a different situation than it has been in the past.  We just get used to it and well provide as much support as we can.

The swifts new pattern of roosting reflects the challenges facing the species, which has seen its population decline in recent decades.

However, the birds still make their return every fall. As the last birds entered the chimney Thursday evening at Abernethy Elementary, small cheers and applause rose from the crowd below.

Theres something really beautiful about it being over the school and the chimney, Dickson said. It almost reminds you of the ocean and fish, kind of like those kinds of schools.  Its wild to watch and its incredible.
When your parents visit Portland, the pressure to showcase the citys renowned food scene can be overwhelming. Where do you take them? How do you balance trendy spots with established classics? Should you make reservations or wing it?

On a recent episode of Peak Northwest, co-host Chiara Profenna revealed her strategy for crafting the perfect Portland culinary tour for her visiting parents: strategic advance planning mixed with insider knowledge.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

There was a top restaurants in Portland list that had just published, Profenna explained on the podcast. Sent it to my parents, and I was like, Okay, tell me if you want to hit any of these spots while youre here. And they picked two of them, and we made some reservations.

The duck confit dish at Gado Gado in Northeast Portland, Oregon, Wednesday evening, Nov. 8, 2023. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

That approach ensured her parents would be excited about the restaurants while also guaranteeing theyd secure tables at some of Portlands most sought-after establishments, she said.

The two restaurants they selected  Gado Gado and Kachka  showcased Portlands diverse culinary landscape. Both offered small-plate, family-style dining experiences that allowed them to sample a wide variety of dishes, which Profenna enthusiastically endorsed: Thats 100% my favorite way to eat, is a bunch of little plates of things, snacking on stuff, everybody sharing everything.

At Gado Gado, they enjoyed an Indonesian-inspired feast of chicken skewers, dumplings, pork, pickled vegetables and roti. Meanwhile, Kachka delivered an Eastern European experience complete with pickled vegetables, pelmeni, a bread board, cabbage-wrapped meatballs and a vodka flight that awakened a new love of chilled vodka in her father.

Rabbit in a clay pot with crispy draniki on the side, savory raspberry soup, lazy veraniki and hangar steak shashlik with Uzbek bread from Kachka. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Alongside the hot Portland restaurants, Profenna chose a more eccentric Portland gem: the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House.

I love this place ... its this super kitschy little Portland gem, Profenna said. It is this house that only serves desserts and coffee and theyre open until midnight every day.

The dessert spot represents the quirky Portland experience that visitors cant find elsewhere. Profenna described it as the complete opposite of the upscale restaurants they visited, noting details like the plastic-coated menus and the space filled with little portraits and busts of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

For those planning their own parental food tour, Chiara offered an additional tip: consider food cart pods, which provide diverse options for groups with different tastes.

As podcast co-host Jamie Hale observed, theres a universal anxiety when taking your parents out to dinner: Are you having fun? Are you enjoying it? Is this nice for you?

Looking for more dining ideas? Check out our guide to Portlands 40 best restaurants for 2025.
The evening felt muggy as Mimi Lettunich and Kris Wigger prepared hamburger sliders and tater tots for dinner. The children, 9-year-old triplets and their 7-year-old sibling, had just gotten out of the pool and were hungry.

Lettunich, 57, and Wigger, 48, are relearning how to raise young children. They have been out of practice since their two sons are young adults now. Whens the last time you had tater tots for dinner? Lettunich asked herself with a laugh. But its amazing.

Most of the children devoured their food within minutes as they played a card game with Lettunich and Wigger on the back patio of their Portland home that late August night. David, one of the triplets, was the last to finish eating and Lettunich stayed behind to provide him company.

My mom makes a lot of spaghetti, the boy told Lettunich, adding that his favorite meal is his moms soup. My mom puts chicken in the soup and something green. The soup is good when you add rice.

Lettunich and Wigger find themselves playing the role of fill-in caregivers in the aftermath of the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown. The childrens parents are among the thousands who have been detained in Oregon and across the country, upending lives and separating families. They have been held at the immigration detention center in Tacoma for two months and its unclear what will happen to them or what their fate could eventually mean for their children, who were born in America.

For now, the kids appear to be adjusting to their temporary home, even if the longing for their parents is evident.

When is everything going to go back to normal? Lettunich said the children ask. When will life be back to the life we had?

The couple didnt think twice about taking in the children and caring for them. Family friends for about 20 years, the couple spoke with the kids parents after Trump won re-election, offering their support while holding out hope it wouldnt come to that.

But Jackie Merlos, her children  David, Carlos, Abby and Jeffrey  and her mother, who was visiting from Honduras, made headlines after they were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine, Washington, in late June while meeting with relatives from Canada at the park. A few days later, the childrens father, Carlos, was also arrested by immigration authorities outside the familys home in Portland. His immigration status has not been made public.

Jackie Merlos, who has a pending U-visa for victims of crime, and her kids spent about two weeks in a Customs and Border Protection facility. In mid-July, following a federal court intervention, the four children were released to Lettunich. Their mother was transferred to Tacoma where her husband and her mother were being detained. Initially, Customs and Border Protection claimed it was charging Jackie Merlos with alien smuggling, but in mid-July an agency spokesperson said the charges were dropped.

Customs and Border Protection has refused to say why the family continues to be detained.

The information requested  is the subject of ongoing litigation, an agency spokesperson said in late July. CBP will not comment further on active or pending litigation at this time.

On Friday, a spokesperson added that removal proceedings have been initiated for Jackie Merlos but wouldnt otherwise comment on active or pending litigation.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didnt respond to a request seeking comment. Jill Nedved, who was introduced as the familys lawyer during a press conference in July, said she cant comment on active cases.

The childrens mother so far has been denied release on bond and doesnt have another hearing until Oct. 14. Its uncertain when the father will have a hearing, Lettunich said. The circumstances for a family reunification are unclear, unfortunately, she said.

From left, Mimi Lettunich, 57, sits at the dinner table with Abby, 9, and David, 9, while Kris Wigger, 48, stands behind them at their Southwest Portland home on Aug. 27, 2025. The couple has been caring for the siblings and their two brothers since mid-July, after the childrens parents were detained by immigration authorities. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

When the couple first brought the children home this summer, they told the kids that it was not a sleepover but more like summer camp. Two months later, the children are now back in the classroom, navigating a new school close to their new home.

The couple started a GoFundMe account that has raised close to $39,000 to help cover some of the childrens expenses and their parents legal fees. State officials, who earlier this year drafted proposals to help children separated from their families by the Trump administration, have not reached out to the family to offer assistance and Lettunich and Wigger havent asked for help.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, the Portland Democrat who raised awareness about the familys initial detention, continues to call for their release.

The trauma that the children have been exposed to is egregious, she said.

Sending our kids with their new backpacks to new opportunities and classes without their parents, and never knowing if theyd see them again, is just cruel to a degree that makes me, frankly, ashamed, she said.

No process to help guardians

The four siblings are among an unknown number of minors who have been separated from their parents in Oregon under the Trump administration.

The Oregon Department of Human Services put together recommendations earlier this year on how to best help children in those cases. But much of the conversation revolved around how to help parents before a possible detention happens by identifying guardians for their children, not on the children temporarily living with guardians or family friends.

Among the recommendations sent to Gov. Tina Koteks office in March was for the state to develop a process and funding mechanism to assist with reuniting children with their parents, if deported and if requested. Rather than a government-led approach, the memo proposed state funding and logistical help to nonprofits that would provide services and support to families preparing for or dealing with deportation issues. The memo recommended that the state take custody of children only when necessary.

In late July, Matt Kinshella, a deputy communications director with the Oregon Department of Human Services, said it did not appear the agency had received a call about the Merlos case. By then, the familys story had been widely shared in news accounts.

Also, to our knowledge, we have not received any calls about a child being separated from their parents due to immigration authorities, he said in an email.

Jake Sunderland, a spokesperson for the agency, said there is no automatic notification process to the Oregon Department of Human Services if children are separated from their parents due to deportation or immigration detention.

If this were to hypothetically happen, ODHS would only be notified if the child was reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline because there are no known safe adults like friends or extended family who were able or willing to care for the child, he said in an email.

Sunderland also said the agency has made no effort to contact guardians who may be caring for children separated from their parents due to detention or deportation.

ODHS only has the authority to contact a parent or guardian when a safety concern is reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline, he said in an email, and it meets the legal criteria to be an allegation of abuse, resulting in a child safety assessment being assigned.

Abby, 9, digs into a hamburger on the patio of Mimi Lettunich and Kris Wiggers Southwest Portland home on Aug. 27, 2025. She and her three brothers have been living with the couple since mid-July, after their parents were detained by immigration authorities. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Sunderland in late August said there was no update on the recommendations that were sent to Koteks office in March. The newsroom submitted a public records request for related documents but was told documents would not be disclosed until Oct. 2 at the earliest.

Remembering how to raise young kids

Lettunich and Wigger met the childrens parents about 20 years ago when the Merlos small construction company was a subcontractor performing renovations at their home near the Oregon Zoo.

She was, from day one, amazing, Lettunich said about Jackie Merlos. We have been close friends since that time.

After Trump won re-election, Jackie Merlos asked the couple if they would become guardians for their children in the event something happened, Lettunich said. They reassured her they would.

But it hasnt been easy. Lettunich lost her 83-year-old father days before the family was detained by immigration authorities this summer.

We lost mom a couple of years ago, so this was incredibly difficult, she said with red, watery eyes, her voice breaking. There was some grieving, but within days, we heard about this, so my energy went straight into, Where are they? Because for so long, we didnt even know where they were.

The couple took on more responsibility July 14. The kids were released from detention but their parents remained in custody, their mothers deportation being halted by a judge. It was a Monday morning when Lettunich received a call from officials asking if she could pick up the children from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Within an hour, Lettunich and one of her young adult sons were on their way.

Lettunich said she was able to get the kids before they were put on a plane to possibly be flown out of the country. The children had new passports that the federal government had expedited, she said.

Mom was screaming when we left, Lettunich said the children told her right after she picked them up. Weve never heard mom like that.

The couple quickly had to get back into a routine of caring for young children.

I will say that Im out of practice, Lettunich, whose sons are 21 and 24, said with a laugh. It took me a minute.  That first week was a little bit rough.

Wigger said the situation has been a wave of different emotions with the ups and downs.

He said the couple has had to balance the joy of having the kids and knowing theyre in a safe place but also recognizing how hard it is for their parents, in particular for their mother, to be torn apart from her children.

Im sure that was one of the most torturous moments and still is for her, he said. So, youre playing a duality of  feeling the love of grabbing these kiddos but knowing theres a parent thats not with their kids is also very heartbreaking.

It has been like riding a bike, he said, because the couple was on the verge of empty nesting.

Theyve had to remember the rhythm of setting schedules and doing bedtime stories. To remind children about brushing teeth and taking showers. To make lunchboxes for summer camps and have age-appropriate food at home.

The snacks we have in this house we have not had in a long time, Lettunich said. My husband is like, Are you eating goldfish again?

On a recent evening, as Lettunich was in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, David came to her and showed her one of his small fingers that hurt.

She grabbed his hand and gave his finger a gentle kiss.

Im sure thats better now, she told him.

Yeah, he responded.

Later, the children sat outdoors, with blankets, to eat ice cream and watch Despicable Me 4 on a movie projector as the temperatures slowly cooled.

After the movie, the children were going to head inside for a bedtime story. Bedtime is often when the children start sharing their emotions and talk about their parents, Wigger said.

They talk about missing them a lot, Lettunich said. We talk about it every night.

Mimi Lettunich, 57, says goodnight to Abby, 9, and the other children as they settle onto the couch to watch a movie projected outside on the porch of her Southwest Portland home on Aug. 27, 2025. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

The couple believes it could be months before the children are able to reunite with their parents. They dont know what will happen but hope their friends can remain in America.

With every court hearing, the toll on the parents and children gets more intense.

I miss them so much that I would give my life just to hug them for a moment, their mother wrote in a journal on Aug. 28.

The kids are resilient, Lettunich said. There are highs and lows but the longer it goes, the harder it gets.

Lettunich said she doesnt know if the parents have talked about what could happen if they are deported. Despite being held in the same Tacoma facility, the Merlos were able to see each other there for only the first time earlier this month, Lettunich said.

We also dont talk about it, she said. The thought is frightening.

The mother hasnt lost hope, telling her children in phone calls that it wont be forever, Lettunich said. And the couple is finding ways to help the family feel connected.

On Wednesday morning, Jackie Merlos father celebrated his 72nd birthday.

In the kitchen of their new house, the children spoke to their mom on an iPhone, their grandfather on an iPad.

For a moment, they were all together, singing happy birthday in Spanish.

-- Yesenia Amaro is a reporter. Reach her at 503-221-4395, or yamaro@oregonian.com.
A deteriorated Lake Oswego daylight ranch transformed into a glass-fronted modern mansion sold Friday at $9,450,000.

The lakefront property with a pool on South Shore Boulevard was purchased by an out-of-state resident wanting an Oregon vacation home, said Terry Sprague of LUXE Forbes Global Properties, who represented the seller in the transaction.

The buyer was represented by Mark Ross of Ross Northwest Real Estate.

Sprague, who has been selling high-end residential properties in Lake Oswego for 18 years, said visitors see the expensive enclave south of Portland as the West Coasts version of Nantucket, the wealthy island town in Massachusetts.

Lake Oswego and Nantucket are known for historic architecture and an enviable lifestyle.

We are constantly working with our feeder markets through Forbes (brokerage network) in California, Arizona and Texas. Sprague told The Oregonian/OregonLive. People who live in these locations are drawn to the spring and summers of Oregon.

Another factor: The South Shore Boulevard property was listed in March at $11,477,000. Sprague dropped the asking price in May to $10,399,000.

Buyers have been confused by the complexity of the economy, he said.

Now, he said, consumer sentiment is changing. Theres been a tremendous amount of wealth created in the stock market, and, with limited homes for sale, there is a growing fear of missing out, he said.

Marketing the lake

Step into an unparalleled masterpiece where history and contemporary design converge on the shores of Oswego Lake, stated Sprague in the real estate listing for the South Shore Boulevard property.

The two-story house has 3,707 square feet of living space. Large windows and slide-away glass walls frame the propertys nearly 280 feet of private shoreline and its modern boathouse.

The home was originally designed by acclaimed architect Wade Hampton Pipes in 1954, but by 2018, significant architectural and engineering elements had deteriorated, been damaged or been destroyed.

The owner at the time asked that the property listed in the National Register of Historic Places be removed from historic protection so it could be demolished.

The owner stated to the National Park Service, which oversees the historic register, that the house was not adequately secured to the foundation and it ceased to have many of the hallmarks relied upon to earn the coveted designation.

Instead of the home meeting the wrecking ball, the property was sold to Ralph Martinez in 2021 for $3 million. Martinez then worked with preservation experts to comply with national register requirements.

The three-year renovation completed in 2024 involved architect Curt Olson, builder Skip ONeill, landscape designer Steve Shapiro and interior designer Chris Soderberg.

People can easily identify the original Wade Pipes house and enjoy the cool midcentury vibe, Sprague told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Its relaxing to hang out here because the design team did a really great job of selecting quality materials that feel contemporary and midcentury.

Sprague said people who appreciate historic properties look at each one as a piece of art. They are not focused on square footage or the predictability of a new house, but are drawn to a home with a provenance, he said.

History of the house

The John M. and Elizabeth Bates House No. 4 is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Photo taken for the National Register nomination by Stephen Dow Beckham. Stephen Dow Beckham

Historians dont dispute that architect Wade Pipes finest commission was the Oswego Lake house he designed around a central courtyard for his friends John and Elizabeth Bates.

The John M. and Elizabeth Bates House No. 4 with a two-story bay fronting the lake was the fourth and final residence Pipes designed for the couple.

Pipes planned not only the house but also the landscape, interior finishes and some of the furniture. Pipes contribution here represents the culmination of his work as a pivotal figure in the Arts and Crafts movement in Oregon, while also giving a nod to the Northwest Regional style, said historians.

Another nod to the past: The landscape had exposed boulders and stone blocks representing Lake Oswegos 1860s beginnings as an iron producing town dotted with humble company housing and stores.

 Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com.
Opendoor (OPEN) stock gained more than 75% through Thursday's trading session on the news that the company has hired Shopify's chief operating officer as the real estate platform's new chief executive.

The company announced Wednesday night that Shopify (SHOP) COO Kaz Nejatian will join the beleaguered iBuyer as CEO, stepping in to replace the hole left by prior CEO Carrie Wheeler. The announcement pushed the stock above $10 for the first time since early 2022.

The company also named co-founder Keith Rabois as chairman of the board and reappointed to the board co-founder Eric Wu, who left Opendoor in 2022 to lead Marketplace. Board members Pueo Keffer and Glenn Solomon have stepped down, according to the release.

"Literally there was only one choice for the job: Kaz. I am thrilled that he will be serving as CEO of Opendoor," Rabois said. "He is a proven executive with a founder's brain. He is the right leader to unlock Opendoor's unique data and assets as we build on Opendoor's original mission, now enhanced as an AI-first company."

Read more about Opendoor's stock moves and today's market action

Opendoor has spent the past month in flux after Wheeler stepped down in mid-August amid investor pressure, with prominent calls coming from both activist investor Eric Jackson and Rabois. Jackson kicked off a major bull rally in Opendoor with an X thread in July that laid out an $82 price target on a penny stock that at the time was worth less than $1.

"Carrie Wheeler is not the leader to take $OPEN to $82 and beyond," Jackson posted a week before Wheeler's resignation. "The board needs to act now. I've never been more convinced about a CEO needing to step aside now."

The iBuyer platform, which uses algorithms to flip houses, had seen its stock crater from more than $30 to below $1 as of April. But the company marked its first quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA in Q2, and its share price has gained more than 840% in the past six months to now trade above $10.

Opendoor's mobile app gives home shoppers on-demand access to hundreds of homes for sale. (Business Wire)  Business Wire

Bull-case investors and prominent leadership at the company, now including Nejatian, have expressed confidence that Opendoor can use a mix of AI-powered technology and new tactics, like partnering with traditional brokers, to achieve market share and sustained profitability.

"My experience at Shopify showed me what happens when you build a platform that unleashes innovation at scale," Nejatian said in a post on X announcing his move to Opendoor. "That platform mindset is what I hope to bring to Opendoor  to build a platform for homeownership, one that unlocks opportunity for millions of families and strengthens the fabric of society."
Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery surged more than 30% Thursday afternoon following reports that Paramount Skydance is preparing a takeover bid for the broadcast rival.

The Wall Street Journal reported the mostly cash offer would be for the entire company, which would give the parent company of the Paramount Plus streaming channel rights to all of the HBO Max catalog.

Paramount Skydance is backed by the Ellison family, which saw a tremendous surge in wealth yesterday, with the sharp rise in Oracle stock. (Bloomberg said the more than $100 billion increase in Larry Ellison's wealth was the largest single one-day jump in individual net worth ever recorded by the news organization.)

Warner Bros. recently announced plans to split into two companies, one that would focus on its global TV networks and the other on streaming and studios.

Warner Bros. Discovery stock has been largely flat year to date, before Thursday's surge. As of 2:00 p.m. ET, shares were up 60% for the year. The stock price is still down 25% over the past five years, however.

Whether or not Warner is interested in a buyout is a bigger question. CEO David Zaslav, on Wednesday, said HBO Max will be in 150 million homes by next year and called the streaming service undervalued.

"The fact that this is quality  and thats true across our company, motion picture, TV production and streaming quality  we all think that gives us a chance to raise price ," he said . "We think were way underpriced. Were going to take our time."




Police in Franklin County charged a man and woman with dozens of offenses after a Children and Youth Services worker discovered squalid conditions, while investigating a report of a child who smelled strongly of cat urine at school, according to court documents.

Asa B. Ricketts and Desiree M. Ricketts, both 31, of Chambersburg, were charged with 45 misdemeanor offenses, including neglect of animals and cruelty to animals.

No charges were filed involving the children in the home.

On March 25, a Children and Youth Services (CYS) worker contacted a humane society police officer and reported hazardous and unsanitary conditions in a home she was investigating.

The CYS worker was called to the Chambersburg home after a child was found smelling of cat urine at school, the affidavit of probable cause said. Multiple children live in the home, but the affidavit did not specify the number.

Another witness told investigators a third-grade child at the school where they work frequently smelled of ammonia/cat urine and also had untreated chronic head lice.

In one instance, the third graders homework folder had to be replaced because it was damp and smelled of urine.

On March 26 and March 30, a humane society police officer executed search warrants at the residence.

The officer described unsanitary conditions, including accumulations of feces, urine, rotting food, trash, dirt and other debris.

The officer described feeling a burning sensation in their nose and throat, which required the officer to take multiple breaks for fresh air.

A total of 14 cats and one dog were removed from the residence. All had fleas and dirty coats consistent with prolonged neglect, the affidavit said.

All of the animals recovered have since been bathed, vaccinated and placed on antibiotics.

Investigators highlighted possible serious health risks, noting continued exposure to cat urine can lead to life-threatening conditions for animals and humans, including urinary tract, gastrointestinal and skin infections, respiratory issues and corrosive damage.

Preliminary hearings for both individuals are scheduled for Nov. 4.
Charlie Kirk speaks during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Kirk was shot and killed at the event. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP) AP

Erika Kirk broke her silence Friday following the shooting death of her husband, popular conservative activist Charlie Kirk, earlier this week.

The two were married in 2021 and had a daughter in 2022 and a son in May of 2024. And during a speech she gave in a video posted to Charlies social media accounts heading into the weekend, Erika relayed a story of her young daughter in the aftermath of the killing that had everyone tearing up.

I talked to her and she said, I missed you, and I said, I missed you too baby, Erika said. She goes, Wheres daddy? What do you tell them when they are that old? Shes 3. And I said, Baby, dont you worry, daddy loves you so much. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.

The clip  you can see it here  was shared heavily across social media with folks from both the Left and the Right expressing their heartbreak.

This made me tear up, comedian Terrence K. Williams wrote on X. Charlie Kirks wife is strong but she is so heartbroken. Please pray for her.

I cant, man, Arthur MacWaters wrote. I cant. This is so sad. Anyone celebrating this is evil.

Harry Sisson called it truly heartbreaking.

I hope that one day, she and her kids are able to recover, he wrote on X.

Heartbreaking words from Erika Kirk, John Strand wrote. Reminding us that behind every headline is a family shattered by evil.

Kirk, 31, a popular conservative activist, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He left behind Erika, his young daughter and a son who was born just last year.

Tyler Robinson has been arrested in connection with his death.
The School District of Lancaster this week issued a statement after a staff members social media post drew harsh criticism in the wake of Charlie Kirks killing.

We are aware of the reaction to an online post shared by one of our employees on a personal social media platform. The School District of Lancaster abhors violence of any kind and is committed to schools that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all in our community, the districts statement said.

The post in question was uploaded by teacher Amanda Dodson on Facebook, according to LancasterOnline.

The post described Kirk as a racist, xenophobic, transphobic, islamophobic, sexist, white nationalist mouthpiece who spewed hatred across the nation.

Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media page run by Chaya Raichik, eventually picked up the post, LancasterOnline said.

This person teaches your children, Raichik wrote alongside a picture of Dodson from the School District of Lancaster website. Any comment @SDOLancaster?

The school district said the issue will be dealt with privately.

As with all personnel matters, this will be handled privately, and it is our longstanding policy not to publicly share details, the statement said. Our top priorities are the safety and education of our students. We appreciate the cooperation and support of our community and all concerned individuals in ensuring that schools remain focused on this important work.

On Thursday evening, the district posted on Facebook, saying it would disable commenting on its social media platforms.

At this time, due to an influx of comments that unfortunately violate our guidelines, we have turned off the comment function on our platforms. If you have specific concerns, please visit the Contact Us section of our website. All emails are received and reviewed directly by district staff.

The districts internal policy on employee freedom of speech outside of work says employees, as citizens, have a right to speak out on issues of public concern through spoken, written or electronic means.

However, the policy also says if employees chose to share their opinions outside of work, it must be clear their comments are personal views that do not represent the school district.

According to LancasterOnline, Dodsons post did not include such a disclaimer.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while he answered questions about mass shootings at Utah Valley University Wednesday.

Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent. A single shot rings out and Kirk reaches up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck.

About 3,000 people attended the event, which was Kirks first stop on what was to be a 15-campus tour.

On Friday, investigators arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, of Utah, who is suspected of being the gunman.
President Donald Trump ordered a military strike on what he said was a boat full of narco-terrorists on their way to the United States with a load of drugs. (Dont Let Trump Expand the Definition of War, New York Times, Sept. 8, p. A23)

President Trump is so opposed to traffic in drugs that the day after he was inaugurated for his second term, he pardoned Ross Ulbricht. He was serving a life term in prison for creating Silk Road, a dark web market that used Bitcoin to facilitate millions of dollars in sales of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. (The Comeback Tour of a Crypto Overlord, New York Times, Sept. 7, Sunday Business section, p. 4)

Then-candidate Donald Trump made a promise to the Libertarian Party, whose members were some of Mr. Ulbrichts staunchest supporters. If they voted for him in the 2024 election, Mr. Trump told a party leader, he would commute Mr. Ulbrichts sentence.

This president will do just about anything to gain short-term advantage, including creating distractions that divert attention away from real concerns about him, such as the Putin meeting that produced nothing, and dispatching troops (untrained in urban crime-fighting) to big cities.

Richard Barsanti, Western Springs, Il.
Rep. Russ Diamond wants to honor the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk with a state holiday. Provided by the League of Women Voters

This post has been updated to correct the date of the proposed holiday, which is the first Monday in August, not Aug. 1.

Only a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on the campus of a college in Utah, a Pennsylvania lawmaker introduced legislation to honor Kirk with a state holiday.

Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon County, submitted a memo to his colleagues Thursday asking for support for a bill to make the first Monday in August of every year Charlie Kirk Day in the commonwealth.

Kirk was a tireless advocate of free speech and civil debate, particularly on the campuses of our nations colleges and universities, Diamond wrote in his memo, with Kirks assassination leaving behind his young wife, children, and a nation that will be poorer without his enormous contributions to our public discourse.

Kirk, 31, was the leader of the right-wing advocacy group Turning Point USA, and was known for hosting rallies and debates at colleges to encourage young conservative voters.

August is the time that college students are preparing to return to campus. An official recognition of Kirk at that time of year would honor his legacy and continue his work to celebrate, encourage, and teach peaceful and civil political discourse to all Americans, Diamond wrote.

During a campus event in Utah on Wednesday afternoon, Kirk was shot and killed by a single bullet in a sniper-style attack, according to investigators.

Police have a suspect in custody, who they reported had left rifle cartridge casings at the scene enscribed with messages that appeared to be inside jokes from online message boards; what, if any, ideological views motivated Kirks assassination remains a subject of debate.

Kirks death was met with condemnations of political violence from across the ideological spectrum. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, ordered flags at half-staff.

The killing of a politically high-profile figure also hits particularly close to home in Pennsylvania, where the state Governors Residence in Harrisburg was firebombed earlier this year by an arsonist who police believe was tying to specifically harm Shapiro.

The assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign also occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.

Proposals like Diamonds, however, also run the risk of opening up a debate as to whether honoring someone like Kirk would be seen as a critique of political violence, or an endorsement of someone who held controversial views.

State Sen. Anthony H. Williams, D-Philadelphia, made such a point in a social media post Friday, describing Kirk as an avowed racist.

While it is undeniable that no one deserves to be murdered, and we do not celebrate violence, we must also be clear: he does not deserve to be honored as a hero. He was not one, Williams wrote.

Kirk was often criticized for his negative generalizations about immigrants, who he blamed for the importation of these insidious values into our country. He also often misstated violence statistics to reflect poorly on Black Americans, particularly after the police killing of George Floyd and the resulting nationwide protests.

Honoring someone who spent his life promoting division and bigotry sends the wrong message, Williams wrote. We must not conflate tragedy with heroism.
Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) stock has spiked close to 50% in just two trading days after a Wall Street Journal report said Paramount Skydance (PSKY) is preparing a majority-cash bid for the media conglomerate  a potential move that could set off a Hollywood bidding war and reshape the global streaming landscape.

The David Ellison-backed company, which just closed on its takeover of Paramount last month, is reportedly eyeing all of Warner Bros. Discoverys assets, which include recognizable and high-profile properties from HBO and CNN to the Warner Bros. studio lot.

Paramount Skydance did not immediately respond to Yahoo Finances request for comment. Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.

While no formal offer has been submitted and talks could still collapse, analysts say the combination would instantly elevate Paramount Skydances scale in streaming and advertising, while forcing rivals from Disney (DIS) to Amazon (AMZN) to reassess their competitive playbooks.

This makes tons of both strategic and economic sense, Bloomberg Intelligence senior media analyst Geetha Ranganathan told Yahoo Finance on Friday. Both Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are relatively sub-scale players in streaming. Put them together and youre talking about 200 million subscribers, a top five global player.

Netflix (NFLX) has more than 300 million global subscribers, while Disney+ and Hulu together reported 183 million at the end of their latest quarter, which ended June 28, 2025. Paramount+ has roughly 75 million subscribers, and HBO Max has about 125 million. Put together, that gives Ellisons venture around 200 million subscribers  enough to rank among the top global streaming players.

Beyond scale, the combined company would also generate roughly $20 billion in TV advertising revenue, with analysts estimating $3 billion to $5 billion in annual merger synergies.

David Ellison attends the US premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" at Kings Theatre on June 5, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York. (Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)  Jason Mendez via Getty Images

But Paramount may not be the only bidder. Comcast (CMCSA), Apple (AAPL), Amazon, Netflix, and Sony (SONY) have all been floated as potential suitors, though analysts caution that most may be reluctant to absorb WBDs shrinking cable portfolio. Still, the rare chance to secure Warner Bros. Discovery's crown-jewel franchises could prove too tempting to pass up.

This absolutely raises the stakes for everybody, Ranganathan said. With Warner Bros., you get top-tier brands like DC Comics, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. On the TV side, they have one of the best production houses and some of the most premium properties on HBO Max.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Paramount or any other bidder," she added. "It makes a very formidable competitor  and it weakens everyone elses hand. That kind of leads us to think we could potentially have a bidding war on our hands."
Robert Clarke Turns a Freeroll Into an 888poker LIVE London Main Event Shot

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

It's not uncommon for online poker sites to offer freeroll satellites into their live events, but does anyone actually turn a freeroll into a live event seat? They do at 888poker, and Robert Clarke is living proof that it happens.

Clarke leads a busy day-to-day life, working two jobs as a teaching assistant at a special educational needs (SEN) school and doing youth work with SEN children, which doesn't leave much spare time to play poker.

"It's rewarding but demanding. I say this to everyone, and I say it all the time: you don't do this job for money. You do it to give back to the community. And that's why I do it really, to see the kids get to do things that they don't normally get to do."

Working with SEN children requires a person to be patient, empathetic, and observant. Clarke believes the former stands him in good stead at the poker tables.

"Patience, I'd say. When you've got kids that are not having the best day and don't want to do their work and don't want to do this, and they're calling you this and saying that's it, so I have a bit of patience there. This isn't going to be a five-minute job. It's kind of similar to poker, isn't it? Like, you know, you might play for two hours without getting any hands. You might be making a few bets, and someone keeps three-betting you all the time, and it's like, okay, can I have a bit of patience here? Like, this isn't the hand to go with; let's just wait. It does help the patience."

Although Clarke's job is demanding, he does find time to hit the online poker tables at 888poker. Earlier this year, he finished second in a PKO edition of the $109 buy-in, $100,000 guaranteed Main Event for more than $7,000. More recently, Clarke decided to try to qualify for the 888poker LIVE London Main Event, a 1,250 buy-in tournament with a 250,000 guaranteed prize pool. He started his quest for glory in freeroll tournaments, eventually bagging himself a seat in the live event.

"Yeah, so there was just like a normal freeroll satellite. There were quite a few people in it, but I qualified, I think it was like top 32 or something like that. I got into the main satellites and then won that for the 1,250 seat."

Clark tangled with poker legend John Duthie on Day 1b

Clarke entered the mix on Day 1b, bided his time, and ultimately bagged on Day 2. During his time at the tables, he locked horns with the likes of seasoned grinder Dean Clay and the legendary figure that is John Duthie.

"I was up quite early, to be fair, I had a lot of decent hands, pocket aces three times, pocket queens twice. I got up to about 75-80K, but ran a bit slower after that. I went on to the future table toward the end of the day and just kind of bided my time a bit and just made some moves when I could."

During the 14th and final level of Day 1b, Clarke found himself involved in a major pot that could have ended so differently. He was involved in a battle of the blinds with Geore Gergely that resulted in Gergely being all-in for 30,000 chips (10 big blinds) with king-jack and needing help against Clarke's pocket tens. Gergely spiked a jack on the flop, leaving Clarke needing one of the two remaining tens. One of them, the ten of spades, landed on the turn to improve him to a set. A brick on the river saw Gergely bust and Clarke soar to 90,000 chips.

"He needed to go all in, and I had pocket tens. It's kind of a no-brainer for me. Like, he's short-stacked, he's got the blinds coming, so he's jamming, and I hit the turn, so I got a little bit lucky."

Chris Da-Silva

Having bagged and tagged at the end of Day 1b, Clarke went to bed a happy man. However, having seen his Day 2 seat draw, which included the likes of Mitch Johnson, Fraser Bellamy, Jamie Walden, and the 2024 888poker LIVE Coventry champion Chris Da-Silva, Clarke's level of happiness may have waned a little, although he remains quietly confident.

"I saw the seat draw this morning and I thought, yeah, there's at least three or four people on 200K plus. There's lots out there that don't. I mean, it can go for or against me, can't it really? I mean, at the end of the day, they're not going to want to lose their chips, so I definitely can't just be very loose and just start playing every hand. I'm an unknown to them; they're not going to know how I play.

"I think I've just got to play it tight for a bit, wait for the hands to come in. I'm the short stack at my table with 80K, but there are others out there with 25-30K. There's plenty of time to play some hands. I haven't got to rush straight into it, you know, it's just let's just see where it takes us. We'll go from there."

Follow live updates from the 888poker LIVE London Main Event

There is still a long way to go before the 888poker LIVE London Main Event champion is crowned, but unfortunately, it won't be Clarke, who crashed out toward the money bubble. Does he recommend fellow players heading to 888poker and trying to freeroll their way into the next 888poker LIVE or UKPL event? You bet your bottom dollar he does!

"Yeah, I mean, if you've got the time, granted, it's going to be very hard to win the first one normally because you're going to get a lot of people who are just going all in straight away. You only start with normally 1,000 chips. And it is a bit of a wild card at the beginning, but if you build a chip stack there, try to play it tight and just qualify from the first one. Then, in the second tournament, there are not as many players in it; you can go for the win then. So absolutely go for it. Like, you know, you get to go and visit places that you may not necessarily come to or play in tournaments. I know for certain I wouldn't be able to afford to play in this event."

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Sonny Dean Beats JaackMaate to First Hendon Mob Cash at 888poker LIVE London

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Anyone who follows 888poker's social media channels will no doubt have seen YouTuber sensation Jack "JaackMaate" Dean flying the 888poker flag. In many of the videos and docuseries, Jack's cousin Sonny is also playing. The two have a friendly rivalry that they use to needle each other and to push each other on when the chips are down.

Both Jack and Sonny have competed in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, at 888poker LIVE Barcelona, and in pub poker tournaments closer to home. Both have been racing to become the first member of the Dean family to have an entry on The Hendon Mob Database. Sonny has won that race.

"It feels good because, like, believe it or not, like, that is what we've been aiming for, a Hendom Mob. We've said it before the World Series Main Event, before Barcelona, we just want a Hendon Mob. When we're playing in the pubs locally, say we want a Hendon Mob; it's a bit of a big deal to us. So to be the first one, I can't lie, I thought I would be the first one, mate."

Sonny has achieved his first goal in only his third live event of his fledgling career. He puts this early success down to hanging around with 888poker ambassadors, particularly former teacher and Irish Open champion Ian Simpson.

"This is only my third tournament I've ever played. Just being around people like Ian, who's given us a lot of time and is such a nice guy, being around him and then being in big tournaments like Barcelona has definitely helped. I was still nervous here in London, but I've more experience. I still get very nervous, but like the first level, I can settle in now. I can understand, take your time, be patient. And yeah, it's good. So the experience of playing in 888 tournaments and the WSOP Main Event has definitely helped.

Sonny Dean enjoyed an incredible Day 1a in the 1,250 Main Event at 888poker LIVE London, bagging up 300,500 chips, enough for second place on the night and third place at the start of Day 2. Things didn't start too well for Dean, and he looked to be heading for the exits before the money bubble, but then recovered and surged back up the chip counts and progressed through the bubble with relative ease.

"I think I got down to about 65,000, so I was expecting to go out, but I had a couple of good hands here. So yeah, it's good. I had a brilliant day one. I come into Day 2 with 300K. I've got up to about 355K, but I've just been struggling since. So it's nice I won a couple of hands around the bubble."

Robert Clarke Turns a Freeroll Into an 888poker LIVE London Main Event Shot Read more

Sonny got lucky before the last scheduled break, three-bet shoving for 101,000 with pocket sixes and getting called by the initial raiser's pocket eights. A six on the flop gifted Sonny a set, which held to melt his opponent's snowmen.

Cracking overpairs and feeling more comfortable, does that mean Sonny can win this event?

"Can I? Cashing was the thing, I've got that cash, so you never know, do you?"

Before Sonny went back to the grind, he had this message for his cousin.

"Mate, don't ever leave me. Don't we come together, we should leave together. Don't leave no man behind."

See if Sonny can get the job done here in London by following PokerNews' live updates from the 888poker LIVE London Main Event.

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Legendary investor Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has issued a stark warning regarding the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots, predicting a dramatic increase in wealth inequality that will necessitate a new redistribution policy. Dalio articulated his concerns, suggesting that these advanced technologies are poised to benefit the top 1% to 10% of the population significantly more than everyone else, potentially leading to profound societal challenges.

Speaking on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Dalio described a future where humanoid robots, smarter than humans, and advanced AI systems, powered by trillions of dollars in investment, could render many current professions obsolete. He questioned the need for lawyers, accountants, and medical professionals if highly intelligent robots with PhD-level knowledge become commonplace, stating, we will not need a lot of those jobs. This technological leap, while promising great advances, also carries the potential for great conflicts.

He predicted a limited number of winners and a bunch of losers, with the likely result being much greater polarity. With the top 1% to 10% benefiting a lot, he foresees that being a dividing force. He described the current business climate on AI and robotics as a crazy boom, but the question thats really on his mind is: why would you need even a highly skilled professional if theres a humanoid robot that is smarter than all of us and has a PhD and everything. Perhaps surprisingly, the founder of the biggest hedge fund in history suggested that redistribution will be sorely needed.

Five big forces

There certainly needs to be a redistribution policy, Dalio told host Steven Bartlett, without directly mentioning universal basic income. He clarified that this will have to more than just a redistribution of money policy because uselessness and money may not be a great combination. In other words, if you redistribute money but dont think about how to put people to work, that could have negative effects in a world of autonomous agents. The ultimate takeaway, Dalio said, is that has to be figured out, and the question is whether were too fragmented to figure that out.

Dalios remarks echo those of computer science professor Roman Yampolskiy, who sees AI creating up to 80 hours of free time per week for most people. But AI is also showing clear signs of shrinking the jobs market for recent grads, with one study seeing a 13% drop in AI-exposed jobs since 2022. Major revisions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that AI has begun automating away tech jobs, an economist said in a statement to Fortune in early September.
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

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This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter.

As it seeks to highlight its potential for brands from an expanding array of industries, Reddit has shared some key insights from its recent Health Summit event, where it presented the latest Reddit usage and trend data to more than 170 brand representatives from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

And if your business is looking to reach this sector, these notes could be of interest.

First off, Reddit says that more people are coming to the app to seek out support and knowledge in the healthcare space.

As per Reddit:

When it comes to healthcare, these conversations have a real impact: helping people make better decisions, build deeper understanding, and find meaningful support from their trusted communities. In fact, every minute, a user makes 1 post in Reddits wellness communities asking for a recommendation.

This underlines Reddits value as a key platform for intelligent, human insights, which can help people gain knowledge in virtually any niche.

Of course, you need to be careful seeking out healthcare info online, but Reddits informed and engaged community, combined with its upvoting system, can help to uncover relevant insight and information on general health needs.

Indeed, Reddit says that healthcare is one of the platforms fastest-growing organic categories, seeing +48% year-over-year growth.

Again, this is not a replacement for seeing a doctor, but for more general guidance and advice, the stats show that more people are turning to Reddits communities to glean more knowledge and understanding, which could also help to inform related marketing and outreach strategies.

Reddit mods are the guardians of our communities, creating safe and supportive places for people to connect. At the summit, we heard from moderators of r/BreastCanccer who shared moving stories about their personal journeys, reinforcing how Reddit fosters trust, empathy, and real human connection.

Its this type of human insight that Reddit can provide, with real people sharing their stories, recommendations and tips, in order to help others facing similar situations.

Of course, inserting your brand into these conversations isnt always so easy, or welcome. But through understanding, and hearing about common concerns, that could help inform your approach, and improve your outreach, even if its not through direct promotions.
Cellphones were less advanced, Bryan Stirling, right, was a lot younger, and he was still director of the S.C. Corrections Department when he started calling for federal permission to block phone signals inside prisons in 2016. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, standing next to Mr. Stirling, now says his agency will take up that request this month.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Andrew Whitaker is a staff photojournalist at The Post and Courier. Previously, he's worked at The Southeast Missourian, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Hutchinson News, The Saginaw News and The Holland Sentinel.
By Jesus Aguado

MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish bank Sabadell's board unanimously recommended its shareholders reject BBVA's hostile takeover bid on Friday, a move that may add pressure on the rival to increase its offer.

BBVA formally launched its 15.3 billion euro ($17.97 billion) bid for Sabadell on Monday as it seeks to create the second-largest Spanish bank in terms of domestic assets worth around 1 trillion euros.

That started the acceptance period, which lasts until October 7 with the results of the offer expected by October 14.

In its statement recommending that shareholders reject the deal, Sabadell's board said BBVA's offer "significantly undervalued Sabadell's business".

Asked by analysts if the board would change its opinion if BBVA offered a higher price, Sabadell's Chief Executive Cesar Gonzalez-Bueno said that the board had not established a price or a threshold.

"We just said that with the current traditional methods of valuation the offer is short (by) up to 40%, and we didn't say anything more than that," he said.

Sabadell's Chairman Josep Oliu later told journalists that BBVA would need to make a "very substantial change for the board to reconsider its position."

Mexican David Martinez, the biggest shareholder on Sabadell's board with a 3.86% holding through Fintech Europe, said BBVA's takeover was the right strategy but its offer was too low.

While he agreed the offer price should be rejected, he abstained from supporting other parts of the board's opinion, he said.

"In my opinion, the transaction presented by BBVA is the right strategy for both institutions, although at a price that currently makes it unfeasible," Martinez said as part of the board's report.

Some analysts expect BBVA to raise its offer as shares in its smaller rival have surged past the original price, though BBVA has said repeatedly that it does not intend to change its offer.

BBVA can legally raise the offer until 10 working days before the end of the acceptance period.

The premium BBVA offered over Sabadell's April 29, 2024, closing share price has shrunk from 30% to a negative differential of about 9.24%.

The Spanish government, which opposes the deal, has taken the unusual step of blocking a full merger for at least three years. As a result, Sabadell believes that BBVA's assumptions on the new cost-saving target of 900 million euros in 2029 rather than 850 million in 2028 are over-optimistic.

Sabadell's board said it therefore identified a "risk of loss of revenue or dis-synergies, together with the lack of certainty about the execution of the proposed merger".
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POST FALLS, IDAHO / ACCESS Newswire / September 13, 2025 / Trustpoint Xposure is rewriting the rules of public relations and SEO with a bold, AI-powered approach that is setting new industry standards. Under the visionary leadership of CEODavid Wilder , the company has emerged as a trailblazer, combining a client-focused ethos with cutting-edge technology to deliver guaranteed media placements and measurable digital authority for its clients.Unlike traditional PR firms that rely on outdated methods and uncertain outcomes, Trustpoint Xposure has streamlined its operations to be more effective, agile, and results-driven. This transformation is not accidental but the product of a deliberate strategy that places clients at the center of every decision, supported by forward-thinking adoption of artificial intelligence and data analytics.A Client-Centric Revolution in PRDavid Wilder, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, has been instrumental in reshaping how PR is practiced. "Our growth is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: clients deserve real results, not vague promises," Wilder explains. "We've built a system that leverages AI to identify the best media opportunities and secure placements that truly move the needle for our clients." This client-first approach contrasts sharply with the traditional "pitch-and-wait" model that dominates much of the PR industry. Instead of hoping for coverage, Trustpoint Xposure guarantees it, providing clients with transparency and accountability rarely seen in the field. This has led to remarkable outcomes, including a reported 168% increase in inbound leads within 30 days of major media placements and a 245% boost in Google search authority scores for clients.Technology as a DifferentiatorAt the heart of Trustpoint Xposure's success is its proprietary AI technology, which scans the media landscape in real time to identify optimal placement opportunities. This technology not only increases the likelihood of securing features in top-tier outlets like Forbes, USA Today, and Bloomberg but also optimizes content for search engines, ensuring clients build lasting digital authority.This integration of AI with PR is a significant departure from the manual, relationship-based outreach that many firms still rely on. It allows Trustpoint Xposure to operate with greater speed, precision, and scalability, delivering consistent, measurable results for a diverse client base spanning fintech, legal, technology, and finance sectors.Streamlined and Effective: A New BenchmarkIndustry observers have noted that Trustpoint Xposure's model is more streamlined and effective than the vast majority of PR firms worldwide. By automating the identification and targeting of media opportunities, the company reduces the inefficiencies and guesswork that plague traditional agencies.David Wilder emphasizes, "We don't chase coverage; we engineer authority. Our process is designed to integrate PR directly into our clients' revenue strategies, making every placement count toward business growth." This approach has earned the firm a reputation as a pioneer in the space. Christopher Penn, Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist at TrustInsights.ai , underscores the importance of this shift: "If you care about AI understanding your business and recommending you, then your biggest investment should be in public relations. PR professionals excel at getting media placements that help your brand appear everywhere AI looks for trusted information."1 Changing the PR LandscapeTrustpoint Xposure's impact extends beyond client success stories. The company is redefining industry standards by demonstrating that PR can be both an art and a science-creative storytelling backed by data-driven strategy and technology.Wilder reflects, "We're not just adapting to the future of PR; we're shaping it. Our clients don't have to settle for uncertainty anymore. With AI and a client-first mindset, we're delivering guaranteed authority and visibility." This philosophy has resonated strongly in a market where over 1.3 million attorneys and countless fintech and tech firms compete fiercely for attention. Trustpoint Xposure's ability to guarantee placements in prestigious outlets and optimize digital presence has made it a trusted partner for businesses that demand accountability and measurable ROI.Looking AheadAs AI continues to transform search engines and digital media, the importance of authoritative, AI-optimized content will only grow. Trustpoint Xposure is well-positioned to lead this evolution, helping clients navigate the complexities of AI-driven SEO and digital authority.For businesses seeking to break through the noise and establish lasting credibility, Trustpoint Xposure offers a proven path forward. As David Wilder puts it, "In today's digital-first world, visibility is fleeting unless it's backed by authority. We ensure our clients don't just get seen-they get trusted." About Trustpoint Xposure Trustpoint Xposure is a leading AI-powered public relations firm specializing in guaranteed media placements and digital authority building for clients in fintech, legal, technology, and finance. The company's innovative approach combines proprietary AI technology with a client-focused strategy to deliver measurable business impact and sustained visibility. Learn more atwww.Trustpointxposure.com Connect with David Wilder David Wilder is the CEO of Trustpoint Xposure and a recognized pioneer in AI-driven PR and digital authority. Follow his insights and professional journey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicrelationsexpert/ 1 Christopher Penn, Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist at TrustInsights.ai , quoted in industry analysis on AI and PR, 2025.Contact InformationJack SmithMarketing Managercontact@ trustpointxposure.com +1442-220-3131SOURCE: Trustpoint Xposure
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 12, 2025 /BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:4XT) announces the Company has entered into a debt settlement agreement with an arm's length creditor (the "Creditor") related to an aggregate of $225,010 outstanding debt (the "Debt") owing for services provided by the Creditor to the Company. In full satisfaction and settlement of the Debt, the Company will: (i) issue an aggregate of 112,505 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Debt Shares") at a deemed price of CAD$1.00 per Debt Share and (ii) make a cash payment of $112,505 to the Creditor (the "Debt Settlement").The Debt Shares issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and applicable Canadian securities laws. The issuance of the Debt Shares and completion of the Debt Settlement is subject to certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the CSE.About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on nextgeneration drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (ThinFilm), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (EntericCoated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patientcentric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTCQB Markets:BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN:A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, CoFounder, CEO and DirectorEmail: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 604.250.6162Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DEBENTURES AND THE SHARES WHICH MAY BE ISSUED ON EXERCISE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.Forward-Looking Statement Cautions: This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "plans" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: receipt of any required regulatory approvals for the issuance of the Debt Shares.Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct or 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. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this press release.Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.
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LMT Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens Berman Before Sept. 26th Deadline in Securities Class ActionSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 13, 2025 / 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, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/lmt Contact the Firm Now:LMT@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Alleged Pattern of MisrepresentationsThe 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 DisclosuresInvestors began to learn the truth through a series of negative disclosures that led to major stock drops:On January 28, 2025, the company reported $1.8 billion in pre-tax losses in its Aeronautics segment.On April 17, 2025, the company announced its CFO had left.On July 22, 2025, the company disclosed an additional $950 million in pre-tax losses for its Aeronautics segment and $570 million in pre-tax losses for its RMS segment, stemming from problems with the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program.Each of these revelations led to a significant drop in Lockheed Martin's stock price, with shares falling almost 11% on the final disclosure.Hagens Berman's InvestigationA national plaintiffs' rights law firm, Hagens Berman, is investigating these claims on behalf of investors who suffered substantial losses. The firm is examining whether the massive, successive losses were a foreseeable consequence of poor internal controls and a failure to accurately communicate the company's risks to investors."The scale of these losses and their recurrence across different programs suggests a systemic issue, not a series of isolated problems," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. "Our focus is on whether executives knew the company's internal controls were not as robust as investors were led to believe and whether management was transparent about the risks that ultimately led to billions in write-downs." If you invested in Lockheed Martin and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Lockheed Martin case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Lockheed Martin should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email 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 Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 12, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., September 12, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC): (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sable's May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the "SPO"), of the important September 26, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased Sable securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 26, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants represented that Sable had restarted oil production off the coast of California when it had not; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka in Anambra has suspended its seven-day warning strike.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the ARD-COOUTH President and Secretary, Joy Okwumuo and Chukwubuike Ifekudu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the resident doctors embarked on a warning strike on Thursday to press for better working conditions.

The statement instructed members to resume their duties effective from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, as the government had approved their demands.

The decision to suspend the strike followed the approval for release of the Medical Residency Training Fund and a 100 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale by Governor Chukwuma Soludo by the end of September.

The governor also approved allowances for house officers, rural posting for previously skipped departments, accoutrements, and specialist allowances from CONMESS 5 step 5 for resident doctors, it said.

It said the government also approved payment of accumulated arrears, including the previously skipped approved 2024 hazard allowance arrears.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with the hospitals Chief Medical Director to implement approved decisions.

It also emphasised the urgent need to recruit resident doctors and house officers to meet medical college staffing standards and curb brain drain.

The association reiterated its call for the accreditation of the Family Medicine, Radiology, and Anaesthesiology departments to enable members to sit for professional exams.

It, however, expressed gratitude to Mr Soludo, the Head of Service, Commissioner for Health, COOUTH management, Nigerian Medical Association, and Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors for their support.

(NAN)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has bowed to public pressure in the ongoing digital rights debate by unblocking human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, on X (formerly Twitter), after the activist sued him for alleged rights violations.

Mr Ogun confirmed the development in a Saturday night post, revealing that the governor had invited him to Lagos House, Marina, for a brief meeting aimed at resolving the matter.

Sanwo-Olu has unblocked me on X (Twitter). I met briefly with him yesterday at Lagos House Marina, on his invitation, to amicably resolve my complaint of human rights violations. We will continue to hold authorities accountable, regardless. Aluta continua! he wrote.

The move comes barely two weeks after Mr Ogun filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the governors decision to block him since 2021 after he criticised government policies and demanded accountability for the October 2020 #EndSARS protest killings.

In his suit, the activist argued that the action violated his constitutional rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and protection from discrimination.

He insisted the case was not merely about personal grievance but about setting a precedent in Nigerias digital rights jurisprudence.

This suit is not just about me. It is in furtherance of public interest and with the hope that it sets a precedent in our digital rights jurisprudence, Mr Ogun had said when filing the case.

He asked the court to declare the governors action unconstitutional, order him to unblock his account, restrain public officials from blocking citizens on social media, and mandate a public apology.

He also cited the landmark 2019 U.S. ruling in Knight First Amendment Institute v. Trump, where a federal court held that former President Donald Trump violated citizens rights by blocking them on Twitter.

By unblocking the activist, Mr Sanwo-Olu appears to be retreating from a position that had raised serious concerns about the misuse of state power in the digital space.

Still, Mr Ogun emphasised that the struggle for accountability continues, warning that blocking critics on official platforms denies them access to governance information.

For digital rights advocates, the episode highlights a growing test of Nigerias democracy in the age of social media: whether public officials can lawfully silence dissenting voices online while using the same platforms for official communication.

Mr Sanwo-Olu has yet to issue a public statement on his meeting with the activist, but observers say the unblocking is itself a tacit acknowledgment of the pressure for transparency and respect for citizens rights in the digital era.
The Kebbi State National Assembly Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected allegations by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, that the state government is plotting to destabilise the state through the importation of political thugs, foreign mercenaries, and illegal arms.

Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, petitioned top security chiefs including the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, warning of what he described as a looming threat to peace and stability allegedly orchestrated by the state governor, Nasir Idris and his allies.

In his petition, dated 10 September, the former minister alleged that clandestine efforts were underway to arm political actors loyal to the APC in a bid to intimidate the opposition and weaken democracy in the state.

But in a statement issued on Friday, the Kebbi APC National Assembly Caucus dismissed the petition as false, unfounded and politically motivated.

The lawmakers described the move as a smear campaign by a politician struggling for relevance.

These allegations represent a desperate attempt by Mr Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, the caucus said.

The lawmakers further accused Mr Malami of introducing political thuggery into Kebbis politics.

They alleged that during a recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, the former minister was accompanied by hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara, who allegedly attacked the APC state secretariat with stones while chanting one term against the governor.

The incident, according to the caucus, triggered violent clashes with APC supporters, something it described as unprecedented in Kebbis traditionally peaceful political climate.

Kebbi has long been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect among politicians.

This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state, the statement read.

The caucus insisted that the APC-led government in Kebbi has made deliberate investments in security and maintained close collaboration with security agencies, which has ensured that the state remains one of the most peaceful in Nigeria today.

It praised Governor Idris for his handling of security matters, saying he has demonstrated great capacity above expectations since assuming office.

The lawmakers urged security agencies to disregard Mr Malamis alarmist narratives and instead focus on genuine threats to national security.

They also challenged the former minister to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.

False allegations

Also addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the senator representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, Adamu Aliero, described the allegations as false, unfounded and politically motivated.

He accused Mr Malami of attempting to undermine the peace and progress the state has enjoyed under Governor Idris.

These allegations represent a desperate attempt by Mr Malami to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, Mr Aliero said.

He pledged the caucus full support for Mr Idris and his tireless efforts to maintain law and order in the state.

Mr Aliero, a former governor of the state, asked law enforcement agencies to treat the episode as a criminal matter and not merely a political spat.

We call on Nigerians to see Malamis petition for what it truly is  a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance, he added.

He further urged the security agencies to focus on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics, while also asking them to invite Mr Malami to substantiate his allegations.

Also speaking at the briefing, Garba Maidoki, the senator for Kebbi South, described the APC as a peaceful party and challenged Mr Malami to produce any evidence that the party was involved in importing weapons or supporting terrorism.

We want to put it on record that Malamis house is less than 50 metres from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, he said.

He argued that the campaign-style convoy accompanying Mr Malami appeared designed to provoke others and that the national chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that political campaigns have not yet begun.

We challenge him to produce evidence He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, Mr Maidoki added.

The senator also applauded President Bola Tinubus efforts in the fight against banditry and insecurity.

He said that, in his constituency, more than 100 villages had been abandoned and evacuated in the past but that many had been resettled as security improved.

The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated. But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back, he said, while acknowledging that challenges remain.

Wider context of political tension

This development comes against the backdrop of rising political tensions across parts of the country, particularly in APC strongholds.

It may seem as though the recurring allegations whether by or against the APC, point to the increasing fragility of Nigerias political environment as parties jostle for supremacy ahead of future elections.

Recently, Alhassan Doguwa, a House of Representatives member from Kano, raised concerns over what he called a disturbing wave of politically motivated violence targeted at APC supporters in his Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency.

Mr Doguwa alleged that the attacks in Kano were not isolated but part of a broader, deliberate strategy to weaken APC structures at the grassroots.

He urged security agencies to take proactive steps before the violence escalated.
The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has launched a manhunt for attackers of a herder in Etoi village in Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

The Commands Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, stated this in a statement in Uyo on Saturday.

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has launched a full-scale investigation and manhunt for a group of individuals involved in a conspiracy, assault, and stealing, Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said.

According to her, the police received a distress call from a man in Etoi village on 11 September, at approximately 5:30 p.m., who reported that a herder was being held hostage in the bush and that unknown persons had killed one of his cows.

Upon receiving the information, operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene, she said.

Ms John said the suspects fled upon sighting the police, leaving behind six sacks of cow meat.

According to her, the herder had managed to escape with the rest of his herd.

When Prince Ahmed Aliyu, the Secretary to the Cattle Dealers Association of Akwa Ibom was contacted, he identified the slaughtered cow as belonging to Alhaji Siddiki Makaka.

The commands spokesperson said the six sacks of recovered meat have since been handed over to the owner.

Ms John said that a discreet investigation was ongoing to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.

She reiterated the command commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens and urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist the police.

The then-Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, in September 2021, signed into law a bill prohibiting open grazing of cattle in the oil-rich state. However, it is common to see herders grazing their cattle openly and sometimes straying into peoples farmlands, despite the ban.

Apart from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ekiti, Abia, Lagos, and Enugu states had enacted a law banning open grazing as of September 2021.

(NAN)
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to allow peace to reign before, during and after the 27 October primary election of the party.

Mr Oyebanji spoke at the APC Stakeholders meeting held at Iyin-Ekiti, the country home of the first democratic governor of the state, Adeniyi Adebayo.

He spoke against the backdrop of the emergence of other governorship aspirants to challenge in the 20 June 2026 off-cycle election in the state.

No fewer than four aspirants, including the governor, have obtained the expression of interest and nomination forms to slug it out for the partys ticket.

Mr Oyebanji told members of the APC to take the coming poll seriously and show more commitment, saying, October 27 primary election is the foundation for the June 20, 2026 election, just as the 2026 election is the foundation for 2027, that is the trajectory.

By the grace of God and by your benevolence, I intend to break the reproach and the jinx that no governor has done back-to-back in Ekiti. One of the banes of our underdevelopment is lack of continuity, he said.

Speaking on the need for peace among members irrespective of differences, the governor said: Lets learn to live in peace with one another, let us not fight ourselves. October 27 will come and there will be October 28 when we are going to need everybody. Those who may seem to be annoying us now, let s tolerate them.

Dissention is a democratic right in a political party. When we finish the primary, there is a bigger battle in front. Those who are not with you now, when they come back we are going to create space because in the Bible, there is a parable of the prodigal son. We would rather have them within the party than to lose them.

In his remarks at the meeting, the immediate past governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi, urged aggrieved party members to sheathe their swords and support the governor, warning that we must not throw away the baby with the bath water.

Mr Fayemi said there is a need for the partys faithful to be fully committed and not relax under the illusion that the poll has been won by Oyebanji.

He noted that elections are not won on Twitter (X) and WhatsApp.

October 27 is around the corner. The work we have to do between now and October 27, we shouldnt be complacent. I see all these Twitter and WhatsApp politicians, saying that BAO (Mr Oyebanji) has won.

Please, politics is happening at units and wards and not on WhatsApp. Lets go back to our wards and work so that what we are professing with our mouths could be backed by our votes. After October 27, the work just started.

We must support our governor and go ward by ward, unit by unit to get the job done. We are all on the same page as far as that is concerned. I dont know of any genuine APC person, if you are a genuine APC member, even if you dont like Abayomi Oyebanji, if you are an APC member, you cant pray that our party loses the next election.

In this state, except you are not an APC member, if you are, at least you will let Oyebanji win first before voicing your grievances, he said.

Among those present at the stakeholders meeting included former Governor Adebayo, chairperson and members of the state working committee of the APC, all National Assembly and State Assembly members, leaders of the party from the three senatorial districts, among others.
Resident doctors at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on Friday, in compliance with strike called by their national body, boycotted work, leaving hundreds of patients stranded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced a five-day warning strike on Friday following the expiration of its ultimatum to the federal government.

The demands raised by the doctors include the non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, non-payment of five months arrears arising from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, as well as outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.

The strike coincides with ongoing industrial action by resident doctors in Abuja and Oyo State and comes after NARD issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies over unmet demands.

A NAN correspondent who monitored situation at the UCH reports that many patients at the accident and emergency unit of the hospital were denied admission on account that there were no doctors to attend to them.

A security officer, who did not want his name published, said that no patient has been admitted since he resumed duty early on Friday morning.

A patient at the General Out-Patients (GOP) Clinic, Kazeem Ajibade, said that few patients were attended to early in the morning, while others were sent back around 8.00 a.m., the time fixed by the doctors to commence their strike.

The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, UCH, Gboyega Ajibola, said the strike is to draw governments attention to their demands, which remain unattended to.

Mr Ajibola noted that this is a warning strike to last for five days, as agreed at the last meeting of the National Executive Council of NARD.

He said the strike would be called off if a minimum demand is met.

The demands that we have been talking about are about five, which are, the unpaid 2025 Medical Residency Training Funds to over 2,000 of our members across the geopolitical zones of the country, he said.

The salary arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) Review of 2023 and unpaid 2024 equipment allowance.

Mr Ajibola said members of the association also faced delayed recognition and the non-issuance of the post-graduate certificates.

We are calling on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to have a roundtable discussion with NARD on this so that the certificate can be recognised.

Also, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, as we speak, is not issuing the certificate at all, he lamented.

According to him, resident doctors in Kaduna and Oyo states have been facing challenges of total neglect of the necessary welfare packages that are supposed to be provided by the state governments.

The resident doctors in Kaduna State have been on an industrial action since 1 August, and their demand is that

Also, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, resident doctors have also been on an indefinite strike, since 1 August on the demand of implementation of the minimum wage that has been implemented for other workers in Oyo state.

Lagos resident doctors

Resident doctors across some hospitals in Lagos State have demonstrated full compliance with the five-day warning strike.

A visit by NAN on Friday to some health institutions including the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL), showed full compliance, as resident doctors were not working.

The President, Association of Residents Doctors, LUTH, Benjamin Uyi, urged the government to address the demands of resident doctors before expiration of the warning strike to encourage the doctors go back to work.

Mr Uyi said the doctors demands were long overdue and should have been addressed by the government earlier before now.

According to him, the demands of the doctors centred on prioritising welfare, to make their operations more conducive and motivating.

Any doctor whose welfare is not met is already a risk to the patients, he said.

For any doctor to function optimally, his/her physical, mental health and psychosocial needs must be balanced.

The doctors are already burnt out and faced with excessive workload and work schedule, and the government is yet to prioritise their welfare.

Speaking the President, Association of Resident Doctors, NOHIL, Babatunde Egberongbe, described the incident as unfortunate.

Mr Egberongbe, who frowned at incessant industrial actions by health professionals, said it is a major contributing factor to the migration of health practitioners to other countries.

The poor working conditions for the doctors are the major reason why many of them are leaving the country to practice abroad, he said.

Presently, there are limited number of doctors in hospitals across the country, yet the government has not deemed it necessary to prioritise their welfare and demands.

Let the government as a matter of urgency address our demands, because we are not asking for anything extraordinary, he said.

(NAN)
By Xinghui Kok and Yantoultra Ngui

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Carro, Southeast Asia's largest used-car online marketplace, is weighing a dual listing and plans to bulk up for it by expanding into Australia and pursuing two to three acquisitions as early as the next quarter, its CEO said.

The company was eyeing a U.S. IPO at more than $3 billion valuation, Reuters reported in August, which would mark the largest Southeast Asian listing in the U.S. since SEA's $989.3 million debut in 2017, according to LSEG.

It would also be the first major automotive tech and commerce startup from Singapore to go public in the U.S.

"We have not decided where we want to list, be it the U.S., Hong Kong, or Singapore. Dual listing is definitely on the cards," said co-founder and CEO Aaron Tan.

Speaking to Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of a business and leadership conference in Singapore, Tan said Carro has not yet appointed any financial advisers for the potential IPO, but is in talks with banks including HSBC and UBS and will decide on the hiring after finalising the listing venues.

He said the timing of the IPO would depend, among other things, on the company meeting its near-term financial targets.

"I will only list the business once I have a little bit more visibility, for instance, if my plan is to do $100 million and I see $120-$150 million EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) in the next year," Tan said.

Tan and the company have not previously discussed or disclosed their expansion and listing plans.

Backed by investors including Temasek and SoftBank Group, Carro operates a digital platform that enables consumers and dealers to buy and sell vehicles, while also offering insurance, financing and after-sales services.

Besides Singapore, it has a presence in markets across the Asia-Pacific region including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, its website shows.

Carro is looking to foray into Australia where it plans to offer its entire suite of services.

The company also plans to acquire two to three companies in the next quarter, Tan said, without providing any details. Carro entered Hong Kong through the acquisition of a domestic used-car platform, Beyond Cars, last year, which it later rebranded as Carro, its website showed.

Carro is also betting big on artificial intelligence (AI), Tan said, adding that AI is being used in functions from sales and car inspections to back-end roles such as legal, financing and marketing.

"We have already reduced maybe 20%-30% of our overall tech costs (using AI)," he said.

(Reporting by Xinghui Kok and Yantoultra Ngui; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
An Air Peace pilot, David Bernard, and a cabin crew member, Maduneme Victory, have rejected the report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) which claimed that they tested positive for alcohol and a hard drug, cannabis.

During an interview on Arise Television on Friday, the Air Peace officials accused the NSIB of conducting questionable tests at an unregistered centre to smear the image of the airline.

The NSIB report

The NSIB had launched a probe into the 13 July 2025 incident in which an aircraft belonging to Air Peace veered off the runway after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that in a preliminary report released on Friday, the NSIB said toxicology tests confirmed the presence of intoxicants in the captain and first officer who flew the Boeing 737 with 103 people on board.

The aircraft, with registration 5N-BQQ, was flying a scheduled LagosPort Harcourt service when it landed long on Runway 21.

Air Peace, Nigerias largest airline, operates domestic and international flights across Africa and to destinations such as London, Saudi Arabia, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia, and Ghana.

Reacting to NSIBs findings on Friday, Air Peace said in a statement that it does not tolerate alcohol and drug use, adding that it conducts frequent tests on crew members.

Unrecognised hospital for tests

Dismissing the report, the airline pilot, Mr Bernard, said he does not take alcohol or drugs, and to be tested for it, a breathalyser would have been more practical.

When you blow your breath into the breathalyser, it checks the amount of alcohol in your system, Mr Bernard explained.

But these guys at the Port Harcourt airport took our blood samples and urine on the 13th, and came back on the 23rd of July for the result.

I mean, how long does it take for a result to be out? A blood test doesnt even make sense, were in 2025.

Mr Bernard said that after paying a lot of money for flying school, it is unfair to damage someones reputation by accusing them without evidence, especially when tests are sent to hospitals not recognised by aviation authorities.

A smear campaign

Ms Maduneme said that NSIB investigators took her blood and urine samples after the incident, but only released the test results 10 days later.

She said that after being called by the NCAA to collect a letter, she was in utter shock to see her test results upon opening it in Lagos, and subsequently visited the doctor.

The cabin crew member said that while she responded to their letter the next day, nearly three weeks later, another letter was given to her requiring a re-confirmatory test, which she agreed to undergo.

They sent me to go and meet a doctor Adetunji of Kupa Aerospace Clinic, which is the licensed clinic for this kind of test, she said.

When I went to meet the doctor, he saw me and asked about marijuana  (It) usually stays in the system for 90 days  that if I have something like this. Hes advising me to go back and come later when I feel like everything has cleared from my system.

I said no, if I go now and come back later, it proves I have the drugs in my system. I insisted that I want to do the test, which was done to me, and everything came out negative.

Theres a question I need to ask NSIB: if marijuana was found in my system, were they not supposed to tell this to my airline, and theyre supposed to stop me from flying.

Because then I am a risk to passengers on board, and my license would have been taken away from me, but no, they didnt inform them of this until after two months. Now, its just coming out, and theyre spoiling the image of the airline.

READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom govt declares State of Emergency on healthcare after PREMIUM TIMES report

I sent a copy of my result to you; everything was clear. If marijuana was supposed to stay in the system for 90 days, I did my test in a month, and nothing was found in my system.

If NSIB has a smearing campaign against the airline, they should keep the innocent people away from this.

If not for the kindness of my chairman, they would have sacked and blacklisted me. Once that is done, no airline in the world will work with me because theyve painted me as someone with drugs in her system.

This is really very bad. In the next 72 hours, if NSIB does not retract what theyve said against me, I think we should sue. This is pure defamation of character.
In the northwest Nigerian state of Kano, vast swathes of farmland dedicated to cotton, grain, nuts, and beans are the backbone of the local economy.

Most farmers working on the patchwork of green and gold fields are smallholders, like Abdulwahab Tsoho Adamu, 56, who grows maize and beans for the local market on a farm in the community of Tassa.

To control the weeds among their crops, Adamu said many locals make use of two herbicides, atrazine and paraquat  even though the chemicals have been banned in Nigeria for the past two years over concerns about their impact on health and the environment.

Nigerian authorities have described paraquat as highly toxic to humans and the environment and said that atrazine has also been linked to negative physical effects, including on the human reproductive system. The chemicals have long been banned in dozens of countries, including throughout the European Union.

Adamu said he had tried to minimize his use of the products after concerns over their toxicity, but many farmers still used them because they were effective  especially in the rainy season, when weeds flourish. If you spray paraquat today, by the following morning it should have killed all the weeds on the farm, he said.

They also continue to be easily available, despite a government ban from importing the chemicals that has been in effect since 2023 for paraquat, and 2024 for atrazine.

OCCRP reporters found that 37 shipments of atrazine and paraquat arrived at major Nigerian ports in 2024, after the ban on both chemicals came into effect. Almost all of it was brought in by two subsidiaries of local Chinese companies, according to import records from commercial database Volza.

Although Nigerias National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided shops and local markets across Nigeria in the aftermath of the bans, looking for contraband products and even making some arrests of vendors, the larger-scale importers were able to bring in the herbicides unimpeded.

When asked about the imports uncovered by reporters, NAFDAC said it had permitted some companies that had experienced shipping delays to import atrazine and paraquat even after the ban was supposed to be in place  strictly under the condition that the products are exhausted within the designated moratorium period, which ends in 2024.

However, previous public statements made by NAFDAC in 2022, 2023, 2024, and even earlier this year, mentioned no such provision for delayed shipments. The moratorium period for the use of paraquat was already over by the end of 2023.

Donald Ofoegbu, lead coordinator at the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, a group that advocates for improved pesticide regulation, said NAFDAC should not have allowed any permits or exemptions.

If NAFDAC has phased out and banned a pesticide, it cannot go back and approve its import for the local market, Ofoegbu told OCCRP. Considering NAFDACs  poor capacity to effectively monitor and enforce the law and regulations on pesticides, [it] should not be seen giving permits to anyone  to import banned pesticides.

Mohammed Yahaya, a professor of Agricultural Extension at Nigerias University of Ibadan, said law enforcement and regulatory agencies had failed to do their jobs by allowing the flow of these agrochemicals into Nigeria.

[The importers] dont care about the consequence or implication on the citizens, he said.

Banned Chemicals Flood In From China

Almost all the atrazine and paraquat that was imported into Nigeria in 2024 originated in China, with the total value of the shipments at around $5 million, according to data. Atrazine accounted for some $4.2 million, and paraquat the rest.

The vast majority of the imported herbicides  almost 90 percent  were brought into Nigeria from China by Amarshal Com. Agro & Tech Limited and June Agrochemical Nigeria FZE. Both are Nigerian operations of Chinese firms: Amarshal is majority-owned by Ningbo Double Fusion Imp & Exp Co., Ltd and June Agrochemical is part of the YMDY Group. Three Nigerian-owned companies accounted for the remainder of the 2024 imports.

Amarshal Com. Agro and Tech was by far the biggest importer of atrazine into Nigeria in 2024, bringing in seven shipments from China between January and March, valued at $3,287,482.08.

The fate of these shipments is unclear, but reporters found that atrazine brand Atrashi was still on sale at Amarshals warehouses in Kano city in both November last year and February this year, after NAFDACs moratorium on its sale and use had ended.

Heaps of Atrashi and other agrochemicals towered to the roof of the warehouse. The reporter managed to buy a carton of the chemical for 80,000 naira (around $53) on each visit.

Amarshal Com. Agro and Tech is a subsidiary of Ningbo Double Fusion Import and Export Co., Ltd, a company based in the industrial city of Ningbo in eastern China. Ningbo Double Fusion is listed in the Volza import data as one of two Chinese exporters of the atrazine received by Amarshal.

Amarshal and Ningbo Double Fusion did not respond to requests for comment.

Another Chinese-owned chemical firm, June Agrochemical Nigeria FZE, based in the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, imported 22 shipments of paraquat worth nearly $600,000, almost all from China, in April 2024. The same year, it also received four imports of atrazine worth more than $317,000.

The company is part of the Chinese group YMDY, which also has companies operating in Ghana, Mali, Cote dIvoire and the U.S, according to its website.

It is not known what happened to the paraquat brought into Nigeria by June Agrochemical in 2024, but NAFDAC told OCCRP that it had issued an import permit to the firm in error.

The permit granted to June Agrochemical Nigeria FZE was inadvertent and an oversight. They are not supposed to have a permit to import the items into the Customs Area because the company is registered to the free trade zone. The permit will expire 31st December 2025, NAFDAC said.

June Agrochemical and YMDY did not respond to requests for comment.

Banning on Paper Does Not Guarantee Enforcement

The result of these imports? In Nigeria, paraquat can still easily be bought from uncertified dealers and street vendors, and there is a lack of training on how to safely use it, said Ambali Suleiman, a professor of environmental toxicology at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria.

In addition to inadequate regulatory implementation of the import ban, he said farmers still lacked awareness about the danger of the chemicals to people and the environment  and that Nigerian regulators had not been able to recommend suitable alternatives.

[The] ban on herbicides must be enforced using multifaceted strategies that include strong legal frameworks, efficient enforcement systems, and public awareness initiatives, he said.

Back in Kano, farmer Muhammad Khamis said that locals often had little idea of the harms that banned chemicals could cause, and did not always protect themselves.

I do use protective equipment, such as eyeglasses, gloves, helmets, face mask, and boots, but not always, said Khamis, 49, who grows beans for the local market in Tamburawa community.

Adewoye Olayinka, a professor of environmental toxicology and aquatic pollution at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Nigeria, said that without active collection or buy-back programs, as well as rigorous enforcement, atrazine and paraquat would continue to circulate because they were cheap and effective.

Banning a chemical on paper does not guarantee enforcement, he said. Regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC or the Federal Ministry of Agriculture may lack the resources, personnel, or infrastructure to effectively remove banned products from markets, especially in rural areas.
Journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and advertising agencies in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-south, converged on Tuesday, 9 September, in Uyo, to discuss how collaboration among them can bring about mutual benefits.

The media convergence, organised by Pear Media and Marketing Services to mark its 10th anniversary, had as its theme, Stronger Voices, Greater Impact.

For us, collaboration is (about) amplifying voices, amplifying visibility. And once I cant have that done alone, we have to leverage the other arms of the media, Unyime Ebong, the managing director of Pear Media and Marketing, a marketing and advertising firm, said during a panel discussion at the event.

You cannot be in the digital space and isolate yourself, she added.

Mrs Ebong, in her welcome remarks, talked about the rise of digital media, the power of social media, and the continued relevance of traditional media. She said that neither old nor new media can exist in isolation.

Convergence and collaboration are the keys to influence and impact, she stressed.

Acknowledging strengths, weaknesses of social media

Participants at the event acknowledged the wider reach and the speed of information dissemination by social media such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. They also acknowledged their challenges, especially the issues around trust, which they said could be adequately tackled if bloggers and social media influencers work with respectable newspapers, radio, and television stations in Nigeria.

The traditional media have, over the decades, built trust, Joseph Akpan, the managing director of De-Mbarukas Ltd, an outdoor advertising and integrated consultancy firm, said at the panel discussion.

Whenever someone talks about something (news event) that has happened, the first question people ask is: Where did you see it? If you say, you saw it on Facebook, theyll say, Oh, I thought you saw it in a newspaper!

Mr Akpan, represented by Ini Ikpe, a staff member of De-Mbarukas, said bloggers and social media influencers could clear doubt about their offerings by collaborating with journalists.

Cletus Ukpong, Premium Times assistant managing editor in charge of Nigerias South-south and South-east, explained how such collaboration could work.

Bloggers and social media influencers could earn credibility if they have their work validated by the traditional media, while the bloggers and social media influencers could help in sharing the reports from the traditional media down the line, to a different level of audience, Mr Ukpong said, while also praising Pear Media for organising the convergence.

Some speakers at the event pointed to the partnership between Mrs Ebongs Pear Media and De-Mbarukas as an example of a mutually profitable collaboration.

Let me tell you how we got to know Pear Media. We do billboards. One day, Unyime (Ebong) put a call to us, saying that she has a client she is managing their social media accounts, and she feels she can increase their publicity by using our billboards to publicise them more across the state.

Thats how we got to know Pear Media. Since then, we have been working together for the past 10 years, Mr Akpan said while talking about the De-Mbarukas partnership with Pear Media.

Mrs Ebong, the managing director of Pear Media, said her organisation is always looking out for partnerships that could help give clients value for their money.

For us, its about creating the synergy for results, and not working in isolation. So, we bring in the old media strategically. And we bring in the new media. Then we create our own strategies to achieve results, she said.

A social media influencer, Akainyene Elijah, popularly known as Oga Yenne, was among the participants at the convergence. He said the discussions at the meeting resonated with a decision he said he took recently to readjust and be more cautious about what he puts out on Facebook, where he has a great following.

I need to learn from people who are more experienced in the media. I dont want to write or post stuff that will put me or my family in trouble, Mr Elijah said, expressing his readiness to collaborate with journalists.

He said he would love to get registered with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), so that he could learn, collaborate with journalists, and be protected under a recognised structure.

Old, unworkable models

Idongesit Ashameri, the Daily Independent correspondent in Akwa Ibom and the guest lecturer at the event, urged advertising agencies to do away with outdated models that are focused on just buying attention and embrace strategic media partnerships.

We all remember the golden age of advertising. A 30-second TV spot, a full-page magazine ad. You controlled the message, you controlled the medium. That world is gone, Mrs Ashameri said.

Today, consumers are armed with ad-blockers and scepticism. They dont trust advertisements; they trust authenticity. They trust storytelling. And most importantly, they trust the voices theyve chosen to let into their lives: their favourite journalist, a niche influencer, a respected trade publication.

This isnt a threat. This is the single greatest opportunity for communicators like us. Our role is no longer just to create messages. It is to orchestrate ecosystems where brands and media co-create value, she said.

Nsibiet John, the chairperson of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, who was a panellist at the event, commended Pear Media for consistency in brand management and product advertising, adding that its a notable achievement.

Mr John advised brand managers to always work with professionals in the media industry if they want to get desired results.

The road is large enough, he said. There wont be successful collaboration if you count the media out.

A former chairperson of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Joe Effiong, a presenter with Inspiration FM 105. 9 Uyo, Pamela Akpomedaye, a journalist with TheMail newspaper, Ekemini Simon, and the Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State, Utitofon Ukpong, were among the participants at the event.
Lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics and colleges of agriculture and health technology now have five years from their dates of employment to obtain a masters degree or have their appointments converted into a non-teaching role.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) communicated this reform to the heads of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in a letter dated 10 September.

This directive takes immediate effect, reads the letter, signed by the boards Executive Secretary, Idris Bugaje, a professor.

NBTE spokesperson, Fatima Abubakar, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.

The board said it approved the moratorium after observing that many academic staff in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions employed with bachelors degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND) have failed to acquire higher academic qualifications.

Affected institutions include polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture, Colleges of Health Sciences and Technology, and Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery.

Consequently, any academic staff who fails to acquire a masters degree after five years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff, it said.

Why directive may be problematic  Expert

However, Yomi Fawehinmi, an education expert, said the directive may be problematic as it did not address critical issues that could determine its success or failure.

He expressed worry that arbitrary changes in such rules and directives could be a source of industrial strife with workers, as the directives may violate the conditions of service for which they were employed.

He noted that the initiative could bolster education quality, teacher improvement, and increase capacity.

However, who is going to fund that training? he wondered, noting that it may be possible in universities, as affected individuals can obtain a higher degree in the same environment without having to pay for it.

It is not the same for TVET institutions as they do not award such higher degrees, he said.

If I am a lecturer in Yabatech, and you ask me to go and get a masters within five years, I have to go to UNILAG, or LASU, who is going to pay for that? So, there is a liability that has not been addressed, he added.

Mr Fawehinmi suggested a carrot and stick approach where the board, instead of threatening to convert their employment, should instead stipulate rewards for academic advancement.

The carrot should be, go to the closest school near you, youll get a 50 per cent debate, or there is a loan, or there is something that will induce you. The carrot could also be, if you do that, youll be promoted immediately to the next level, he explained.

Then the stick is that, if you dont do that, then maybe you will not be promoted, you will not be considered for Head of Department (HOD). You can put all those administrative restrictions.
For many of the delegates, and contrary to the opinion expressed openly by party leaders, Kayode Ojo is seen as a break from the past and a man who Aso Rock can trust, and this also resonates with Ekiti people who are disappointed and tired of the Oyebanji/ Adebayo/Fayemi Dynasty. Ironically, Oyebanji has also stepped on many toes even within his own dynasty, especially the Fayemi camp, whose followers he had pushed aside. That is also a major challenge as this people may be waiting for their pound of flesh by pitching their tent with Kayode Ojo.

As Ekiti State gears up for the 2026 governorship primaries, the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a defining contest between incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and challenger, Engineer Kayode Ojo. A recent survey across Ekitis 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) reveals a fiercely competitive race, with Ojo holding a surprising edge in 11 LGAs, while Oyebanji remains strong in five. This clash isnt just about who wins the ticket  its about the future of party loyalty, grassroots engagement, and political resilience in Ekiti. Ojos campaign is a masterclass in grassroots mobilisation.

His relentless ward-level outreach, personal touch at community events, and disciplined coordinator network have built a formidable presence. From Ado-Ekiti to Ilejemeje, Ojos strategy of showing up consistently  whether at small ward meetings or local weddings  has earned him trust and loyalty. His refusal to defect after two failed primary bids resonates deeply with party members who value perseverance over opportunism. Ojos narrative as the steady hand who stayed to reform rather than rebel is cutting through, particularly in LGAs like Ijero and Oye, where his home-base loyalty and youth mobilisation give him a strong foothold. Contrast this with Oyebanji, whose incumbency carries weight but is undermined by a critical misstep: a perceived neglect of party structures. Across all 16 LGAs, members voice frustration over being sidelined despite their contributions to APCs success.

While Oyebanji enjoys advantages in Ekiti West, Ekiti East, Efon, Emure, and Ise/Orun  bolstered by his record of state projects and deep local ties  his campaign risks complacency. The collapse of the Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti road in his home LGA of Ekiti West, for instance, is a glaring liability that could erode goodwill, if not addressed. The surveys LGA-by-LGA breakdown paints a vivid picture. In Ado-Ekiti, Ojos face-to-face engagement and robust coordinator network outshine Oyebanjis urban incumbency networks. In Ikere, Ojos team presence at everyday events like funerals and church gatherings has softened skepticism, while Oyebanjis team struggles to counter this organic momentum. Even in Oyebanji-leaning areas like Ekiti East, Ojos patient, conversational style is chipping away at the incumbents edge.

The data from the recent survey suggests Ojos ground game is not just competitive but dominant in 11 LGAs, driven by a narrative of loyalty and a network that ensures no ward feels neglected. Yet, Oyebanjis incumbency remains a formidable asset. In Ekiti West, his home base, and Efon, his visible leadership and infrastructure achievements anchor loyalty. His campaigns visit-return-validate cycle  introducing his vision, addressing concerns, and securing commitments  has solidified support in key areas. However, the incumbent must counter perceptions of detachment and address local grievances, like the Aramoko road, neglect of party members who struggled and suffered to make him governor, to maintain his edge.

The races outcome hinges on several factors. A closed delegate system could tilt the scales toward Ojo, whose ward-level saturation and delegate relationships give him a tactical advantage. The Presidencys leaning, though, could be a game-changer, as its influence often sways primaries. For Ojo, the path forward is clear: consolidate his 11 LGAs, amplify his loyalty narrative, and maintain relentless grassroots engagement. Another major albatross for Oyebanji is the perceived close link with his two godfathers, who are former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, who are not all that in the good books of Aso Rock.

For many of the delegates, and contrary to the opinion expressed openly by party leaders, Kayode Ojo is seen as a break from the past and a man who Aso Rock can trust, and this also resonates with Ekiti people who are disappointed and tired of the Oyebanji/ Adebayo/Fayemi Dynasty. Ironically, Oyebanji has also stepped on many toes even within his own dynasty, especially the Fayemi camp, whose followers he had pushed aside. That is also a major challenge as this people may be waiting for their pound of flesh by pitching their tent with Kayode Ojo.

For Oyebanji, the main challenge is to reconnect with party structures, address local pain points, and leverage his incumbency to rally undecided delegates. This contest is more than a primary  its a referendum on what APC values in Ekiti. Will it reward Ojos resilience and grassroots hustle, or Oyebanjis proven leadership and institutional clout? With 11 LGAs leaning toward Ojo and five in Oyebanjis camp, the race is open, but the momentum favours the challenger. Ekitis APC must decide whether to double down on loyalty and renewal or stick with the familiarity of power. The answer will shape not just 2026 but the partys future in the state.

Siji Akindele, a political analyst, writes from Ado-Ekiti.
in retrospect, what now promises to be the greatest of the Rashidi Ladoja episodes of resurgences, is scheduled for 26 September. That day, the sounds of gongs, drums, and Sekere would accompany the best dancers, chanters and masquerades through the hilly surfaces of this great city of warriors, to usher Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja to the throne of his forefathers.

Adewolu came into our consciousness, first, as a cameo, and since then Ibadan has witnessed dramatic episodes of the Rashidi Ladoja Resurgence on about four occasions in the citys chequered history in the last four decades. The first was as a senator in 1992, decades after Yunusa Ladoja planted the first seed of partisan politics in the Ladoja clan under the umbrella of Adegoke Adelabu and the Ibadan District Council (IDC) in 1952.

The cameo ended abruptly: Ladoja was elected senator in the aborted Third Republic and forced to go on exile shortly after the men of guns and bullets took over the reign of power.

The second resurgence was shortly after the military returned to the Baracks, and Ladoja returned to Nigeria alongside other pro-democracy campaigners. But it was one return that was bereft of pomp and pageantry, quiet in its airs of uncertainty, one that robbed his name  Adewolu, meaning royalty enters the town  of its subtextual essence. It was a moment of calm and sobriety, in the wake of Abachas reign of lunacy.

Exactly ten years after the cameo appearance, Ladoja recorded yet another triumphant entry into Ibadan, this time into the Agodi government House as governor. But the joys and mirth that accompanied that resurgence would soon be punctured by the ominous sounds of bullets, the genesis of whats better known as the years of brigandage in Oyo politics. With Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu calling the shots from Molete, and the late Adebayo Alao-Akala presumably playing Lago, Ladoja governed in turbulent, treacherous waters. He was inevitably impeached under an atmosphere of chaos in 2006 and was forced out of Ibadan, the very city he loves intensely, for nearly a year.

Again, after months of intense battles in the hallowed chambers of the courtrooms, Senator Ladoja, ever the irrepressible fighter, regained entry into the city in December 2006, shutting the door against naysayers.

He attempted yet another resurgence in 2011 and, less successfully, in 2015, with plans to regain entry into the Agodi Government House under the ACCORD Party, but failed.

So in some ways, the 2006 resurgence could be considered his biggest moment of glory in all of his dramatic entries into Ibadan. But interestingly, if there was any doubt about the veracity of that claim, fate has since put paid to it.

And in retrospect, what now promises to be the greatest of the Rashidi Ladoja episodes of resurgences, is scheduled for 26 September. That day, the sounds of gongs, drums, and Sekere would accompany the best dancers, chanters and masquerades through the hilly surfaces of this great city of warriors, to usher Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja to the throne of his forefathers.

And across Ibadan, one could feel the pulse of the people already: in the joyful words spoken by random traders in Ode-Aje Alase and Oranyan markets; in the big, ubiquitous posters announcing the coronation ceremonies along Aleshinloye and Ring Road and elsewhere; in the sheer enthusiasm with which otherwise cantankerous Micra drivers look forward to his reign along Sango-Eleyele road; in the culture-rich jingles announcing his triumphant entry into the Olubadan Palace on radio stations across the city.

Ibadan is alive, awaiting what appears as the most anticipated coronation ceremony in its recent history: the Rashidi Ladoja royal resurgence.

It was no surprise that when the courts sent Alao-Akala packing, he was ushered into Agodi by the very ordinary people in Ayeye, Oje, Agodi, through Idi-Ose. And when he floated Accord Party in 2011, he almost singlehandedly installed about a dozen House of Representatives and state assembly members, especially in Ibadan  a testament to his charismatic appeal within the city.

II

Ibadan peoples love for Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja is quite intense, steeped in the broader Yoruba peoples love for the valiant fighter, and specifically, his near-perfect personification of the Ibadan warriors image. But the story appears fluid, beginning with Baba Yunusa Ladoja, his father.

In the 1950s, Alhaji Olayiwola Yunusa Ladoja defeated the late garrison commander of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu, and became councilor.

In his book, What I Saw in the Politics and Chieftaincy Affairs of Ibadanland, Adedibu narrates the defeat, in such dramatically painful tone, and some Ibadan historians suggest that Adedibu abandoned elective politics (and became godfather) because of that experience. So in 2006, when Adedibu became quite invincible, with President Obasanjos conspiratorial support, and the impeachment war reached its crescendo, it felt like a replay of the 1952 battle. And when Ladoja eventually returned to Agodi, the love was more pronounced: he was like his father, a Silent Fighter.

But beyond that, this love isnt without its basis, whether in history, culture, or even governance records warts and all.

For one, as a senator in 1992/93, Ladoja was one of the staunchest, principled defenders of the June 12 mandate, although he wasnt loud. Self-effacing and limelight-shy, he threw his weight behind anti-Junta initiatives and was forced into exile for his pro-democracy principles.

On the cultural front, he supported some of the most important works of arts that gave meaning to the democratic struggle under the military junta. Think Saworoide. Think Agogo Ewo. I do not have details of the arrangement with the great TK, but Ladoja was Executive Producer for many of the classics of that era.

On the policy front, Ladojas approach to basic education was perhaps the most impactful in Oyo since 1999, reducing the number of out-of-school children quite drastically. His 30-pupils-per-class policy was quite commendable, shifting priority towards quality teaching.

For civil servants, Ladoja was their darling, with the prompt payment of salaries. Where Lam Adesina before him screamed Awo o kaju ilu  i.e allocations werent enough to cover overheads  workers felt some relief under him and when the floods came from Molete, they stood by him.

Not the most gifted of speakers, he made up for that with his down-to-earth persona. Heck, he loved the Ankara fabric  a fashion style President Kerekou hailed and admired about him in Benin Republic  and that endeared him to the hoi polloi.

It was no surprise that when the courts sent Alao-Akala packing, he was ushered into Agodi by the very ordinary people in Ayeye, Oje, Agodi, through Idi-Ose. And when he floated Accord Party in 2011, he almost singlehandedly installed about a dozen House of Representatives and state assembly members, especially in Ibadan  a testament to his charismatic appeal within the city.

From his antecedents, one can safely posit that he brings forth a fascinating blend of Oba Olakulehins regal aloofness; Oba Lekan Baloguns political capital; Oba Saliu Adetunjis strength, patience, and tenacity; Oba Samuel Odulana Odugades academic credentials, exposure, dispute-resolution skills and discipline; Oba Yunusa Ogundipes stabilising aura; Oba Yesufu Asankes popularity and charisma; Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpes royal grace

Perhaps his most recent exhibition of the Ibadan warrior spirit and principled battles was during the furore over the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy law under Abiola Ajimobi. A somewhat well-meaning but politicised reform, Ladoja stood his grounds against all odds, even as he had to make some diplomatic retreat afterwards.

Given the intense emotional investment Ibadan people have in the new Olubadan-designate, the pedants inquiry pops up: What does Olubadan Ladoja bring to the throne?

From his antecedents, one can safely posit that he brings forth a fascinating blend of Oba Olakulehins regal aloofness; Oba Lekan Baloguns political capital; Oba Saliu Adetunjis strength, patience, and tenacity; Oba Samuel Odulana Odugades academic credentials, exposure, dispute-resolution skills and discipline; Oba Yunusa Ogundipes stabilising aura; Oba Yesufu Asankes popularity and charisma; Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpes royal grace; Oba Isaac Akinyeles reformist mindset; Oba Abass Aleshinloyes redefining grace; and Iba Oluyoles valour.

So far, Olubadan Ladoja has made two important interventions that I found quite impressive: in his very early interview shortly after the coast became clearer for his emergence, he visited his ancestral home in Isale-Osi and warned miscreants and hemp-smokers that the community would not tolerate crimes and indolence. Such reform-minded move would gladden the heart of any well-meaning Ibadan indigene with the faintest idea of the damage thuggery has done to too many young, impressionable minds in downtown Ibadan

In another interview, he promised to volunteer to teach at his alma mater, Ibadan Boys High School, upon being crowned as Olubadan. With Oyo States unenviable record as the state with (one of) the highest out-of-school children in southern Nigeria, there isnt a better way of signalling how important the office would handle matters of (basic) education and improve enrolment with the right cultural influences!

Due to travels and work schedules, I have never attended the coronation of any Olubadan in recent history, not even that of Aje Oguguniso, a childhood friend of Alhaji J14, my grandpa. But shortly after he emerged Olubadan-designate, I made a promise to myself in a Twitter post: by Gods grace, Id be there at Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladojas  one of the greatest Ibadan sons since Lagelu.

So why does Ibadan love Olubadan Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja so intensely? Because he exemplifies what it means to be an Ibadan man  an eternal fighter.

Come 26 September 26, the greatest episode of the Rashidi Ladoja resurgence will unfold in Ibadan, and the subtextual meaning of his name, Adewolu, would come alive:

Eni e ni o mo woBadan

To bElekuro wolu

O dele tan,

Iba ni won fi je.

Kaaabiyesi o!

Oladeinde Olawoyin, the Business Editor of Premium Times, writes from Abere Compound, Ojaba, Ibadan.
Fegho John Umunubo has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, for granting him the honour of serving Nigeria as Special Assistant on Digital & Creative Economy (Office of the Vice President).

Mr Umunubo noted that he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of Nigerias creative industry, while working to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector in order to unlock more funding and market access for creatives.

Serving Without a Salary

Upon his appointment in 2023, Mr Umunubo voluntarily chose not to receive a salary, bonus, or travel budget from the Federal Government. Instead, he relied on the support of private-sector partners and organisations to fund the initiatives he executed.

Key Contributions

During his tenure, Mr Umunubo focused on initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of Nigerias creative and digital economy. Notable highlights include:

Creative Stakeholders Engagement at the State House (November 2023): Convened over 600 creatives across Nigeria at the Banquet Hall, State House, for a historic dialogue with His Excellency, the Vice President.

Convened over 600 creatives across Nigeria at the Banquet Hall, State House, for a historic dialogue with His Excellency, the Vice President. 5 Billion Creative Fund (Providus Bank Partnership): Partnered with Providus Bank Plc to establish a 5 billion Creative Fund, creating access to financing for the industry. The first phase enabled producers and actors to secure loans facilities to produce movies for streaming platforms and cinemas.

Partnered with Providus Bank Plc to establish a 5 billion Creative Fund, creating access to financing for the industry. The first phase enabled producers and actors to secure loans facilities to produce movies for streaming platforms and cinemas. Over 500 Million in Grants and Sponsorships: Facilitated support for the sector through sponsorship of movie premieres, free cinema ticket giveaways, comedy and music concerts, accelerator training programmes, grassroots business initiatives, and more across different states in Nigeria. The details of everyone we supported financially is on my Instagram page for verification.

Facilitated support for the sector through sponsorship of movie premieres, free cinema ticket giveaways, comedy and music concerts, accelerator training programmes, grassroots business initiatives, and more across different states in Nigeria. The details of everyone we supported financially is on my Instagram page for verification. Support for the Brazilian Delegation Visit to Lagos State: Mr Umunubo sourced for resources from partners to fund the trip of the Brazilian delegation to Lagos during the visit of the Brazilian Vice President to Nigeria. This provided the Brazilian business delegation an opportunity to experience the rich culture of Lagos State and engage directly with stakeholders in Nigerias creative industry.

Final Note of Thanks

It has been my honour to serve this great country and the creative industry, Mr Umunubo said. He extended special thanks to organisations that supported these efforts, including Providus Bank, Wema Bank, Prembly, Leadway Group, Gluwa Capitals, Budpay, Lanre Shittu Motors, and Alpha Geek Technologies Nig Ltd.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigerias digital and creative economy, stating his readiness to continue supporting the sector in ways that will benefit the nation.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu-Bamalli, has turbaned Bashir Dabo as Maga Isan Zazzau at a ceremony on Saturday in the emirs palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The ceremony was graced by many dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman.

Speaking through the Wazirin Zazzau, Muhammadu Aminu, who was the chairperson of the committee for the turbaning ceremony, the emir tasked Mr Dabo to uphold the integrity of the Zazzau Emirate in his new capacity as the Maga Isan Zazzau.

Mr Nuhu-Bamalli prayed for the new title holder, who he described as an extraordinary personality whose generosity touched the lives of hundreds of youths in the Zaria emirate and Kaduna State at large.

Mr Nuhu-Bamalli told the gathering that Mr Dabo is being celebrated for his continuous contribution to the development of the Zazzau emirate and for uplifting the lives of hundreds of youths through securing employment opportunities for them and as a mentor

The representative of Governor Uba Sani, the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, and district heads from the Zazzau Emirate were among the dignitaries at the event.

Mr Dabo was born on 14 September 1985. His fathers maternal line came from the lineage of Wazirin Sokoto Gidado. He is a prince from the genealogy of the second Fulani emir of Zazzau, Malam Yamusa, the founder of the Bare-Bari ruling clan through the Grand Vizier of Shehu Usman Danfodio.

Mr Dabo is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in International Studies in 2008.

He holds two masters degrees in International Business and Management from the University of Bedfordshire, Luton, United Kingdom, and a masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU, Zaria.

The new Maga Isan Zazzau also attended numerous courses from different institutions within and outside Nigeria, including Executive Education certificates on Strategy, Adaptive Leadership, Emerging Leaders, and Voice of Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, the London Business School, and the Agha Khan University, Nairobi.

He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ibrahim Dabo Centre for Entrepreneurship and Community Development.

Mr Dabo was an assistant registrar at the Federal College of Education, Zaria, until he was appointed by former Governor Nasir El Rufai as special assistant on New Media. He later served at the Nigerian Ports Authority as the personal assistant to the Managing Director/CEO, Ms Bala-Usman, from 2016 to 2022.

He currently works with the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, and as the Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit under Ms Bala-Usman.
Soybeans closed Thursday with gains of 7 to 10 cents across most contracts. There were 10 deliveries issued against September soybeans overnight. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is up 9 1/2 cents at $9.57 1/4. Soymeal futures were up $1 to $2.60, with Soy Oil futures 49 to 61 points higher. The CME reported another 96 September soybean meal deliveries issued, with none reported for bean oil.

The weekly Export Sales release from USDA showed 541,055 MT of 2025/26 sales in the week of 9/4. Unknown destinations were the largest buyer of 431,700 MT, with 62,000 MT sold to Taiwan. A total 767,049 MT of unshipped 2024/25 sales were carried over to the new marketing year. Total commitments start out the 2025/26 MY at 9.35 MMT, the lowest going back to the 09/10 MY. There were 67,849 MT of 2024/25 sales reported late to China

More News from Barchart

Soybean meal sales were in the middle of analysts estimates of 50,000 to 900,000 MT in that week at 357,463 MT, with bean oil at net reductions of 6,421 MT, below expectations of between 0 and 16,000 MT.

NOPA data is out on Monday, with traders looking for August crush among members at 182.857 mbu.

CONAB raised their 2024/25 soybean crop estimates by 1.92 MMT to 171.47 MMT this morning.

Sep 25 Soybeans closed at $10.15 1/4, up 9 3/4 cents,

Nearby Cash was $9.57 1/4, up 9 1/2 cents,

Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.33 1/2, up 8 1/4 cents,

Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.52 1/2, up 7 3/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
BEIJING, Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- This is a report from china-asean-media.com.

The China Arbitration Summit 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the "Summit") & China-Latin America International Arbitration Forum, jointly organized by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), and the All China Lawyers Association (ACLA), will be held on September 17, 2025, at the China World Summit Wing, Beijing.

Scan the QR code to watch the live broadcast

Since the preparation of the Summit began, it has attracted extensive attention and active participation from arbitration institutions and arbitration associations, bar associations, universities, law firms, and business associations both domestically and internationally. To date, the Summit has received strong support from over 70 international legal organizations, dispute resolution institutions, and bar associations across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

As a key event during China Arbitration Week 2025, this year's Summit carries the theme: "Navigating the Future of International Arbitration in the Digital Intelligence Era." It will bring together authoritative experts and legal practitioners from the global arbitration community, focusing on cutting-edge topics in international arbitration empowered by AI and other digital intelligence technologies, and exploring how technology can enhance arbitration efficiency, ensure procedural fairness, and safeguard the credibility of arbitration.

To further deepen legal exchanges and practical cooperation in international commercial arbitration, the Summit will also strengthen exchanges and collaboration between China and Latin America in the arbitration field, promoting a more open, fair, and sustainable international dispute resolution system, and jointly shaping a new blueprint for global arbitration cooperation.

The one-day Summit will provide simultaneous interpretation in both Chinese and English throughout. The event will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining both online and offline participation, and will be broadcast globally.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Dairy Herd Management Market, valued at US$4.16 billion in 2024 stood at US$4.99 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2032, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$8.88 billion by the end of the period. Key factors fueling market growth include increasing demand for high-quality dairy products, growing herd size, and rising adoption of automated milking systems. Moreover, concerns regarding livestock diseases, government support for modernizing dairy farms, and increasing precision livestock farming further drive the market expansion. Opportunities in the market involve the integration of AI and IoT solutions for herd health monitoring, fertility management, and feeding optimization. These advancements are expected to enhance profitability for farmers while ensuring animal welfare and sustainable dairy production.

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By offering, the software segment is expected to experience the fastest growth rate. Key factors driving this segment include the increasing adoption of cloud-based platforms, data analytics tools, and farm management applications. These solutions enable real-time monitoring, seamless integration of dairy herd records, and help farmers optimize productivity and compliance while reducing operational costs.

By end users, the large-scale farms segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024, as these farms can invest high costs in advanced automation, milking robots, and precision monitoring systems. Moreover, the increasing need to manage large herds efficiently, reduce labor dependency, and maintain higher productivity further drives the adoption of these technologies in large-scale dairy farms, thereby driving market growth.

By geography, the rapid market expansion in the Asia Pacific is attributed to the rising milk production in countries such as India, China, and Australia. Additionally, rapid herd expansion, government initiatives to modernize dairy farming, and increasing adoption of automated milking and monitoring technologies are driving strong market growth across the region. India and China have a large number of livestock animals, driven by the high demand for meat, milk, and other animal-based products.

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Prominent players in the dairy herd management market are DeLaval (Sweden), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany), Afimilk Ltd. (Israel), BouMatic (US), Nedap N.V. (Netherlands), Fullwood JOZ (UK), Dairymaster (Ireland), Lely (Netherlands), and VAS (US).

DeLaval (Sweden):

Tetra Laval comprises Tetra Pak, Sidel, and DeLaval, with DeLaval specializing in dairy farming solutions. Based in Tumba, Sweden, DeLaval is renowned for its dairy equipment across various segments: Milking, Hygiene, Service, and Farm Supplies. Through all these business segments, the company offers dairy herd management solutions across the globe. The company also offers an all-inclusive service program for maintenance and expert advice. The company operates 13 technical training centers, seven R&D centers, six distribution centers, and 13 production plants globally. In January 2024, DeLaval launched its VMS Batch Milking system, an innovative method that combines robotic automation with traditional parlor-style herd grouping to milk larger herds more efficiently. The system has already been adopted across over 10 installations, milking 10,000 cows globally. The company maintains a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America, with subsidiaries in Switzerland, the US, the Netherlands, India, and Poland.

Merck & Co., Inc. (US)

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines, and animal health products. The company's operations are managed on a product basis and include two reportable segments: Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. Merck Animal Health is a division of Merck & Co., Inc. Through its animal health segment, the company offers the widest range of animal health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of identification, traceability, and monitoring solutions for dairy herd management. The company maintains significant research and manufacturing facilities in multiple locations, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in 150 markets.

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany)

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is one of the leading providers of dairy herd management solutions. It operates through five business divisions, namely Separation & Flow Technologies, Liquid & Powder Technologies, Food & Healthcare Technologies, Farm Technologies, and Heating & Refrigeration Technologies. The company offers a wide range of dairy herd management products, such as animal feeder systems, farm management systems, manure management systems, and automated milking systems, through its Farm Technologies division. It operates in over 150 countries, with production and service facilities across Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific, supported by over 70 service organizations worldwide. In November 2024, GEA launched the Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system as part of its CattleEye solution for dairy farms. The AI-driven system provides real-time monitoring of cow health by detecting lameness and evaluating body condition, offering insights to optimize herd management, prevent metabolic diseases, and enhance productivity.

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Related Reports:

Udder Health Market

Poultry Medicine/Pharmaceuticals Market

Companion Animal Diagnostics Market

Veterinary Equipment and Supplies Market

Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

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After seven years under DOJ investigation, all original Anti-Kickback charges were dismissed while Dr. Chin agreed to a plea settlement on a single Open Payments reporting issue and now moves forward to advance disruptive spine surgery innovations worldwide.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Kingsley R. Chin today issued the following statement regarding the resolution of his case with the U.S. Department of Justice:

Dr. Chin with lawyers from his defense team immediately after federal anti-kickback allegations were dismissed.

"I agreed to a plea settlement in which I accepted responsibility for directing employees to report a single $4,750 payment on the government's Sunshine Act website, where physician payments are disclosed. The DOJ alleged this was reported as a consulting fee when the surgeon said no consulting work was performed. I accepted this as a false statement in my role as CEO. When the U.S. Department of Justice brings a case, it is historically rare for defendants to see charges dismissed. As part of the agreement, the government dismissed the original Anti-Kickback charges.

This matter is now resolved. I have learned important lessons and will continue to rely on my compliance team when making decisions involving physician participation. My focus remains on innovation, traveling to proctor physicians during surgeries, and teaching at our Visit, Education and Training (VET) Tours at our headquarters in Florida."

For additional background, see coverage by Law360 and Becker's Spine Review.

About Dr. Kingsley R. Chin

Dr. Kingsley R. Chin is the founder and CEO of KIC Ventures, a healthtech private equity investment firm focused on physician-led innovations for outpatient spine surgery. He is a Harvard-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, professor, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience as a CEO-leader.

He leads the Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) Movement, built on the trademarked REP Principles: Restore function, Early treatment, and Preserve anatomy. LESS is a physician-led movement supported by interventional pain management doctors, spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other specialists worldwide who not only champion its techniques but also invest as owners  making this transformation of spine care truly driven by the medical community itself.

He is launching the AxioMed viscoelastic lumbar disc replacement and scaling LESS Exposure Advanced Spine Technologies (LEAST) through NANISX to empower physicians globally with safer, more effective outpatient Interventional Spine Surgery (ISSU) solutions.

Dr. Kingsley R. Chin

SOURCE Dr. Kingsley R. Chin
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Cybin Inc. ("Cybin" or the "Company") (NYSE: CYBN). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Cybin and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

We are investigating Cybin Inc. (CYBN) ("Cybin" or the "Company") for potential violations of the federal securities laws. On September 2, 2025, Cybin issued a press release "annnounc[ing] that, effective September 2, 2025, Doug Drysdale will step down as the Company's Chief Executive Officer."

On this news, Cybin's stock price fell $1.24 per share, or 16.58%, to close at $6.24 per share on September 2, 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
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company was experiencing "adoption challenges" and/or structural issues resulting in declines in sales and utilization; (2) Defendants had overstated the demand for RxSight's products; (3) as a result, RxSight was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 8, 2025, after the market closed, RxSight reported preliminary second quarter 2025 financial results, revealing significant declines in LDD sales, LAL utilization, and overall revenue. The Company also lowered its full year 2025 guidance by approximately $42.5 million at the midpoint. The Company's Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Kurtz, disclosed that "[a]doption challenges over the last few quarters have been a primary reason for the LDD stall."

On this news, RxSight's stock price fell $4.84, or 37.8%, to close at $7.95 per share on July 9, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding RxSight's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the RxSight class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/RXST or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant step towards islamic values-based artificial intelligence, Zetrix AI Berhad, developer of the world's first Shariah-aligned Large Language Model (LLM) NurAi and the Government of Malaysia, through the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on establishing the foremost global framework for Shariah compliance, certification and governance in AI. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Building Trust in NurAI

Front row: Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI Berhad (left) and Dato Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) (right), during the signing of the Letter of Intent between Zetrix AI Berhad and the Government of Malaysia, through the Prime Ministers Department (Religious Affairs). Back row, from the left: The signing was witnessed by YB Tuan Haji Mohd Fared bin Khalid, Chairman of the Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee; YB Dato Haji Asman Shah bin Abd. Rahman, Secretary of the Johor State Government; YAB Dato Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor; YAB Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; and YB Senator Dato Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Naim bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Religious Affairs).

JAKIM, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development, is internationally recognised as the gold standard in halal certification, accrediting foreign certification bodies across nearly 50 countries. Malaysia has consistently ranked first in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, reflecting its leadership not only in halal certification but also in Islamic finance, food and education. By integrating emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance compliance and monitoring, Malaysia continues to set holistic benchmarks for the global Islamic economy.

NurAI has already established itself as a pioneering Shariah-aligned AI platform. With today's collaboration, JAKIM, under the Ministry's leadership, would play a central role in guiding the certification, governance and ethical standards of NurAI, ensuring its alignment with Islamic principles.

Additionally, this milestone underscores the urgent need for AI systems that move beyond secular or foreign-centric worldviews, offering instead a platform rooted in Islamic ethics. It positions Malaysia as a global leader in ethical and Shariah-compliant AI while setting international benchmarks. The initiative also reflects the country's halal and digitalisation agendas, ensuring AI remains trusted, secure, and representative of Muslim values while serving more than 2 billion people worldwide.

Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim reinforced that national policies should incorporate various inputs, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence  and must always remain grounded in islamic principles and values that deserve emphasis.

Areas of Collaboration

Through the LOI, Zetrix AI and the Government via JAKIM, propose to collaborate in three key areas:

Shariah Certification and Governance  Developing frameworks, ethical guidelines and certification standards for AI systems rooted in Islamic principles.

 Developing frameworks, ethical guidelines and certification standards for AI systems rooted in Islamic principles. Global Advocacy and Promotion  Positioning Malaysia as the global centre of excellence for Islamic AI and championing the Islamic digital economy projected at USD 5.74 trillion by 2030.

 Positioning Malaysia as the global centre of excellence for Islamic AI and championing the Islamic digital economy projected at by 2030. JAKIM's Official Channel on NurAI  Creating a trusted platform for Islamic legal rulings, halal certification and verified Shariah guidance, combating misinformation through AI.

Reinforcing Global Halal Tech Leadership

Through this collaboration, NurAI demonstrates how advanced AI can be guided by ethical and faith-based principles to serve global communities. By extending halal leadership into the digital economy particularly in Islamic finance, education and law  Malaysia positions itself as a key contributor to setting international benchmarks for Shariah-compliant AI.

Inclusive, Secure and Cost-Effective AI

NurAI is developed in Malaysia, supporting Bahasa Melayu, English, Indonesian and Arabic. It complies with national data sovereignty and cybersecurity policies, reducing reliance on foreign tools while ensuring AI knowledge stays local, trusted, and secure.

NurAI is available for download on nur-ai.zetrix.com

About Zetrix AI Berhad

Zetrix AI Berhad ("Zetrix AI"), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, is leading the way in the deployment of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence in powering the public and private sectors across ASEAN. Headquartered in Malaysia, Zetrix AI started operations in 2000 as a pioneer in the provision of electronic government services and complementary commercial offerings in its home country. Today, it has advanced to the forefront of technology transformation in the broader region, leveraging its Layer-1 blockchain platform Zetrix and embracing the convergence of Web3, AI and robotics to enable optimally-efficient, intelligent and secure cross-border transactions, digital identity interoperability and automation solutions that seamlessly connect peoples, businesses and governments.

SOURCE Zetrix AI Berhad
MUNICH, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- StarCharge, a global leader in EV charging infrastructure and smart energy solutions, made a notable appearance at IAA Mobility 2025, which is the global event for mobility, sustainability, and tech in Munich. Alongside a well-known automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

During this event, StarCharge's V2G Products attracted many visitors from Europe, this will also accelerate the expansion of its products on European markets.

StarCharge V2G Products

As global leading OEM strategy partner, StarCharge has been deeply engaged in V2G research and development since 2017, with a particular focus on breaking through technological barriers in bidirectional charging. StarCharge V2G products have now received grid connection certification in more than 20 major markets, spanning Europe, North America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. These markets include Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

With proven expertise in local compliance and technical adaptation, StarCharge delivers high-standard and reliable V2G solutions tailored to diverse regional requirements.

StarCharge will continue to innovate clean energy charging technologies, driving the large-scale global deployment of V2G. Looking forward to join forces with all partners to accelerate green energy transition and sustainable zero-carbon future.

StarCharge is set to present its latest V2G product at Booth A101, during All Energy Australia, 29-30 October 2025.

SOURCE StarCharge
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army has announced the award of the Information Technology Enterprise Solutions  4 Hardware (ITES-4H) contract, a comprehensive procurement vehicle with a total ceiling value of $10 billion. This indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, spanning a 10-year period, serves as the primary procurement source for comprehensive commercial IT hardware solutions across the Army, Department of Defense agencies, and federal organizations.

Strategic Communications has been selected as one of 49 qualified contractors awarded this significant procurement vehicle. The competitive selection process evaluated hundreds of potential vendors, with only these 49 contractors demonstrating the proven expertise and capabilities required to meet the Army's stringent technical and performance standards. The contract scope encompasses:

Servers and enterprise computing systems





Workstations, desktops, and mobile computing platforms





Networking infrastructure and connectivity solutions





Storage systems and data management platforms





Related peripherals and supporting hardware





Installation, maintenance, and technical training services

"Being selected as one of only 49 contractors for the ITES-4H program is a testament to our team's proven capabilities in delivering mission-critical IT solutions," said Chris Mills, Chief Revenue Officer at Strategic Communications. "This $10 billion procurement vehicle positions Strategic Communications to support the Army's infrastructure modernization efforts over the next decade. We're honored to contribute our expertise in secure, high-performance technology solutions to enhance our military's operational readiness."

The ITES-4H selection process involved rigorous evaluation of contractor capabilities to ensure compliance with stringent technical specifications and performance requirements. Strategic Communications and other awarded contractors demonstrated proven expertise in delivering secure, high-performance IT solutions that meet mission-critical operational standards.

This procurement vehicle represents a cornerstone of the Army's infrastructure modernization initiative. By establishing streamlined acquisition processes for commercial off-the-shelf hardware solutions, ITES-4H enables rapid deployment of advanced technologies. Strategic Communications' demonstrated capabilities and commitment to excellence will provide the Army with:

Enhanced operational efficiency through optimized IT infrastructure





Strengthened cybersecurity frameworks and compliance protocols





Comprehensive support for mission-critical operational requirements





Reliable supply chain management and technology lifecycle support

The contract's 10-year term ensures sustained access to evolving technologies and maintains operational continuity for Army modernization objectives. The contract award is expected to support Strategic Communications' continued growth and expansion of its Louisville-based operations.

About Strategic Communications

Strategic Communications is a leading provider of mission-critical technology solutions for federal agencies, Department of Defense organizations, and public sector entities nationwide. The company specializes in delivering secure, scalable IT infrastructure, cloud services, and audiovisual systems designed to meet the stringent requirements of government operations. With proven expertise in federal contracting and compliance frameworks, Strategic Communications enables agencies to modernize their technology infrastructure while maintaining the highest standards of security and operational excellence. The Louisville-based company combines deep understanding of government procurement processes with cutting-edge technical capabilities to support mission-critical operations across defense, civilian, and educational sectors. For more information, visit www.yourstrategic.com or follow Strategic Communications on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Madeline Klass

Marketing Team Lead

502-493-7234

[email protected]

SOURCE Strategic Communications
"Canadian Climate Policy  What Comes Next?" is a new report by Robert Lyman, published by Friends of Science Society. US Endangerment Finding on carbon dioxide is consequential to central bank and Canadian climate policies.

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of Science Society's new report titled, "Canadian Climate Policy  What Comes Next?" offers key points on Canada's climate commitments as published in: Canada's First Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement and Canada's 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Authored by retired energy economist, Robert Lyman, the Friends of Science Society report shows that Canada's GHG reduction aspirations are not backed up by any means of how to achieve targets.

Canadian Climate Policy - What Comes Next? Image licensed from Adobe Stock. Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology - Sept. 25, 2025 in Calgary or via live-stream.

Friends of Science Society produced a video explainer of the "Canadian Climate Policy" report, noting that instead of predicting future climate damages, the Canadian government reports now tie present day wildfires and extreme weather events to climate change; this conflation is not supported by the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Lyman writes that climate policies must be "made more realistic... At a minimum, that requires more transparency as to how the new targets will be met. Even better would be to abandon targets altogether."

As reported by the CBC on Sept. 11, 2025, newly minted Prime Minister Mark Carney announced five Canadian "nation-building" projects, many of which may stimulate the economy, but are not "climate friendly" and do not align with Canada's Paris Agreement climate targets, says Friends of Science Society.

Within two hours of the Carney major projects announcement, a group of Indigenous and Environmental Non-governmental Organizations (ENGO) rejected the approval of the expansion LNG Canada Phase 2, calling it a "carbon bomb," as reported by the National Observer, bogging down economic development, says Friends of Science Society.

National Observer is part of the media umbrella group, "Covering Climate Now," which is about to relaunch its "89% Project." This is a bandwagoning media campaign to encourage the public to demand more climate action. This is advocacy, not journalism, says Friends of Science Society in this video critiquing the campaign.

The astounding "carbon bomb" claims of "climate damages" by these ENGOs in the National Observer article are based on a study by Clean Energy Canada which references Environment and Climate Change Canada as the source for its Social Cost of Carbon damages, which in turn are said to be "identical" to those adopted by the US EPA.

The US EPA's "endangerment finding" of 2009, was a decision that carbon dioxide is harmful to human health and that greenhouse gas emissions are a pollutant. The EPA announced on July 29, 2025, the endangerment finding is about to be overturned. "If finalized, this proposal would undo the underpinning of $1 trillion in costly regulations, save more than $54 billion annually." [in the USA]

In 2017, Ross McKitrick, one of the co-authors of the recent US DOE climate science report, wrote an article published in the New Republic, outlining how "Obama's EPA used semantic tricks to avoid rigorous scientific evaluation."

A new Friends of Science Society open letter to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, challenges the "climate damage" function by the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), drawn from the paper by Kotz et al (2024), saying that it is deeply flawed, not fit for purpose and appears to suffer from Conflicts of Interest.

In the letter, the NGFS exaggerated Shadow Carbon Price of $800/t for Net Zero 2050, is discussed along with the known economic damage to Canada's economy due to 6 years of consumer-facing carbon taxes which reached a peak of $80/t before being zeroed by incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Friends of Science Society's research director, Ken Gregory, shows that carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions are a net benefit. According to Gregory's response to the US DOE climate report, the FUND model estimates the SCC of Carbon in 2025 to be $7.25/t (USD) at 3% discount rate, and once revised for the urban heat island effect and CO 2 fertilization the cost (benefit) is $-13.07/t.

The impact on "Food Prices, Farmers and Net Zero Ideology" is the focus of Friends of Science Society's September 25, 2025, special event. More details here.

About

Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 23rd year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).

Friends of Science Society

PO Box 61172 RPO Kensington

Calgary AB T2N 4S6

Canada

Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597

Web: friendsofscience.org

E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org

Web: climatechange101.ca

SOURCE Friends of Science Society
The founders of Ssense have won round one in their battle with their creditors, allowing the company to remain in the hands of chief executive officer Rami Atallah and his brothers Firas and Bassel, who are fighting to remain in business and restructure the companys operations.

At the end of last month, as reported, the troubled Montreal-based retailer filed the Canadian equivalent of bankruptcy protection and its creditors filed an application to put the retailer up for sale  a process that was in direct conflict with a restructuring plan put forth by the Atallah family.

More from WWD

On Friday, the court ruled that the current management team and the companys board could remain in place and oversee a restructuring plan. To ensure transparency and accountability, the court appointed Ernst & Young Inc. to act as monitor. As such, Ernst & Young will oversee the restructuring process and maintain a website where information regarding the proceedings can be obtained.

As part of the restructuring, claims against Ssense for amounts owed prior to Aug. 29 will be addressed through a court-approved claims process, while payments for goods and services provided after that date will continue as normal, the company said, using the $40 million in interim financing approved by the court on Friday. That figure consists of $15 million from a group of banks and $25 million from the Atallah family.

Ssense, which had sales of $1.3 billion last year  $1.23 billion of which came from online sales  has $371 million in debt, with $229 million owed to banks and vendors. At its peak, after the pandemic, the company was valued at $5 billion, according to the court papers.

Todays court decision is a critical step, marking the beginning of our next phase, sad Rami Atallah. With the support of our lenders, we now have the foundation to develop and implement a restructuring plan aimed at securing Ssenses long-term future. Our priority remains protecting our employees, customers, and partners, and we are committed to rebuilding their trust. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our community, which reinforces our global relevance and the strength of our brand. We now have the time, resources, and structure in place to begin the process of rebuilding a stronger Ssense.

Ssense, once a leading retailer for luxury, avant-garde and streetwear brands, has been struggling since last year when the high-end market began to show signs of strain. The company has already laid off more than 100 people, according to sources, started discounting heavily, and had stopped paying deposits to emerging brands. The elimination of the de minimus exemption, which allowed goods under $800 to ship into the U.S. tariff-free, was particularly harmful to Ssense, which counts 59 percent of its customer base in the U.S. and has an average order size of $549, the court papers said.

The company was founded in 2003 by the Atallah brothers and is primarily an e-commerce business targeting men and women between the ages of 18 and 40. It now has 1,161 employees globally, and also operates a flagship in Montreal.

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Investment firms are lining up to buy Starbucks biz in China, where the coffee giant is competing with local faves like Luckin Coffee. Carlyle Group and EQT, plus Chinas own HongShan Capital Group and Boyu Capital, are preparing final bids that could be squared away by the end of next month, Reuters reported.

Starbucks is said to be entertaining bids from about 10 would-be buyers that value its Chinese operations at up to $5 billion. The Seattle company plans to hang onto a sizable stake in the country, which remains Starbucks second-largest market behind the US.

READ ALSO: Is Powell Snubbing Interest in 2nd Fed Rate Cut? and Boeing Sees Clearing Skies Ahead as Jetliner Sales Soar

Siren Out of Water

Starbucks market share in China more than halved from 2019 to last year, when it hit 14%, Euromonitor found. Chinese chains have chipped away at its market share with low prices and locally loved drinks:

Luckin dominates China, with twice as many cafes as Starbucks; its the largest coffee chain in China. For scale, Luckin has more storefronts in China than Starbucks does in the US (24,000 versus 17,000). Up-and-coming Chinese chain Cotti Coffee has expanded its retail footprint rapidly, too, mostly in China.

Both Luckin and Cotti are also opening storefronts in North America, where Starbucks has recorded six straight quarters of declining sales. Luckin opened its first two US locations this summer, both in Manhattan, in its first expansion outside of Asia. Cotti, meanwhile, opened its first US location last year in Hawaii and has since expanded to California and New York.

Two-Tailed: At the same time, Starbucks looks to offload control of its Chinese ops, its one year into CEO Brian Niccols plan to turn around falling US sales, which have dropped more slowly in recent quarters. Niccols strategy focuses on creating a cozy coffee shop vibe that emphasizes human connection more than mobile-order efficiency. Thats the opposite of Chinese rivals grab-and-go model. Luckins new US stores only accept mobile orders and have just a few small tables. While Niccol has said Starbucks is committed to China long-term, bringing in an outside buyer could help him focus on his US strategy while the new investor takes a different approach to its China biz.

This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter.
Investors who piled into Bitcoin treasury stocks earlier this year to beat the crypto itself are now finding the trade has flipped, with Bitcoin holding up better than its proxies.

This is especially true for the two top proponents, Strategy and Tokyo-listed Metaplanet, whose shares have sunk to multi-month lows this week.

The discrepancy isnt due to a booming Bitcoin revival either. The top crypto has slipped about 8% from a record above $124,000 last month to roughly $114,000 today.

Ive been trying to convince myself to buy some of these digital asset treasuries, Travis Kling, chief investment officer at Ikigai Asset Management told Bloomberg. But the whole setup feels like the last gasp of a cycle that couldnt come up with anything better than this silliness.

The concern runs deeper than just two companies. Recent reports suggest as many as one in three Bitcoin treasuries now trade below the value of their holdings, raising fears of a wider spiral if companies are forced to sell coins to cover debt.

Strategy slump

The Bitcoin treasury play began with Strategy, the company built by Michael Saylor into the flagship corporate holder of the token.

By turning a stash of Bitcoin into a stock that traded at a premium, Strategy showed other firms how to transform balance sheets into leveraged bets on Bitcoin.

Now its shares have slid to about $323, their lowest in nearly five months and well below Julys $500-plus levels.

The slump shows a growing divergence between Bitcoin and the stocks tied to it.

Were starting to see digital asset company stock prices diverge from the underlying crypto prices, which is making investors question whether they are a worthwhile investment, said Dom Kwok, a former Goldman Sachs analyst.

That divergence poses a risk to Strategys flywheel model of selling equity at a premium to buy more Bitcoin. The trade only works if shareholders value the stock above its holdings.

With peers like Sequans Communications already resorting to reverse splits to avoid delisting, analysts warn the strain on the sector is spreading.

Metaplanet markdown

Metaplanet, once a small hotel management firm in Tokyo, has rebranded itself into Asias answer to Strategy with an aggressive Bitcoin-first strategy that it began in April 2024.

This past June, it announced Asias largest-ever equity raise for Bitcoin: $5.4 billion to help fund a target of 210,000 Bitcoin, equal to one percent of its maximum supply, by 2027.

Its stock jumped from roughly $9.30 to nearly $12.90 after the news.

That momentum has since evaporated. Shares now trade near $4.40, their lowest in four months and more than 60% below the June peak.
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter.

Today, a brief rundown of news involving Takeda Pharmaceutical and Maze Therapeutics, as well as updates from Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Soleno Therapeutics and Avidity Biosciences that you may have missed.

Takeda on Thursday said Rhonda Pacheco will become head of its U.S. business unit on Sept. 29. Pacheco has been at Eli Lilly for more than a decade and, since 2023, has been the group vice president of the pharmaceutical companys cardiometabolic health unit, where she oversaw the lucrative launches of Lillys GLP-1 drugs. At Takeda, shell succeed Julie Kim, who was selected this year to take over for retiring CEO Christophe Weber in June 2026 and will serve as interim head of the companys global portfolio ahead of the transition.  Ben Fidler



Shares of Maze Therapeutics climbed more than 50% on early data supporting a medicine its developing for the inherited disease phenylketonuria. The Phase 1 results announced Thursday found that an oral medicine codenamed MZE782 was well tolerated at all doses, with no severe adverse events reported. Notably, treatment resulted in urine levels of an important amino acid that surpassed investor expectations. The findings support the potential for a best-in-class profile in phenylketonuria as well as chronic kidney disease, wrote Leerink Partners analyst Joseph Schwartz. Maze raised $150 million in a private stock offering announced alongside the results.  Ben Fidler

Intercept Pharmaceuticals will withdraw its liver disease drug Ocaliva from the U.S. market at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, the company, now a subsidiary of Italys Alfasigma, said Thursday. The FDA has also ordered the suspension of all clinical trials involving Ocaliva, which was approved for primary biliary cholangitis in 2016. Concerns over Ocalivas safety have grown, leading the FDA to impose a black box warning on its use in 2018 and last December to caution of additional liver injury risk. The agency has also turned back Intercepts attempts over the years to win approval of Ocaliva in the metabolic disease MASH. Intercept sold to Alfasigma in 2023.  Ned Pagliarulo

Soleno Therapeutics stock fell nearly 20% after the company revealed the death of a patient who received its Prader Willi syndrome drug Vykat was reported to the FDAs adverse event reporting system, or FAERS. In a Wednesday regulatory filing, Soleno stressed the treating physician didnt believe Vykat to be related, that a FAERS report doesnt establish causation and that the patient, who died from a blood clot that traveled to the lungs, had a history of health conditions. The details provide strong support that its not drug-related, wrote Stifel analyst James Condulis, whose team was surprised by the stock move. Soleno shares have lost about one-third of their value since last month, when short-selling activist firm Scorpion Capital published a report alleging serious safety concerns with Vykat, the first approved drug for the insatiable hunger associated with Prader-Willi.  Ben Fidler
ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is one of the best tech stocks to buy for the long term. The company has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 21% over the past 12 months, supported by solid profit margins of 78.5%. Consequently, on September 8, analysts at Truist Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and a $1,200 price target.

Truist Securities Asserts Buy Rating on ServiceNow Inc. (NOW), Downplays Seat-Based Growth Concerns

According to the research firm, the heightened adoption of artificial intelligence is not in any way threatening the companys seat-based growth model. Therefore, it maintains the buy rating as the company is not experiencing a reduction in seat counts among its customers. The company has already adjusted its internal hiring processes to leverage the efficiencies of AI.

The remarks come as ServiceNow agrees with the US General Services Administration to promote AI-driven modernization across federal agencies. In Brazil, it has already teamed up with SENAI-SP on the launch of a statewide AI skills training program.

ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) provides an AI-powered digital workflow platform that helps organizations automate tasks, improve operational efficiency, and unify experiences across departments like IT, customer service, and human resources. Its solutions allow businesses to digitize workflows, enhance productivity, and deliver better services to both employees and customers.

While we acknowledge the potential of NOW as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Consumer Goods Stocks Billionaires Are Quietly Buying and Goldman Sachs Penny Stocks: Top 12 Stock Picks.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
UiPath Inc. (NYSE:PATH) is one of the worst AI stocks to invest in according to financial media. On August 25, UiPath announced the appointment of Michael Atalla as its new Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Atalla will be responsible for leading all aspects of the companys global marketing strategy, including brand, performance, demand generation, and communications.

Atallas primary focus will be to enhance UiPaths position in agentic AI and orchestration. He brings over 20 years of marketing leadership experience to UiPath. He most recently spent 4 years as the senior vice president and head of Worldwide Marketing at F5, which is an application security and delivery company. Before F5, he founded and led The MJJM Group, which is a company that helped early-stage founders secure funding and achieve growth.

UiPath Inc. Appoints Michael Atalla as Chief Marketing Officer to Lead Agentic AI Strategy

Additionally, Atalla worked at Microsoft for nearly 15 years in various marketing leadership positions, where he was instrumental in the evolution of Microsoft Office into Office 365. UiPaths Founder and CEO, Daniel Dines, stated that Atallas deep expertise and technical credibility make him the ideal leader to help the companys customers achieve better outcomes and solidify its leadership in the agentic AI category.

UiPath Inc. (NYSE:PATH) provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation/RPA solutions primarily in the US, Romania, the UK, the Netherlands, and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of PATH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
BERLIN (Reuters) -UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel said the Italian lender may consider the sale of its stake in Germany's Commerzbank to a bank outside the European Union if it received a good offer that shareholders wanted, a German newspaper reported on Saturday.

Over the last year, UniCredit has built a 26% equity stake in the German lender and pressed for a tie-up, which Commerzbank opposes. The German state holds a 12% stake in the bank and the government in Berlin is also against a takeover.

If shareholders were no longer satisfied with the investment in Commerzbank, UniCredit could sell the stake at a profit, Orcel told Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"What would happen if a bank that is not from the EU were to offer the most for our shares? Then I would have to accept that offer out of an obligation to my shareholders," he was quoted as saying.

"Would I like that? Not necessarily, I've been trying for a year to forge a stronger bank in Europe," he told the paper, adding that in the end the rules of the market would prevail.

(Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -A former quantitative researcher at Two Sigma Investments has been indicted for fraud, after allegedly manipulating the large hedge fund's algorithmic models to generate a $23.5 million payday for himself while causing $165 million of harm to clients, U.S. authorities said on Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Jian Wu was indicted on wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering charges.

Wu, 34, a Chinese citizen who has lived in New York, also faces related U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil charges, that regulator said.

Prosecutors said Wu is a fugitive. A lawyer for him could not immediately be identified. Two Sigma declined to comment. It fired Wu in 2024, ending six years of employment, and repaid clients for losses, authorities said.

"Wu's employer trusted him to act with integrity," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in Manhattan said in a statement. "Instead, Wu used his technical abilities to cheat his employer out of millions."

Two Sigma uses an array of investment models that digest data and make investment predictions, which can be used to make trades.

Founded in 2001, the New York-based firm has more than $60 billion of assets under management.

Authorities said Wu created or helped create 14 models that circumvented Two Sigma's requirement that new models generate unique predictions that complement, rather than duplicate, existing predictions.

Two Sigma allegedly began using Wu's models more frequently, believing them sufficiently different, causing it to deviate from the intended strategies of clients when it bought and sold securities on their behalf.

Authorities said Wu was paid $23.5 million in 2022, and spent some on a multimillion-dollar Manhattan apartment.

They said the scheme began to unravel in 2023 as employees noticed higher-than-expected correlations between Wu's models and other models, and Two Sigma began an investigation.

Wu then made additional unauthorized changes to conceal his prior activity, authorities said.

The SEC said Two Sigma canceled Wu's $8 million of performance grants in 2021 and 2022, but has not recouped his $17.8 million of cash bonuses for those years.

The cases are U.S. v. Wu, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-cr-00413; and SEC v Wu in the same court, No. 25-07573.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jamie Freed)
By Makiko Yamazaki and Leika Kihara

TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to "market determined" exchange rates, while agreeing that foreign exchange interventions should be reserved for combating excess volatility, according to a joint statement released on Friday.

The latest agreement also notably made no new demands by the Trump administration on Tokyo around foreign exchange or other matters, a point analysts say will give Japan some relief as it navigates tricky bilateral ties with Washington.

The U.S. Treasury Department and the Japanese Finance Ministry "reaffirmed that exchange rates should be market determined and that excess volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability," the statement said.

They agreed that foreign exchange interventions "should be reserved for combating excess volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates," it added.

They also reconfirmed they had avoided exchange rate intervention to gain competitive trade advantages, an implicit approval that massive yen-buying Japan conducted in 2022 and 2024 was not unfair currency manipulation.

The statement mostly reaffirmed existing foreign exchange commitments agreed among the Group of Seven major economies. There had been some concern in Tokyo that the U.S. would call on Japan to prop up the yen in trade negotiations.

Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters that the two countries decided to issue a joint statement on foreign exchange to reflect the discussions that he and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have had as part of broader trade negotiations.

They chose this timing as the two countries this month published a separate joint statement clarifying details of their tariff deal, Kato said.

The tariff negotiations with the United States have been led by Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, while the two countries had agreed that any discussions on currency rates have to be held between Kato and Bessent.

Under the agreement, Washington will reduce tariffs to 15% on most Japanese imports in exchange for Japan's $550 billion U.S.-bound investment package, which includes government-backed loans and guarantees.

The foreign exchange market showed little immediate reaction to the statement.

"The statement is significant for Japan in a sense that they reaffirmed the previous agreements, with no fresh demand being made from the United States," said Yuji Saito, executive advisor to SBI FX Trade.
Kathy Pories at Algonquin bought North American rights, at auction, to A Happy Death by National Book Critics Circle Award and Kirkus Prize finalist Dina Nayeri (pictured l.) from Michael Taeckens, in his first deal as an agent at Massie McQuilkin & Altman. The novel, per the agency, follows a messy, horny, middle-aged woman who flees New York City for Edinburgh, and depicts the tender and often hilarious humiliations of desire, aging, and the need for purpose and community. Publication is planned for early 2027.

Vicki Lame at Saturday won North American rights, at auction, to bookstagrammer Tina Marss debut novel, This Wretched Alchemy, the first in a duology, from Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary, for a fall 2026 release. Elizabeth Vaziri at Magpie preempted U.K. and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Anna Carmichael at Abner Stein. The adult dark romantasy, per the publisher, follows a young woman thrust into a deadly competition in order to save her family, who ultimately falls for the villain she was sent to kill.

Caitlin McKenna at Random House took North American rights to The Flower Bearer, by poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths, from Jin Auh at the Wylie Agency, for publication in January. The memoir, per the publisher, traces two transformational relationships in Griffithss lifewith her best friend, Kamilah Aisha Moon, and her husband, Salman Rushdieand recounts Moons sudden, tragic death on the day of her wedding to Rushdie, and how eleven months later, just as she was beginning to pick up the pieces, a brutal attack nearly claimed Rushdies life.

Harriet LeFavour at Bloomsbury netted North American rights to Trust Me, by Guggenheim fellow and 2025 Emmy Awardwinning

documentarian Matt Wolf, from Bill Clegg at the Clegg Agency. The book, the publisher said, is an exploration of the second story behind every documentary: the unique, strange, often fraught relationship between a filmmaker and their subject, drawing from both documentary history and the authors own experiences to capture the profound questions of trust, access, and power posed throughout the filmmaking process. Publication is planned for winter 2029.

George Witte at St. Martins secured North American English rights to a novel by National Jewish Book Award winner Ronald H. Balson, tentatively titled Book XI, from Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group. The agency called it a sweeping, heart-stopping novel about moral conviction, found family, and love and leadership that follows two people who gamble everything to shepherd 3,000 souls aboard a train to freedom. Publication is set for next fall.

In Brief
Mark Herron isnt exactly a media lawyer. His specialty is discrimination and employment rights, and most of his cases involve mistreatment in the workplace stemming from gender, race, or disability status.

Thats what made the case of Karen Cahall v. New Richmond Exempted Village School District so interesting to him. Cahall has been a third grade teacher in public schools south of Cincinnati for 30 years. In November 2024, she was suspended without pay for three days after a parent complained there were four books featuring LBGTQ+ characters in her classroom library: Ana On the Edge by A.J. Sass, The Fabulous Zed Watson by Basil Sylvester, Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake, and Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff. The books were stored not on shelves but in bins, through which students had to sift in order to choose what to read. The titles were neither prominently displayed nor discussed in class. They were simply therebut that was enough.

Herron says the lawsuit over his clients suspension centers on two issues. First, the county is very conservative, and there are several pastors on the local school board. The pressure to remove those books while other workers within the school wear religious insignia, Herron argues, infringes on Cahalls own religious belief that LGBTQ+ communities should be accepted, respected, and loved.

The second factor is a policy in the school that forbids teachers from teaching about contentious matters. But no one can really say what that means.

Whats controversial and whats not? Herron asks. To an extent, thats something two people can disagree on. Reasonable people can disagree on anything, so you cant say dont teach something controversial without more guidance.

Assessing which materials are controversial in public libraries and schools is a costly endeavor, both in money and in time, and the organized push to ban books from public and school library shelves has increased dramatically over the past few years. In 2024, 5,813 books were challenged throughout the country, nearly 25 times more than in 2015.

In 2023, USA Today found that taxpayers across four school districts in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah paid at least $270,000 to review challenged books and assess whether they included controversial content. Thats about $67,000 spent per institution, meaning it costs nearly the average salary of a full-time employee to ban books in a given district.

The playbook has shifted

This mass push to censor reading materials requires legal intervention in order to keep control of materials in the hands of librarians and teachers rather than giving it to outside actors. In late 2022, attorney Ric Jacobs says, a patron visited the Dayton Memorial Library, the only public library in rural Columbia County, Wash., and moved a copy of Juno Dawsons Whats the T? The Guide to All Things Trans and/or Nonbinary from one side of the childrens section to another. The book, originally shelved with college materials meant for teenagers, was moved to an area with cartoonish furniture and picture books, where the patron snapped a photo of it and shared it on Facebook.

That misleading social media post and the fervor from it started things off, Jacobs recalls. Soon the library director faced demands to remove that book and others. When those demands were refused, Facebook users started a smear campaign, Jacobs says, in which they accused the director of being a pedophile. The director resigned in July 2023, but before long, the fervor moved to the ballot: organizers managed to acquire enough signatures to launch a local referendum to close the public library and return its books and resources to the state of Washington.

The measure ultimately failed. Jacobs filed an injunction on behalf of a local political action committee, called Neighbors United for Progress, to remove the referendum from the November 2023 ballot, and the county court ruled that the majority of signatures acquired were fraudulent. The affidavits, Jacobs says, were filed by signatories stating that they were asked if they wanted to protect local children and to sign if they didwith no knowledge that the library would close as a result. Shortly after, the state increased the number of signatures required to close a library from 10% of voters to 25%.

My hope is that even the people who signed the petition realize that they narrowly avoided disaster, Jacobs says. This is about the consequences of censorship and reveals that the playbook has shifted for people with really extreme views on censoring speech and access to information.

The conversation is going to continue

Cahalls case is ongoing, and in the meantime shes still working. The Columbia County matter has also been put to bed for now. But other municipalities have not been so lucky.

In summer 2021, officials in Llano County, Tex., about an hour and a half northeast of Austin, ordered that the countys library system remove 17 books from its shelves. The effort was led by four individuals who soon became members of the library board. The banned books ranged in content, from titles covering the history of the Ku Klux Klan as a terrorist group to childrens books about using the bathroom.

The titles were deemed pornographic, and most of them were removed from the library catalog. Even so, in December 2021, the library was closed for three days so public commissioners could review the catalog. Concurrently, the existing library board was dissolved and replaced.

In 2022, seven residents of the county sued the local government over restricting access to books. Almost a year later, in March 2023, a U.S. district judge ordered that the banned books be replaced. That decision was appealed and the action put on hold. A federal appeals panel determined that eight of the 17 books could be reshelved. Then this past May, another federal appeals court reversed the lower courts decision, ruling in a 107 decision that it was constitutional to remove all 17 books.

Ryan Goellner represented the American Library Association, Freedom to Read Foundation, and Texas Library Association, which filed amicus briefs in support of the Llano County residents advocating for the reshelving of books during the en banc stage to affirm the injunction on behalf of Llano plaintiffs. But as it stands today, the case permits a degree of censorship.

I cant speak to the exact status of the books, Goellner says. But what the Fifth Circuit as an entire court said is that the district court was incorrect to issue an injunction for removing books.

What Goellner learned in the Llano County case is that freedom of expression isnt always as clear-cut as the public thinks it is. There are reams of case law behind the First Amendment that are constantly being interpreted, and reinterpreted, by courts with varying ideological slants.

Libraries, and public libraries in particular, are often in financial crunches and depend on tax dollars to keep the lights on. They rarely have the resources to defend against lawsuits on their own. Sometimes choosing the route of least resistance and simply removing titles from library shelvesespecially in rural, low-income communitiesis the only surefire way for librarians to keep their jobs. The alternative: fight the fight, and risk having to move to new locales in hopes of finding comparable positions.

A lot of us assume what the First Amendment means, but I encourage people to actually read about it, Goellner says. For better or worse, the conversation is going to continue.

Correction: An earlier version of this piece incorrectly described Goellner as the attorney for Llano County residents in Little v. Llano County.
By Mrinmay Dey

(Reuters) -The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission moved on Thursday to dismiss its case againt Trevor Milton, the founder and former CEO of Nikola, a company that sought to make electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.

In the case, filed in 2021, U.S. prosecutors accused Milton of falsely claiming that Nikola had built an electric- and hydrogen-powered pickup from scratch and developed batteries in-house while knowingly sourcing them externally.

In a document filed with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on Thursday, the SEC stated that it believes dismissing the case is appropriate.

Milton, who received a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump this year, also waived his right to seek legal costs and released all claims against the agency, the document showed.

Nikola's stock plummeted after Hindenburg Research, a former high-profile short-seller, targeted the company in 2020, accusing it of deceiving investors about its technological advancements.

It challenged a video Nikola produced showing its electric truck cruising at high speed, when in fact the vehicle was rolled down a hill.

Milton, who founded the Phoenix-based company in 2014, resigned shortly after the report. Two years later, he was convicted in October 2022 on one count of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud.

In 2023, a jury convicted Milton of misleading investors about the company's technology, resulting in a four-year prison sentence.

In February, Nikola became the latest electric vehicle maker to falter, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announcing plans to sell its assets.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Book banning legislation chills speech, encourages teachers and librarians to soft censor, and demonizes content by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors. With accusations of obscenity, pornography, and material thats harmful to minors, book banners aim to intimidate educators and librarians, who know their constitutional rights yet fear the wrath of conservative parents and politicians.

If the current political climate emboldens censors to target material perceived to be about gender ideology and critical race theory, it also rallies anti-censorship forces, which are drafting freedom-to-read legislation and taking lawmakers to court. PW looked at a few of the many federal and state legal cases shaping Americans right to read.

PEN American Center Inc. v. Escambia County School District

Whats at stake: Starting in 2022, Escambia County School District removed books from Florida public school libraries.

Whos involved: In May 2023, PEN America, PRH, six authors, and a family said the challenges to 197 books violated the First Amendment and 14th Amendment by disproportionately targeting work by nonwhite and LGBTQ+ authors and about topics concerning race and gender.

How its going: Some books have been returned to shelves. In August, a second amended complaint was filed demanding a trial by jury. U.S. district judge T. Kent Wetherell II, a Trump appointee, is deciding the case.

Crookshanks v. Elizabeth School District

Whats at stake: In summer 2024, Elizabeth (Colo.) School Districts board of education created a sensitive book list of more than 100 titles and temporarily suspended at least 19 books by and about BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people.

Whos involved: In December 2024, the ACLU of Colorado sued the ESD on behalf of the Authors Guild, the NAACP, and two parents. The plaintiffs claim viewpoint discrimination, students right to receive information, and authors right to share books.

How its going: In a preliminary injunction, Biden-appointed district judge Charlotte Sweeney ordered ESD to reshelve the books. ESD has appealed.

PRH v. Gibson

Whats at stake: Florida HB 1069 allows parents to file objection forms and remove K12 library material that depicts or describes sexual content.

Whos involved: In August 2024, the Big Five, Sourcebooks, the Authors Guild, and two parents filed suit, questioning HB 1069s definition of harmful to minors and refuting the government speech argument, a determining factor in the Fifth Circuits Little v. Llano County decision.

How its going: In August 2025, U.S. district judge Carlos E. Mendoza, an Obama appointee, ruled that HB 1069 violates the First Amendment. State defendants have appealed to the 11th Circuit.

PRH v. Labrador

Whats at stake: Idaho HB 710 prohibits school and public library books containing sexual content.

Whos involved: The Big Five, Sourcebooks, the Authors Guild, the Donnelly Public Library District, and Idaho residents initiated the case in February, saying HB 710 violates the First Amendment.

How its going: U.S. district judge Amanda K. Brailsford, a Biden appointee, has stayed proceedings until a November 3 hearing on Northwest Association of Independent Schools v. Labrador, a similar HB 710 case currently on appeal.

E.K. v. Department of Defense Education Activity

Whats at stake: Responding to White House executive orders, DoDEA schools removed more than 500 library books, citing gender ideology, divisive concepts, and discriminatory equity ideology.

Whos involved: Students of military families at five DoDEA schools sued in April, saying the removals violate their First Amendment rights. Defendants argue that the curricular changes are government speech.

How its going: U.S. district judge Patricia Tolliver Giles, a Biden appointee, ordered a list of the library books under review, which was filed on the public docket in July.

Missouri Association of School Librarians v. Jean Peters Baker

Whats at stake: Missouri SB 775 restricts and removes books with sexually explicit images and threatens educators with penalties including jail time.

Whos involved: In February 2023, the Missouri ACLU sued the Jackson County prosecuting attorney on behalf of the Missouri Association of School Librarians and Missouri Library Association for violating the First Amendment.

How its going: More than two years later, Jackson Countys circuit court has not rendered a verdict.

PRH v. Robbins

Whats at stake: Iowa SF 496 compels public school teachers and librarians to remove books that contain a description of a sex act.

Whos involved: In November 2023, PRH, the Iowa State Education Association, four authors, and three educators sued; Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, S&S, and the Authors Guild joined them in 2024. They argue that SF 496 violates the First Amendment and 14th Amendment.

How its going: U.S. district judge Steven H. Locher, a Biden appointee, has twice blocked key provisions of SF 496. The case is on appeal in the Eighth Circuit, where 10 of the 11 judges are Republican appointees.

BookPeople v. Wong

Whats at stake: Texas HB 900 bans sexually explicit books from public schools and would impose a rating system.

Whos involved: BookPeople in Austin and Blue Willow Bookshop in West Houston joined the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in a July 2023 complaint. The plaintiffs say HB 900 violates the First Amendment and 14th Amendment.

How its going: Trump-appointed U.S. district judge Alan D. Albright is presiding. A motion hearing is expected in the coming months.
Sitting in a meeting with Penguin Random House CEO Nihar Malaviya in 2023, Dan Novack knew he had to make a choice. States across the country were passing laws intended to remove titles from school and library shelvesefforts that critics say selectively censored titles on such contested topics as racial history and gender identity. Many were published by Novacks employer, PRHthe largest trade book publisher in the United States, which saw its sales top $5 billion last year.

Given that some of these laws stipulated that those who broke them could be slapped with criminal charges, Novack, VP and associate general counsel at PRH, foresaw a future in which the publisher was bombarded with high-risk lawsuits, frantically playing what he calls a 50-state defense. Passivity, he realized, was not an option. Malaviya, as it turns out, was already on the same page.

Enter PRHs Intellectual Freedom Taskforce, an internal group led by PRH SVP Skip Dye that has become the vanguard in the publishing industrys fight against book bans. Since the task forces inception, Dye has been widely recognized for its work, including in the pages of this magazine. Still, he is quick to point out that its a team effortafter all, its Novack and PRH head of policy Rosie Stewart who have taken book banners to court, advocated for freedom to read legislation that has since been passed, and paved the way for other publishers to join them.

The process has not been an easy one. Nevertheless, Dye believes that the work of the task force has boosted morale at PRH. We set forth because we felt it was the right thing to do, he says. We recognized the fight wasnt just about books, but about constitutional rights.

Of all its efforts, the task forces litigation has brought it the most attentionnot least because PRH became the first American book publisher to sue a school district when it joined a 2023 lawsuit against Escambia County, Fla. Alongside PEN America, authors, and parents, PRHs legal team quashed a policy that would have allowed the Escambia school board to remove any book it found objectionable from library shelves. (Novack characterizes the publishers win in the case as a fortuitous break.)

PRHs subsequent lawsuits in Iowa and Floridafiled in November 2023 and August 2024, respectivelyare ongoing, as is a more recent case in Idaho. The Iowa case has been particularly circuitous, Novack says; PRH and coplaintiffs including the Iowa State Educators Association have been moved between district and federal courts several times while the case argues that SF 496which purports to protect children from pornographyviolates the First Amendment.

Novack says this slow work is part of the normal, necessary process for establishing precedent and securing legal rights. For instance, SF 496 specifically bans books that relate to gender identity or sexual orientation, which PRH and its coplaintiffs argue is too vague and broadens the legal meaning of explicit material to the point of absurdity. Novack says such legal sleight of hand is a common denominator in book ban legislationmeaning that if PRH wins in Iowa, future lawsuits could be more easily won, if not prevented altogether.

Dye, Stewart, and Novack emphasize that even as the litigation endurance test unfolds, many breakthroughs have occurred offstage. Stewart has lobbied successfully for legislation writing the American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights into state law, including a new Colorado law aimed at shielding our public school libraries from D.C. culture wars, per the legislature.

Stewart, who has a background in grassroots organizing, says that coalition building with state-level freedom to read groups and such industry organizations as Authors Against Book Bans has been monumental in getting PRHs agenda on the radar of state legislatures. What weve tried to do is not disrupt the coalition, but support those efforts, Stewart says.

Dye has also prioritized amplifying the voices of educators and librarians as much as possible to combat the growing mistrust in their expertise. The conduits, the most important connectors for children and young adults to see new worlds, are those library workers, Dye says. Such bills as the one in Iowa, he adds, threaten the inclusivity and openness of the spaces librarians create to both hold up mirrors to readers and open doorways to new viewpoints.

Since 2023, PRHs Banned Wagon initiative has taken the publishers bookmobile on a tour across the country each Banned Books Week, offering communities PRH titles that have been deemed obscene and banned in some states. (This years tour kicks off October 5, and will see the Wagon visit libraries and bookstores across Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.) On one of those tours, Dye saw firsthand the difference a single book can make in someones mindset.

Dye recalls a person in Iowa who went from supporting book bans to being skeptical of them after she spent just 90 minutes reading Malinda Los Last Night at the Telegraph Club. They came up to me after and said, This book is really good. I dont get it,  Dye says, smiling.

With this in mind, Dye says its important not to dwell on such setbacks as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuits stunning May 23 ruling in Little v. Llano County that books on library shelves represent government speechan argument Novack says defies common sense. Novack pointed to the argument underpinning Mahmoud v. Taylor, which allows parents to opt-out their children from seeing things that conflict with their religion in public schools, as similarly absurd. That right had not ever been recognized previously, he says.

Simultaneously, and despite these setbacks, Novack sees PRH developing a much stronger line of argument rooted in constitutional precedent. In August, in PRH v. Gibson, the Florida court struck down a state ban on sexual content in public school libraries, determining it was overbroad based on previous similar cases, including PRHs litigation in Iowa. The Llano ideology and the argument that were building in our cases are on a collision course, Novack says, and we are doing everything we can to see to it that reason and justice win out.

In the meantime, Dye and Stewart plan to keep chipping away on the legislative and cultural fronts. We need to instill the right to read in language in as many states as possible, Dye says. We want to make sure we codify the definition of obscenity,  ensuring that it applies evenly to schools and libraries nationwide for the longterm.

Novack sees the amplification of the voices of such students as Haley Bonds, a high schooler who volunteered as a plaintiff in the Iowa case, as key to this effort. Students are the constituency that is most intimately affected by book bans and yet perhaps the least often listened to, he says; If we can give Haley Bonds and people like her more resources and a bigger megaphone, itll do so much to accelerate the defeat of this censorship movement.

Though other publishers have joined PRHs efforts on several casesmost notably in Florida, where the Big Five have all signed on as plaintiffsPRH is still by far the industry leader in the fight for the freedom to read, although Dye hopes that other publishers will keep devoting more and more resources to the fight alongside them. He encourages people to think back to the McCarthy era, when publishing banded together against censorship, albeit of a different kind. This is about all of us together, channeling our collective energy toward a goal to make sure that our authors voices are being heard, Dye says, and our responsibility to bring readers the books that they want to read.

Dye adds that it isnt as strange as it looks for a for-profit company to be taking the lead on a public interest issue like this one; its a simple matter of making sure the world is one where publishers can continue to do business on their own terms. Were adding to the marketplace of ideas, he says. And when all of a sudden the marketplace is being hampered, thats a problem.
The United Nations is in financial crisis. In response, the UN is contemplating unprecedented belt-tightening reforms, including budget and staff cuts, that it has spent decades resisting. But a key part of the solution  reducing UN salaries to bring them in line with US civil servants  has not been proposed. The US should make the case for it.

The cause of the UNs liquidity crisis is multi-faceted. One factor is the extraordinary 87 percent growth of the UN regular budget from $1.998 billion in 2005 to $3.729 billion in 2025. This growth was driven by demands from member states that require more reports, staff, and other resources.

This growth has been abetted by resistance from within the UN secretariat and among many member states to reforms proposed over the years by the United States and likeminded governments that would have helped constrain budget growth, improve efficiency, and eliminate redundant and outdated activities.

Increasing costs and questions about the value of these activities have contributed to many member states delaying or not paying their financial contributions in recent years, leading to substantial liquidity shortages. Although it is the most significant source of the funding shortfall, the US is not alone. China, Russia, and other large contributors had outstanding payments well into 2025.

However, the US is unique in that it has historically sought to leverage its status as the largest funder to the UN by withholding payments to pressure the organization to adopt reforms. In essence, America has delayed or withheld funding to spur the organization to adopt reforms or in objection to a specific policy.

Whether the Trump administrations decisions to halt US funding earlier this year, secure funding recissions in July, and propose further cuts are intended for this purpose is unclear. The US has not made public its demands, if they have made them. Nonetheless, the resulting financial strain has forced the United Nations to float significant budgetary reductions and reforms.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced the UN80 reform initiative in March. UN80 is aimed at reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and reducing waste. There are three main planks: adopting cost savings that the Secretary General can implement under his existing authority such as freezing hiring or shifting staff to lower cost locations; identifying and reviewing approximately 4,000 mandates (tasks ranging from peacekeeping operations to reports) adopted by the member states for duplication and ongoing relevance; and a consideration of structural reforms and consolidation of offices, funds, programs, and agencies across the UN system.

These efforts are overdue. In fact, they echo past reform efforts championed by the US that were ultimately rejected or shelved.

Twenty years ago, for instance, the US led an effort to compile a list of UN mandates to review for relevance, effectiveness, and duplication. The initial, partial review concluded that only 56 percent of the mandates in the Humanitarian cluster were current and relevant and that only 35 percent of the mandates in the African Development cluster were current and relevant. Rather than eliminate wasteful mandates, the General Assembly, instead, killed that mandate review.

Will this reform process be successful? Or killed like previous efforts? The US needs to push for success.

According to reports, as part of this process, the Secretary General is seeking to eliminate 20 percent of the budget and 20 percent of staff in the UN Secretariat. Unsurprisingly, the UN staff are opposed. But for organizations like the UN, it is difficult to achieve substantial budget reductions otherwise, as over 70 percent of the UN regular budget is dedicated to staff salaries and related costs. The US should support cuts, particularly for activities that are duplicative or tangential to the core UN mission.

However, the UN is overlooking a significant budget reduction option. Currently, under instruction from the UN General Assembly, UN professional staff are paid between 110 percent and 120 percent of equivalent US civil servants.

The UN justifies this because they are an expatriate service, i.e. their employees work in foreign countries. The US and other countries address this situation through cost-of-living adjustments and additional benefits. But heres the catch  so does the UN. The UN has post adjustments and additional benefits that are designed to alleviate the challenges of expatriate service as explained in this AEI paper.

Paying 10 to 20 percent above equivalent US civil service salaries is an unreasonable overcompensation on the part of the UN. The financial implications of excessive UN salaries amount to hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

As the largest contributor to the UN system, the US should work with the other member states to immediately reduce UN salaries to bring them into line with the member state that the UN has identified as having the best comparator civil service: the United States.

Brett Schaefer is a senior fellow at AEI, a former member of the UN Committee on Contributions, and a former member of the UN Task Force for the United States Institute of Peace. He has recently written on the WHO in The Dispatch, UNESCO in The Hill, and UNIFIL in National Review.
Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk addressed an emotional news conference on Friday (local time).

IMAGE: Erika Kirk with her late husband Charlie Kirk and their children. Photograph: @mrserikakirk/Instagram

In her first remarks since her husband's death Erika Kirk said that the movement her husband built "will not die."

"If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country," she said.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, died on Wednesday after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University.

His widow, who was accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha as they escorted Charlie Kirk's body, pledged to keep his legacy alive.

"Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby," she said. "I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen."

She said when she got home Thursday night, their three-year-old daughter asked: "Where's daddy?"

"I said, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much,'" she recalled. "'Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.'"

"I can't wait to see you again one day," she added, addressing her husband.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, is being held at a county jail in Spanish Fork, Utah, on multiple initial charges, an officer of the Utah County Jail told CNN.

The charges that allow Robinson to be held include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, the officer said. Robinson has not been charged formally yet, and initial charging documents aren't available at this time, other authorities in Utah say.

FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday said his agency had made "historic progress" in the investigation concerning conservative activist Charlie Kirk, expressing visible relief during a news conference.

Speaking about the pace of the investigation, Patel said, "In less than 36 hours -- 33 to be precise -- thanks to the full weight of the federal government and leading out with the partners here in the state of Utah and Gov. Cox, the suspect was apprehended in a historic time period."

He further expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump, noting that the resources provided enabled the bureau "to bring justice at this speed."

In a moving tribute to his late friend, Patel addressed Kirk directly during the conference: "To my friend, Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We have the watch. And I'll see you in Valhalla."
United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said NATO countries should impose 50 to 100 per cent tariffs on China and stop buying oil from Russia to help end the Ukraine conflict.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X

Trump's post on Truth Social comes a day after the US asked G7 countries to impose tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia.

In his post, Trump said he is ready to impose major sanctions on Russia when all NATO countries agree and start to do the same thing and stop buying oil from Moscow.

The US president said that NATO's commitment to win has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking!.

It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia, he said.

Trump said that he is ready to go ahead when the NATO countries are.

The president said that the 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China will also be of great help in ending this deadly, but ridiculous war.

China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip, he said.

Trump also said that the Ukraine war is not his conflict and it would never have started if he was president.

It is Biden's and Zelenskyy's war. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian livesIf NATO does as I say, the war will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States, he said.

The US has imposed an additional 30 per cent tax on imports from China while Beijing has responded with a 10 per cent tax on imports from Washington.

At one point, Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 per cent before the two countries agreed in May to end the tit-for-tat tariff war.

On Friday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer were on a call with G7 finance ministers when they reiterated President Trump's call to the bloc's partners about imposing tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia.
The United States has asked G7 countries to impose tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia, asserting that only unified efforts that cut off funding to Moscow's war machine at source can apply sufficient pressure to end the senseless killing.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation at the White House in Washington, DC. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer were on a call with G7 Finance Ministers on Friday when they reiterated President Donald Trump's call to the bloc's partners about imposing tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia.

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Finance and National Revenue, chaired a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers to discuss further measures to increase pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

G7 is an intergovernmental bloc of rich, industrialised countries comprising the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK. Canada is the head of the rolling G7 presidency this year.

During today's call with G7 Finance Ministers, Secretary Bessent reiterated President Trump's call to our G7 partners that, if they are truly committed to ending the war in Ukraine, they should join the United States in imposing tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia, a US Treasure Department statement said after the call.

The statement did not name any country. But the US has often blamed India and China for purchasing Russian oil even when there are no tariffs on Beijing for it.

Only with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing, said Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer.

Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the United States has already taken dramatic action against the purchasers of Russian oil. We are encouraged by the assurances of our fellow G7 nations that they are committed to ending this war, and we are hopeful that they will join us in taking decisive action at this critical time, the statement added.

The US has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil, an action that New Delhi has described as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.

India has been maintaining that its energy procurement, including buying oil from Russia, is driven by national interest and market dynamics.

India and the US have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement since March. So far, five rounds of negotiations have been completed.

For the sixth round, the US team, which was to visit India last month, deferred its visit due to the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods by Washington.

Trade relations between the two countries have been strained due to the high tariffs. The two countries had earlier announced plans to conclude the first phase of the India-US bilateral trade agreement by the fall of 2025.

A statement from Champagne said, Russia's increasingly aggressive stance, including recent bombings in Ukraine and Wednesday's violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, and its unwillingness to agree to a ceasefire have prompted this G7 meeting.

Canada, as part of its G7 Presidency, remains committed to working closely with G7 allies to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine's long-term security and recovery, he said in the statement posted on X.

G7 Ministers agreed to accelerate discussions to further use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to fund Ukraine's defence, and to explore other mechanisms that would allow further increasing financial support to Ukraine, it added.

Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer also welcomed commitments to increase sanctions pressure and explore using immobilised Russian sovereign assets to further benefit Ukraine's defence, it said.

On Friday, President Trump, when asked in an interview with Fox and Friends' what clamping down on his Russian counterpart entails, said: Look, India was their biggest customer. I put a 50 per cent tariff on India because they're buying oil from Russia. That's not an easy thing to do. That's a big deal and it causes a rift with India.
A 19-year-old youth from a village in Bathinda, who used to watch radicalised content online, was injured when he was assembling some combustible chemical material in his home, the police said on Friday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The injured youth has been identified as a 19-year-old Gurpreet Singh, a law student in Bathinda. After being injured on Wednesday, he was rushed to a private hospital in Bathinda by his family, including his father.

Later, during the day, when his father returned and was clearing up the chemicals, it led to another explosion, leaving him injured, according to Bathinda police.

The youth used to watch radicalised content online, Bathinda senior superintendent of police Amneet Kondal told reporters in Bathinda on Friday.

Sources said that multiple agencies were now involved in the probe into the incident.

The youth was injured in the incident in his home in Jeeda village in Bathinda. He had sourced some chemicals online.

The police said they later received information from the hospital authorities, where the injured were taken, saying they suspected the injuries suffered could be a result of an explosion.

The window panes of the house broke due to the impact of the blasts while household items also suffered damage.

SSP Kondal said, "Gurpreet Singh used to watch radicalised content online. He also used to watch videos pertaining to chemical combinations of explosive material. He ordered some combustible substances online.

"While he was trying to handle these materials and prepare some kind of explosive after watching those videos, it resulted in a blast in which Gurpreet suffered injuries, including on his hand, leg and burn injuries."

Forensic teams reached the incident spot along with a bomb disposal squad. The area was cordoned off after the police received information about the incident, she said, adding that samples were collected from the spot.

During the preliminary probe, it has come to fore that Gurpreet used to spend a lot of time on his mobile phone watching radicalised content, the SSP said.

Asked if Gurpreet could have been in contact with some elements in Pakistan, the SSP said, "There is no doubt that he watched radicalised videos and was highly influenced, but whether he was in contact or not will be known during the investigations."

SSP Kondal said a case has been registered under the Explosive Substances Act and investigations are ongoing.

Asked whether Gurpreet had booked a train ticket for Jammu this week, she said, "This is a matter of investigation."

Replying to a question, she said the police were sharing relevant information with other agencies as part of the probe.

She said that Gurpreet's mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis and his financial trails are also being probed.
Getty Images Analysts at Bank of America lowered their ratings of shares of UPS and FedEx on Thursday

A big Wall Street bank got more cautious about two U.S. shipping giants' shares today.

Bank of America analysts on Thursday downgraded both FedEx (FDX) and UPS (UPS), setting price targets on shares that were among the lowest on Wall Street.

The analysts cut their rating on FedEx to neutral from buy, trimming their target by $5 to $240, one of the lower ratings compiled by Visible Alpha and below the average above $269, though above recent prices. Their move on UPS was more dramatic, swapping a neutral rating for an underperform and setting an $83 target that is the lowest tracked by Visible Alpha and well below the mean near $107. Its shares were recently around $84.

In both cases, the downbeat changes come with the stocks in the red for the year so far as the S&P 500 has risen.

Bank of America cited increased pressure on volume and costs at both companies, noting the recent move by the Trump administration to close a tariff exemption for certain low-value items. Some companies have already reported pain as a result, though others have cheered the move.

UPS in late July reported second-quarter revenue that came in higher than expected, but disappointing profits and a decision to not provide profit or revenue forecasts pulled shares down toward current levels. FedEx suspended its outlook in June; its shares are around the price seen after that move.

While the changes may be weighing on the shares today, both companies stocks were higher in recent trading as optimism about interest-rate cuts lifted stocks broadly. Read Investopedias full coverage of todays trading here.



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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay encountered an audio glitch at the launch of his maiden statewide campaign in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday.

IMAGE: Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay, addresses a gathering during a statewide campaign rally, Tiruchirappalli, September 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

The actor, who was swarmed by his followers in thousands at Tiruchirappalli and Ariyalur, targetted both the Centre and the DMK government in the state, and said without mincing words that he entered politics only with the intention of serving the people and not for earning wealth.

Commencing his 'I am coming,' state-wide campaign ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly election due by March-April next year, he asked the crowd, "will you vote for the DMK?" and raised a number of questions seeking to push the Chief Minister M K Stalin-led government into a corner.

Clad in white shirt, Vijay delivered his address from a raised platform-like structure on the top of the campaign bus and cadres continuously flung party flags at him. His address was marred by audio issues and out of his 20-minute speech, barely one to two minutes was audible and clear.

Cadres, fans and the people who had gathered in thousands chanted 'Vijay, Vijay' as his speech became almost incomprehensible barring some remarks, words and points.

One of his key accusation was that the DMK government did not fulfill its assurances made ahead of the 2021 Assembly election. He also hit out at the DMK regime over the illegal kidney sale racket.

When Vijay began his speech by 3 PM, he outlined the significance of choosing Tiruchirappalli for his maiden rally. He said that it was here that Dravidian icon, DMK founder CN Annadurai decided in 1956 to enter the electoral race. It was also the place where AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran held his first state conference in 1974 after launching his party in 1972.

Tiruchirappali was renowned also for communal harmony and rationalist leader 'Periyar' EV Ramasamy lived here. During the days of yore, before going to battlefield, kings used to pray to their family deities. Similarly, Vijay said he has visited Tiruchirappalli.

Any political initiative, when started in Tiruchirappalli, would eventually become a turning point, he said.

At Ariyalur, the actor said that he entered politics only with the intention of serving the people and not for earning wealth. His aim was to ensure a Tamil Nadu free from hunger and corruption and to provide governance with conscience.

"What's the big deal about money? I have seen enough of it. Should I come into politics to make money? No need. I have no other intention other than to serve you", he said.

Vijay, who arrived near the old bus stand here to address his second public campaign for the day, as his party cadres swarmed his campaign vehicle throughout his road trip from Tiruchirappali, apologised for his delayed arrival.

"Vanakkam. Sorry, I'm late. There was a problem due to the mike at the Tiruchirappalli meeting. There's nothing bigger than the love and affection you are showering on me," he said, standing atop the campaign vehicle.

IMAGE: Drone visuals of the gathering during the statewide campaign rally held by actor and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay, in Tiruchirappalli, September 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

During his nearly 15-minute speech from 8.44 pm, the TVK leader said his political adversaries have started uttering many things after seeing the people's overwhelming support for him. But, he chose to ignore the criticism and proceed with his work, Vijay added.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister had in a veiled attack on Vijay said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was not a movement that disrupted public tranquility through the din of a large gathering, but one that preserved the state's unique identity and built modern Tamil Nadu. Stalin, president of DMK, said "when we gather, we assemble as a disciplined battalion; and after the meeting, we disperse as soldiers with a mission," Stalin said in a letter to party cadres.

Targetting the BJP-led government at the centre, Vijay said in Ariyalur the instance of 65 lakh voters missing from the electoral roll in Bihar was nothing short of "theft of votes." The Centre's agenda was to dismiss all state governments and hold simultaneous polls for the nation.

"The One Nation, One Election idea amounts to a murder of democracy. And the delimitation exercise is only meant to destroy the opposition parties and weaken the southern states so that the northern states had more constituencies," he alleged.

Like the Centre, the DMK government too was "deceiving" the people with promises that were not fulfilled, the actor claimed.

"My dear CM sir, you are providing reels. Will you answer the questions? No you won't," he said.

A caravan-like custom-built campaign vehicle, fitted with a public address system has been readied by the party for Vijay's use during his campaign. The campaign bus has brightly painted images of iconic leaders, including C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran, and features the campaign slogan: "I am coming." The campaign logo featured a smiling Vijay with the slogan "Unga Vijay Na Varen, Vagai Soodum Varalaru Thirumbukirathu (Your Vijay, I am coming; history of victory returns)."

Earlier, upon his arrival from Chennai by a chartered fight, Vijay was accorded a rousing reception in Tiruchirappalli by party workers and admirers. Ethusiastic TVK workers, carrying party flags, pushed away barricades on the airport premises at several spots to get a glimpse of their leader. The crowd, including women, surged, and as a result his vehicle moved at a snail's pace.
Abdul Wahid Shaikh, the only accused acquitted by the trial court in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, has sought a compensation of Rs 9 crore for his "wrongful incarceration" and "custodial torture".

IMAGE: The view of a local train damaged by a blast in Mumbai on July 11, 2006. Photograph: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Reuters

All remaining accused in the case were acquitted by the Bombay High Court in July this year.

In his applications filed before the National Human Rights Commission as well as Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission on Friday, Abdul Wahid Shaikh also requested support for rehabilitation.

Nine years after he was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the blasts case, a special court in 2015 cleared him of all charges.

The period of imprisonment caused "irreparable" damage to his career, education and personal life, and the "brutal custodial torture" left him with serious health issues, his application said.

Further, the "stigma" of being branded a "terrorist" made it difficult for him to find employment after his release, said Shaikh.

He is working as a school teacher and is the sole breadwinner of the family, he said, adding that his family suffered socially, emotionally, and economically when he was in jail.

He also incurred a debt of nearly Rs 30 lakh for medical and living expenses, Shaikh claimed.

The plea mentioned that he did not seek compensation for ten years for "moral reasons", as his co-accused had been convicted.

"I decided to wait until all my co-accused were acquitted and proven innocent," it added.

While the trial court acquitted Shaikh in 2015, it sentenced five of the other 12 men to death and seven to life imprisonment. One of the death row convicts died in 2021.

In July 2025, the Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 accused, noting that the prosecution utterly failed to prove the case.

Shaikh's plea also cited similar cases where human rights commissions granted compensation to victims of wrongful imprisonment.

Seven train blasts on Western Railway's suburban network in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, killed more than 180 persons.
Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday dissolved the House of Representatives at the recommendation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

IMAGE: Security personnel fire tear gas to disperse protesters in Kathmandu. Photograph: ANI video grab

The house was dissolved with effect from 11 pm on September 12, 2025, according to a notice issued by the President's Office.

The President has also fixed March 21, 2026, as the date for holding the fresh Parliamentary elections, the notice said.

Former Chief Justice Karki on Friday night became Nepal's first woman prime minister to lead an interim government, ending days of political uncertainty after the K P Sharma Oli dispensation was forced to quit in the face of a nation-wide agitation triggered by a social media ban.

President Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki, 73, this evening, three days after Oli resigned from the prime minister's post following the worst unrest that the Himalayan nation has witnessed in decades.

Karki took the oath of office and secrecy from the President as per Article 80 of the Constitution of Nepal.

Hearty congratulations, you will succeed to save the country, the President said congratulating her soon after the swearing in ceremony.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new prime minister was attended by Nepal's chief justice, senior government officials, security chiefs, and members of the diplomatic community.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was the only former Prime Minister present during the swearing-in ceremony.

As soon as the news of Karki's appointment came, youths belonging to the Gen Z group celebrated the victory outside the president's office at Sheetalniwas, Maharajgunj in Kathmandu.

Social media is filled with posts like congratulations to the first woman prime minister, Be successful, save and build the country. Thanks to Gen Z, who made this happen.

Yes, this is my house, my college, now my country will also operate with the love, sacrifice and affection of the mother, wrote a girl in her Facebook status expressing her happiness over the appointment of the first female Prime Minister.

Karki was chosen to lead the interim government after a meeting between President Paudel, Nepal's top military brass, and the youth protesters, who spearheaded the anti-government protests.

Paudel also consulted leaders of all major political parties, legal experts and civil society leaders separately before deciding to appoint Karki as the caretaker prime minister.
As many as nine people were killed and more than 20 people injured when a truck ploughed into a Ganesha immersion procession at a village in Hassan district on Friday night, police sources said.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The incident occurred at Mosale Hosahalli village around 8.45 pm during the final day of Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.

Most of the deceased are young boys, the sources said, adding that more than 20 people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a private hospital in Hassan for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the truck, reportedly coming from Arakalagudu, lost control and crashed into the devotees.

About four people died on the scene after being trapped under the lorry's wheel, villagers said.

An official statement is awaited.

Expressing grief over the mishap, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy said, "I was deeply shocked to hear the news of a horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession in Mosale Hosahalli of Hassan taluk, in which several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured."

"I am deeply saddened that devotees lost their lives when a truck ran over those taking part in the Ganapati procession. This is a very tragic incident."

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of all the injured.

The JDS leader appealed to the state government to take steps to provide free treatment to the injured. (With ANI inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki on assuming office, calling her appointment a shining example of women empowerment.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki. Photograph: ANI Photo

Addressing a rally in Manipur capital Imphal, Modi said India and Nepal have been close friends bound by shared history, faith and cultural ties, and New Delhi stood firmly with the people of the neighbouring country during its transitional phase.

I want to congratulate Karki on behalf of 140 crore Indians. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal, the PM said.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Friday night became Nepal's first woman prime minister to lead an interim government.

Karki occupying the top post of that country is an example of women's empowerment, Modi asserted.

Her appointment ended days of political uncertainty after the K P Sharma Oli dispensation was forced to quit in the face of a nationwide agitation triggered by a social media ban.

Karki was chosen to lead the interim government after a meeting between President Paudel, Nepal's top military brass, and the youth protesters, who spearheaded the agitation.

The PM also lauded the resilience of the Nepali people, noting how citizens, especially young men and women, were taking part in cleaning and painting buildings in the past few days, amid political turbulence.

"I also want to congratulate the people of Nepal who, despite such turbulent times, have kept democratic values supreme," Modi said, drawing applause from the gathering.

Emphasising India's solidarity, the PM said both nations were "moving forward together", and reiterated New Delhi's commitment to support Nepal's democratic journey and its aspiration for stability.
The United Kingdom police on Friday issued an appeal for information over an alleged rape of a British Sikh woman earlier this week, which the force said is being treated as a racially aggravated assault.

Photograph: Pixabay.com

Police said it was called on Tuesday morning after the woman, in her 20s, reported being sexually attacked at Tame Road, Oldbury, in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands region of England.

The two white male suspects are said to have targeted the woman and made a racist remark during the attack.

We're investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack, West Midlands Police statement said.

The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack. We are currently treating it as an isolated incident, the statement added.

Police said they are keen to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen the two suspects. One of them is said to have a shaved head, heavy build and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way, said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police.

We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area, she said.

The local MP for Smethwick, Gurinder Singh Josan, said the truly horrific attack had left the victim traumatised and appealed for anyone with information to assist the police in investigating the "hate crime".

I am reassured Sandwell police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators. The incident is being treated as a hate crime, said Josan.

The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack, he added.

Groups such as Sikh Youth UK said they are supporting the victim and her family after the brutal attack" and the local gurdwara, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, has organised a public meeting on Friday to discuss vigilance and safety measures for members of the community.
The family of Chandra Mouli "Bob" Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager brutally beheaded in Dallas earlier this week, will hold his funeral on Saturday at 2 pm at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home in Flower Mound, Texas.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted for representational reasons. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

A fundraiser launched to support Nagamallaiah's wife, Nisha, and 18-year-old son, Gaurav  who witnessed the attack  has raised nearly $200,000, at last reckoning, to help cover funeral expenses and Gaurav's college education.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old Cuban national with a violent criminal history.

Cobos-Martinez was released from ICE custody earlier this year after Cuba refused to accept his deportation due to his criminal record.

Assistant secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said the case underscores broader immigration challenges.

"This is exactly why the Trump Administration was removing criminal illegal aliens to third countries such as Uganda and South Sudan," she said, pointing out policy gaps that allowed the suspect to remain in the country despite a deportation order.

The Consulate General of India in Houston is closely monitoring the case and providing consular support.

Consul General DC Manjunath said the consulate "is in contact with the family and local authorities, offering all necessary assistance."

The Indian-American community expressed shock and grief.

Gitesh Desai, president of SEWA International's Houston chapter, said, "This crime has devastated our community. We are offering every form of support possible to the grieving family."

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America condemned the killing, calling it part of a disturbing national trend.

"These tragedies highlight an alarming societal breakdown  where political discord erodes cohesion, violence spreads unchecked, and government responses are mere lip service. We demand full investigations and a national inquiry into America's collapsing civil dialogue," it said.

Indiaspora, a global network of Indian-origin leaders, said it was "deeply saddened and horrified by the brutality of this crime" and condemned the violent act "in the strongest possible terms."

"Every person deserves safety and dignity regardless of identity," it said.

Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, said, "Amidst several grotesque murders across America, our community is shaken again  now by the brutal beheading of Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah by a repeat offender who was to be removed from our country. In times like this, we must remember our shared humanity and choose patience and acceptance over violence."

Dallas Police have confirmed the killing was recorded on motel CCTV cameras.

Cobos-Martinez remains jailed without bond pending trial.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is one of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. Wall Street remains bullish on the stock after the company posted mixed results for its fiscal second quarter of 2025. The company posted a revenue of $6.33 billion, which decreased 3% year-over-year and fell short of expectations by $98.58 million. However, the EPS of $0.52 topped consensus by $0.02.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) achieved some notable business developments during the quarter. Management noted completing the planned turnaround at its Athabasca Oil Sands Project five days early and on budget. The turnaround activities led to a reduced quarterly production by about 120,000 barrels per day. However, despite this, the company achieved quarterly production volumes totaling approximately 1,420 MBOE/d, up around 135,000 BOE/d from the prior year.

Several analysts have reiterated their bullish sentiment on the stock after the release. On August 7, Gregory Pardy from RBC Capital reiterated a Buy rating on the stock, while reducing the price target from C$64 to C$62. However, Michael Barth from Raymond James raised the price target on Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) from C$41.82 to C$54, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is an oil and natural gas producer operating mainly in Western Canada, the UK North Sea, and Offshore Africa.

While we acknowledge the potential of CNQ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Students at an Afghan refugee camp near Peshawar in northwest Pakistan are worried about what comes next for them if they are forcibly repatriated to Afghanistan.

RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal met students at a school in the Khazana Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Peshawar.

The camp was established in the late 1970s and has housed thousands of Afghan families fleeing decades of conflict in Afghanistan.

Afghans had until August 31 to return to Afghanistan or face forcible return.

"My grandfather migrated here. I was born in the Khazana [refugee] camp. I'm in fifth grade here," says student Salaman Khan. "Moving to Afghanistan at this stage will affect my studies. Also, it's not possible to immediately enter another school [in Afghanistan] after leaving here."

Many families returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan have said they have been unable to enroll children in schools, because they did not have the necessary documents to register them.

The Taliban has meanwhile waged a war on all forms of modern secular education, which thrived in Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001.

Since regaining power in 2021, the hard-line Islamist group has converted scores of secular schools, public universities, and vocational training centers into Islamic seminaries, leading to a surge in the number of madrasahs in the country.

The Taliban-run madrasahs promote extremist religious instruction, raising fears that it could radicalize a new generation of Afghans.

Shakil Arshad, who teaches students in the refugee camp, is worried about what will become of the children here.

"The curriculum we teach here [in Pakistan] creates a serious challenge for these students [moving to Afghanistan]. The [Taliban] government should find a solution -- for example, providing additional tuition centers for them so that they don't miss a year of their education."

The United Nations says more than 1.2 million Afghans, including many children, have moved to Afghanistan since Pakistan launched a 2023 crackdown.

Refugees have reported police raids and harassment by the Pakistani authorities.
As Chinese leader Xi Jinping walked down a red carpet on Beijing's Tiananmen Square in early September flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un at a heavily choreographed military parade, another story about China's expanded influence was unfolding on the sidelines.

While Xi sent messages of resolve aimed at the West during the September 3 parade and days earlier at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese officials and businesses inked billions of dollars' worth of new infrastructure and technology deals with Central Asian governments and companies while announcing new agreements to lessen the barrier for Chinese businesses to operate across the region.

"China is now completely integrated into the region. There is no denying its overwhelming presence in Central Asia," Frank Maracchione, an expert on China's engagement with Central Asia at the University of Kent, told RFE/RL.

This reality is most apparent in Central Asia's two biggest economies: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. At the SCO summit and at events on the sidelines around the massive military parade in Beijing, Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev signed more than 70 new commercial deals worth $15 billion that included investments in oil and gas projects, petrochemicals, transport corridors, logistics hubs, and digital technologies.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also left China with new investments in construction, nuclear energy, higher education, and the automotive industry, as well as formal backing at the SCO for a long-discussed multibillion-dollar railway project connecting Uzbekistan to China through Kyrgyzstan that has been championed by Tashkent.

"It's no longer just about Beijing's relationship with Central Asian governments or only big infrastructure projects," Maracchione said. "A lot of people across the region work for Chinese companies, buy Chinese products, and are learning Chinese. China is a part of everyday life now."

Nuclear Energy, Pipelines, And More

That growing footprint is seen in data from Uzbekistan's national statistics agency, which showed the number of Chinese companies operating in the country overtook the number of Russian firms in 2024 and continues to grow. In 2025, the figures show that more than 1,000 new Chinese companies launched in the country compared to the previous year.

China represents a vital source of capital for Central Asia. Kazakhstan, one of the region's most dynamic economies, also views it as a model for its own development priorities as it eyes diversifying away from the oil and gas that have dominated its economy since it became independent in 1991.

Astana and other governments are looking for Chinese expertise and investment in renewable energy, a sector where China has become a world leader. Among the recent deals signed in Beijing were agreements to procure wind turbines, build electric vehicles, and set up steel factories with Chinese partners.

Kazakhstan also concluded an additional $1.5 billion worth of investment into oil and gas projects with Chinese companies during the week of high-level meetings in China.

That includes a $1 billion deal with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to build a gas chemical complex in the Aktobe region and another agreement with the China Development Bank to finance the construction of main pipelines for transporting ethane and propane in the Atyrau Region, valued at roughly $500 million.

Nuclear energy cooperation, a sector where China is looking to expand globally, also became a focal point, with Mirziyoyev meeting with Shen Yanfeng, chairman of China's National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), on September 2. Their talks focused on expanding cooperation and came as Uzbek Mining and Geology Minister Bobir Islamov announced 13 new mining-related deals, including for uranium, with a reported value of $5 billion.

Uzbekistan signed a deal with Russia's state-owned nuclear energy monopoly Rosatom in June to conduct a feasibility study to build four reactors in the country, but international sanctions have clouded the Russian atomic company's future and Tashkent may be looking to China as an alternative.

A similar saga played out in Kazakhstan this year when CNNC was awarded the contract to build Kazakhstan's second nuclear power plant. In July, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar announced the Chinese company would build Kazakhstan's third nuclear power plant.

A New Version Of The Same Multivector Game

For Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, the flurry of activity in China highlights the steady and predictable engagement Beijing has followed with Central Asia in recent years that has seen it become an increasingly important economic, and now political, player.

And while governments are eager to court investment and welcome new Chinese companies, they are also wary about overdependence on China.

"All Central Asian countries have their strategy more or less stabilized and are not really trying to change anything in the relationship with China," he told RFE/RL. "[They're] continuing with their good old multivector foreign policy."

That policy consists of actively seeking to diversify partners and has seen Central Asian governments welcome a larger European presence and also look to retain strong ties with the United States.

In April, Uzbekistan hosted a landmark summit with Central Asian leaders and the EU to discuss energy, mineral, and transit deals.

Bilateral trade between Central Asia and China, its largest individual trade partner, has been rising steadily in recent years, hitting a record high of $94.8 billion in 2024, but with its 27 member states the EU is Central Asia's biggest foreign investor.

Mirziyoyev spoke to US President Donald Trump on September 5 after returning from China and extended an invitation for him to visit Uzbekistan "at a convenient time," according to a readout released by the Uzbek president's office.

The Uzbek leader made an official White House visit in 2018 during Trump's first term, when the US president praised him as a "highly respected man."
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is one of the Blue Chip Stocks to Buy with the Lowest PE Ratios. On August 20, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) announced a $1 million investment to support small businesses in South Dakota, targeting rural and tribal communities. Wall Street has been bullish on the stock since the announcement.

Management noted that the money will be split evenly between Akiptan and GROW South Dakota. Akiptan is a Native-led financial institution focused on agriculture, whereas GROW is a statewide economic development group helping small businesses grow.

Several analysts have reiterated their bullish stance. For instance, earlier on August 31, John Pancari from Evercore ISI reiterated a Buy rating on Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) while raising the price target from $91 to $94. More recently, on September 4, Scott Siefers from Piper Sandler also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $87.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is a financial services firm offering banking, investment, mortgage, and lending products.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The NATO military alliance, led by European members, said it was bolstering defenses on its eastern flank following a tension-raising Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace this week.

NATO on September 12 said it had launched a new "activity," dubbed Eastern Sentry, that would deploy additional military hardware from Britain, Denmark, France, and Germany to deter potential Russian aggression.

"The multidomain activity, which will commence in the coming days and continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to ongoing airspace violations, including the numerous Russian drones that violated Poland's airspace on September 10," NATO said in a statement.

"The key to this is an entirely new defense design," US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, told a joint news conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Brussels.

Grynkewich said the new equipment would include French Rafale fighter jets, Danish F-16s, a frigate, and ground-based defense systems that had previously been pledged to the region.

Grynkewich told reporters the military alliance would defend every inch of its territory.

"Poland and citizens from across the alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week and our significant announcement here today," Grynkewich said.

Rutte called Moscow's latest actions "reckless and unacceptable. We can't have Russian drones entering allied airspace."

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron said: "The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not yield to Russia's growing intimidation."

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea said the "United States stands by our NATO allies in the face of these alarming airspace violationsand rest assured, we will defend every inch of NATO territory."

The envoy said Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine and its violation of Polish airspace following the August 15 Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin "intentionally or otherwise show immense disrespect for good-faith US efforts to bring an end to this conflict."

Former longtime NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu, now an expert at the RUSI think tank, earlier wrote on social media that it remains "unclear what more -- if anything -- the US is willing to do to strengthen NATO air defenses. So far, we've seen Europeans operating US platforms without a direct American military role."

Still, she wrote on September 12 that a joint news conference by the NATO secretary-general and the supreme allied commander is "very rare. So this is a strong message of NATO determination but also shows the gravity of the situation."

The US military, along with other NATO nations, already stations troops in many countries in the alliance's eastern flank countries, including Poland.

Jamie Shea of the Chatham House think tank in London and a former top NATO official told AP that by provoking Western allies to send air defenses to Poland, Putin wants to force the allies to "make the choice between defending NATO and defending Ukraine."

Should they be unable to do both, he said, "from Putin's point of view, this would be a very happy development because then he would be able to take apart Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing misery for the Ukrainian population."

Trump: Patience With Putin 'Sort Of Running Out'

Meanwhile, Trump told Fox News his patience with Putin was "sort of running out and running out fast," but he did not announce any potential moves toward new sanctions or tariffs on Moscow.

Trump has often spoken of his high regard for, and his friendship with, Putin but in recent months has expressed frustration over the Kremlin leader's refusal to accept a cease-fire or to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has also said he was "very disappointed" with Russia's continued drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on September 12 denied Russia had fired the drones that violated Polish airspace and said talks to end the war in Ukraine were currently on "pause."

"One cannot simply put on rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield lightning-fast results," Peskov said.

Drone Incursion Not A Mistake, Tusk Says

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk -- in a rare rebuke of the United States, his country's most important ally -- rejected Trump's suggestion on September 11 that the drone incursion into Poland may have been "a mistake."

"We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake," Tusk wrote on X. "But it wasn't. And we know it."

In an interview with Reuters -- conducted in Kyiv, where he was visiting -- Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski said Warsaw hoped for a stronger line from the United States to put pressure on Russia.

"We hope the United States will join other allies in solidarity," he said.

On the financial front, Britain slapped new sanctions on Russia's oil revenue and war-related activities.

The new measures announced included bans on 70 vessels that Britain says are part of Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions.

Britain also sanctioned more than two dozen individuals and companies -- including some in Turkey and China -- for their part in supplying Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives, and components for weapons.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper traveled to Kyiv on September 12, just a week after being appointed to her post.

"The U.K. will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine," Cooper said, while blasting what she called Putin's "complete disregard for sovereignty" by launching drones into NATO airspace.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, The Los Angeles Times, and dpa
An impact crater lies in the heart of the village of Yarova in Ukraine's Donetsk region. It's the aftermath of a Russian missile attack on September 9 that left a final death toll of 25.

"I am in the village of Yarova right now, near Svyatohirsk," says correspondent Serhiy Horbatenko of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "You can still smell blood here. Bicycles are scattered around. I see a baby stroller, and the crater of the bomb."

Officials said the dead were all elderly people who were collecting their pensions.

"I can't leave," says Hanna Hryhorivna, a Yarova resident, whose husband was killed collecting his pension.

She says she will evacuate soon but needs to bury her husband first. "I haven't buried the head of the family yet."

Lesha's mother died here, too. She was 72.

Lesha had just come home to Yarova for a vacation.

"I still haven't tasted her borscht. Mother's borscht. I cried for two days straight. I can't sleep at night."

Writing on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack on Yarova a "frankly brutal" air strike aimed "directly at people, ordinary citizens."

Zelenskiy said a guided bomb struck the village, which lies about 24 kilometers from the Ukrainian city of Slovyansk.

It came just hours after Moscow said Ukrainian forces launched drone and missile attacks on two cities in Russian-occupied parts of the Donetsk region that left two people dead.

Hryhorivna is determined to respect her late husband's wishes, she says.

"He asked to be buried near his father," she says. "We dug a grave."

She nearly died herself. "Two corpses just fell on me. I survived. See how it looks. It hurts here and everywhere," she says, pointing to her injuries.

"They saved me. Two strong men fell on top of me. If they hadn't, I would be dead too."
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, legendary investor Warren Buffett is worth about $151 billion [1]. However, in a 2019 interview with Yahoo Finance [2], the Oracle of Omaha said he could live comfortably on much less. In fact, he estimated that he could live well even if he didnt have 99.99% of his wealth.

If I were retired and I had a $1,000,000 portfolio of stocks paying me $30,000 a year in dividends, my children were grown, and the house was paid off, I wouldn't worry too much about having a lot of cash around, he told Yahoo Finance's Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer.

In other words, the billionaire could live like a millionaire provided his portfolio generated at least 3% in steady and reliable dividend income. Unfortunately, a 3% or higher yield is looking increasingly rare in 2025.

If youre trying to replicate Buffetts dividend-focused approach, heres what you need to know.

Must Read

Average dividend yields have declined

Buffetts quote comes with a number of assumptions  such as having no mortgage, grown children and a portfolio reliably producing dividends. Those conditions may not reflect the financial reality for many Americans, which makes it harder to apply his scenario to the average household.

And even if it did apply to your situation, you probably havent seen a lucrative dividend yield in several years. The S&P 500 currently offers an approximate 1.2% dividend yield [3] and the yield has been below 3% since the 2008 financial crisis.

Even the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) currently offers an approximate 2.5% dividend yield [4].

The decline in average yields is a long-term trend, according to Deutsche Bank's strategist Jim Reid. His analysis indicates that companies have been moving to buybacks instead of dividends for decades while the market has become more dominated by high-growth technology firms that prefer to reinvest much of their cash rather than give shareholders dividends.

Put simply, if youre a passive investor you probably cant reach Buffetts preferred yield of 3%. However, if youre willing to diversify into other asset classes or pick specific stocks, you could surpass this threshold.
Daylight Sexual Assault on Sikh Woman in Oldbury Sparks Racial Hate Crime Probe

We are treating this as a racially aggravated offence due to the language used by the suspects.

Oldbury: West Midlands Police are actively investigating a shocking case of sexual violence against a Sikh woman in what they are treating as a racially motivated crime. The assault took place in Oldbury Park on the morning of Tuesday, September 9, around 8:30 a.m., drawing condemnation from across the UKs Sikh community.

Assault Linked to Racial Abuse

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The 20-year-old victim, who has not been named, was reportedly attacked by two men while walking through a secluded path near Tame Road. During the assault, the men allegedly hurled racist slurs, including telling her to "go back to your country"a statement that has led police to pursue the case under hate crime legislation.

This was not just a violent sexual assaultit was fuelled by deep-seated prejudice, said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, who is leading the investigation. We are treating this as a racially aggravated offence due to the language used by the suspects.

Suspects and Ongoing Search

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Investigators have released limited descriptions of the attackers based on preliminary CCTV footage and witness accounts. One suspect is said to be of heavy build with a shaved head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second individual was seen in a grey top with a silver zipper.

Police are urging anyone in the area between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. that day to come forward with any dashcam footage or relevant details.

Extra patrols have been dispatched across Oldbury and nearby West Bromwich, where a second sexual assault was reported later the same day in Kenrick Park. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents are connected.

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Community Response: Outrage and Appeals for Justice

Local faith leaders, advocacy groups, and residents have expressed horror at the attack. The Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick hosted a community forum to address fears of rising hate crimes, especially against women from visible minority backgrounds.

The Sikh Federation UK strongly condemned the assault and criticized the lack of public response from elected officials.

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We expect political leaders to take a firm stand, not only in condemning this brutal attack but also in acknowledging the threat of racially and sexually motivated violence in our communities, said Davinderjit Singh, a senior representative of the Federation.

He also linked the attack to what he called the dangerous normalization of xenophobia in political and media discourse, calling for a UK-wide strategy to combat hate crimes.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Support

The assault has reignited national debates around public safety, gender-based violence, and racial discrimination. Human rights campaigners argue that this case should serve as a wake-up call for local authorities and the central government alike.

Police confirmed that the victim is receiving medical care and emotional support, and specialist officers are in regular contact with her and her family.
Apple has delayed the release of its newly unveiled iPhone Air in China due to regulatory challenges tied to the device's eSIM-only design, the company confirmed Friday.

Chinese wireless carriers must obtain a government license before offering devices equipped with eSIM , but approvals have not yet been granted. Apple said it is working closely with regulators and carriers to make the iPhone Air available "as soon as possible."

The iPhone Air, announced Tuesday at Apple's annual product showcase, represents the company's first major design overhaul since the iPhone X in 2017. At 5.6 millimeters thick, it is the thinnest iPhone ever made and completely eliminates the physical SIM card slot.

Instead, it relies exclusively on eSIM, which Apple says improves efficiency and extends battery life. CEO Tim Cook told CNBC's Jim Cramer that ditching the physical SIM made room for a larger battery while maintaining the device's slim form.

Apple initially planned to open preorders in China at 2 a.m. EST Friday, with sales beginning on September 19. However, its China website now states that release details will be "updated later." China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom are slated to support the iPhone Air's eSIM capabilities, pending regulatory clearance.

The delay highlights the growing tension between Apple's global design strategy and China's stringent technology oversight.

While the iPhone Air will roll out as planned in other , its hold in China one of Apple's largest and most competitive markets remains uncertain until regulators approve the eSIM framework.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has issued a voluntary recall of its flagship ADV, the CRF1100L Africa Twin motorcycle. This is not just limited to India, as a market, but is a global recall affecting all Honda Africa Twins manufactured from the past six years. The issue is related to packaging of electrical wiring harnesses. Lets take a closer look.

Honda Africa Twin ADV Recalled

One of the most popular large capacity ADVs in the world, Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L, has been recalled by the brand. This global recall is also knocking the doors of Indian market and Honda will fix this issue as per requirement and at no additional costs incurred at the owners tab across the world.

This voluntary recall announced by Honda is limited to Africa Twin ADVs manufactured in around a six year time frame from 2019 to 2025. All units manufactured within this time frame are eligible to avail replacement of affected parts from Hondas authorised service centres for free. In India, BigWing Topline dealerships will ensure the replacement of affected parts.

Honda has revealed that this is a precautionary recall and the replacement of parts will be done irrespective of warranty status of said motorcycle. The company has not disclosed an exact number of affected vehicles that were manufactured between 2019 and 2025.

What is the issue?

As per Honda, the issue is regarding the wiring harness connecting left side handlebar switchgear. Due to continuous handlebar movement, this wiring harness experiences repeated bending. Over time, this might lead to oxidation at the joint terminal of the harness wire, causing conduction issues.

As a result of this, riders may not be able to use horn, or there may be difficulty in switching headlight from low beam to high beam, among others. Honda is proactively working to fix this and ensure an optimum experience to all Africa Twin CRF1100L owners.

The timeline for replacement of parts, revealed by Honda, will start from 4th week of January 2026. Which is around half a calendar year away. BigWing Topline dealers will proactively notify customers via call / e-mail / SMS for inspection of their vehicle starting today. Customers can also check if their vehicle falls under this recall VIN number on Hondas website.
Key Points

Nu Holdings has a clear path toward increasing the monetization of its customers.

Expansions into Mexico and other countries will keep the online bank's growth humming along.

Its earnings power should be significantly higher in five years.

10 stocks we like better than Nu Holdings 

Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU) -- parent company of Nu Bank -- is closing in on 125 million customers across three Latin American markets, making it one of the fastest-growing and largest digital banks in the world today -- and one of the largest banks of any kind by customer count. With a disruptive online banking model that is crushing poorly run legacy banks across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, Nu Bank is growing its top and bottom lines at a rapid rate. And with the stock at a price of about $15.50 and its market cap at about $75 billion, it's pushing toward a new all-time high.

There is a large growth runway ahead for this disruptive Brazilian fintech. But medium- to long-term investors considering opening a position in the stock will want to know what they can expect Nu Holdings to look like in five years.

Increasing monetization in Brazil

Starting in its home market of Brazil, Nu Bank has won market share with one simple strategy: It built a bank that actually treats its customers well. With an easy-to-use mobile app, fair personal lending rates, and a plethora of digital tools that can serve nearly every personal financial need, Nu Bank now counts 60% of the adult population of Brazil among its customers. That's an incredible achievement for a company that was founded barely over 10 years ago.

With so many people on its platform, it has an enormous potential to increase its revenues by slowly convincing these customers to add services on the way to making Nu their primary financial services provider. Its success on that score shows up in its average revenue per active customer (ARPAC), which has grown from $4 in 2021 to around $12 last quarter.

Nu Bank is pushing up against market saturation in Brazil in terms of the number of customers it can acquire, but it's nowhere near saturation in ARPAC. The cohort of customers who have been with Nu Bank for 96 months or more has an ARPAC of $27.30, while the cohort of customers who joined 12 months ago has an ARPAC of just $4.90. Growth in ARPAC is steady the longer a customer has been with Nu Bank, meaning that the many new customers who have joined it in the past few years should contribute to growing ARPAC in Brazil for the foreseeable future.

Image source: Getty Images.

Expanding to new markets

In order to keep its overall customer count growing, Nu Bank has expanded to both Mexico and Colombia. With a larger population and higher average income, Mexico will be the more important driver of its growth from here.
Xylem Inc. (XYL), with a market capitalization of $33.5 billion, is a prominent water technology company that delivers innovative solutions spanning the entire water cycle, from collection and distribution to treatment and environmental restoration. The Washington, DC-based company operates through three primary segments, Water Infrastructure, Applied Water, and Measurement & Control Solutions, each focused on addressing essential areas of water management.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and Xylem fits this criterion perfectly.

More News from Barchart

Shares of the water technology firm have dropped 2.4% from its 52-week high of $145.33 touched on Aug. 5. XYLs shares have soared 11.6% over the past three months, outperforming the Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETFs (CGW) 3.9% uptick during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

XYL shares have climbed 9.2% over the past 52 weeks, slightly lagging behind CGWs 9.9% gain over the same time frame. However, XYL stock is up 22.2% on a YTD basis, outpacing CGWs 18.2% increase.

The stock has been trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since early May, indicating a sustained uptrend.

www.barchart.com

On Jul. 31, XYL shares surged 10.7% after reporting its Q2 results. The company posted an adjusted EPS of $1.26, surpassing Wall Streets estimate of $1.14, while revenue came in at $2.3 billion, ahead of the expected $2.2 billion. For the full year, the company projects adjusted EPS between $4.70 and $4.85 and revenue in the range of $8.9 billion to $9 billion.

XYL stock has outperformed its rival, Ingersoll Rand Inc. (IR). IR stock has dropped 10.4% on a YTD basis and 9.6% over the past 52 weeks.

The stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from 20 analysts' coverage, and the mean price target of $160.40 implies an upswing of 13.1% from the prevailing market prices.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
After 1I/Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS is the third object and the second comet from outside the Solar System confirmed.

3I/ATLAS was discovered by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, 2025.

Also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11pl3Z, the comet arrived from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius.

Its orbit is the most dynamically extreme of any object yet recorded in the Solar System.

It might not be aliens making first contact, yet 3I/ATLAS, as only the third documented interstellar object to pass through the Solar System, still has plenty to teach us, said Northeastern University astronomer Jacqueline McCleary.

Interstellar objects, which all seem to be comets, are the only things that weve ever gotten physical observations for within our Solar System that originated outside the Solar System. This is sort of like a messenger afar.

There are so few interstellar objects that weve detected in our Solar System, and they each seem to be unique, said Michigan State University astronomer Adina Feinstein.

3I/ATLAS gives us an opportunity to study other solar systems up close and personal, without actually needing to visit them.

The moment astronomers discovered 3I/ATLAS, it was clear it was not a normal comet. For starters, it seemed to be emitting its own light, which is bizarre for a comet that was, at that time, so far from the Sun.

Comets are normally extremely dark to the point where astronomers struggle to see them.

As they get closer to the Sun, solar radiation causes volatile compounds and ices on their outside, which are highly reflective, to melt.

The resulting effect is, at first, a kind of proto-tail called a coma, which grows into the tail we have come to associate with comets streaking through the night sky.

Jupiter is 5 AU or five Earth-Sun distances away from the Sun, and most comets have to get closer than that for the solar radiation to get intense enough to start this melting, outgassing tail creation, Dr. McCleary said.

Comet 3I/ATLAS formed a coma when it was outside the orbit of Jupiter, at a much greater distance than was normal.

For 3I/ATLAS to have started glowing as far out from the Sun as it did was abnormal enough to result in some theorizing early on that it must be an alien spacecraft. What else that small and quick would be producing light?

However, subsequent observations revealed it not only had a comet-like tail but that it was likely rich in carbon dioxidebecause carbon dioxide ice, aka dry ice, melts very easily

The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope ultimately revealed the comet was unique for reasons that went beyond its interstellar origins.

Not only was it made of carbon dioxide, but it had a carbon dioxide ice-to-water ice ratio that was literally out of this world, 8:1, which is among the highest ever recorded.

It offers a potential glimpse into the conditions that exist in other solar systems and how those systems formed in the first place.

Clearly, the 3I/ATLAS parent system maybe was really rich in carbon dioxide or maybe there were weird radiation processes that left a lot of carbon dioxide and boiled away everything else, Dr. McCleary said.

Indirectly, trying to understand the composition of this comet and comparing it to the composition of other interstellar comets  can tell us about what solar system formation looks like in other solar systems at a really granular level.

Its still unclear where precisely 3I/ATLAS originated from.

It likely came from the Milky Way bulge, but tracing its exact origin will be difficult, Dr. McCleary said.

In order for it to have escaped its parent solar system, the comet must have encountered a gravitational perturbation that disrupted its orbital path and set it on course to enter our Solar System.

However, scientists could get an even more detailed glimpse of the comet when it crosses the orbit of Jupiter on its outward-bound path after October, revealing more about its nature.

NASAs Jupiter-orbiting Juno satellite will be in the best position to put eyes on the interstellar visitor.

We could potentially get a very close look at that comet, and it could be particularly interesting because it will have gone as close to the sun as its going to get and lots of carbon dioxide will have boiled off  so well be able to see whats left, Dr. McCleary said.

Learning more about 3I/Atlas will not only be useful for understanding what other solar systems are like, but why our Solar System is so unique that it created the conditions for sentient life to exist.

Its a window into what the pristine material is for other solar systems, which is precious, and, in turn, helps us refine our models of what solar system formation can look like, Dr. McCleary said.

Is our Solar System common or rare? It seems to be relatively rare, and this helps us quantify that.

Learning about other solar systems places humanity into context, Dr. Feinstein said.

One of lifes greatest questions is are we alone in the Universe? Each NASA mission gets us a little bit closer to answering this big, overarching question.

Capturing as many observations from the prediscovery period, where 3I/ATLAS may be in telescope images but wasnt previously identified, is essential to our understanding of how these objects turn on as they approach our Sun, said Auburn University astronomer John Noonan.

These interstellar objects have likely not been warmed significantly in millions, if not billions, of years, and any opportunity to see how they responded to that early heating is of interest.
Patrick Hemingway, the second son of Ernest Hemingway "who became a safari guide and big-game hunter in Africa, completed a book his father had started and published a volume of their letters," died September 2 at age 97, the New York Times reported. Of the legendary author's three children, Patrick Hemingway "came closest to simulating, though hardly emulating, his father."



He traveled often with his parents (Pauline Pfeiffer Patrick, his mother, was Ernest Hemingway's second wife) and was drawn to Africa by his father's 1935 nonfiction book, Green Hills of Africa. At 23, he moved to the continent and worked on commercial safaris for two years before founding his own company in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), taking patrons through Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park.



In the early 1950s, Ernest Hemingway and his fourth wife, Mary Welsh, went on a 10-week trip to East Africa, where Patrick Hemingway joined them on a safari. His father told him about a blend of fiction and memoir he was planning, the Times noted. "He soon began the book, True at First Light, but never finished the project.... Patrick, however, completed it. His father had written 200,000 words before abandoning the manuscript. Patrick cut it in half and finished the text with what he understood to be his father's intended story, having discussed it with him during the expedition."



With an introduction by Patrick Hemingway, the book was published in 1999. He also wrote a foreword to the 2016 edition of Green Hills of Africa; a foreword to a 2009 edition of his father's Paris memoir, A Moveable Feast, and a foreword to a 2012 edition of A Farewell to Arms--including 47 alternate endings that Ernest Hemingway had suggested. In 2022, he published Dear Papa, a collection of 120 letters that he and his father had exchanged over 30 years. Dear Papa is available from Scribner.



Patrick Hemingway gave up his safari business in the early 1960s after his wife became ill. The Times noted that, for more than a decade, he taught wildlife conservation at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania. He was also a forestry officer for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.



He oversaw the intellectual property of his father's estate, telling the Times in 2023: "I was the only person who seemed to be interested, and I was uniquely qualified." In an interview with KBZK, he observed: "Most of the things that he liked, I liked, too, and this was especially true of reading and literature. We were on the same wavelength."



He also said he had never felt diminished living in the shadow of his father: "I enjoyed being his son. It didn't bother me because I don't think that I was terribly ambitious. I never was. I didn't want to win a Nobel Prize."
Sisters Books & Nooks will open officially tomorrow, September 9, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Corridor Business Journal reported.

Located at 1612 C St. SW, Suite A, in the city's Czech Village neighborhood, the bookstore will emphasize genre fiction, banned books, local authors, and LGBTQIA+ voices. At opening there will be self-serve coffee and tea, and co-owners Jamie Sharar and Sarah Danielson plan to add wine to the offerings in the future. The store's event plans include author appearances, book clubs, trivia nights, craft activities, and cabaret performances.

Danielson told the Corridor Business Journal that the store has a "very lived-in vibe," with a lot of vintage decor. There are also "cozy touches like a fireplace, candelabra sconces, and plush chairs. We want you to relax your shoulders when you walk in the front door."

Sharar said she and Danielson "wanted to create a place where people can hang out, decompress, and find community, not just buy a book and leave. Especially with the political climate right now, members of marginalized groups especially need places where they are comfortable and safe to be themselves. We are unapologetic about our inclusive beliefs and our merchandise reflects that."
Chef Joe Salimini marks a milestone at Js on the Bay with throwback prices, elevated diner fare, and a nod to the restaurants original 2014 vibe. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  This fall, Js on the Bay celebrates 11 years in business by embracing its origins as a classic luncheonette. Located at 1189 Bay Street in Rosebank, the casual eatery reintroduces nostalgic comfort foods with a gourmet twist, honoring its down-home past while looking toward a dynamic, growing future.

Salimini shows off the restaurant's seasonal pumpkin spice pancakes with maple butter. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Chef and owner Joe Salimini, who takes over the former Bay Street Luncheonette in 2014, marks the milestone with new menu items and the return of longtime customer favorites. His wife, Francesca, rejoins the team full-timea familiar face many patrons remember from the restaurants early days. Now that the little ones are fully back in school she can return to work, said Francesca.

Francesca Salimini returns to J's to work with Joe. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

I want to go back to our original roots and start being more playful with the food like we were back in 2014, says Salimini. Were bringing back grilled cheeses and fun diner food that seems to be lacking nowadays.

If it goes well, hell consider a 24-hour format.

The BPA has become a favorite at J's among guests with its salubrious spin on a BLT, just with pesto and avocado plus the bacon. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Returning with the classics

Among the returning classics is the BPA grilled cheese, a signature sandwich made with bacon, pesto, and avocado. Salimini emphasizes that while the menu nods to diner traditions, the culinary standards remain high.

Were going back to our roots, but Im sticking to my culinary background. Everything here is made from scratchfrom dressings down to the caramelized onions," said Salimini.

Of course, there is pizza. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Seasonal specials also play a role in the celebration. The pumpkin spice pancakes, a fall favorite, feature spiced batter topped with house-made maple syrup glaze and pecan ganache.

Even though were going back to the diner roots, were always going to elevate thingslike using brioche buns, applewood smoked bacon, and Wisconsin cheddar, Salimini adds. He believes the quality cheeses also round out more sophisticated flavor notes on the palate.

A burger is served on a brioche bun with Wisconsin cheddar. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

To commemorate the anniversary, Js on the Bay offers $11 egg platters (cash only) through October 14. The restaurant also revives its daily specials, including a Throwback Thursday where prices rolled back to 2014.

Waffle Wednesdays include a signature crispy chicken and waffles paired with bacon, onion jam and chipotle mayo for $15. Chicken Parm Sunday are $19.95 per guest plus a $39.95 family take-out version. Two-for-Tuesdays offer two burgers, two pints of beer, or two milkshakes.

Rib eye sandwich is presented as a French Dip with a housemate tomato-basil cream soup and beefy dipping sauce. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Im using my culinary background and school knowledge not only to grow in New York City, but maybe be on Food Network one day, Salimini says. Hes tested for the show and has become comfortable in front of the camera, thanks to a stepped up social media presence.

Here's a bacon-egg-and-cheese served J's style. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Expanding to Brooklyn

In February, Salimini also expanded his restaurant footprint with a new fine dining restaurant, Terina, located at 8424 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Thats been going very well and I really enjoy the mix of casual with fine dining. It keeps me creating all the time which I love, said Salimini.

The restaurant offers a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Js on the Bay operates Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Mondays). To celebrate the anniversary, the restaurant continues offering $11 cash-only egg platters through October 14.

Js on the Bay is located at 1189 Bay St., Rosebank. For more information, call 718-720-0922 or visit jsonthebaysiny.com.
Scene from the Sept. 9 premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

NEW YORK, N.Y.  A heartwarming and stylish event unfolded for New York Fashion Week at Sony Hall in Times Square on Sept. 9.

Designers, models, rescue animals, and charitable organizations came together at the glamorous intersection of fashion and philanthropy for Catwalk Furbaby, the signature event created by ELYSIAN founder Karen Floyd.

The evening also featured the New York premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2, a documentary capturing the glamour, creativity, and purpose behind the celebrated showcase, putting organizersand of course, the fur babiescenter stage on film.

Hosted by ELYSIAN Impact at Sony Hall inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square, the event offered a behind-the-scenes look at the designers, models, rescue animals, and charitable organizations that have helped make the showcase a standout during New York Fashion Week.

This years event celebrated compassion, fashion, and purposewith a twist. The documentary told the story of how a ragtag team from South Carolina helped launch a New York Fashion Week showcase, while a stray from the same hometown found its way to one of New Yorks finest homes.

The film highlighted visionary designers and the remarkable New York charities they support.

To learn more or to donate, visit the Elysian Impact Foundation website.

Scene from the Sept. 9 premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

Each participating charity received its own individualized documentary to use as a fundraising tool, with the premiere aiming to inspire long after the final walk and raise both awareness and funds.

The Catwalk Furbaby event brought together leaders and influencers from both the fashion and philanthropy communities, providing a platform to spotlight the incredible work of nonprofit organizations while celebrating innovative design.

The evening began with a red carpet at 7 p.m., followed by the first public screening of the documentary at 7:30 p.m., and concluded with an exclusive after-party at the same venue.

Originally conceived by Karen Floyd, Catwalk Furbaby has grown into one of Fashion Weeks most innovative events, blending couture with a mission to support animal welfare and a wide range of charitable causes.

The documentary highlighted the creativity, dedication, and personalities that fuel the initiative, illustrating how fashion can serve as a platform for meaningful impact.

The events tagline, Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy, underscored its dual focus: celebrating artistry on the runway while emphasizing the ripple effect of giving back.

Angelica Mroczek, left, and her sisters Charista Mroczek and Tatiana Mroczek, pose with some fur babies on Sept. 9, at the New York premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

About ELYSIAN

ELYSIAN is a luxury lifestyle brand committed to empowering women through storytelling, mentorship, and philanthropy.

Through its philanthropic division, ELYSIAN Impact, the company has contributed more than $17 million to initiatives supporting women, children, animals, and the environment.

More information is available at readelysian.com. Follow on Instagram: @readelysian | Facebook: ReadElysian | YouTube: @ELYSIANMagazine

Scene from the Sept. 9 premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

Elysian founder Karen Floyd welcomes the crowd at the New York premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

Scene from the Sept. 9 premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos

Angelica Mroczek, left, Charista Mroczek, Dr. Gracelyn Santos, and Tatiana Mroczek, enjoy the Sept. 9 New York premiere of Catwalk Furbaby 2 at Sony Hall, inside the Paramount Hotel in Times Square. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive,com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Sacred Heart Church is preparing to celebrate a milestone in its history with a 150th Anniversary Grand Gala, set for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at LiGrecis Staaten in West Brighton.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will honor 150 years since the parishs first Mass was celebrated in 1875. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner and dancing, with tickets priced at $250 per person.

His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, will serve as the honored guest.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available, as parishioners and friends may also sponsor seats for clergy members. Proceeds will support the parish as it enters its next chapter of service to the Staten Island community.

On July 25, 1875, 150 years ago, the first Mass was celebrated by Rev. William Poole, the founding pastor, said Rev. Rhey Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart. It wasnt in this current building yet. Back then, it was known as St. Rose of Lima Parish on Taylor Street. But it was a beginning  a holy seed planted in faith.

Monsignor Greg Mustaciuolo, left, is pictured with Rev. Rhey Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, outside of the West Brighton church. (Courtesy Deacon Jim Cowan) Courtesy Deacon Jim Cowan

Reflecting on the parishs origins, Garcia said its legacy is built on the sacrifices of those who came before.

By 1898, the cornerstone of this church, which we now call Sacred Heart, was laid, Garcia added. And from that cornerstone rose not just a building  but a community. A living, breathing family of faith.

Rev. Poole was a man on fire with the Holy Spirit. Like the Apostle St. James he heard the call to proclaim the Good News and he responded.

Over the past 150 years, Sacred Heart has weathered wars, storms and cultural change while remaining a place of worship, stability and service.

Garcia reminded parishioners that the church is more than a building  it is a living community of faith  and thanked them for their generous support of a major restoration effort, including a full interior painting of the church and the replacement of the roof, both undertaken over the summer.

Tickets and sponsorships for the gala are still available at www.SacredHeartSI.org. The parish encourages early reservations as the celebration draws near.

Sacred Heart Church, West Brighton, has undergone interior and exterior renovations throughout the summer. (Courtesy Deacon Jim Cowan) Courtesy Deacon Jim Cowan

In addition to the gala, Sacred Heart will hold a solemn reopening of the church and ringing of the church bell following the restorations on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 5 p.m.

The liturgy will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, D.D., and will include the blessing of the parishs Brick by Brick Project as well as a ceremonial tree planting.

Notably, Garcia has recently been appointed by Cardinal Dolan as chaplain for the Filipino Catholic community within the Archdiocese of New York, in addition to leading Sacred Heart. He will continue serving as pastor of Sacred Heart and in his other assignments while also taking on this expanded role.

In this capacity, Garcia will work closely with members of the Filipino community across the archdioceses nine deaneries. He will help organize existing ministries and develop new ones to meet spiritual, pastoral and emotional needs in a wide variety of settings.
A top prize in the Take 5 game was sold on Staten Island. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  One lucky lottery player on Staten Island is celebrating after winning a top prize in the Take 5 game.

A winning ticket  worth $10,964  was sold at Forest Convenience & Gift, located at 746-748 Forest Ave., in West Brighton. The ticket was sold for the evening drawing on Sept. 11, according to the New York Lottery.

Two other top-prize tickets from the same drawing were sold in New York City. One prize each was sold at Farragut Gas Inc., located at 4210 Farragut Rd., in Brooklyn, and at Castle Financial Services, located at 2173 Broadway, in Manhattan.

Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39, with drawings held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Winners have up to one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes.

Players can securely check their tickets on the New York Lottery app.

Ordering official New York Lottery tickets online has never been easier. Click here to get a free ticket with your first deposit.

The New York Lottery continues to be North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025 to benefit public schools in New York State.

New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help by calling the states toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369).

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
Six days after the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, smoke billowed from Ground Zero as a Staten island ferry pulled out of its slip at the St. George ferry terminal. It was the first ferry to return to service. Advance/SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted Thursday the multiple New York scholarships, grants and financial aid services available to families impacted by 9/11.

The programs, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provide resources to ensure access to higher education for families who lost loved ones on the tragic day 24 years ago.

New York State stands unwavering in its promise to support the families of those we lost and the survivors who still carry the weight of that day, Hochul said. These vital educational programs are a testament to our ongoing commitment. Well continue to stand beside those impacted by 9/11, today and always, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they deserve.

Some of the programs include the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship, the NYS Memorial Scholarship, the Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship, and the NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans.

Many of these programs cover the cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, fees and other expenses to help ensure eligible students can pursue their education with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.

The state also strongly encourages families to apply for broader state and federal programs to maximize their college financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Tuition Assistance Program.

Education is a powerful tool for healing, growth, and transformation. These programs not only provide critical resources to those impacted by 9/11 but also open doors to opportunity, allowing individuals access to the resources they need to build brighter futures, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said. By investing in their education, we honor their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their journey toward success.
A mannequin with depictions and words related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk was found at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Travis Avenue in New Springville on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A mannequin with depictions and words related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was visible at a busy New Springville intersection Friday afternoon.

The gray, faceless figure, which was estimated to be around 6-feet, 4-inches in height, was displayed publicly on the divider right before the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Travis Avenue. It did not appear to be anchored down and was found simply leaning against a utility pole.

Despite the lack of facial identity, the mannequin appeared to be a depiction of Kirk, 31, as bright red paint resembling blood was applied to the figure in the area where Kirk was shot the neck. Moreover, the figure had the word FREEDOM emblazoned across the chest.

At the time he was killed at Utah Valley University, the husband and father of two children was wearing a T-shirt with the word Freedom across the torso. The same word was also written onto the mannequins back.

Additionally, the words RIP Charlie Kirk were seen in white paint along the figures abdomen. Above RIP and the word FREEDOM along the chest were two small circles.

RIP Charlie was also seen running down the mannequins back.

The figures left arm was clenched in a fist and bent at the elbow. The word FIGHT ran down along the upper arm. This arm notably appeared to be a different color than the rest of the mannequin, and was visibly disjointed at the shoulder.

I think everybody just needs to calm down, said Jennifer Correa, a resident of Virginia who moved from Staten Island two months ago. The temperature of politics today is way too high and we need to bring it back down, so Im waiting for that pendulum to slide closer back to the middle.

A mannequin with depictions and words related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk was found at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Travis Avenue in New Springville on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The mannequin was moved to a nearby garbage bin by an individual at around 2:30 p.m. (Advance/SILive.com)

One individual in the nearby Heartland Village Shopping Center said that while it was terrible that Kirk was shot, he had no sympathy for his views. Another woman at the shopping center expressed that she was upset at the news of the shooting.

At around 2:30 p.m. Friday, the Advance/SILive.com witnessed an individual remove the mannequin and place it in a garbage bin close to the intersection.

When questioned by the Advance/SILive.com, the individual, who provided the name Cheyenne M., said the reasoning was apolitical and did not elaborate.

Its terrible, the dude went out on his shield, you know?, Cheyenne said. He died doing what he loved."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued several recalls in the past week. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Several popular food products and consumer goods have been recalled over the past week, with one of the recalled products potentially capable of causing a life-threatening disease.

Heres a look at various recalls issued over the past week.

Costco announced the 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.

Several types of cheese have been recalled because the products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, according to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Middlefield, Ohio, recalled the following: one lot of Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack Cheese with Dill Pickles in 6-ounce and 1.25-pound packages; one lot of Organic Gouda Cheese in 8-ounce packages; and specific lots of Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Swiss Cheese; and Monterey Jack Cheese packaged as 5-pound loaves or 5-pound shredded bags.

The products may be contaminated with listeria, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women, according to the FDA.

The products were produced on May 30 and Aug. 13, and distributed in four states  Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas  from July 7 through Aug. 14.

Products were sold through distributors, dining halls, and retail stores, the FDA notice stated.

Here are the products with affected lot codes:

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Organic Gouda,8 oz. packages, Sell by date of 2/13/2026

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese5 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Colored (Yellow) Cheddar Cheese,5 lb. loaves (labeled as Smoked Cheddar and All Natural Mild Cheddar),Sell by date of 2/13/2026 5 lb. bags (shredded cheese) (labeled as Shredded Cheddar Cheese),Sell by date of 9/3/2025

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Swiss Cheese5 lb. loaves, Sell by date of 2/13/2026

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Pepper Jack Cheese5 lb. loaves (labeled as All Natural Pepper Jack), Sell by date of 2/13/20265 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Monterey Jack Cheese,5 lb. loaves, Sell by date of 2/13/20265 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025

Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack with Pickles Cheese6 oz. package (labeled as Dilly Pickle) with lot code 253054,Sell by date of 1-7-26, 1-11-26, or 2-16-261.25 lb. package (labeled as Dilly Pickle Jack) with lot code 253054,Sell by date of 12-30-25

The recall was made after testing by the company revealed the presence of listeria in finished products and on surfaces of cutting equipment.

There are no reports of illness to date linked to these recalled products.

Consumers with these products should dispose of them or return them to the retail location for a refund.

Consumers with questions can contact the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op general manager, Nevin Byler, at 440-632-5567.

More than 22,000 pouches of juice have been recalled across three states, including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Evergreen Orchard Farm recalled a variety of flavors of juice due to lack of pasteurization and sanitation records, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall involves Evergreen Farm branded juice flavors, packaged in foil containing 4 fluid ounces.

Affected flavors include Korean Pear Juice, Grape Juice and Jujube Juice.

This recall was initially made on July 3, and the risk classification of this recall was made on Sept. 3 by the FDA.

The FDA updated its classification of this recall to Class II, which is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

DermaRite Industries, LLC expanded its voluntary recall initiated in July to include additional products and lots due to potential microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia complex, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Burkholderia cepacia complex in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections if the products are used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals, according to the FDA.

For healthy individuals with minor skin lesions, the use of the product may result in local infections. In immunocompromised, it can potentially lead to life-threatening sepsis.

Here are the products included in this expanded recall:

4-N-1 is a no rinse wash cream intended to temporarily protect and help relieve chafed or cracked skin

DermaCerin is a skin protectant moisturizing cream indicated to temporarily protect and help relieve dry, chapped, or cracked skin. It also helps protect skin from the drying effects of wind and cold weather.

DermaFungal is an over-the-counter antifungal cream intended for the treatment and prevention of most athletes foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It relieves itching, scaling, cracking, and discomfort associated with these conditions.

DermaKleen is an over-the-counter health care antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.

DermaMed is an over-the-counter skin protectant intended to dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, or other skin irritations.

DermaSarra is an over-the-counter external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, or sunburn.

Gel Rite is an over-the-counter instant gel hand sanitizer with vitamin E used to decrease bacteria on the skin.

Hand E Foam is an over-the-counter foaming hand sanitizer with vitamin E used for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.

KleenFoam is an over-the-counter antimicrobial foam soap with Aloe Vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.

Lantiseptic is an over-the-counter skin protectant indicated to temporarily protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It helps prevent and temporarily protect chapped or cracked skin.

PeriGiene is an over-the-counter antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

PeriGuard is an over-the-counter skin protectant indicated to help relieve and prevent rashes and irritation due to wetness from incontinence. It also protects chafed skin due to irritation and helps seal out wetness.

Renew Dimethicone is an over-the-counter skin protectant indicated to help treat and prevent diaper rash, protect minor skin irritations associated with diaper rash, and helps seal out wetness.

Renew Periprotect is an over-the-counter skin protectant indicated to help treat and prevent diaper rash, protect minor skin irritation associated with diaper rash, and helps seal out wetness.

Renew Skin Repair is an over-the-counter skin cream indicated to temporarily protect and help relieve chapped or cracked skin.

UltraSure is an over-the-counter anti-perspirant and deodorant indicated to reduce underarm wetness.

These recalled products were distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico.

The company has notified its distributors and customers by email.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can call Sedgwick at 888-943-5190 or email dermarite5186@sedgwick.com.

If consumers experience any issue with these products, they should contact a health care provider.
President Donald Trump doesnt think much of Curtis Sliwa, his fellow Republican who is running for mayor of New York City.

Im a Republican, but Curtis is not exactly primetime, Trump said during an appearance on Friday on Fox and Friends, per the Daily News.

The president then slammed Sliwa for something very near and dear to Sliwas heart: his love of cats.

He wants cats in Gracie Mansion, Trump said. We dont need to have thousands of cats.

Sliwa and his wife, Nancy, share their Upper West Side one-bedroom apartment with six cats.

New Yorkers care for people and for animals, and so do I, Sliwa said in a statement. As mayor, I will deliver a humane, affordable, and livable city by focusing on animal welfare, tackling affordability, cleaning up the city, improving quality of life, being tough on crime.

Trump also predicted that Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani will win City Hall.

Im not looking at the polls too carefully, but it would look like hes going to win, Trump said. And thats a rebellion.

The president said, Its also a rebellion against bad candidates, OK? Its a rebellion. Theyre tired of it.

Trump called it amazing that a democratic socialist candidate like Mamdani is looking to be mayor of New York City, which is Trumps hometown.

I call him my little Communist. Hes my little Communist mayor, said Trump, who hails from Queens. But, you know, he has to come to Washington for money, a lot of money.

Trump said that while Mamdani could still be beaten in a one-on-one battle, the current bad field of candidates isnt leaving voters with many alternatives.

In addition to Sliwa, Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo are running on independent party lines.

The president said that Cuomo, who was elected governor three times and also served as state attorney general, appeared to be the strongest candidate against Mamdani.

He seems to be leading by a little bit, but hes still way behind, Trump said. It almost looks like even one candidate at this point, is not going to work.
Donald Trump recently told Fox News that he is worried about getting into heaven. This purported angst seemed more of a fundraising device, as it was accompanied by pleas to donate $15 to help secure his afterlife. Nevertheless, his concern is entirely justified because a man motivated apparently entirely by ego and resentment is as far from the Christian ideal as it is possible to be. (I emphasise that this view of Trump is purely personal.) Trump has said he is a Christian, but has never sought forgiveness from God. I dont like to have to ask for forgiveness. And I am good. I dont do a lot of things that are bad. I try to do nothing that is bad. President Donald Trump held a Bible as a prop at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Lafayette Park near the White House in 2020  and had difficulty getting it the right way up. Credit: AP In this, Trump shares an astoundingly common misconception of Christianity that we get to heaven by living a decent life. That thought is nowhere in the Bible, which makes it clear that no one qualifies by his or her own merits  for there is no one righteous, not even one. Living a better life than other people is not a qualification, however much the thought that others are worse may

comfort us.

But the Bible has good news even for Donald Trump  he can indeed get into heaven, just not by his own efforts or fundraising. As the Apostle John writes: God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The key verbs are loved, gave and believes. The Christian teaching is that God entered human history in the form of Jesus to provide reconciliation, redemption and restoration exactly because we cannot achieve this on our own. Paul, in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, spells it out even more precisely. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith  and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  not by works (that is, good deeds), so that no one can boast. Donald Trump, me, Mother Teresa: for any of us, salvation is by Gods compassion and love as he draws us to himself through Jesus. Does this mean the lives we live are irrelevant? Absolutely not  again, the Bible is crystal clear that God is immensely interested in how we live, our moral choices, our care and compassion for others. Christianity is much more concerned with this life than pie in the sky when we die. If I can be presumptuous enough to advise the US president, I would echo Jesus words to the rich young ruler: Sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. I suspect the rich old ruler would echo the rich young ruler and depart sadly, for he owns Mar-a-Lago and much bitcoin.
DJ: By 2022, I had moved to Dover, England, and popped over to plant the flag. And then in February 2023, I went over with three mates to plant the flag properly. The national flag of Verdis. Fitz: Hang on, as an Australian-born man, youll recall learning about Captain Cook, in 1770, planting the Union Jack on Possession Island and saying dyb-dyb-dyb, dob-dob-dob, I claim this land and these people as British possessions. We can now call that for the absurdity it was. Why is it any better, or more legitimate, when you did it? DJ: Because this is genuine terra nullius. There is no historical evidence of inhabitants in this area, neither country claims it, and in that way that almost makes us the native people. Fitz: And so, how did you decide you were president? Did you have a vote?

DJ: Yes, we had a bit of a mutual decision about who would be best suited to which position, and because I was the one that initially brought up the idea back in 2019 and because I had been spearheading it since then, everyone agreed that it was best for me to take the position of president. However, that being said, I dont plan to be president for life or anything. Once were established, we will have elections, and I plan to step down and just be a normal citizen. Fitz: Mr President, I want to put to you a respectful question. Is this just a bit of fun between mates, or is this serious? DJ: [A little shocked] No, were genuinely serious. Weve done a lot. We even tried to inhabit the land in October 2023. Fitz: How did that go? DJ: Not very well, to be honest. I mean, we had done a lot of work on the land beforehand. We had finished surveying and so forth, but when we actually officially claimed the settlement and started publicly announcing its creation, the Croatian authorities quickly came in, detained a lot of us, took us into Croatia and deported us.

Fitz: So even when you found yourself in a Croatian prison cell, you didnt think, OK, time to go home? DJ: No, its our country. Fitz: But the Croatians dont see it like that. DJ: No, but in the border police station where we were detained, it even showed up on their maps that Verdis was not part of Croatia, so they had no right to invade us, and detain us. Worse, theyre now occupying our country. The other day, Verdis foreign minister and a group of Serbian journalists went down to try and film Verdis from the Danube, and showed that the Croatians have police permanently stationed there now. And if you try and even land or hover around the waters, they will chase you onto the Serbian side of the Danube. We have condemned their hostile actions. Fitz: So now youre a government-in-exile?

DJ: Yes, and Ive just come back from a protest at the Croatian Embassy in London. Were not giving up. Were holding on to this because they are quite genuinely violating international law. President of Verdis shows off his passport. Fitz: Who turned up at your protest? DJ: Many of our citizens. Fitz: How many of them have you got?

DJ: About 400, who we have selected from 15,000 applicants. We are looking for people with the right kind of different skills, who share our values, from which we can build our nation. Fitz: Whats in it for those citizens? Why do they want to join you? DJ: Many reasons. Some people get involved because they align with the values of Verdis and its humanitarian background; others because they want to do something crazy and potentially make history. Loading Fitz: Which brings us to the good news. While Croatia wants you wiped off the face of the earth, I gather Serbia supports you? Is that because you and your country give Croatia the shits, so they like you on principle?

DJ: Serbia just doesnt care, as we are on the other side of the Danube to them, and there is nothing on that side that Serbia claims. And we think Croatia will come around, when weve made it clear to them that we will maintain a very tight border control with them, and wont be a security risk. Fitz: But when you say you want to have tight border control, surely youre up against it. Croatia must have many thousands of service people in their army, navy and air force. How many do you have, combined, in the armed forces of Verdis, and whats her name? DJ: We do, of course, have a small defence force on paper. However, we see ourselves as operating like Monaco. They have the public service military in Monaco, but when it comes to large-scale defence, they would have to rely on their neighbours, such as France. We would hope that Croatia will consider doing that with us in the future. But we will, of course, have general border controls, such as making sure that the people coming in and out of the country are stamped in and out. Fitz: So, you really think there is a chance that Croatia will recognise you? DJ: We believe that its a matter of when, not if, they recognise us, because at the moment they are uncertain of us, but we believe we have the right to the land under international law. The problem is that they are violating international law, at least in our eyes. We believe that the reason theyre violating it is because they can get away with it.

Fitz: Any chance, once youre up and running, youll declare war on Donald Trump? Loading DJ: No, were a strictly neutral state. In fact, we want to be a place where global NGOs can set up and be an actual hub for humanitarian organisations. Verdis can be a neutral place for world leaders to talk. And we can test out more ideas of different systems of governance. In the future, therell be a lot of opportunities for us. Fitz: Has Australia recognised you yet? DJ: Unfortunately not. For now, it hasnt been a large priority, as our main focus is to gain recognition from our neighbours such as Croatia and Serbia. But we are, of course, open to discussion with Australia if it ever wants to consider it.
A childrens face painter accused of uploading more than a dozen images of child abuse is among nine accused paedophiles rounded up in secretive raids by federal police across Sydney.

Others picked up by the Australian Federal Police over the past fortnight include an IT worker who allegedly posed as a girl to solicit nude photos from teenage boys, a man accused of paying three times to watch children being sexually abused overseas, and another man accused of administering a group chat focused on child abuse material.

Jesse Kristal Hopkins is arrested in Cranebrook in western Sydney. Credit: Australian Federal Police

The AFP has spent a fortnight executing 15 search warrants and laying 30 charges in Sydney, the Central Coast and the Southern Highlands under Operation Titan.

Titans officers hauled nine people into custody in two weeks of raids, seizing more than 50 electronic devices in the process.
Doctors at Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) have raised the alarm over dangerous understaffing, which puts patients at risk of medical errors in the chronically under-resourced emergency department and wards.

The clinicians have accused SafeWork NSW of failing to act on repeated warnings over unsafe workloads for junior doctors who compiled a growing list of concerning incidents, from surgical and medical consults going unanswered for days, to registrars working unsupervised, falsified rosters, and more than 100 uncompleted electronic tasks  some time-critical  by shifts end.

The doctors union, ASMOF NSW, wants SafeWork NSW to conduct an investigation into unsafe staffing levels at Northern Beaches Hospital. Credit: Renee Nowytarger

Understaffing at the hospital risked compromising patient care, for example, causing a several-hour delay in charting essential medications, placing patients at risk of stroke and other serious complications, the doctors union, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) NSW informed SafeWork via letters dated June 17 and September 2.

ASMOF urged the regulator to launch an investigation, describing extreme fatigue among registrars often working without the appropriate oversight of senior specialists, creating high-risk lone worker scenarios and elevated risk of clinical error.
News that explains the decisions shaping Sydney and its future.

About 8000 new homes could be delivered along Parramatta Road after the state government announced plans on Sunday to rezone the busy inner west transport corridor, in the latest effort to boost density and stem Sydneys housing affordability crisis.

The proposed rezoning would cover sections of Parramatta Road within the Inner West local government area, including Leichhardt and Camperdown, which are close to the CBD, serviced by public transport and offer access to hospitals and schools.

Parramatta Road has been talked about for decades with little result. Its time to stop talking and start building, NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

What will transform this major corridor is more homes for people to revitalise this area. Thats whats needed to deliver more vibrancy to one of our citys most important corridors.
Two Australian men have been accused of attempting to traffic firearms to a violent paramilitary group in Indonesia, after investigations into the kidnapping of a New Zealand pilot allegedly uncovered evidence linking the pair to the rebels.

The two men, from Queensland and NSW, also allegedly discussed sourcing Australian military weapons for the National Liberation Army of West Papua.

The arrests follow a two-year investigation between Australian Federal Police and Queenslands counterterrorism team. The probe was launched after the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, known as TPNPB, kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens.

A 64-year-old man is arrested in Urunga, NSW. Credit: Australian Federal Police

Mehrtens, a pilot from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air at the time.
Thanks for following our coverage of the four different rallies in the Melbourne CBD today. The live blog has now concluded.

The rallies comprised the Indigenous rights anti-racism Rally against racism and Sovereignty never ceded protests, and the anti-government Save Australia and Australia unites against government corruption demonstrations.

Similar events were held in cities across Australia.

Protesters from the Sovereignty never ceded rally near police officers in the CBD. Credit: Justin McManus

Victoria Police said 600 officers were deployed to patrol the rallies and created a bulwark between the groups near Parliament House in a bid to avoid violent scenes like those led by neo-Nazis at the March for Australia rally two weeks ago. No members of the National Socialist Network were visible at todays protests.

A couple of small scuffles flared after the rallies dispersed. Police used capsicum foam at pro-Palestine protesters, and they were afterwards helped by fellow demonstrators.
Doctors have criticised the Royal Childrens Hospital decision to abruptly cancel an expert panel on children and war, saying the hospital is silencing discussion of childrens suffering in Gaza.

The panel of five leading medical practitioners and refugee advocates  which included an Australian recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize  was scheduled to speak at one of the hospitals regular grand round sessions on Wednesday, before RCH chief executive Dr Peter Steer suddenly cancelled the event late last week, citing staff safety.

Palestinian children haul jerry cans of water collected from a distribution point in Gaza City. Credit: AP

In an email to the panellists, Steer wrote: This decision is not about the importance of the topic itself, but about the risk that the discussion could shift away from a focus on child health and become challenging in ways that may be unhelpful for our staff and their wellbeing.

The listed speakers on the panel were Associate Professor Tilman Ruff, co-founder of the Nobel-awarded International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons; Medecins Sans Frontieres paediatric nurse Alison Moebus, who has recently worked in Gaza; Asia-Pacific refugee leader Najeeba Wazefadost; RCH head of immigrant health Associate Professor Georgia Paxton; and Dr Sue Wareham, president of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War.
The federal government will commit $12 billion to the construction of the Henderson Defence Precinct in Perth, including graving docks for nuclear submarine maintenance, in a move that will be warmly welcomed by the Trump administration.

The pledge comes as US media reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured Australia that its promise to supply nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS pact is on track, despite a Pentagon review of the multibillion-dollar deal.

The federal government will commit $12 billion to the construction of the Henderson Defence Precinct in Perth, Credit: Illustration Matt Davidson

Key US officials including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have demanded Australia boost its defence spending from 2 per cent to 3.5 per cent of GDP and, armed with the $12 billion promise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will fly to the US next Saturday for the UN General Assembly leaders week in New York and a widely expected and much delayed meeting with President Donald Trump.

The investment in the Perth site will be announced on Sunday by Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles, bolstering the governments investment in Western Australia as a defence hub under AUKUS.
The federal government has been urged to rapidly establish an envoy to combat the rising scourge of anti-Indian racism, but some community groups are concerned confusion over Indian multiculturalism and the influence of the Hindu Council of Australia could limit the remit to followers of the faith.

After last months anti-immigration March for Australia rallies targeted Indian migrants, and inflammatory comments from Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in the past fortnight, the Hindu Council has reiterated its call for the establishment of a special envoy.

March for Australia rallies targeted mass immigration, specifically from India. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

The proposed envoy  modelled on those established to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia  has been provisionally supported by members of the Indian Christian and Sikh communities and non-council-aligned Hindus who have said a proposed envoy must be broad-based.

Hindu Council vice president Surinder Jain said he wanted the proposed envoy to cover all Indians, as well as Hindus from non-Indian backgrounds.
There was no definite answer, just that there was potentially some structural damage. Then the next day, a builder had been given my number  he came and was in and out within five minutes, and he gave them a written report which gave them an expensive quote. None of them led to a fix or temporary solution. At the time, McClean wasnt aware that the quote, which has been seen by this masthead, identified a risk of major structural damage that would worsen each time the bath or shower was used. The quoted repair cost was north of $25,000. We didnt hear anything until the fourth of June and that was when they gave us a 24-hour notice to vacate, McClean said. I just assumed that [the two-week wait] was for it to get repaired. Especially because they left it so long, it mustnt be super bad, and I assumed it would be fixed. The reason given on the notice to vacate was that the property was uninhabitable; this masthead has seen a statutory declaration by the landlord that said they couldnt afford to make the repair, and could not commit to repairing it quickly because they preferred to have a builder of their own choosing. The statutory declaration listed the landlords profession as a magistrate. McClean asked that the landlord not be named because she feared retribution.

McClean received legal advice from Tenants Victoria, which said the notice could be invalid, if the home had not been deemed uninhabitable by an expert. She said she did not receive a report which showed the home was uninhabitable with the notice. Two different people I spoke to said the bar is really high for something to be deemed uninhabitable, and the house would have to have burned down, she said. The notice came with an offer of half-priced rent for a week and a warning that the bathroom was too dangerous to use. When McClean asked where she and her family, including her two-year-old daughter, were to bathe, the property manager responded with a link to public showers in the area. Lauren McClean tried to investigate the leak and her finger went through the ceiling. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui You can shower at family/friends house, local gyms, Carlton baths, Fitzroy Swimming Pools, Fitzroy Library, St Marys House of Welcome, the email seen by this masthead read. Real Estate Institute of Victoria interim chief executive Jacob Caine said if a bathroom in a rental became unusable, the landlord should cover the cost of an alternative solution.

If the landlord cannot pay to fix a $25,000 problem with a bathroom, there is an obligation to provide an alternative. A public bathroom is not that, he said. That is not a solution or acceptable in this context. Loading McClean brought action to VCAT to try to force the landlord to make the repair, but found a new place to live in the area instead. VCAT dismissed her application because McClean had plans to move out. The bathroom wasnt fixed when she left the property in early July. Bloye said it was common for tenants to move instead of attempting to get repairs done if their landlord dragged their feet. Renters typically hope to avoid a bad relationship with their landlord, or a bad reference when they seek a new home, he said. It makes some renters reluctant to go to VCAT. When youre scared about whether youll have a home in the future, some people will decide not to rock the boat.

The system only works well if everybody is committed to proactively playing their part. It shouldnt require a VCAT hearing for somebody to comply with the law. McClean said she was shocked that her landlord, a judicial officer, was slow to act on what was considered an urgent repair because of its high cost. Victorian magistrates earn a $358,680 salary. Victoria has spent nearly a decade trying to improve conditions for renters. Credit: Joe Armao Finances are none of our business. I think it doesnt negate [their] responsibilities, she said. As soon as we werent serving [them], [they] tried to throw us out on the street because [they] couldnt afford it. This masthead attempted to contact the landlord for comment; they did not respond. The real estate agency declined to comment.

Caine said the cost-of-living crisis had also affected landlords, and would make it more difficult for some investors to cover large, upfront costs. Loading Were generally less sympathetic to the people who own the properties than the people renting them, but its often the case that the financial pressures on the person who owns that property are just as acute as someone else in the general population, he said. Caine said the Residential Tenancies Act wasnt clear on what should happen if an urgent repair needed to be completed and a landlord wasnt able to afford it. The regulations are pretty murky there and thats where going to VCAT about a continued argument for who is responsible for what in that instance, and to be perfectly honest, I cant tell you how a VCAT member would rule in that instance, he said.
Which is at the same time a blessing and a problem, rendering things all rather interesting. And proceedings could get vituperative before too long. Goyder has this past week foreshadowed that he wont seek re-election to the AFLs board of directors at its next annual general meeting. His impending exit can be attributed to a chairman finally deciphering the tea leaves conveying the message that his number might be up. His tenure has been anything but a straight path. Also, Goyder commenced as AFL Commission chair in 2017; these roles dont materialise regularly. AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder at this years hall of fame function. Credit: Getty Its plain that the process of choosing Goyders replacement is as Byzantine as the plot of the 2025 Oscar-nominated movie, Conclave. Its a process that is also not entirely codified. Nature abhors a vacuum, and the pole that one must shimmy up to claim power is lathered in grease. How Goyder is succeeded, well, thats a murky process. Say what you want, but its kind of mind-blowing that a billion-dollar company of such social standing in Australia as the AFL is, has no orderly succession plan in place.

Its reported that the candidates vying to fill the void do, or might include former AFL lawyer and Collingwood president, Jeff Browne; plaintiff-centric compo lawyer and former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon, and another certain former Collingwood chieftain and early dinnertime game show host Edward Joseph McGuire, AM. Assuming the accuracy of the registers maintained by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, neither Browne nor McGuire has served as a director of the AFL; Gordon, however, did, between 1990 and 1993. Bringing any person in from outside the current cohort of AFL directors is a task mightily more difficult than it sounds. Were talking about a very particular type of billion-dollar business here. The sheer magnification of omnipresent public scrutiny, applied to decision-making, is manifest. Most corporate executives and professional directors would be chewed up and spat out sideways. Each potential candidate Ive named has done astonishing things professionally, and in some cases, other eyebrow-raising things that astonish. Browne has probably forgotten more about the intersection of sport, law, and business just in the last week than Ill ever know. If hes lost to the process through wicked political jiggery-pokery, the process is poorer and weaker for it.

On paper, any sports governing body would be fortunate to have him as a director. But these things arent ever a contest of achievements and excellence. It was Mario Puzos Don Lucchese who put it best: money is a gun; politics is knowing when to pull the trigger. For a company of its standing in Australian society, the process of the AFL selecting a chairperson is remarkably unsophisticated. The AFLs constitution isnt a complex document. Essentially, it works this way: clause 60 of the AFLs constitution mandates the company must have between six and nine directors, although clause 75 then says the company in general meeting may increase (or reduce) that number. Presently, and by my count, the AFL has 10 directors. Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire after the Magpies finals win over Adelaide. Credit: AFL Photos At each AGM, two longest-serving directors  together with anyone else who hasnt faced the voters in three years  are compelled to retire from office. But theres no constitutional limit on the number of times a person can be re-elected. Clause 64 mandates that new, non-executive commissioners are elected by the Appointees, themselves being the voting representatives of each of the AFLs 18 clubs. If the total number of retiring directors offering themselves for re-election, and any new nominees not already directors, exceeds the number of vacant positions (being two), an election takes place. In secret.

Which conjures the adage that the only voters wholl tell you the truth about who they voted for are the ones wholl admit they voted for the other bloke. Sections 67(h) and (i) provide that the highest-polling candidates, in a first-past-the-post election, are declared elected, provided they also receive a majority of votes from the voting representatives of the 18 voting club representatives in attendance. Loading For all the talk about subcommittees vetting candidates and making recommendations to the AFL Commission, thats all convenient wallpapering in reality because pursuant to clause 70, any three clubs could band together and nominate anyone they wish to be elected. The AFL doesnt have an independence-rooted governing system or anything approaching it. Given that the clubs Appointees also control the voting on candidates to elect as directors, the clubs wield enormous power. If its true, the next AFL chair must come from the new directors to be elected  whether because none of the current directors want the job, or because the current cohort each know none of their own are up to it  the clubs hold four clean aces.
North Korea to boost nuclear arsenal, conventional military: state media



Seoul, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang will unveil a policy to advance both its nuclear arsenal and conventional military power at an upcoming key ruling party meeting, state media said Saturday.

Since a failed summit with the United States in 2019, North Korea has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons and declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state.

While visiting weapons research facilities this week, Kim said Pyongyang "would put forward the policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces", according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Kim also emphasised the need to "modernise" the country's conventional armed forces, without specifying the date of the party meeting.

The North Korean leader has been emboldened by the war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Russia after sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Moscow.

Moscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defence pact last year when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the reclusive state.

Seoul has repeatedly warned that Russia is stepping up support for Pyongyang, including the potential transfer of sensitive Russian military technology, in return for North Korea's assistance in fighting Ukraine.

"In essence, it reflects (Kim's) view that nuclear forces alone have limits as a deterrent, and that Pyongyang is seeking to boost its war-fighting capability by modernizing its conventional arsenal," Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"North Korea's military technology cooperation with Russia seems to be also expanding into the conventional arms sector, and modernisation plans tailored to 'modern warfare' are likely to be laid out as a mid- to long-term agenda" at the upcoming meeting, he added.

At the last party congress in January 2021, Kim unveiled an ambitious military agenda, pledging to develop advanced weapons such as military spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Analysts say they expect the upcoming meeting to be held early next year.

Kim and Putin flanked China's President Xi Jinping at a massive parade in Beijing this month, drawing an acidic response from US President Donald Trump, who accused the three leaders of plotting against the United States.
China condemns US, British warships sailing through Taiwan Strait



Beijing, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



China has condemned the passage of US and British warships through the Taiwan Strait, shortly after announcing its new aircraft carrier had transited through the sensitive waterway.

"On September 12, the US destroyer Higgins and the UK frigate Richmond transited the Taiwan Strait and engaged in disturbance and provocation," Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesman for the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement Friday.

The Chinese military "organised naval and air forces to track and monitor their transit throughout the process", he said, adding that "the actions... undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the self-ruled island from the Chinese mainland.

The United States, Britain and other countries view the Taiwan Strait as international waters open to all vessels.

China announced on Friday that its latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, had passed through the strait to conduct tests in preparation for future service.

Last week Australian and Canadian warships also sailed through the waterway, drawing criticism from Beijing.

China has increased its military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan in recent years, and has not ruled out the use of force to seize control of it.

Taiwan's military has been reporting near-daily sightings of Chinese warships around its waters, as well as sorties by drones and fighter jets around the island.

On Saturday, the Taiwanese defence ministry said it had detected 31 Chinese military aircraft and 13 Chinese naval vessels around the island since early Friday -- the highest number in a 24-hour period since May.

The ministry said "25 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ", referring to the island's air defence identification zone.

"We have monitored the situation and responded," it added.
Palestinian factions hand over weapons from largest Lebanon refugee camp: official



Ain al-Hilweh, Lebanon, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Palestinian factions began handing over weapons from Lebanon's largest refugee camp on Saturday, a Palestinian official said, as part of a push by the government to disarm non-state groups.

Abdel Hadi al-Asadi, of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), said the umbrella group conducted "the operation of delivering new batches of weapons".

Five truckloads of weapons were handed over in the southern Ain al-Hilweh camp, the largest in the country, and three more from the northern Beddawi camp, he said.

An AFP journalist in the area reported Lebanese army vehicles posted around the camp, preventing anyone from approaching.

The densely-populated Beddawi camp, near the northern city of Tripoli, was hit last year by Israeli strikes that killed a Hamas commander, his wife and two daughters, according to the Palestinian militant group.

Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad, both not part of the PLO which has begun handing over weapons, have not announced plans to disarm in Lebanon.

Lebanon hosts about 222,000 Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations agency UNRWA, with many living in overcrowded camps outside of the state's control.

During a visit to Beirut in May, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas agreed with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that weapons in Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps would be handed over to the Lebanese authorities.

The process began last month, when the army received weapons from camps around Beirut and southern Lebanon.

During a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that largely ended with a November ceasefire, Palestinian groups including Hamas claimed rocket fire towards Israel.

By longstanding convention, the Lebanese army stays out of the Palestinian camps and leaves Palestinian factions to handle security.

Lebanon's disarmament push has been rejected by Hezbollah, which was the country's most powerful political force before being severely weakened by the war with Israel.

Beirut's plan entails the complete disarmament of the border area with Israel within three months, in the first of five phases to monopolise weapons with the army, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi told AFP last week.
Iraq signs $1bn investment deals with World Bank's IFC



Baghdad, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Iraq signed on Saturday investment deals worth $1 billion in its energy, agriculture and finance sectors with the World Bank's private sector arm, as the country seeks to build on its economic recovery following years of unrest.

At a ceremony marking two decades of the International Finance Corporation's presence in Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the new contracts with his country's private and public sectors.

In as statement, the IFC announced "$1 billion in new investments and engagements in energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, and finance".

"Attracting foreign capital has contributed to supporting Iraq's economic stability," Sudani said.

Sudani's media office said the deals include a $500 million contract to invest in associated gas -- the excess of natural gas released during oil drilling -- and development of gas facilities in the southern province of Basra.

Oil-rich Iraq has been trying to move past decades of war and unrest, but it still suffers from poor infrastructure, failing public services, mismanagement and endemic corruption.

It has only recently regained a semblance of stability and authorities hope to attract investments across sectors.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the country's "non-oil economic growth has been slow, constrained by low productivity, limited investment and an inefficient use of human capital".

During the ceremony, Sudani praised Iraq's private sector for implementing projects "despite bureaucratic issues, corruption and security challenges".

The Washington-based IFC says it has invested and mobilised more than $2.5 billion for projects in the country since 2005, during the height of the war that began with the US-led invasion.
Ukraine says needs $120 bn for defence in 2026



Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Ukraine said Saturday that it needed at least $120 billion next year to fight Russia's invasion, and would need a similar amount to maintain its military, even if the war ended.

Ukraine spends around a third of its entire economic output on defence and relies on tens of billions of dollars of financial assistance from its Western allies to keep its economy afloat.

Speaking at a conference in Kyiv, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmygal said his country risked losing more land to Russia if it continued to be outspent on the battlefield.

"I should say that if the war will continue, we will need a minimum of $120 billion for the next year," Shmygal said.

Even if the war ended, Ukraine would need a similar amount just to keep its army in good form, "in case of secondary aggression from the Russian side", he added.

He suggested confiscating Russian assets frozen in the West to pay for the defence spending, saying Ukrainians were already shouldering a significant tax burden after three-and-a-half years of war.

Russia says any attempt to seize its assets amounts to theft and will incur consequences.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed using frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan" for Ukraine, but said the 27-member bloc would not seize the assets themselves.
Caracas condemns US for seizing fishing boat in Venezuelan waters



Caracas, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Venezuela on Saturday hit out at the United States for allegedly seizing a fishing boat for eight hours in its exclusive economic zone, as the US military patrols the Caribbean to target drug cartels.

The vessel carrying nine fishermen was "illegaly and hostilely" detained on Friday by the USS Jason Dunham, a destroyer, the foreign ministry in Caracas said in a statement.

"The warship deployed 18 armed agents who boarded and occupied the small, harmless boat for eight hours," the statement said, calling the incident a "direct provocation through the illegal use of excessive military means."

Those who ordered the seizure "are looking for an incident to justify escalating war in the Caribbean, with the aim of regime change" in Caracas, the statement said.

It demanded that the United States "immediately cease these actions that endanger security and peace in the Caribbean."

Tensions between the two countries have soared in recent weeks after Washington deployed warships in the southern Caribbean, as Trump steps up pressure on Maduro.

The United States accuses the leftist leader of heading a cocaine trafficking cartel and recently doubled its bounty for his capture to $50 million.

Earlier this month, US forces blew up an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, killing 11 people. Trump said it belonged to the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization he tied to Maduro.
Sudan govt pushes back on peace plan, defends role in transition



Khartoum, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Sudan's army-aligned government pushed back on Saturday against a new peace proposal put forward by four influential foreign powers, rejecting any suggestion that it be excluded from the country's post-war political transition.

On Friday, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt jointly called for a humanitarian truce in Sudan's more than two-year war, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a transition toward civilian rule -- but suggested that no warring party should be part of that transition.

Responding in a statement from the foreign ministry, Khartoum said it welcomed efforts to end the war, but would not accept "interventions that do not respect the sovereignty of the Sudanese state and its legitimate institutions, which are supported by the Sudanese people, and its right to defend its people and its land".

Sudan's institutions are currently under the control of the army, which has been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023.

In May, the army formed a new civilian-led government "to complete the tasks of transition" and "cleanse all of Sudan" of the RSF.

In its statement, the foreign ministry said "the Sudanese people alone have the right to determine how they are governed through national consensus", as led by the transitional government.

The plan put forward by the four foreign powers, often referred to as the quartet, had proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition toward a civilian-led government.

"Sudan's future governance is for the Sudanese people to decide through an inclusive and transparent transition process, not controlled by any warring party," Friday's statement read.

In its response, Sudan rejected "any attempt to equate it with a racist terrorist militia that recruits foreign mercenaries from across the world to destroy and erase the Sudanese identity" -- a clear reference to the RSF, which has been accused of receiving support from foreign fighters funded by the UAE. The UAE denies the allegations.

The ministry added that its "engagement with any party concerning Sudanese affairs depends clearly and explicitly on the respect for its national sovereignty".

The conflict in Sudan has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and created what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Despite repeated international efforts to broker a ceasefire, both sides have shown little willingness to compromise.

The army currently controls Sudan's east, north and centre, while the RSF holds parts of the south and nearly all of the western Darfur region -- where it recently declared a parallel government, fuelling fears of the country's fragmentation.
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If London is a mirror to New York, it would explain the proliferation of NYC-inspired hangouts that have sprung up in recent years. Restaurants like The Dover, One Club Row and the Fat Badger are similar in as much as they focus on service and atmosphere as well as the food. Each has fostered a sense of exclusivity, sought after or not, and attracts a celebrity crowd ever-keen for martinis, grilled sea bass and discretion. At these restaurants, waiting staff are more likely to make you laugh and bring you a glass of wine on the house than talk to you about sustainable farming. Make no mistake, the produce is sound and the menu well put together, but you wont hear the phrase ingredient-led while looking up to see Justin Bieber neck a Negroni.
Your Ayurveda consultation will also see you provided with a bespoke wellness menu to eat from during your stay  the doctor will identify what best suits your digestive system, as well as your sensitivities. Off the menu for me were meat and dairy. Though the dishes are so moreish youll forget youre on an exclusion diet. And yet no one will frown upon you asking for a cheeky glass of wine if you decide to flout the rules (as I did on the final night).
Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life. This is a young girl, who went to university to do law, and unfortunately got mixed up in the wrong so-called friends and made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price.
At the end of the interview, Robinson said: Not only are we in the fight right now, but were on the advance thanks to free speech being fought for, for us, by Elon Musk.
In Ukraine, the duke participated in a panel discussion at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, during which he paid tribute to the wives and mothers who keep their loved ones on the straight and narrow, they deserve as much respect as anyone who serves.
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(Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



Zhari Dasht, Afghanistan, Sep. 7, 2011: Farzani, a teacher in the Zhari Dasht internally displaced persons camp, holds two of her four children in her home on Sept. 7 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Farzani learned to teach while living in a refugee camp in Quetta, Pakistan.

In partnership with the provincial Ministry of Education, along with local and district leadership, the 10th Mountain Divisions 3rd Brigade Combat Team oversaw the opening of eight schools in early September 2011 in the Zhari and Maiwand districts of Kandahar province; two of them for female students.

Aside from hoping to combat the abysmal literacy rate of Afghan women, she is primarily motivated to prepare women to become health care providers. Womens health needs are so underserved in Afghanistan that, even after 10 years of NATO presence, the country still has the second highest infant mortality rate globally, according to the World Factbook.

On the first day of classes in the Zhari Dasht camp, 30 girls showed up for school.

This month marks four years since the Taliban banned secondary eduction for girls in Afghanistan.

Read Laura Rauchs article on the 2011 efforts of U.S. military and local leaders to improve educational opportunities for Afghanistans youth here.
An Afghan boy looks up at 1st Lt. Jospeh DeNenno, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Carabello, both with the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, during registration at the Now Ruzi school on Sept. 6 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



U.S. troops hope new schools help restore Afghans sense of community

This article first appeared in Stars and Stripes Oct. 10, 2011. It is republished unedited in its original form.

BAG-E-POL, Afghanistan  Rows of well-behaved boys sat at desks that had been moved outside for the news conference. They watched as a stream of dignitaries and ministers, U.S. and Afghan soldiers, and members of the media filed into the courtyard of the Bag-e-Pol school on registration day in Kandahar province.

As the dignitaries settled in behind a podium and looked out, they saw the unlikeliest of sights. In the front row sat female students, fidgeting, smiling and acting as giddy as, well, schoolgirls.

They sat in wonderment as Zhari district governor Niaz Sarhadi talked about the value of education and what it means for the future of Afghanistan. At times the girls feigned modesty to onlookers, hiding behind their small veils, but that didnt last. Today wasnt a day to hide. Today was different because they knew that somebody thought they were important.

In partnership with the provincial Ministry of Education, along with local and district leadership, the 10th Mountain Divisions 3rd Brigade Combat Team oversaw the opening of eight schools in early September in the Zhari and Maiwand districts of Kandahar province; two of them for female students.

Female students participate in class at a school in the Zhari Dasht internally displaced persons camp on Sept. 7 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



Thats up from just two schools operating this time last year, neither of which was open to girls. Six more schools are scheduled to open soon in the two districts.

Aside from providing a basic education for Afghan youth, opening schools is part of the brigades greater commitment to help restore the traditional village structure thats been fractured by decades of war and upheaval, according to Maj. Frank Leija of Los Angeles. They hope to connect Afghans to their district and provincial governments through schools, and thus to grow a sense of civic-mindedness and an understanding that their government can work for them.

Thirty years of war has completely broken this society. The family was broken, Company D Commander Capt. Jeff Auer of 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, who is from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., said. Schools are what is going to tie this community back together.

The West has spent nearly $1 billion since 2006 on education reform in Afghanistan, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, with thousands of schools built, according to data from ISAF nations. And an estimated 6 million Afghan children are getting an education.

Afghan boys watch as dignitaries visit the Now Ruzi school during registration on Sept. 6 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



But many of the lasting effects of education cannot be determined for years to come, and the immediate goal  how well Afghans are being connected to a central government through local initiatives  remains open to competing interpretations.

On registration day in Zhari, officials toured three schools and attended a ground-breaking ceremony for a fourth in the village of Kandalay. Wherever they went, throngs of children awaited their arrival, many in tattered clothing and wearing no shoes.

Most of them know nothing of new clothes or uniforms, fresh pens and notebooks, or newly minted lunch boxes. Those are unimaginable luxuries in Zhari or Maiwand, where most live without electricity or running water in mud dwellings.

Its victory along this road today. Its winning. Were winning, 3rd Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Carabello said as he watched the scores of children in the street as his vehicle drove away from the Now Ruzi School.

Theres a difference between having an effect and winning. I didnt come here to have an effect. I came here to win, Carabello said.

Farzani, a teacher in the Zhari Dasht internally displaced persons camp, holds two of her four children in her home on Sept. 7 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)

A young female leads the class in recitation of the alphabet at a school in the Zhari Dasht internally displaced persons camp on Sept. 7 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Eight schools opened in September in the Zhari and Maiwand districts, two of them to girls. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



According to the Central Intelligence Agencys World Factbook, which tracks demographics for policy makers, the average Afghan is 18 years old with a life expectancy of 45 years. The young population has little knowledge of its past  other than that it has been wracked by war  and only a limited understanding of how they can affect their future. Nearly 60 percent of Afghans are illiterate and fewer than 13 percent of Afghan women are able to read or write.

Just down the road in Garmsir district, Helmand province, Marines are building schools at a furious pace, but only for boys. One school is nominally for girls, a school one Marine officer described as a girls day care, where no formal classes are taught.

Theres a lot of words to say, but its impossible now to build a school for the females, Hajji Hazarat, an elder in one of Garmsirscentral villages, said through an interpreter. The Taliban would burn it.

But the Marines persist.

Education is the only thing we have that the Taliban cant legitimately provide, said Maj. Roberto Falcon, the civil affairs officer overseeing a raft of projects, including 13 new school buildings and at least a halfdozen temporary tent schools in the dusty district in Helmand province. That is a fact.

Regional leader Haji Tor Ghani speaks with soldiers and dignitaries following a press conference at the Bag-e-Pol school on Sept. 6 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, where girls are allowed to attend. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



As a result, there is a lot riding on the nearly $2 million the Marines are spending this year on schools here, Falcon said, noting that if the Marines dont build schools, then it looks like [the Afghan government] cant provide anything for them.

Rahmatullah, 50, a teacher at Bag-e-Pol, says he is eager to teach girls. He has eight registered, but is hoping that number triples during the school year. He attributes security in the area and the progressive attitude toward the education of women to regional leader Haji Tor Ghani. Though Tor Ghani holds no official government position, his influence in the area is unmatched.

U.S. soldiers have nicknamed Tor Ghani the Afghan Rock Star because of his long dark hair and ultra-hip sunglasses. He travels with an entourage and is rarely without an AK-47 slung over his shoulder.

Though he has a history of working with members of the Taliban during its reign, he now supports the Afghan government, and works regularly with 10th Mountain soldiers. Tor Ghani says that a lack of education in Afghanistan has led to decades of war, and he is committed to seeing the schools stay open.

Rahmatullah, a teacher at the Bag-e-Pol school, looks out from his classroom on Sept. 6 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Eight schools opened in the Zhari and Maiwand districts in September and six more are planned to open later this year. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



We have fought. We have sacrificed. We have stood here. We will not leave, Tor Ghani said after visiting with dignitaries during the opening of the Bag-e-Pol school.

That day, 10 miles to the west, two more schools opened up for registration in Zhari Dasht, an internally displaced persons camp, where some 7,000 people from all points in Afghanistan try to eke out a living. The following morning, on the first day of classes, 30 girls showed up for school.

Lt. Col. Greg Anderson, from San Jose, Calif., commander of the 2-87, credits both the female teacher they employ and their displaced status for the camp residents willingness to teach girls.

Because theyre on the ropes, theyre amenable to new ideas, Anderson said.

Sitting in the heat of the afternoon on her dirt floor lined with flattened grain sacks, Farzana, 45, cuddles two of her four children as she speaks, through a translator, about her passion for teaching girls in Zhari Dasht.

A soft breeze passes through a simple ventilation system cut into the mud walls; the only evidence of modernity in her austere living quarters are the rubber shoes her son is wearing.

She is the only female teacher in the Zhari and Maiwand districts  the home of the original Taliban movement  and one of very few in the region.

Conservative, rural Pashtuns in the heart of Taliban country dont look kindly on female teachers, Anderson said.

Farzana learned to teach while living in a refugee camp in Quetta, Pakistan, where her husband worked as a security guard in one of the schools. Aside from hoping to combat the abysmal literacy rate of Afghan women, she is primarily motivated to prepare women to become health care providers. Womens health needs are so underserved in Afghanistan that, even after 10 years of NATO presence, the country still has the second highest infant mortality rate globally, according to the World Factbook.

A young female student looks up from her desk at a school in the Zhari Dasht internally displaced persons camp on Sept. 7 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)

An Afghan boy with no shoes watches as dignitaries visit the Now Ruzi school during registration on Sept. 6 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. (Laura Rauch/Stars and Stripes)



My goal is to help my nation. And making progress means teaching girls, Farzana said. My society needs me.

As she spoke, her husband, Redegul, sat close by, listening and nodding.When asked about her work, he quickly answered that hes especially proud of his wife.

In spite of the progress, or perhaps because of it, two recent threats came as stark reminders of the challenges that await both Afghans and coalition forces.

On registration day, while the contingent of ministers and educators was visiting the Pir Mohammed School, revelry turned to seriousness when insurgents launched a grenade at soldiers and officials returning to their vehicles. No one was injured in the attack that landed a grenade just a few feet from a U.S. armored vehicle.

Another threat came less than a week later in Now Ruzi. Taliban insurgents posted a night letter at the local mosque, forbidding residents from cooperating with either the Afghan government or American forces, and warning residents to close the school. It was signed Mullah Omar  the Taliban leader.

Anderson views letters like that, which arrive occasionally, as a sign that the population is turning away from the Taliban.

A unified village is a threat to the enemy. These schools are connecting villages that wouldnt otherwise be connected, Anderson said. Theres no miracles; its hard work.

Pir Mohammed school headmaster Haji Bismillah Khan, 70, isnt deterred by the threats either.

I dont care if the Taliban kill me, he said. As long as kids are coming to school.

Stars and Stripes Matt Milham contributed to this report.
National Guards troops on New Orleanss Bourbon Street in February. Security was increased around the city ahead of this year's Super Bowl after a New Years Day terrorist attack that left 14 dead. (Kathleen Flynn/For the Washington Post)



The Trump administration has drafted a proposal to activate 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to serve in a law enforcement mission focused on the states urban centers, according to Pentagon planning documents outlining what would be a significant expansion of the militarys role in policing American citizens.

Among the documents is an unsigned, undated draft memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem that describes the unique advantage of the Pentagons proposed approach to law enforcement in Louisiana. This plan, the draft memo says, would allow the military to supplement law enforcement in cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge so long as Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican who has expressed support for the idea, asks the federal government for such assistance.

It is not clear that Landry has made such a request. It is not clear either if the proposal has been approved by federal and state officials.

President Donald Trump alluded to the deployment during an appearance Friday on Fox News, where he announced a separate plan to mobilize an unspecified number of National Guard personnel for a similar mission in Memphis. Like New Orleans, Memphis is led by a Democratic mayor, and Trump has decried what he says is a prevalence of violence in both places  often evoking dystopian imagery dramatically at odds with official crime data.

New Orleans is in really bad shape, and the governor wants us to go in, Trump said on Fox. He claimed as well, I can fix that up in a week and a half.

The Pentagons plan, which has not been previously reported, calls for the Louisiana mobilization to last until Sept. 30, 2026  far longer than the presidents timeline, if an announcement is imminent. The materials reviewed by The Washington Post do not identify a start date.

The Louisiana planning documents illustrate the Trump administrations evolving strategy for deploying military forces with the power to police Americans in cities with Democratic majorities. After facing resistance from the leaders of California and Illinois, the president now is looking at states led by Republican governors who may be willing to accept troops in predominantly blue cities  such as Memphis and New Orleans  even if no event-driven emergency has occurred.

The Pentagon affirmed the documents authenticity but would not comment on them. Leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy, it said in a statement. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise.

The Louisiana governors office did not return a request for comment.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in August. (Tom Brenner/For The Washington Post)



The Pentagons Louisiana plan suggests a robust operation is under consideration, with National Guard personnel supplementing the law enforcement presence in high-crime neighborhoods, helping with drug interdiction and providing logistical and communications support to local authorities. There would be clear rules of engagement and community outreach protocols to ensure transparency and public trust, the documents say.

The documents also show the Defense Department is planning to leverage Title 32 of the U.S. Code, an authority that keeps National Guard troops under the control of a state governor but funds their operations with federal dollars. Title 32 status permits Guard personnel to support law enforcement missions without violating the Posse Comitatus Act, the draft memo from Hegseth to Bondi and Noem states, referring to a federal law that generally bars troops under federal control from conducting domestic police missions, with certain exceptions.

The Trump administration leveraged Title 32 in its takeover last month of Washington, D.C., where approximately 2,300 National Guard troops from eight Republican-led states and the District, which is led by a Democratic mayor, are deployed. Trump, who holds authority over troops in Washington because it does not have a governor, has said military involvement was necessary to reduce crime, though local police data indicates an appreciable decline was underway long before his declaration of an emergency. In the weeks since, the Guard has assisted police some while also dedicating significant resources to beautifying the city by laying mulch and picking up trash.

Notably, military officials overseeing the D.C. deployment declared early on that while Title 32 permits troops to make arrests, they are not authorized to do so in this case. The Louisiana plan, which appears to have originated with Elbridge Colby, a Trump political appointee overseeing Pentagon policy, does not specify whether those Guard troops would have arrest authority.

In Los Angeles this summer, Trump  acting against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat  activated thousands of the states National Guard personnel under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which put those troops under federal control with a limited mandate that the military said at the time would involve guarding federal property and supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Last month, a federal judge determined that some of the militarys actions in support of ICE, including establishing protective perimeters during raids, constituted law enforcement and thus were against the law. The administration is appealing the ruling.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in sending troops to Chicago, too, but he is limited in doing so without the permission of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat who has opposed such a deployment.

Experts called the administrations plan for Louisiana highly irregular, noting that the documents acknowledge the Pentagon has not even received a formal request from Landrys office stating a need for assistance.

This is the administration imposing missions on governors that are not requested, even on a red state governor, said Randy Manner, a retired Army two-star general and former acting vice chief of the National Guard.

The Louisiana plan also breaks norms on how the National Guard is deployed, Manner said. In his leadership role, Manner was responsible for reviewing requests for assistance from governors, most often in response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. Those requests often sought troops under Title 32 because federal money, not state funds, would pay for the troops and equipment needed.

The governor is supposed to request this, not the president or the secretary of defense, Manner said, calling the move absolutely nothing more than a political grab of power by Trump. Ive never heard of it happening before, he said. Ive never heard of this kind of thing happening before this administration  not in my 35 years of military service.

A former senior defense official with knowledge of the process for states to request federal assistance said that while it was normal for agencies to work behind-the-scenes once a need had been identified, its not standard for the Defense Department to propose a potential deployment.

This suggests that in the shopping of places to send troops, theres probably some political conversation that is happening, said the former official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Multiple Louisiana Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have indicated they support a military deployment there. Newsom, the California governor and a potential presidential candidate, last month challenged Johnson and a host of other GOP leaders over the rates of violent crime in their states, suggesting it would be more appropriate for Trump to mobilize the Guard in those places.

If the president is sincere about the issue of crime and violence, theres no question in my mind that hell likely be sending the troops into Louisiana and Mississippi to address the just unconscionable wave of violence that continues to plague those states, Newsom said at the time.

New Orleans has seen a significant reduction in crime this year, with the citys murder rate falling to lows not seen since the 1970s after a pandemic-era spike, according to local police data. As of Sept. 6, overall crime was down 19 percent from a year ago, those figures show.

In Baton Rouge, which has a Republican mayor, the statistics were more mixed. As of Sept. 9, there were eight fewer homicides in the city this year compared to a year ago, but robberies and assaults over the last six months were on the rise, according to local police data.

In Memphis, Tennessees second-most populous city after Nashville, police officials said earlier in the week that instances of violent crime, including murder and assault, have come down.

If the Pentagons plan for Louisiana is fully realized, it would tie up 11 percent of the states National Guard personnel available for emergencies during hurricane season. Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the adjutant general overseeing forces there, said that about 9,000 troops are available for disaster response when he downplayed the assignment of 135 service members from Louisiana to the ongoing mission in Washington.

In a worst-case scenario, Friloux said last month, we would be having forces from other states come into Louisiana to support us.

Trumps use of the National Guard to supplement law enforcement is incompatible with how the force was built, and it could have a corrosive effect, said Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank.

The men and women of our National Guard signed up to defend their communities and defend their country in genuine emergencies, and the Trump administration is fabricating emergencies in ways that are dangerous to the relationship between American society and our military, she said. Its destructive to businesses who employ Guardsmen. Its disruptive to single parents. Its destructive to the Guardsmens own professional development to be called up potentially for a year at a time.

Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Patrick Svitek, Amy B Wang, Lydia Sidhom and John D. Harden contributed to this report.
Sailors crew the rails of the USS Abraham Lincoln on their return to San Diego on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. A military show the Trump administration was recently exploring in San Diego was expected to feature the Navy Leap Frogs parachute team landing on the carriers deck. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  The Trump administration has called off its pursuit of a military spectacle in San Diego in early November for the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, after making multiple visits in hopes of staging a major air and sea show the president would attend, according to people familiar with the planning.

The shift was confirmed by the Navy, which says it is now looking at sites in Florida.

The local show was quietly being developed on behalf of President Donald Trump, who was expected to watch the celebration from a vantage point in San Diego Bay, part of which would have been closed to civilian boat traffic to make room for parading warships, sources said.

The celebration also was to have included an appearance by the Navys popular Blue Angels demonstration squadron, which could have disrupted passenger traffic at San Diego International Airport, sources said.

The planning began roughly five weeks ago when the Trump administration told the Navy, Marines and FAA to explore organizing and producing the show  an effort that soon also involved the Port of San Diego, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Administration and the USS Midway Museum.

An advance team from the White House conducted two site visits  one involving a thorough review of the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal, seen as a prime shoreline viewing area  and hoped the show would draw 100,000 spectators, sources said.

As late as Wednesday, the administration was proceeding with planning an event, even though it was being organized in short order. By comparison, it takes 14 months to fully plan and carry out each years Miramar Air Show, the largest military air show in the U.S.

But things changed Thursday when the Trump administration informed the Navy, the Marines and the Federal Aviation Administration that San Diego was no longer a preferred site for the show.

No clear, detailed reason was given. But such a large-scale operation was likely to face local opposition.

One person familiar with the plans said airport officials were concerned that the event could affect the airport because of the Blue Angels part of the performance. Officials were told the airport would likely have to shut down for a few hours on a couple of days for practice time and then again for the actual performance.

Now, as word has spread that the planning has been called off, theres a general sense of relief, the source said.

People familiar with the planning also expressed concern that the Trump gala could distract public attention from the many veteran celebrations being held in the region in the coming months, including the Boot Camp Challenge and Fleet Week.

The program the Trump administration was developing was large in scope. According to a draft planning document reviewed by the Union-Tribune, the event would include flyovers by many types of aircraft, including F-35C and F-18F fighter jets, and would feature the Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, which would land on the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln at North Island.

That carrier is preparing for deployment, likely late this year.

Union-Tribune reporter Karen Kucher contributed to this story.

2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

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Penny, a therapy dog with the Michigan Army National Guard at Fort Custer, November 2024. Penny was trained through Puppies Behind Bars, a nonprofit that has incarcerated individuals raise and train service and facility dogs. (Paige Bodine/U.S. Army)



NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Tribune News Service)  When Evangel Baxter wakes up each morning, he is met by a pair of chocolate eyes staring back at him and a wagging tail gently tapping on the bed. Those eyes belong to Thunder, a 20-month-old black Labrador retriever, who excitedly welcomes him to a new school day.

A second-year student at Yale University, Baxter goes to classes with Thunder, and they play on the quad or walk around New Haven.

Despite his name, Thunder is a calm and attentive service dog helping Baxter, a Marine Corps veteran, on his mental health journey. He was trained through Puppies Behind Bars, a nonprofit where incarcerated individuals raise and train service and facility dogs inside New York prisons.

Baxter says hanging out with Thunder helps him feel grounded and keep calm, even when hes stuck cleaning up stinky poops.

I had self-destructive moments last semester, and that was really hard. Identifying that was one step, and now Im more so in the process of working on that, and thats been a great thing that Thunder has helped me with, Baxter said. He loves to make eye contact, and just knowing hes there with me to comfort me in that.

Originally from Florida, Baxter, 31, joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in California. He wanted to return to school after leaving the corps in 2023 and began attending The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina.

A year into his studies at The Citadel, Baxter applied to several Ivy League universities with the help of the nonprofit Service to School, which offers free college application counseling to military veterans and service members. His adviser, Baxter said, was a Yale Law School graduate and a Marine Corps lawyer, who recommended Yale as a good place to nerd out and ask questions.

Baxter enrolled at Yale through the Eli Whitney Students Program  a nearly 40-year-old initiative for individuals who dont already hold a bachelors degree and have been out of high school for at least five years. Students in the program often include military veterans, entrepreneurs, activists, health care workers, artists, and athletes.

Although being in the military was a transformative experience, Baxter said getting readjusted to life outside the military was difficult.

Moving to New Haven and starting at Yale was stressful, Baxter said  especially so soon after leaving the Marine Corps. He was dealing with anxiety in an uncontrollable manner and self-destructive habits, and it took time to recognize how those patterns were not only hurting him but also the people around him. Additionally, he was facing all the usual challenges of being a student again.

You forget how much of your community is embedded in your everyday life, and how much of that is not the norm outside of that, he said. Its a really hard thing to re-establish.

One way Baxter relieved stress then was to meet up with the Yale polices facility dog, Heidi, who was also trained through Puppies Behind Bars.

Raised and trained in prison, the puppies in the program become service dogs for veterans and first responders, facility dogs for municipal police, fire, and campus police departments, and explosive-detection canines for law enforcement.

Puppies and their incarcerated handlers spend almost all their time together, socializing and training while giving each other lots of love and support. About 150 incarcerated individuals participate as puppy raisers, according to its website.

Once training is finished, the dogs are paired with their new handlers, who are then taught by the incarcerated trainers how to use the dogs commands. The dogs are placed in their new homes or departments at no cost.

Heidi was one of the first facility dogs to arrive in Connecticut when she joined the force in 2020. There are currently around 15 dogs trained through Puppies Behind Bars working with police departments throughout Connecticut.

Unlike a typical service animal, Heidis job is to provide emotional support to anyone who needs it, in any setting, such as health care, police, or educational settings. Outside Yale, Heidis handler, Officer Richard Simons, said Heidi visits hospitals, day care centers, public schools, and police funerals. They also help victims of traumatic crimes while in court.

Baxter said throwing the ball with Heidi would bring him great relief, but he needed more support than she could provide in their weekly meet-ups. It was Simons who, with persistence, persuaded Baxter to apply for a service dog through Puppies Behind Bars.

Attending the training in a prison facility, Baxter said, taught him positive reinforcements and special tricks. It also helped him better understand Thunders personality.

He said the raisers were playful and affectionate with the dogs, even though they were these kinds of hard dudes. Hearing their stories, seeing how they take responsibility for their past, and watching how deeply they embrace the work helped him approach his new bond with Thunder with an open heart.

You get this really loving and caring relationship that they establish early on, and then they pass their love and their passion onto you, he said.

Baxter said Thunder is very intentional about being with his person, constantly looking up to check in on him.

In the classroom, Thunder goes up to say hello to the other students but always makes his way back to Baxter to sit by his side.

Whenever Im mentally headed towards a bad spot, I reorient myself to kind of ground myself, and he helps me with that a lot, whether hes giving me a kiss or were throwing the ball, he said.

What Baxters future will look like is a question Im constantly battling. Still, he knows he eventually wants to return to California with his wife and, now, Thunder.

Its great to walk out of a kind of stressful class or study time and just go throw the ball and watch him turn into a full puppy, Baxter said. That kind of mutual feeling of love and joy for that moment is very well reciprocated, and (I) really appreciate having moments like that to just enjoy life.

 2025 the New Haven Register (New Haven, Conn.).

Visit www.nhregister.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An American flag seen in Davenport, Iowa, in an undated photo posted by the city in honor of Sept. 11., 2001. The city on Saturday, Sept. 13, is hosting Vet Fest 2025, a regional veterans festival. (City of Davenport via Facebook)



DAVENPORT, Iowa (Tribune News Service)  Now in its second year, the QC (Quad Cities) Veterans Festival returned Saturday as Vet Fest 2025, bringing with it a series of new races and events to commemorate veterans of the U.S. military.

My mission is to build community in the Quad Cities, Michael Burke, founder and organizer of Vet Fest, said. I really feel its important, especially with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, to get people out and meeting new people.

The festival takes place at LeClaire Park in Davenport from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Last year, the festival was held on November 11  Veterans Day  but attendees found the festival too cold, Burke said, causing him to move the festival to earlier in the year.

In addition to race events, the festival includes more than 30 vendors, four food trucks, the band Got Your Six, wrestling with the veteran-owned Honor Among Wrestling and more.

Burke, who served for nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, said the festival is expecting between 1,000 and 1,500 attendees.

This year, the festival has added a 9.33-mile Ruck to Remember, with support from Uncommon Valor, a Quad-Cities nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention for veterans, their families and the wider community. Similar to hiking, rucking entails walking with weight distributed through a backpack or a vest.

Wes Burnett, founder of Uncommon Valor, served for 17 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Burnett, 44, said the Ruck to Remember, then called the 9/11 Memorial Hike, began two or three years ago and originally spanned 9.11 miles. This year, the ruck has expanded to include 0.22 additional miles to commemorate the around 22 veterans believed to die by suicide daily. Though the estimated number of veterans lost to suicide varies by year and by study, the number 22 has come to symbolize the higher prevalence of suicide among veterans compared to the wider public.

The ruck begins at LeClaire Park and will travel across the Government Bridge and onto Arsenal Island. The group will then hike to the eastern edge of the island before returning to the starting point. The ruck begins at 1:30 p.m., and will last four to five hours.

Burnett said he is working to broaden the robustness and support for the Ruck to Remember. Last year, about 10 people participated in the hike. This year, more than 45 participants have registered, he said.

Participants do not need to have a military background to partake in the ruck, and registrants are welcome to walk the route without added weight, Burnett said.

Its as fast as the slowest person can go, Burnett said.

The festival also includes a kids circuit race and centennial mile. New this year, the festival has also added a Patriot Day 15k, traveling the same route as the ruck, and the Vet Fest Challenge, which involves a series of short bursts or high-intensity activity. Though the festival is free, registration is required for all races.

Further details and registration information can be found through the QC Veterans Festival Facebook page.

 2025 Quad City Times, Davenport, Iowa.

Visit www.qctimes.com.

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Aftermath of explosion in Mis Tesoros bar in Manuel Maroto street in Puente de Vallecas (Madrid).

Europa Press Madrid Saturday, 13 September 2025, 18:34 | Updated 18:46h. Share

An explosion in a bar in Madrid has left around 25 people injured, three of them seriously and two potentially seriously, after the detonation affected the residential building located just above the premises.

The incident happened in the Mis Tesoros bar in Manuel Maroto street, located in the district of Puente de Vallecas, at around 3pm, according to Emergencias Madrid this Saturday afternoon .

Samur-Proteccion Civil crews and firefighters from Madrid city council, as well as several units from the SUMMA 112 emergency medical service of the Madrid region rushed to the incident.

Rescuers at the scene are clearing the rubble by hand due to the instability of the building, as it would be too dangerous to bring in machinery.

In addition, the aerial support section of the Madrid Municipal Police force is collaborating in the rescue operation using drones.
In the theater world, opening night is preceded by previews, public performances that allow cast and crew to fine-tune the show before its frozen, meaning no more changes can be made. Tickets to previews are often less expensive because performances may still admittedly be rough. At Syracuse Stage, when the musical The Hello Girls opened on Friday, three audiences had already seen it: two during previews and one during a show reserved for military veterans.

Were a small town. We cant keep our mouths shut.

Thanks to social media, everybodys a reviewer.

The online buzz has been rapturous. Sensational. Stunning. Awesome.

The same phrase keeps coming up: The best show in years.

Introducing an unknown musical as its 2025-26 season opener, Syracuse Stage seemingly took a risk with The Hello Girls, but artistic director Bob Hupp knows what hes doing. Stage has an irresistible hit on its hands.

The story is captivating and propulsively paced. The characters are thoughtfully differentiated, charming in their unique quirks, and individually compelling. The songs are lush, harmonically complex, diverse and memorable with several that wont let gofor me it was The Front. The set, staging, lighting, sound design, projections, costuming and choreography are fluidly integrated, all executed at such a consistent high quality that they support the show seamlessly.

So this review is a formalityan exercise in amplifying what everyone else is saying without giving away the pleasures of discovering why everyone loves The Hello Girls.

Set in World War I, but with the energy and vibe of contemporary Broadway theater, The Hello Girls follows five American women who are recruited by the Army to serve overseas as telephone operators.

Chessa Metz (front) with cast members in the Syracuse Stage production of "The Hello Girls." September 9 - 28, 2025. Photo by Joan Marcus. Joan Marcus

The ground war in France, it seems, is hampered by communications problemsdropped calls, too-long holds, and Army-soldier operators who cant speak Frenchso legendary war hero General Pershing (Christopher Carl) convinces the Army to post newspaper Help Wanted ads for bilingual female operators.

Grace Banker (Chessa Metz), Bell Telephones top operator and trainer in New York City, is convinced by her friend and coworker Suzanne Prevot (Storm Lever) to apply. Grace ends up supervising the first wave of operators under the reluctant direction of Lt. Joseph Riser (Sam Simahk), whose reservations regarding his female recruits are all too obvious. Along with Grace and Suzanne, three other standout operators join up: 30-something Bertha Hunt (Jamila Sabares-Klemm) whose soldier husband is overseas; Helen Hill (Alex Humphreys), a wide-eyed farmgirl; and Louise Le Breton (Sophia Anna OBrien), a 16-year-old French immigrant who lies about her age to qualify. The women, informally known as the Hello Girls, go on to play critical roles on the front lines of combat.

The story is true, drawn from the real lives of Grace and Suzanne, with the other three based on composites of female operators who served in the Army Signal Corps. The creative team of Peter Mills and Cara Reichel first put an earlier Off-Broadway version of the show together in 2018 for the centennial anniversary of the Hello Girls. With music and lyrics by Mills and book co-written by Mills and Reichel, the version at Syracuse Stage adds additional characters and expands the show to include an eight-member orchestra led by music director Alexandra Crosby on keyboards. The creators have likened the show to the Tom Hanks film A League of Their Own, and it has that scrappy quality of women carving out their lives with nerve and verve in an arena typically dominated by men.

Sam Simahk and Chessa Metz in the Syracuse Stage production of "The Hello Girls." September 9 - 28, 2026. Photo by Joan Marcus. Joan Marcus

There are themes and issues that shape The Hello Girls, but its how youll feel watching it that will have you recommending it to others. The musical is unexpected, surprising and euphoric. To call it a feel-good show is almost dismissive in that its serious theater concerned with larger messages and ideas. But youll probably walk out of the theater thinking, A show this goodhow come Ive never heard of it before?

Heres why. Though not a world premiere, the Syracuse Stage version has shifted the show from a musical driven by actor-musicians performing the songssimilar to Once on Broadwayto actors backed by an orchestra; the former is a much harder format to pull off and can be restrictive in terms of casting.

Nonetheless, the original 2018 Off-Broadway version earned multiple Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Off-Broadway Alliance award nominations for outstanding musical, book, lyrics and direction. The Stage version, directed by co-creator Cara Reichel, features reworked material, new staging and fresh orchestrations.

Though its a show set in wartime, its family friendly, with intergenerational appeal and no coarse language. It feels like a musical that has always been part of the theater landscape, so much so that my theater companion wondered, How come this story has never been told before?

Ill repeat the phrase others are using: this is Stages best show in years. Its the equal of Hamilton, the other historical musical currently playing across townmore musically accessible, lyrically comprehensible and affordable. In short, The Hello Girls is a spirited, stunning show, one thatll have you wiping your eyes and leaping to your feet for a standing ovation at the end. Hands down, its CNYs best show of the yearand I cant imagine anyone between the ages of 18 and 80 who wouldnt love it.

The Details

What: The Hello Girls music and lyrics by Peter Mills, book by Peter Mills and Cara Reichel

Where: Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse

When seen: Friday September 12 opening night

Length: 2 hours 25 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

Family Guide: Suitable for 12 years old and up

Runs through: September 28

Ticket information and reservations: Call 315-443-3275 or purchase online at syracusestage.org
By Willow Higgins and Curtis Brodner | New York Focus

This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for their newsletter here.

Anthony DiPippo was in his prison cell one day in 2014 when he spotted a letter on the floor, lying beyond his reach on the other side of the bars. He noticed a logo: the New York Attorney Generals Office.

Thats the one, DiPippo thought.

Nearly two decades earlier, as a teen in the Hudson Valley, DiPippo was convicted of a high-profile rape and murder that he swore he didnt commit. He spent the next 17 years fighting those convictions, turning his street smarts into a legal prowess that impressed his attorneys.

The attorney generals letter was just a couple sentences long, DiPippo recalled. Investigators wanted copies of his legal documents.

DiPippo shipped them a box full of materials, and within a month, the department was reviewing his case with the support of a local district attorney. Its reinvestigation was going well: The department  called the conviction review bureau  found evidence indicating that he was wrongfully convicted.

Then, in the aftermath of a local election, the reinvestigation collapsed, a casualty of an AG bureau hamstrung by political and legal constraints. DiPippo had to wait another 10 months before a jury acquitted him.

New Yorkers with wrongful conviction claims have limited options for getting their cases reviewed. In 17 counties, they can reach out to a local conviction integrity unit, or CIU  though New York Focus and Columbia Journalism Investigations found that the units often succumb to internal politics and fail to back credible claims. In the states remaining 45 counties, the attorney generals statewide conviction review bureau is the only option.

Launched in 2012, the statewide bureau was billed as a landmark effort to combat wrongful convictions, acting when DAs offices lacked resources to do so themselves. Then-Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced it would be well-staffed with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and investigators.

But for the most part, the bureau is a toothless initiative. Data, court filings, public records, and interviews reveal a department functioning more like a mail-forwarding service than a vehicle for justice reform. Its rarely intervened in potential wrongful conviction cases, despite receiving hundreds of pleas from incarcerated New Yorkers.

In a few instances, like DiPippos, the AG bureau has gotten involved in a case that eventually led to a defendants exoneration, but even then, DAs pushed back against its recommendations or co-opted its review process. And it has only one staff member, Gail Heatherly, who has run it while handling other responsibilities in the office.

Deference to DAs is baked into its structure. The AG bureau does not have jurisdiction over county-level criminal cases, so when a defendant writes in with a credible wrongful conviction claim, the staffer must seek permission from the DAs office that originally prosecuted the case. With a DAs blessing, the bureau can reinvestigate potential wrongful convictions in any county, even if a county has its own CIU.

The bureau almost never tries to seek that permission. New York Focus and CJI obtained a database of defendants who wrote to the AG bureau from 2012 to 2023, as well as the bureaus letters to DAs offices about those applications. Out of 800 applications, the AG bureau flagged 16  less than 2 percent  to DAs as meriting a closer look. In most of those letters, Heatherly offered assistance from the bureau, sometimes noting that it doesnt have jurisdiction to review the case.

The Attorney General has received hundreds of wrongful conviction applications. New York Focus and CJI identified only five cases that it reinvestigated. New York Focus

The bureau also rarely followed up with DAs offices to check in on a case, the records show, effectively leaving the defendant in the lurch.

Its difficult to know just how many exonerations have resulted from the AG bureaus efforts: The database does not include information on exonerees, the AGs office said, because such cases are sealed. Reporters identified five defendants not included in the data whose cases were reinvestigated by the bureau. Three of those defendants were eventually exonerated.

Those numbers seem low compared to other CIUs, said Marissa Bluestine, assistant director of the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, which collects data on CIUs nationwide.

Patricia Cummings, a former CIU chief in Philadelphia, who led that unit through 21 exonerations during her tenure, said a statewide bureau can be an important venue for wrongfully convicted defendants, especially those who cant turn to a county CIU. But she questions the value of a unit that cant override prosecutors.

Theyre not really filling the void if local prosecutors dont want to cede their jurisdiction, she said.

A spokesperson for Letitia James, who has been attorney general since 2019, declined to speak on the record about her offices conviction review bureau and did not respond to requests for information about its caseload.

The office also declined to answer other written questions from New York Focus and CJI.

Getting buy-in from two different agencies can be a tall order for defendants. Before his review fell apart, DiPippo had managed to persuade the DA who prosecuted him to greenlight the AG bureaus reexamination of his rape and murder convictions, but it was no small feat: The DA had stated publicly that DiPippo would take his last breath in that cell.

DiPippo made his case in a nine-page letter meant to convince him that this is a worthy enough case, that he got it wrong, DiPippo recalled.

Trust your judgment and cede authority and jurisdiction to the [AG bureau] so that justice may be done, he wrote.

Let the chips fall where they may

The attorney generals conviction review bureau began with lofty goals.

In 2010, Schneiderman, then a candidate for the AG post, pitched what he called an actual innocence unit that would discover the truth about wrongful convictions, and let the chips fall where they may.

DNA technology was on the rise, Schneiderman argued during his campaign, exposing a growing number of wrongful convictions. The bureau could offer a service to DAs offices that didnt have the capacity to review criminal convictions on their own, one person familiar with its launch said. The program was cutting edge  the first of its kind in the country, the office touted at the time.

It took more than a year to rally internal support, according to a former AG employee. Some AG employees considered the bureaus mission a breach of decorum, the employee said; they worried that reexamining fellow prosecutors work could affect their reputations. (They asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak about internal AG deliberations.)

That concern was put to the test when Thomas Schellhammer, a former county homicide prosecutor who first helmed the bureau, took Ronald Bowers case.

A defense attorney had written to the AG bureau about Bower, a security guard and father of two who was arrested days before his 30th birthday in 1991 on sex-related charges in Queens and Nassau counties. Bower, who had a clean record, maintained his innocence. But a jury convicted him of sexual abuse and sodomy charges, and a judge sentenced him to 18 to 54 years in prison.

Over the next two decades, an FBI agent, a New York City police detective, and a state investigator each came to believe Bower was innocent. Despite their support, Bowers convictions remained.

In May 2012, Schellhammer agreed to make Bowers wrongful conviction claim a number one priority, according to Bowers attorneys notes of his exchange with the bureau.

Schellhammer went all in. For more than a year, records show, he interviewed witnesses and investigators to reconstruct the case. Yet he had forged ahead on the conviction review without at least one of the prosecuting DAs offices knowledge, that office would later allege.

Schellhammers reinvestigation eventually stalled because he couldnt get witnesses to cooperate, but he had come to believe in Bowers innocence and sought to help him. Ahead of Bowers scheduled parole hearing, Schellhammer wrote to the state parole board about his findings.

It appears highly unlikely that Bower committed the crimes for which he was convicted, the bureau chief wrote. Bower was granted parole, but the board didnt have the authority to exonerate him.

Records from his hearing suggest that Bower believed the AG bureaus reinvestigation would continue. Theyre not stopping until they get my name cleared, Bower told the parole board in 2014.

Then a DA whod prosecuted Bower learned what happened at the hearing.

The Nassau County District Attorneys Office complained in a letter to the parole board that Schellhammer hadnt told them about his findings or that he planned to appeal to the parole board.

An assistant attorney general told the parole board that the AGs office would conduct another review. Two months later, the office walked back Schellhammers findings.

They were not supported by evidence, the assistant attorney general wrote in a follow up letter, which didnt mention what the second review entailed. In an interview, he told New York Focus and CJI that Schellhammers decision to go to the parole board fell outside the AG conviction review bureaus scope. (He asked not to be named because he didnt remember the case well and no longer had access to his files.)

Schellhammer did not respond to multiple emails, phone calls, and a letter seeking comment. A woman who said she was his wife told New York Focus and CJI that he did not wish to speak with a reporter.

James Ferguson, a parole board commissioner at the time, said he and a colleague agreed with Schellhammers conclusions. While they thought that the parole board was not the right venue for an innocence claim, the AGs office should have pushed for Bowers exoneration, he said.

I do, to this day, believe that he was innocent, Ferguson said of Bower.

Today, because Bowers convictions still stand, hes registered as a sex offender. In an interview, he said he lives a quiet life with his cat.

Bower still feels betrayed by the AGs office. He believes the office prioritized AG Schneidermans political reputation over his innocence.

I trust animals, and thats basically it, Bower said.

Conviction review is a gift

In April 2014, about a month after the Nassau County district attorney had complained to the parole board, Schellhammer left the AG bureau, replaced by Heatherly, who was previously the head of the AG offices criminal prosecutions unit. New York Focus and CJI could find no evidence that the bureau reinvestigated a wrongful conviction claim without a clear invitation from a district attorney during Heatherlys tenure.

DiPippo began communicating with the AG bureau just months after the Bower fallout, during year 17 of his 25-to-life prison sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility in the Hudson Valley.

As a teen, he and his friend, Andy Krivak, had attracted local authorities attention for committing misdemeanor drug offenses. But in 1995, news of a grisly crime shocked their hometown of Carmel: the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl whose remains were found, hogtied and gagged, more than a year after shed gone missing.

Within days of the gruesome discovery, officers pulled over Krivak in his vehicle with DiPippo  then a known troublemaker  and another friend riding as passengers. They searched the vehicle, found drugs, and arrested the trio, records show. The third friend, attempting to avoid jail, told officers that DiPippo and Krivak knew something about the murder. Police investigators pressured the friend by showing up at his job and school for weeks after the traffic stop, court records show. He eventually told them that the duo had committed the crime.

DiPippo insisted he was innocent. By the time he and Krivak went to trial, the third friend had recanted his allegations. But the case proceeded without his testimony, and the pair were convicted.

At 20, DiPippo went to prison practically illiterate, he said, and taught himself the law with a dictionary and a thesaurus. He became obsessed with his case, documenting every twist and turn in dozens of neatly labeled volumes, which he routinely gave his attorneys to read after prison visits. Over the years, DiPippo found evidence suggesting police misconduct. He also identified a likely culprit: a serial rapist who he alleged had committed nearly identical sex crimes in Connecticut.

DiPippo remembers people in prison buzzing about the new AG bureau. He contacted Heatherly, but knew her office would need permission from the DA whod prosecuted him in order to review his case. He contemplated how to approach then-Putnam County DA Adam Levy.

DiPippo had studied ethics for years in order to understand the moral principles that might influence decision-makers in the justice system. He wrote a letter to Levy that he considered to be the sum of his work.

Conviction review is a gift, not a curse, he wrote to Levy. You have to have faith it was created with cases like mine and Andys in mind.

His plea worked. Levy invited Heatherly to collaborate on the case review. In an interview with New York Focus and CJI, Levy said he knew that the investigators from the sheriffs office whod arrested the pair had troubling histories, but his office didnt have a CIU. They agreed to include Krivaks case in the effort, he said.

Soon, the prosecutors were working together to reexamine forensic evidence, witness testimony, and court documents. Levy and Heatherly flew to Florida to interview one of the original trial witnesses, who revealed that a senior investigator from the Putnam County Sheriffs Office had threatened her with prosecution if she didnt relay a false story that hed fed her, according to a judicial decision in a lawsuit DiPippo later filed.

For more than a year, the reinvestigation seemed productive. By the fall of 2015, Heatherly and Levy had agreed to proceed with a motion to overturn DiPippos conviction, interviews and a subsequent lawsuit and affidavit show. It was a shining example of how well the AG bureau could function.

DiPippos attorney was simultaneously pursuing a separate appeal that, if successful, would also overturn his conviction  leaving it in the DAs hands to drop the charges or re-try the case. With Levys support, DiPippos chances looked promising.

Then, amid the reinvestigation, Levy lost his re-election bid in November 2015.

Heatherly briefed the new Putnam County DA, Robert Tendy, on the reinvestigation. She had one objective, court records show: Explain why DiPippo might actually be innocent.

The review had unearthed serious evidentiary issues, she wrote in an affidavit in a separate case. In addition to the coerced witness, new DNA testing failed to link crime scene evidence to DiPippo or his friend.

But the new Putnam DA disagreed. In an interview with New York Focus and CJI, Tendy said DiPippos guilt was clear to him based on his own review. Walking back Levys commitment, he withdrew his offices support for the exoneration motion, according to Heatherlys affidavit. And when an appellate court overturned DiPippos conviction, he decided to re-try him.

It appears that he blatantly ignored the overwhelming evidence that was uncovered during the AGs conviction integrity review, Levy said of his successor.

Tendy, for his part, said he never ignores evidence. He pointed to another defendant, identified independently by New York Focus and CJI, whose wrongful conviction claim was reinvestigated by the AG bureau. Tendy added it was him, not Levy, who would help exonerate that defendant.

His comment is baseless, Tendy said.

Heatherly declined multiple interview requests for the story, referring all questions to a spokesperson for the AGs office.

In her affidavit, she called out the conduct of Tendys office, singling out its misstatements of fact about the AG bureaus conclusions. Still, she said, she had to retreat.

If the DA chooses to ignore our conclusions, effectively, we can do nothing further, she wrote.

Tendy called Heatherlys accusations misguided.

A reinvestigation in name only

Even when elected DAs take the initiative and invite the AG bureau to reinvestigate a case from the start, critics say the bureau might give into pressure from a DA behind the scenes.Thats a colleague and you dont want to  step on toes, said Jeffrey Deskovic, himself an exoneree, who runs a nonprofit for wrongfully convicted New Yorkers, referring to the AG bureau. Youre worried about politics then. Youre not concerned about justice.

Following a 2014 innocence claim, then-Oswego County District Attorney Gregory Oakes invited the AG bureau to reinvestigate a potential wrongful conviction case, becoming one of the few DAs to seek out its help, records and interviews show. He had a clear purpose in mind: to dispel the notion that we are engaged in some sort of cover up, he wrote to the bureau.

The case involved Gary Thibodeau, a middle-aged construction worker from a rural town near Lake Ontario, and had garnered significant local attention. As a teen, Thibodeau had a few run-ins with the law, in one instance serving a stint in jail for stealing tires. By 1994, Thibodeau found himself in far more serious trouble when he and his brother were arrested and charged with kidnapping an 18-year-old woman who disappeared from a convenience store in New Haven, about 45 minutes north of Syracuse.

His brother was ultimately acquitted. The two insisted that Thibodeau was also innocent  he had an alibi, and there was no forensic evidence implicating him. At his trial, however, a jailhouse informant claimed that Thibodeau had admitted to being with the victim on the day of her disappearance, and that hed asked whether police could identify incinerated human remains. Thibodeau denied that he was with the victim, and his girlfriend testified shed spent the night with him. The judge sentenced him to 25 years to life.

After decades of failed appeals, Thibodeaus attorney learned in 2014 that the Oswego County sheriff had received several secondhand reports pointing to other suspects, and she filed a motion to overturn Thibodeaus conviction. At least nine witnesses claimed the other suspects had confessed to or implicated themselves in the crime.

Within months, Oswego DA Oakes filed an opposing motion. Local news outlets gave the case wall-to-wall coverage, and people who believed Thibodeau was innocent took to social media to accuse the DA of corruption. By April 2015, Oakes had invited the AG bureau to reinvestigate Thibodeaus case.

The AG bureau reviewed documents from the original trial and, according to public statements Oakes made later, interviewed the informant.

Over a year earlier, a local newspaper reporter had conducted an interview that cast doubt on the informants trial testimony. In it, the informant said he didnt tell police that Thibodeau confessed to anything: I just said he asked me one question, he told the Post-Standard. He asked me if teeth burned, and that was it.

In the interview, a recording of which was shared with New York Focus and CJI, the informant described pressure tactics authorities used to get him to testify against Thibodeau.

They were harassing me about it. We can put you in there. We can get you on this, he said. Im like, I didnt do anything. Ill tell you what he told me.

The informant did not respond to multiple emails, phone calls, or a letter seeking comment.

Its unclear whether the AG bureau gleaned the same information from the informant  the bureau has never made its findings public  but if it had, that information would have supported Thibodeaus exoneration motion.

A judge later ruled the witness reports about the other suspects amounted to hearsay and denied Thibodeaus motion.

In 2018, after Thibodeau had filed two unsuccessful appeals, Oakes told reporters that someone from the AG bureau had told him about its own interview with the informant.

Thats the most credible jailhouse informant Ive ever spoken with, Oakes recalled her saying. What he said 20 years ago is exactly what hes telling us now.

Oakes, now an assistant attorney general at the AGs office, declined to comment for this story.

Thibodeaus attorney said that after initially sending documents to the AG bureau in the spring of 2015, they had little communication.

There was never any follow up, Thibodeaus attorney said, explaining that no one from the bureau tried to interview Thibodeau and that she wasnt aware of any attempts to interview the new witnesses.

She remembers feeling frustrated by the bureaus reinvestigation  like it was in name only, she said. She believes the saga illustrates that the bureau could never truly be independent from DAs.

In August 2018, while his attorney was preparing a motion for a rehearing  the final step before escalating his case to federal court  Thibodeau died at Coxsackie Correctional Facility near Albany at 64 years old. He had spent 23 years behind bars.

Prosecutors wont want to give up their power

A few statewide conviction integrity units across the country have more expansive jurisdictions than New York.

In New Jersey, Delaware, and North Carolina, the statewide units can recommend exonerations without a DAs consent. Perhaps the most robust is the North Carolina Innocence Commission, an independent body with jurisdiction to reinvestigate any wrongful conviction claims. Its work has resulted in 16 exonerations since its inception in 2007. The Quattrone Centers Bluestine, who has reviewed New York Focus and CJIs analysis, said the other programs point to a more effective approach for rectifying wrongful convictions than New Yorks.

Some legal experts say that the state legislature could expand the New York AG bureaus authority to do the same. But Cummings, the former Philadelphia CIU chief, believes it would be politically challenging to pass such a bill in New York. Prosecutors are not going to want to give up their power, she said.

Gregory Krakower, who was a senior adviser and counselor to former AG Schneiderman, helped conceive of the AG bureau. He noted that current state law allows Governor Kathy Hochul to grant the AG subpoena power and legal jurisdiction to investigate wrongful conviction claims.

Hochuls office did not respond to requests for comment.

Ten months after Tendy, the new Putnam County district attorney, halted the AGs conviction review, a jury acquitted DiPippo of rape and murder. His friend Krivak languished in prison and home confinement for more than six years before he, too, was acquitted.

By then, DiPippo had moved as far away from Putnam County as he could, settling in Montana. He used some of the nearly $15 million he received from civil lawsuits to buy a house.

DiPippo believes the AG bureaus conviction review, despite its abortive end, unearthed new evidence that worked in his favor and helped pave the way for the jurys acquittal. He suspects that he wouldnt have cleared his name as quickly without the bureaus investigative aid.

It was a Hail Mary, DiPippo said of his initial letter to the bureau. In his case, he added, It got caught.

Willow Higgins reported this story for New York Focus. Curtis Brodner is a CJI reporting fellow. New York Focus and CJI provided editing, fact checking, and other support.

This project was completed with the support of a grant from Columbia Universitys Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures.

Additional support was provided by the Fund for Investigative Journalism.
Too hot to study, say Italian teachers as school (finally) resumes



Rome, Sept 13 (AFP) Sep 13, 2025



Children across Italy are returning to classrooms after a traditional three months off school -- the longest summer holiday in Europe.

But just as frazzled parents sigh with relief, teachers say climate change is making it too hot to study safely, and some have called for classes to be postponed.

"The sun beating down on small classrooms creates a greenhouse effect," creating "intolerable temperatures", said Antonino Rinaldo, a school administrator in Sicily's Palermo.

Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent due to human-caused climate change, yet only six percent of Italy's schools have air conditioning, according to the education ministry.

While in some Italian regions temperatures are subsiding, conditions remain hot in the south.

Sweltering heat in May and June is a struggle too, particularly for students sitting end-of-year exams, according to the head of teachers' union ANIEF, Marcello Pacifico.

"We cannot continue with the same school calendar as 50 years ago when the climate has changed," Pacifico said.

The heat poses risks for teachers too, 55 percent of whom are aged 50 or over.

"If it is too hot, on top of endangering the health of our students, we can't guarantee the quality of the education" if students are unable to concentrate, Rinaldo said.



- Record holidays -



Back to school dates in Italy vary regionally, with lessons starting between September 8 and September 16.

In Sicily, where temperatures of 33C are expected next week, some schools have announced they will finish up at midday initially, Rinaldo told AFP.

Sardinia last year called for a national debate on adapting classrooms to climate change and other regions are also experiencing heat stress in schools.

Temperatures will hover around 30C in major cities Bari, Bologna, Florence and Naples as classes fill.

"We need to think long and hard, not only in Italy, but also in Europe, because climate change is not just happening in Italy," Pacifico said.

According to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Services, Europe has warmed twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, and temperatures on the continent have increased year-round.

"Summer-like conditions now occur earlier in spring and last longer into autumn," senior scientist at Copernicus Francesca Guglielmo told AFP.

But ANIEF's call to lengthen school holidays has prompted howls of protest from parents.

Italy currently has the longest summer holiday in Europe: 97 days, compared to 77 in Spain, 56 in France and 44 in Germany, according to the European Commissions' education information network Eurydice.

Over 76,000 people have signed a petition organised by the independent organisation We World to reduce summer holidays by a month instead.

Campaigners say the long break penalises children from working families who cannot afford summer camps or stimulating holidays.



- All year round -



Air conditioning has a climate cost but cooler classrooms would allow schools to stay open longer.

But Italy, which has the highest electricity prices of the major European economies, has been slower to take up AC than its southern European counterparts.

Nunzia Capasso, a secondary school teacher in Frattamaggiore near Naples, told AFP the heat was even more challenging for teenagers "who are also battling raging hormones".

"If classrooms are (as hot as) crematoriums and everything's falling to bits, it's easy to just suggest delaying the return to school," she said.

More than half of Italy's schools are old -- built between 1950 and 1992 -- and many are energy inefficient.

The complex where Capasso teaches was constructed in 2000, but with poor quality materials, "so it's too hot in summer and too cold in winter".

The schools in many underprivileged parts of the country play a key role, however, in "keeping children off the streets", she said.

"We live in a world where the risk is high not only of functional illiteracy, but also of children left to fend for themselves."

Instead, she urged the government and regional powers to invest in facilities that would allow schools to stay open "all year round".
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John Boyega has made a bid to be cast in Spaceballs 2, a sequel to Mel Brookss spoof of Star Wars.

The 33-year-old actor rose to fame playing Finn, a stormtrooper who defects from the evil Empire, in Disneys Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015-2019).

Spaceballs 2 is an upcoming sequel to Spaceballs, the 1987 comedy film directed by Brooks, and starring Rick Moranis, John Candy, and Bill Pullman.

During an appearance at Dragon Con, Boyega addressed the possibility of starring in the new spoof sequel.

[My phone] hasnt rung yet, so I have to come here and just say it, he said, as quoted by Popverse. They could pick up the phone and give me a call. Let me make Spaceballs legit.

Little is currently known about the sequel, which is being developed for MGM, the studio now owned by Amazon.

open image in gallery 'Spaceballs' was a lowbrow spoof of the hit 'Star Wars' franchise ( MGM )

Announced in 2024, the film will be produced by Brooks and Josh Gad, with Josh Greenbaum set to direct. Reports have claimed that Lewis Pullman (Thunderbolts*) and Keke Palmer (Nope) will join Bill Pullman and Moranis among the cast.

A teaser for the film was released earlier this year, and a press release suggests that the film will be a Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.

Since wrapping up his work on the actual Star Wars franchise, Boyega has spoken about his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of his role.

Speaking on the documentary Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood earlier this year, Boyega addressed the racism he had faced after being cast in 2015s Star Wars: Episode VII  The Force Awakens.

open image in gallery John Boyega in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' ( Disney )

Lemme tell ya, Star Wars always had the vibe of being in the most whitest, elite space. It's a franchise that's so white that a Black person existing in [it] was something, he said.

You can always tell it's something when some Star Wars fans try to say, 'Well, we had Lando Calrissian and had Samuel L Jackson!, he added. It's like telling me how many cookie chips are in the cookie dough. It's like, they just scattered that in there, bro!

They're okay with us playing the best friend, but once we touch their heroes, once we lead, once we trailblaze, it's like, Oh my God, it's just a bit too much! They're pandering.

Boyega has, however, spoken positively of aspects of his Star Wars experience, describing it in that same interview as a fundamental moment for his career.
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The Pretty Things drummer Viv Prince has died at the age of 84.

Known for his rowdy and eccentric on-stage behaviour, Prince enjoyed a controversial 18-month stint in the rock group from 1964 to 1965, and is said to have influenced Keith Moon, The Whos legendary drummer.

News of Princes death was shared on Instagram by the White Stripes frontman Jack White, who described the late musician as wild and full of abandon.

Ive received word through my friend John Baker, who knew the man well, that the great Viv Prince has just passed on, he wrote.

Viv was an incredible drummer, wild and full of abandon. He played for the band the Pretty Things, and he influenced many other musicians like Keith Moon.

Continuing his tribute, White wrote that he had met Prince personally some years ago while the drummer was working on his farm in Portugal.

He was an inspired and eccentric rock and roller, and maybe Ill have to put together a team to work on a documentary about this man one day, White added.

open image in gallery Pretty Things in 1964: (L-R) John Stax, Phil May, Viv Prince and Dick Taylor ( Getty Images )

Safe travels into the sweet beyond Viv, you were one of the real ones.

Born in Loughborough in 1941, Prince started as a jazz drummer, performing in several local groups throughout the early 1960s.

He also worked as a session musician and earned a burgeoning reputation for his distinctive and charismatic drumming style.

Having joined the Pretty Things in 1964, Prince recorded two albums with the counter-cultural rock group: 1965sThe Pretty Things and Get the Picture?

The drummers unruly antics became the focus of much of the media coverage of the band. He would engage in brazen pranks onstage, such as laying carpeting during other artists performances. Prince was expelled from the band towards the end of 1965.

In the years after his work with Pretty Things, Prince performed with artists such as the Honeycombs, the Who, and Hawkwind, and recorded with artists including Chris Barber.

Later in life, he reportedly joined the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, only to be ejected for misbehaviour.

In 1999, the Pretty Things recorded a song called Vivian Prince as a tribute to their former bandmate, included on the album Rage Before Beauty.
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Bill Maher has said that in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, debates about who is worse on the political spectrum have become pointless.

The comedian and controversial talk show host used this weeks edition of Real Time to focus on the death of Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (10 September).

Suspected gunman Tyler Robinson was taken into custody Thursday on suspicion of capital murder, weapons and obstruction offences.

Maher began his show by saying that it had been an ugly week in America before criticising Republican and Democrat representatives for their conduct during a silent prayer in the House.

Later, Maher engaged in a roundtable conversation with Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro and The Atlantic writer Tim Alberta.

During the discussion, Shapiro cited a poll that suggested only 57 per cent of Gen Z say there is no excuse for violence in response to speech. Albert added that the response to Kirks death had not been one of shock and horror but that it is becoming mainstream and acceptable among young voters.

Maher noted that some of the social media comments he had read about Kirks death showed that people are in such a bubble that they dont understand that its happening on both sides.

Proposing a solution, Maher said: The only way this starts to get better is if both sides admit, Okay, lets not have this debate about who started it. Lets not debate about whos worse because, plainly, both sides do it now. And the right has done it too. A lot.

US president Donald Trump announced Kirks death on his social media site, Truth Social. The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie, he wrote.

He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!

Kirk, 31. was the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Politicians from both sides of the aisle, as well as some celebrities, have shared their condolences and tributes in the aftermath of Kirks death.

Others, such as Stephen King, have continued to criticise Kirks far-right political positions. The Shining author apologised after falsely claiming in a social media post that Kirk had advocated stoning gays to death.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warners widow has identified herself for the first time since The Cosby Show actor drowned during a family vacation in Costa Rica in July.

Malcolm-Jamal was deeply private before his death, aged 54, and had not publicly named the woman he married in 2017.

In a statement, Tenisha Warner announced that she was launching a family foundation with their daughter  whose name has also not been shared publicly  and a partner organization called River & Ember, which aims to help parents assist their children through difficult emotions such as grief.

Thank you for holding us in so much love during this tender time, she began her post on Instagram alongside a photo of her and Malcolm-Jamal on their wedding day.

Tomorrow marks our anniversary  and my heart is wide open, she shared. For the first time, Im sharing a glimpse of the love that began it all. I can still hear my husbands laugh, still feel the way he made room for every part of me  every tear, every dream.

Announcing the new organisations, she continued: Today, in his honor, my daughter and I are launching River & Ember and officially opening The Warner Family Foundation.

Together we carry the legacy my husband and I beganone that nurtures childrens inner light and gives young artists the freedom to create outside the lines. This is love, Still moving. Still making. Still carrying us forward.

In a second slide, she included a lengthier statement about River & Ember, which she explained came about due to her experience as a doctor of psychology as well as her own journey with grief and love.

My husband believed deeply in tending not only to the inner light in children, but in ourselves, she wrote. This company carries forward that belief  offering stories and rituals that honor the quiet power of connection between parent and child.

She concluded: To the river that carried us. To the ember that never goes out. Your love was the first story I ever wanted to keep telling.

Malcolm-Jamal Warners widow has spoken out about his death ( Invision )

Malcolm-Jamals official cause of death was asphyxia, after he was caught by a strong current while swimming with his daughter off Cocles, a beach in Limon, on the countrys Atlantic coast.

He was best known for his role as Theo Huxtable in the Eighties sitcom about an upper-middle-class Black American family living in Brooklyn, New York, led by Bill Cosby.

Per Yahoo, he said his wife got on him for trying to distance himself from Theo, as if Theo was a bad thing.

He continued: Im always gonna be Malcolm much longer than Theo. Although to some people Ill be Theo forever, and I cant help that.

The actor starred in The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, and went on to lead the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie with comedian Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000.

More recently, Warner made appearances on comedies including Community and Key & Peele, and starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross in the 2011 sitcom Reed Between the Lines. From 2018 to 2023, he starred in the Fox medical drama The Resident.
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Does your dog have ADHD? Theres a new way to find out, according to researchers.

Theyve developed the first screening test for dogs suspected to have the condition, classifying the canines as at-risk for ADHD if they displayed a certain number of symptoms.

The symptoms include an inability to focus, restlessness, impulsive actions, and a loss of the ability to perform tasks. Dogs who met all of the criteria were likely to have ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Using the method to test nearly 1,900 dogs from the areas around Hungarys Eotvos Lorand University, 79 were found to meet that criteria.

This prevalence rate is surprisingly similar to what has been reported in adults with ADHD, while the prevalence is somewhat higher in children and adolescents, Dr. Marta Gacsi, a researcher at the school, said in a statement.

open image in gallery A new test could help tell if your dog has ADHD ( AFP via Getty Images )

The findings could help dogs around the world receive treatment. Its unknown how many dogs may be living with ADHD, but previous research has found that as many as 20 per cent of all dogs naturally display ADHD-related behaviors, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Some breeds are also more likely to be restless if their lifestyles arent active enough, the American Kennel Club said, including German Shepherds, Border Collies, and several breeds of terriers.

Other risk factors for dogs include age and sex. But, dogs who spend more time alone and participate in fewer activities are also more at risk. Making sure your dog is getting enough exercise and attention can help to alleviate ADHD symptoms, although some may need additional behavioral training.

For humans, the cause of ADHD remains unknown, but scientists say genetics, environment, head injuries, the mothers mental health and alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy are all possible risk factors.

In human diagnostics, the presence of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity alone does not necessarily indicate ADHD. A key element is functional impairment  that is, whether these symptoms have a negative impact on everyday life, Dr. Nora Bunford, a clinical psychologist at the school, noted.

ADHD is one of the most common disorders in childhood. It affects the brain, leaving kids unable to focus or control impulsive behaviors.

In the U.S., more than 7 million children have been diagnosed with the developmental disorder. Diagnosing children can take months.

open image in gallery German Shepherds, Border Collies, and several terrier breeds are more likely to show related symptoms ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Hungarian researchers said that their new system might be able to help get these dogs the treatment they need - but cautioned that their test was not sufficient for diagnosis by itself. This is partially because some owners may not be able to recognize symptoms.

They hope to make a new test that is even more accurate. Its unclear when either might be available to the public.

A final diagnosis should be based on multiple sources: the owner-rated questionnaire, a short behavioural test, and expert consultation, Gacsi said.
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A bevy of false claims flooded social media after Wednesdays fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, 31, was gunned down while speaking at an event in Orem, Utah. Two days later, law enforcement arrested and publicly identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect.

The online reaction followed a well-trodden pattern of conspiracy theories and misinformation, often seen after major breaking news events, when the facts are not yet well-established.

Some of the earliest online misinformation incorrectly identified the shooter, well before officials had released any information about the suspect.

More claims were posted Thursday and Friday, presenting old videos and photos as recent footage of the shooter and erroneously reporting on Robinson's background.

Here's a look at the facts.

open image in gallery A wreath laid by mourners outside the US Embassy in Pretoria ( AFP via Getty Images )

The claim: Robinson is a registered Republican

This is false. Utah records say Robinson was registered as a voter, but not affiliated with either political party. His voter status is inactive, meaning he did not vote in two regular general elections after receiving a notice from his county clerk.

According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Robinson's family said he had become more political in recent years and had criticized Kirk, mentioning that he was due to appear at an event in Utah and saying Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

Cox said that ammunition found at the scene was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme culture messaging.

open image in gallery Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk ( Utah Governor's Office )

The claim: Robinson is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America

This is false. Priscilla Yeverino, spokesperson for the group, confirmed that we have no members in DSA named Tyler Robinson anywhere in the country.

A photo of a person who bears a resemblance to Robinson wearing a Salt Lake City DSA shirt with the slogan bee the change has been used to support this claim. Yeverino declined to confirm that person's identity for this person's privacy and safety.

Prior to Robinsons arrest, many on social media were quick to assume the shooter was a Democrat and prominent conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, blamed liberal politics for Kirks death.

The claim: A video of a man running toward a parking lot shows the shooter escaping

This is false. The video was filmed on July 28, more than a month before Kirk was shot and began spreading before Robinson was arrested.

It shows Dakota Hawver, the suspected gunman who killed three people and injured three others at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, running from the front of the resort in the direction of its front parking lot. Multiple local news networks published the footage after the Reno shooting.

Hawver was shot by police and died in the hospital days later.

A version of the misrepresented video included a caption falsely stating: video shows Charlie Kirk's real shooter escaping.

The claim: Democrats opposed a moment of prayer for Kirk in the House

This is misleading. On Wednesday, the House observed a moment of prayer for Charlie Kirk and his family at the request of Speaker Mike Johnson. A subsequent request for a moment of prayer out loud elicited vocal objections and chaos on the House floor.

Footage shows members standing silently for about 30 seconds. Johnson then bangs his gavel and Rep. Lauren Boebert says that silent prayers get silent results before requesting that someone lead a spoken prayer as well. An audible no can be heard in response, among other protests.

Shouting continues for about a minute, requiring Johnson to bang his gavel and state, the House will be in order several times. In the commotion, Johnson also says: We will join for prayer right after this, OK?

Many posts claiming that Democrats had opposed a moment of prayer for Kirk shared clips that omitted Johnson's initial request and the ensuing silence.

open image in gallery Police stand outside a residence in Washington, Utah, associated with Tyler Robinson ( Reuters )

The claim: The shooter was identified as Michael Mallinson or George Zinn.

This is false. Robinson was named as the suspected shooter on Friday. Others, including Mallinson and Zinn, were misidentified as the shooter as authorities searched for a suspect.

Mallinson is a 77-year-old Toronto resident who told the CBC that he found out he had been wrongly accused after waking up from a nap and receiving a panicked call from his daughter telling him to delete his social media accounts. He said that before the shooting he had never heard of Charlie Kirk.

Mallinson bears a resemblance to a man named George Zinn, who was filmed being dragged away handcuffed by two officers. The video spread widely on social media after the shooting.

The Utah Public Safety Department said in a statement that it initially took in George Zinn as a suspect, but that he was later released and charged with obstruction. The statement said Zinn, as well as a second person who was taken into custody and released after interrogation, has no current ties to the shooting.
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The prime suspect in a 23-year-old cold case has been arrested after being caught at a traffic stop in Ohio.

Juan Carlos Munoz, 52, was on the run for more than two decades after failing to appear on kidnapping and gross sexual imposition charges, according to the U.S Marshals Service.

The Ashtabula County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant in January 2002 as they searched for their fugitive but they never managed to capture him.

This past year, a U.S. Marshals task force in northern Ohio took over the search for Munoz, and on Tuesday, they helped apprehend him.

The prime suspect in a 23-year-old cold case has been arrested after being caught at a traffic stop in Ohio and arrested by U.S. Marshals ( John Lamparski/Getty Images )

Federal officers positively identified Munoz getting into a vehicle and driving away from a location where they had been surveilling him, according to officials.

Later, the Lake County Sheriffs Office pulled over Munoz for a traffic violation, which is when Munoz gave a fake Ohio ID and claimed to be another man, the U.S. Marshals said.

After a swift investigation and a collection of fingerprints, federal officers confirmed the driver was indeed Munoz.

Munoz was arrested and booked at the Lake County Jail to await extradition to Ashtabula County.

After 23 years of evading arrest, our task force arrested this deceptive and dangerous fugitive, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement.

This fugitive went to extreme lengths to avoid being arrested, including assuming another identity over twenty years ago and has been living under that alias all this time.
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A former New Jersey cop has been jailed for hacking 5,000 college student email accounts and posting nude photos of his victims in what prosecutors called an extremely nightmarish invasion of privacy.

Ayron Taylor, from Moorestown, was recently sentenced to 12 years in prison after he had engaged in illegal computer activity as a police officer for the Mount Laurel Township, less than a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia, according to the Burlington County Prosecutors Office.

Taylor, 25, had hacked into the social media accounts of several women and shared their nude photos, investigators had found.

His first victim raised alarm bells after she contacted Evesham Township police about two years ago, reporting her Snapchat and Facebook accounts had been hacked by an unknown person who then sent nude photos she had taken of herself to her Snapchat contacts, messaged them to her Facebook friends, and posted them on her Facebook wall, the prosecutors office said in a press release.

Ayron Taylor, a 25-year-old former New Jersey cop, has been jailed for hacking 5,000 college student email accounts and posting nude photos of his victims, prosecutors say ( Burlington County Prosecutor's Office )

Investigators found all the victims had a student email account with Rowan College at Burlington County, about a 10-minute drive from Mount Laurel. The prosecutors office said Taylor hacked 5,000 of these college email accounts in the scheme.

The prosecutors office said the college cooperated with investigators.

Taylor pleaded guilty in March to Elements of Computer Theft and Official Misconduct.

You cannot hide from us in cyberspace  we are there, too, and we know how to find you, Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a statement.

This was an extremely nightmarish invasion of privacy for these victims, Bradshaw continued. It was made even more egregious by the fact that the person who was terrorizing these young ladies was a law enforcement officer.

Taylor, who had been on the force since October 2021, was suspended after he was initially charged. He later resigned after measures were taken to terminate his employment, according to the prosecutors office.
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Police in New Jersey arrested an actor from The Sopranos Thursday following a road rage incident in which he allegedly shot a woman in the face, prompting a lockdown at Stockton University.

Ernest Wesley Heinz, 46, of Port Republic, has been charged with attempted homicide after he allegedly fired a gun while both his vehicle and a womans car were stopped at a red light on W. Jimmie Leeds Road near Redwood Avenue around 12:52 p.m., Galloway Township police said.

He was also charged with aggravated assault with a Firearm, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Police said the woman, Maritza Arias-Galva, had signaled to merge when Heinzs vehicle cut her off. At the light, he allegedly yelled at her, threatened to kill her, and fired a single shot.

The bullet struck Arias-Galva in the upper nose, police said. Though injured, she remained conscious and was able to speak with officers when they arrived. Authorities said her injuries are nonlifethreatening and she is currently recovering.

open image in gallery Ernest Heinz, 46, made an uncredited appearance in "The Sopranos" in 2006, according to IMDb. ( Galloway Township Police Department )

After the shooting, Heinz fled north on Vera King Ferris Drive, which runs through Stockton Universitys campus. In response, a shelterinplace order was issued for the university, lasting roughly three hours while police searched the area.

"I recognize how unsettling it can be to receive an alert like that, and I want to commend you for your patience, understanding, and commitment to following the guidance provided," Stockton University President Joe Bertolino said in a statement.

Investigators say Arias-Galva was able to describe her assailant as a white man with blonde hair, put in a ponytail, and his vehicle, a white Honda SUV, to the police, which helped them trace the suspect.

Heinz was found later Thursday at a home in the Blue Herron Pines Development. Search warrants were executed at three properties in Port Republic, one in Galloway Township, and two vehicles.

Heinz is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility and is scheduled to appear in court next week for a detention hearing.

open image in gallery The woman, Maritza Arias-Galva, was shot in the upper nose and is now recovering from her injuries ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Heinz has had several small or supporting roles in both TV and movies. Some of his more notable credits include The Prestige, J. Edgar, and several Resident Evil video/filmtype projects.

According to his IMDb page, he also made an appearance in The Sopranos in 2006, though that role was uncredited.

His most recent acting credit is listed as The Soul of Blue Eyes in 2014.

Heinz has done some producing. He was involved as a producer for a short film, A Day with the Urns, in which he also acted, in 2007.
In a bold new statement, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed sweeping economic measures targeting China and Russia, linking them directly to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Azernews reports.

In a message shared Saturday on his Truth Social platformframed as a letter to all NATO member statesTrump urged the alliance to impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Chinese imports. These tariffs, he suggested, should remain in place until the war between Russia and Ukraine is fully resolved.

Trump also signaled his willingness to impose severe sanctions on Russia, but only under specific conditions: full agreement among NATO nations on a unified sanctions package and an immediate halt to Russian oil purchases by all member countries.

I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thingand when all NATO nations stop buying oil from Russia, Trump wrote. I believe that this, plus NATO placing 50% to 100% tariffs on China, to be fully withdrawn after the war ends, will help bring this deadly, but ridiculous, war to an end.

Trumps proposal reflects his long-standing strategy of leveraging economic pressure to achieve foreign policy goals and comes amid renewed debate within NATO on how to approach the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
301 Flinders Lane was sold to an education group for about $24 million. However, a more recent report shows intercompany loans of $13.3 million were made from Harrolds Logistics to entities controlled by the Poulakis family, and MacNeil was looking to recoup the cash. He did not return inquiries, and Ross Poulakis said he was unavailable to comment or discuss the matter. Cushman & Wakefields Oliver Hay and Daniel Wolman are handling the property but declined to comment. Its understood they also sold 301-311 Flinders Lane. Meanwhile, former Harrolds staff have recently revived the retailers operations in Sydney. Harcourt

Dermatologist Rod Sinclair, developer of the hairy pill, is offloading a property on Royal Parade in Parkville that he bought in 2021 with plans to develop a new clinic. Records show a company co-owned by Sinclair acquired Harcourt in 2021, paying Trinity College $3.85 million. The 100-year-old building at 35-39 Royal Parade, on the corner of Morrah Street, is on a 551 sq m site and expected to fetch about $4.5 million. 35-39 Royal Parade, Parkville. Sinclair, who is also a professorial fellow in the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, is renowned for the hairy pill, a drug that helps stimulate hair growth.

Sinclair Dermatology has several clinics in East Melbourne, Pascoe Vale and just down the street at 29 Royal Parade. His plan to partly demolish the 100-year-old building for a new dermatology centre was knocked back by the City of Melbourne in 2022 but approved the following year by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Construction costs being what they are, its back on the market with a permit for redevelopment. Colliers Ryan Milivojac, Philip Heberling and Jozef Dickinson are handling the campaign. Its across the road from the University of Melbourne and the citys huge biotech precinct. Auction action

The Chapel Street shop leased to cult UK spectacle retailer MOSCOT sold under the hammer last week for $2.92 million, with four bidders pushing it beyond the reserve. The shop and upper floor at 566 Chapel Street, belonged solely to fashion maven Gary Theodore who once co-owned the corner boutique with former business partner Fiona Scanlan. The two strata-titled units return $180,000 a year in rent, giving it a blended rental rate of more than $1000 a sq m. The sale reflected a yield of 5.99 per cent and a building rate of $16,500 a sq m. Auction of the MOSCOT flagship store at 566 Chapel Street, South Yarra. Stonebridge agents Nic Hage, Rorey James and Ian Lam said bidders came from Queensland and New Zealand, with the latter snaring the prize.

Next up on Chapel Street is a property at the Windsor end, which has been solely owned by Scanlan since the Scanlan Theodore fashion partnership split in 2003. The 367 sq m property at 88 Chapel Street, former home of the Sacred Heart Mission op shop, is now headquarters for high-powered creative agency Howatson & Co, which pays about $210,000 a year in rent. Lygon Street limber In Carlton, 279-281 Lygon Street never got to last weeks scheduled auction. The property sold before auction to a buyer sourced through Fitzroys Asian Services desk. The double-storey building fetched $1.678 million, reflecting a high land rate of $13,115 a sq m and a tight yield of 3.45 per cent.

Records show it last changed hands in 1980 for $134,000. The ground floor is leased but the first floor is vacant. According to Fitzroys most recent Walk the Strip report, Lygon Street vacancies have bounced back from their COVID-19 pandemic hit to a healthy 7.5 per cent  well down on the 20 per cent peak. 279-281 Lygon Street, Carlton, sold before auction. Fitzroys Chris Kombi, Shane Mills and Ben Liu did the deal. They sold 223 Lygon Street in January for $1.51 million and are taking No. 327, leased to Carlton Eyelab, to auction next month. Uncommon

Co-working office space provider The Commons is making a play for the wellness market. Its new Cremorne space, The Commons Richmond, at 33 Cremorne Street, will devote half its footprint to a health club with a gym, classes, cafe and a bath house. Developed by Bill McNees VicLand, the 18,500 sq m Cremorne office will be The Commons 11th Melbourne location. It has taken 5000 sq m of space with room for 400 workers. A new office in South Yarra opens early next year. Founder and chief executive Cliff Ho said: Each new Commons continues to push the boundaries of what a workplace can mean in peoples lives. An artists impression of a new The Commons property at 33 Cremorne Street, Cremorne.
The key trend for the coming seasons was announced on day two of New York Fashion Week by Tommy Hilfiger, the man who has tamed the zeitgeist for 40 years. Why bother with the rest of the week?

Instead of a specific handbag, print or jacket (oversized, cinched or cropped), Hilfiger  who launched his namesake brand in 1985  says its an attitude.

Surrounded by next seasons looks in his Madison Avenue headquarters, Hilfiger says, We are all dressing up more, noting that men in particular have been very casual for the past five to seven years.

Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee Ocleppo at the Met Gala in May. Credit: Getty Images

The pendulum swings both ways. Its one way for a certain amount of time and then the era shifts.
King Charles IIIs estranged son, Prince Harry of California, met his father this week for the first time in nearly two years.

Harry, who famously used the means of an Oprah interview and a bestselling memoir to blow up his closest relationships/get his familys attention, arrived by car at Clarence House, the Kings London residence, at 5.20pm on Wednesday. King Charles III arrived about an hour later  he flew in from Balmoral Castle in Scotland. But he had other business in London anyway; he didnt just come to see the son whose pain and petulance has made global news for years.

King Charles and his son Harry met for the first time in almost two years this week. Credit: Getty Images

Charles had a busy schedule  he also presided over an investiture ceremony, he met his Privy Council, and he granted a private audience to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskus (who was in the UK to sign an AUKUS-related deal with nuclear reactor manufacturer Rolls-Royce).

As The New York Times reported, the kings busy schedule appeared calculated to show that he had not made the trip from Scotland solely to see Harry. This extraordinary statement, if true, tells you everything you need to know about the emotional stuntedness that seems to be a feature of Windsor family life. It also reveals, perhaps, a fair bit about the kings ego.
London: US President Donald Trump has called on NATO leaders to impose sweeping sanctions on China to punish it for helping Russia in the war on Ukraine, declaring he will follow if they agree to the dramatic demand.

Trump blamed European leaders for buying Russian oil and avoiding tougher economic action over the war, declaring he wanted to see tariffs of 50 to 100 per cent on China in order to break its support for Russia. Trade between the two countries has more than doubled over the past five years.

Trump blamed European leaders for buying Russian oil and avoiding tougher economic action over the war. Credit: Bloomberg

The move came after major European countries pledged more military support to Poland to defend against incursions by Russian drones, while also sending a series of leaders to Ukraine to promise more financial aid.

But the European Union has resisted the idea of using tariffs against China despite a cooling in relations with the Asian superpower, while it has also refused to follow Trump in applying steep tariffs on India over the war.
Starmer was elected in July last year and the next general election is not due until 2029. While the protest was arranged weeks ago as a rally for free speech, it turned into a show of force for a British variant of the Make America Great Again movement as protesters held up photographs of Kirk and chanted his name. The start of the revolution is on, Robinson said in a video before the march. Later, he claimed 3 million people attended the rally, but police said it ranged from 110,000 to 150,000. A demonstrator stands on the head of one of the lions of Westminster Bridge during the protest on Saturday. Credit: AP Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has served five prison terms and was most recently jailed last October for contempt of court for making false allegations about a refugee despite an injunction.

He was arrested in August over allegations he punched a man at a London train station, but he was not charged because the alleged victim declined to make a statement to police. Charlie Kirk speaks just before he was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. Credit: AP Speakers at the Saturday rally included right-wing commentator Katie Hopkins, a former reality television contestant who was deported from Australia in 2021 for refusing to follow quarantine rules during the pandemic. There was no endorsement, however, from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has split with Robinson because of his criminal convictions. Were a political party aiming to win the next general election, Farage said in January. Hes not what we need.

Musk, however, strongly backed Robinson and attacked Farage earlier this year, while also breaking with US President Donald Trump, highlighting the rifts on the conservative side of politics. Loading Steve Bannon, a key adviser to Trump, was said to be speaking at the event, after saying in an interview three days ago that the UK was heading toward a civil war where citizens fought the rise of what he called socialism. He did not appear. The numbers proved too great for the streets around the Palace of Westminster, highlighting the scale of discontent in Britain and drawing parallels with similar movements elsewhere in Europe. The crowd heard from politicians from far-right German party Alternative fur Deutschland, or AfD, as well as similar speakers from France and Denmark.

On a Saturday afternoon marked by sunshine and occasional rain, the crowd converged on Parliament Square in numbers that were larger than anticipated and put pressure on police lines created to ensure safe exits. The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured at the rally, with some of the protesters punching and kicking police, as well as throwing projectiles such as bottles and flares. By the time the protest was over, the Met Police had made 25 arrests for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage. Others were identified as having committed offences, and the police said, we will find them in coming days. In a post before any signs of violence, the Met Police said they were using a mobile CCTV van to help monitor the crowd but were not using live facial recognition.

We estimate the attendance at that event to have been between 110,000 to 150,000, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers, the police said. Loading A rival protest organised by a group called Stand Up To Racism had at least 5000 people. While the Met Police sent 1000 local officers to keep the peace, another 500 had to be drawn from outlying areas as support for the event appeared to grow in the wake of Kirks assassination. Most of the violence appeared to come from Robinsons supporters among the far-right, including reports that some threw bottles at female police on horseback, but there were also accounts of violence from anti-fascist protesters.
Robinson, now 22, was arrested for aggravated murder and other charges. He has no criminal history, according to state records reviewed by Reuters. He was a registered voter but was not affiliated with a political party, according to voter records. He is listed as an inactive voter, which indicates he did not cast a ballot in last years presidential election when Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. Law enforcement officials examine a silver Dodge outside the Robinson family home in Washington, Utah on Friday. Credit: AP The New York Times reported that at the time of the shooting, Robinson appeared to have been living with a roommate in an apartment complex in St. George, about a 10-minute drive from his parents house in Washington, a farming and residential community of about 28,000 people near Zion National Park in south-western Utah. His parents, registered Republicans, have active hunting licences in a part of the country known for its outdoor life, the Times reported. Social media photos show Robinson and his two younger brothers shooting and posing with guns.

Robinsons grey Dodge Challenger  the vehicle that authorities say he drove to the site of the shooting on Tuesday  was parked on Friday outside the two-storey stucco home, in a relatively new housing development built among alfalfa fields. Loading Dozens of media members were gathered outside, along with half-a-dozen police cars parked along the street. Officers were stopping reporters from approaching the home. A neighbour, Steven Green, said he knew the family from attending the same Mormon church down the street. Great family, good kids, he said, though he added he did not know Tyler Robinson well.

Canaan Timothy, 21, said he was in the year below Robinson at high school. Robinson, he said, was just a regular student with an interest in music, who hung out with members of the school band. I knew him in passing. Just your average kid, said Timothy, who lives two blocks from the Robinson family. Tyler, he was quiet, but not too quiet. Jaida Funk, 22, who went to elementary and middle school with Robinson, told The New York Times that he was an excellent student, was into computers and had the personality of a teachers pet. Hes the kind of kid that even if you are not friends, youd ask him to be in your group project, she said. Hes someone youd expect to get the award for perfect attendance.

Adrian Rivera, 22, who had been in a high school woodworking class with him, told the Times that Robinson was a massive Halo guy, referring to the popular science fiction game, and that he also liked Call of Duty and other shooter games. Loading Robinson was arrested late on Thursday without incident after a family friend called authorities and said Robinson had either confessed or implied that he was responsible for Kirks murder, officials said. Robinson graduated in 2021 from Pine View High School in St George, Utah. A video online of the commencement ceremony shows him carrying his diploma on stage as attendees cheer. He briefly attended Utah State University in Logan for one semester that year, the school confirmed to Reuters.

It was not immediately clear why he left, but Dixie Technical College, part of Utahs public university system, confirmed that Robinson is a third-year student in the schools electrical apprenticeship program. A Facebook post from his mother said Robinson had earned a score of 34 in high school on the American College Testing college entrance exam, which would put him in the top 1 per cent of test takers, according to the Princeton Review test preparation company. Charlie Kirk in the minutes before he was shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Credit: AP Robinson has two younger brothers, according to his parents Facebook posts. His mother listed her job online as a social worker at a non-profit healthcare company, while his father is the principal of a company that makes stone counter tops, according to state records. His mothers Facebook posts over the years  most of which were deleted on Friday  mostly doted on her family: documenting trips to Alaska, the Caribbean and Disneyland; celebrating school plays, Halloween costumes and adopted pet rabbits; expressing pride as the three boys moved up in school.

None of the posts appeared overtly political. Robinsons arrest on Thursday night capped a 33-hour manhunt for Kirks killer, which included the detention of two other persons of interest on Wednesday who were later released. Robinson was booked into the Utah County jail in Spanish Fork, about 20 kilometres south of the university where Kirk was shot. He has not yet been formally charged. Its really sad that someone with his mind put it to that sort of use, Keaton Brooksby, 22, a former high school classmate of Robinson, told The New York Times.
Bomb threats to Delhi and Bombay HC turn out hoax





NEW DELHI :

MUMBAI :

AFTER high drama enveloped the Delhi High Court on Friday, prompting evacuation of judges and litigants from courtrooms as a result of a bomb threat e-mail, Delhi Police declared it a hoax. In Mumbai, the Bombay High Court administration also received a bomb threat email on Friday afternoon, which led to suspension of hearings for nearly two hours, but it turned out to be a hoax as nothing suspicious was found, police said.

The commotion in Delhi began after the court administration received an e-mail threatening an attack and triggered a thorough search operation by the police, fire officials, bomb disposal and dog squads. The e-mail, received by the registrar general at around 8.39 am, warned of explosions in judges chambers and courtrooms around mid-day. The information prompted the court staff to alert the judges while proceedings were underway. Several judges left their respective courtrooms at around 11.35 am whereas others continued till noon before rising.

The safeguards put in place by the security personnel involved everyone being asked to evacuate the building. New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla, however, upon examination of the e-mail revealed to media persons later that the bomb threat was fake. We have investigated the email, and it turned out to be false. There is no connection between this threat and the bomb threats received by schools in the last few weeks, he said.
Gateway to Indias ancient wisdom Digitisation of manuscripts will help curb intellectual piracy: PM





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that digitisation of Indias ancient manuscripts will help curb intellectual piracy, adding that the information sourced to the countrys traditional knowledge system has been copied and patented by others. Addressing the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam on the theme Reclaiming Indias Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage at Vigyan Bhavan here, the Prime Minister said the exercise is an extension of the countrys resolve to forge ahead with the concept of swadeshi and aatmanirbhar Bharat. India is now proudly presenting before the world its heritage of ancient knowledge preserved in its manuscripts for centuries, he said. Modi complimented private organisations for working with the Government in its goal to digitise these manuscripts spread across the country, and said over 10 lakh of them have been digitised so far.

He said India is working with other countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Mongolia, with whom it has enjoyed cultural ties and which are home to such manuscripts. This event is witness to the renaissance of Indias golden past, he said, asserting that its knowledge tradition is this rich because it rests on the (Contd from front page) pillars of preservation, innovation, addition and adaptation. The Prime Minister said India has the worlds largest collection of about one crore manuscripts. Modi said, Throughout history, crores of manuscripts were destroyed, but the ones that remain show how devoted our ancestors were to knowledge, science and learning.

He said India is a living stream with its cultural identity, consciousness and soul, and its history is not merely about the rise and fall of dynasties. Indias manuscripts contain footprints of the development journey of the entire humanity, he said. Modi described the countrys manuscripts as a treasure trove and pride of the nation, and asserted that in these ancient texts, we find the lines of perennial flow of Indian ethos. The Prime Minister also launched the Gyan Bharatam portal, a dedicated digital platform to accelerate manuscript digitisation, preservation and public access.

Soon after his arrival, he first visited the exhibition hosted at the venue, showcasing some of the rare Indian manuscripts. Centuries-old and rarest of the rare manuscripts of Kautilyas Arthashashtra and Sundar Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, both on palm leaves, are part of the display. Both manuscripts, about 500 years old, as per our records, are housed at the Oriental Research Institute (ORI), Mysore, and their original versions have been taken out of our safe custody, especially for this occasion, Krishna Nagasampige, research scholar at ORI and a participant at the conference, told PTI. A few manuscripts drawn from the Oriental Institute of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and another institution in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune have also been showcased. Modi also saw presentations made by different working groups constituted under the Gyan Bharatam Mission at the Plenary Hall. Eight groups have been set up under different verticals, including critical areas such as manuscript conservation, digitisation technologies, metadata standards, legal frameworks, cultural diplomacy and decipherment of ancient scripts.
HC cancels death sentence of accused due to wrong investigation by Balaghat police





Legal Correspondent :

The Government should give compensation of Rs one lakh to the accused who was in custody for three and half years. The death sentence due to wrong investigation by the police has been cancelled by the High Court. The High Court has cancelled death sentence of an accused due to wrong investigation by Balaghat police. The division bench of Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avnindra Kumar Singh said that police investigation was completely motivated by malice. In this case, the person who was made the accused has suffered the brunt of negligence of the police.

He has been in custody for three and a half years. Not only should he be released, but for this the Government should give him Rs 1 lakh as compensation. The bench has said that the Balaghat Superintendent of Police will be free to recover this amount from the investigating officer who conducted wrong investigation. The bench gave this decision on the appeal of Girdhari Sonavane (39) of Balaghat district. Girdhari was accused of kidnapping two girls aged 3 and 6 on April 4, 2022, first raping them and then killing them and throwing the bodies near the dam.

On January 31, 2024, the special court of Balaghat sentenced the accused to death. Challenging the decision, this appeal was filed in the High Court. During the final hearing on the case, the division bench, after looking at the statements of the main prosecution witness made by the police, said that there are many discrepancies in his statements. He had said in his statement that he had last seen both the girls going with the accused towards the dam on a golden colour motorcycle.

The bench said that when the investigating officer found this witness, then his statement was to be taken under Section 161 of the CrPC. Instead of doing so, the investigating officer waited for the body to be recovered and post-mortem report to come. When his statements were recorded after the PM report came, he told the colour of the motorcycle to be silver. Many more discrepancies came in the case, due to which the theory of last seen (last scene) got contaminated. The death sentence given to the accused cannot be confirmed on the basis of such evidence.
Joint Collector Aditya Kumar Jain relieved, Prakashchand Pandey appointed SDM Kolar

Staff Reporter :

In a recent administrative development, Joint Collector Aditya Kumar Jain has been officially relieved from his duties in Bhopal following his transfer to the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing.

The transfer order, issued on August 4, marks a strategic move in the states ongoing efforts to strengthen departmental leadership across key sectors. Before departing for his new assignment, Jain formally handed over his responsibilities to Deputy Collector Prakashchand Pandey, ensuring a smooth transition of duties.

In a temporary arrangement, Pandey has further delegated his current responsibilities to Deputy Collector Lakhansingh Choudhry, who will now oversee Pandeys portfolio until further orders. Additionally, Prakashchand Pandey is set to assume charge as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Tehsil Kolar, a crucial administrative region within the Bhopal district. His appointment is expected to bring renewed focus to governance and public service delivery in the tehsil.
Nagpur to be hub of solar panel manufacturing: CM Fadnavis





Staff Reporter :

Through leveraging new technology, Nagpur will soon be known as largest hub for manufacturing solar panels as the investments lined up would create lakhs of new jobs, stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration of flyover on Amravati Road, on Friday. He said earlier, lack of infrastructure in Vidarbha came in the way of attracting investments. But in the last few years due to concentrated efforts undertaken by Nitin Gadkari, the city and region now stands transformed and the visiting delegation of national and interntional business leaders are amazed at the growth.

The function of dedication of fly over on Amravati Road was held at Bole Petrol Pump Square, Amravati Road. Fadnavis added further that the speed of investment in Vidarbha has now picked pace post rolling out critical infra projects under vision of Gadkari. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of State Adv Ashish Jaiswal and a host of other dignitaries were present at the function held on Friday at Bole Petrol Pump Square.

The Chief Minister further stated that Maharashtra Government is committed to holistic growth by leveraging new technology. So be it agriculture, orange orchards, mining sector, we are trying to tap each ones potential. Nitin Gadkari said while naming the Amravati Road flyover after Dyanyogi Dr Shrikant Jichkar, one gets emotional that a person of his stature who was visionary is no longer with us. He said the thought behind rolling out infra projects is not

Four-lane flyover from Bole Petrol Pump Square to University Campus Square inaugurated on Friday only concentrated on construction as now nearly 300 play grounds are going to be developed in city. Speaking about the big circular rotary under construction at Ashok Square, Gadkari said a plan is in offing to have Palika Bazar type market near Medical Square. Besides at nine places, big shopping complex are planned where small businessman will be given preference. On the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid respects to Sulochana Jichkar, mother of late Dr Shrikant Jichkar, who was specially invited for the function.
Student, driver killed in school van-bus collision on Mankapur flyover





Staff Reporter :

A ninth-standard girl student and a school van driver were killed, while three other students were seriously injured, when a speeding school van carrying children collided head-on with a school bus on the busy Mankapur flyover on Friday morning. The deceased have been identified as Sanvi Khobragade, a Std IX student of Bhavans Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Koradi Road Branch and Hrithik Kanojia (24), the van driver.

According to Mankapur Police, the van was carrying students of Bhavans Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir around 8.30 am when it collided with a Narayana Vidyalayam school bus coming from the opposite direction.

The bus was empty at the time, except for its driver and two female attendants, who escaped unhurt. Police officials stated that the van driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it suddenly swerved into the path of the oncoming school bus which resulted in a head-on collision. The bus driver reportedly told police that the van appeared abruptly in his lane which left him no time to react.

The crash was so severe that the van was completely mangled and trapped the children inside. Passersby rushed to the scene, broke open the jammed doors and helped pull out the injured students. While three children escaped without injuries, four were immediately taken to nearby hospitals. Sanvi was admitted to the ICU of a private hospital but succumbed to her injuries in the evening.

The three other injured students continue to receive treatment at the same facility. The flyover, which is already under repair, saw traffic halted for nearly an hour following the accident which led to a major congestion during peak morning hours. It may be noted that vehicles have been forced to use only one side of the flyover for the past several months due to ongoing repair work on the damaged stretch between Mankapur Stadium and Faras. Parents of the injured children rushed to the hospital upon receiving the information. Meanwhile, Congress workers led by Ketan Thakre staged a protest at the accident site and demanded action against the road contractor. They alleged that the prolonged delay in the repair work had made the flyover unsafe and was a contributing factor in the accident.
Two men involved in theft of agricultural equipment held





Staff Reporter :

Patan police have arrested two accused involved in the theft of agricultural equipment and a tractor battery from a warehouse in Nunser and for purchasing stolen goods. The recovered stolen items are valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh, along with Rs 20,000 in cash obtained from selling stolen items and the auto used in the crime.

The arrested have been identified as Lucky Sahu (22), son of Sanjay Sahu, resident near ITI Madhotal and Mukhtar Ahmed (59), resident of Gazimia Maidan, Gohalpur. SHO of Patan police station, Gopendra Singh Rajput informed that, on September 9, 2025, Ramdas Patel (45), resident of Nunser village lodged a complaint that his warehouse named Om Shiv, located on Padaria Road, had been broken into. He had travelled to Nepal from August 29 to September 6, 2025. Upon returning, he found that two tractor batteries, tractor parts, agricultural tools, electrical cables, CCTV monitor, inverter and inverter battery and rotavator machine shaft and chain were missing.

Patan police had registered a case under Section 305 A BNS. Two men involved in theft of agricultural... (Contd from front page) Investigating the case, police analyzed CCTV footage and identified an auto MP-20R-5609 near the scene. The driver, Lucky Sahu, confessed to breaking the warehouse lock and stealing the items. He admitted keeping the tractor batteries and selling the remaining items to scrap dealer Mukhtar Ahmed.

On his identification, police raided Mukhtar Ahmeds premises, where he admitted purchasing the stolen goods. Other items, including submersible pump motors, starters, and various agricultural tools valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh, along with Rs 20,000 in cash, were recovered. The accused were apprehended with active working of police team led by SHO Gopendra Singh Rajput comprised of Chowki In-Charge Nunser, SI, Vipin Tiwari, ASI, Dal Singh, Head Constables Rupesh Lodhi and Gautam and Constables Raghavendra Singh, Raja and Devendra.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry has announced that it will host an emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday, September 15, in response to a recent Israeli airstrike on the Qatari capital, Azernews reports.

The summit will bring together leaders and diplomats from Arab and Islamic nations to address what Qatar has described as a violation of its sovereignty and international law.

The summit will discuss a draft resolution on the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, submitted by the preparatory meeting of foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries, which will be held tomorrow, Sunday, said Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Tuesday, Israel launched a strike on Doha, claiming it targeted high-ranking Hamas members, including Palestinian negotiators involved in ongoing ceasefire talks regarding Gaza. Qatar strongly condemned the attack, calling it a breach of international norms and a direct threat to regional diplomacy.
What are the expectations ? Ahead of high profile visit

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To Manipur the primary question on the impending visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is, will he be here for a foundation stone laying and inauguration spree or will he be here to address the situation which dates back from the evening of May 3, 2023. Or will it be a mixed bag, a case of the Prime Minister addressing the crisis in Manipur as well as laying the foundation stones and inaugurating a number of developmental projects ? Yet the question remains how far the Prime Minister will be able to satisfactorily address the issues during the few hours set aside for his sojourn to Manipur. Still a few good hours before the Prime Minister actually lands here, and the question whether Manipur has been able to draw up its list of demands and what it expects from the Centre, now that the Prime Minister is set to arrive here, his first after the place went up in flames in the evening of May 3, becomes all that more important. On the other hand, the demand of the Kuki-Chin-Zo MLAs, the ITLF, CoTU and the militant groups under the SoO pact as well as the armed Kuki groups which are not under the SoO pact, is clear in the sense that they have already laid down the Separate Administration agenda in clear cut terms. This is where Manipur needs to be very clear on what it wants and changing the narrative from illegal immigrants, narco-terrorism, poppy plantations to the ruling of the High Court of Manipur on the ST for Meiteis demand will only make things more confusing. A clear cut stand is the call of the hour and this should be seen beyond what Manipur can present before the Prime Minister during his visit here. What is it that Manipur wants and the answer to this should be consistent. Other than this, it has also become clear that what the Prime Minister has to say on his arrival here will go a long way in shaping the perception of the public towards the saffron party and the Prime Minister and certain points should already be clear to the saffron party. Just 48 hours before the Prime Minister is scheduled to land in Manipur, the Phungyar BJP Mandal and Morcha resigned enmasse. That the resignation move was pushed aside by the BJP Manipur Pradesh is one thing but already a message, a strong at that, has been delivered and the timing of the resignation move says it all. Take this with the earlier mass resignation of BJP members in Sugnu AC and joining the Congress and things suggest that not everything is fine within the saffron party in Manipur. Take the resignation of three prominent political personalities from the saffron party, in fact just a few days earlier and this does not say anything good for the party. Not yet clear if the new developments have registered in the consciousness of the Prime Minister, but it is against this reality that Modi will be landing here.

If one looks at the probability of the Prime Minister just going on a foundation stone laying and inauguration laying spree without saying anything substantial on the current issue in Manipur, then where would that leave the saffron party ? This poser is important, for as reported earlier in this newspaper, not all the BJP MLAs were taken into confidence on the Rs 8500 crore projects that the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate here. Manipur is under Presidents Rule at the moment, but the Assembly has not been dissolved and the MLAs are still very much there and they continue as BJP MLAs. More than an indication that not everything is fine within and what the Prime Minister has to say when he lands here on September 13 will go a long way in addressing the overwhelming sentiments of being left out or pushed aside. The expectations are high and not surprisingly so. For starters the Prime Minister will have to convey the message that it was not a case of indifference that he could not visit Manipur earlier. Next he has to walk the fine line to convey the message that Delhi has not been partisan, in so far as addressing the plight of the people on either side of the clash divide is concerned and that the interests of Manipur will not be compromised one bit. The Prime Minister should come and address the people in the knowledge that the focus of the people or rather the Meiteis is on the National Highways and why the usage of the term re-open the highways has gained currency for using this very term means that it was never opened. Much will depend on the feedbacks that the Prime Minister has received over the months and this is where focus will be on how Raj Bhavan has been keeping Delhi posted.
The Indian Air Force is set for a capability enhancement with the addition of two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets in October. LCA Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments.

State-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) confirmed that the two fighters will be added to the IAF fleet next month. HAL said it received one jet engine from American defence major GE Aerospace and another will be supplied by the end of this month, which will power the two jets.

In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The delivery of the jets to the IAF was delayed owing to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for the supply of its aero engines to power the fighters.

"HAL has received the third GE404 engine for LCA Mk1A. One more engine is scheduled to be delivered by the end of September. Engine supply chain improvement will pave the way for LCA Mk1A aircraft deliveries," a spokesperson of HAL said, reported PTI.

The government had recently approved an additional batch of 97 Tejas fighters at a cost of around Rs 67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters.

The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from the officially sanctioned strength of 42.
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 saw LGBTQ couple Adhila Nasarin and Fathima Noora joining other contestants. The housemates were largely supportive of the couple until wildcard contestants entered the BBMS house.

Among the wildcards in BBMS7, Lakshmi and Mastani have been vocal against the sexuality of Adhila and Noora, who joined the show as a couple. In a recent episode, Lakshmi said that Adhila and Noora are not someone who can be invited to her home.

However, Adhila and Noora were dumbstruck by the disturbing comments and did not respond to Lakshmi. Later, Mastani also joined Lakshmi in slamming the sexuality of Adhila and Noora.

On Saturday, Asianet, which airs Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7, released a promo showing Mohanlal returning for the weekend. He asks Lakshmi and Mastani about their comments.

To this, Lakshmi says she cannot personally accept with the couple's sexuality. Mohanlal then lashes out at Lakshmi, saying Adhila and Noora do not live at her expense. He goes on to says that he would invite both of them to his home with open heart.

Mastani then says she cannot agree with normalising the LGBTQ culture in the society.

Mohanlal then tells both Lakshmi and Mastani that no one else in the house has any issues with the couple's sexuality. "If you continue making such comments, you can leave the show," Mohanlal warns the duo.

How did Adhila and Noora meet?

Adhila and Noora met while studying in Class 12 in Saudi Arabia. Their friendship soon turned into romance. Their families send them to the same college in Kozhikode.

Later, their family came to know about their relationship and opposed their union due to religious reasons. They stopped the girls from going to the same college, following which they left home.

Adhila's family assaulted her physically after she refused to back down while Noora's family lodged a police complaint against Adhila for abducting thier daughter.

After Noora was forcibly taken home, Adhila moved Kerala High Court and filed a habeas corpus plea, alleging her partner was forced to stay at home. She also posted a livestream on social media.

The court later allowed the two women to live together, observing that they have taken an informed choice.
Fans of Japanese thespian Koji Yakusho will be delighted to know that he will be next seen as a character that happens to be the exact opposite of his acclaimed 'Perfect Days' role in Netflix's upcoming comedy 'Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?', which comes from screenwriter Kankuro Kudo and producer Akira Isoyama. Directors are Fuminori Kaneko, Takuya Sakaue, Atsushi Watabe.

A multi-episode series, it's one of the three projects announced by Netflix Japan to mark its 10th anniversary. The other two are 'Straight to Hell' and 'Steel Ball Run: JoJos Bizarre Adventure'.

The concept, which comes with a sci-fi twist, swirls around a validation-seeking actor (Koji Yakusho) who is one day hit with a rude awakening upon learning that, for some strange reason, the world no longer remembers him as a celebrity. In telling this story, the show also aims to explore the mindset of not just celebrities but anyone with a strong craving for validation and fame, particularly social media users and content creators.

The official logline reads: "The story follows Gen Takasegawa, the first Japanese actor to play the lead role at Londons Shakespeares Globe Theatre, who has been unable to return to Japan for some time. After two years, he finally makes his way back home, only to face the greatest tragedy for someone driven by a need for recognition: he is suddenly and completely forgotten by the entire world!"

Production is ongoing with a planned 2026 streaming window. The concept of a celebrity waking up to an alternate reality where his original identity no longer exists recalls an instance from Philip K. Dick's novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said in which a TV host wakes up to an alternate reality where he is no longer the same person. However, 'Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?' is seemingly an original idea that relies on humour, among other things, to narrate the protagonist's journey.

Koji Yakusho, known for much-celebrated appearances in films such as 'Shall We Dance?', 'Cure', 'The Eel', and 'Perfect Days' (Best Actor winner at Cannes) told Netflix that the script is "intricate, wild, funny, and strangely moving" and that it marks the second time Yakusho plays an actor. "Im having a great time filming this, even in the intense summer heat. The shoot will be lengthy, but Ill do my best to deliver something everyone can enjoy."

Writer Kankuro Kudo is all praise for Yakusho, calling him an actor who puts all his efforts into even the "most trivial" dialogues. "As a screenwriter, theres nothing more gratifying. Whether youre an actor, a screenwriter, or just someone with a social media account, everyone has a surplus of desire for recognitionthey perform, exaggerate, edit themselves, and sometimes tweet unnecessary things late at night and end up feeling a sense of self-loathing. It cant be helped. Once the show is streaming, Im sure Ill be ego-searching to see if anyone is saying anything about 'Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? Ive portrayed this troublesome human tendency as a comedy, without denying or affirming it.

Aki Isoyama, showrunner and producer, adds, "There are some slightly sci-fi elements to the story, but at its core, its a very straightforward comedy. The story of a man in his sixties, burdened with an oversized 'need for recognition,' who, due to certain circumstances, gets a chance to start his life over and gradually discovers the meaning of living. When we first started thinking about this project, I never could have dreamed that Koji Yakusho would take the role. But now, the more I think about it, the more I realize that there was no one else who could have played this part. He has taken on an incredible number of challenges, shown us so many different sides of himself, and turned this into an unmissable drama."
Tamil filmmaker Sudha Kongara's much-anticipated Sivakarthikeyan starrer Parasakthi will be placed in the same release window as Vijay's Jana Nayagan. The former is slated for Jan. 14 date, the latter on Jan. 9. Suriya's Karuppu was initially expected to be part of the festivities, however, the makers decided to bring it out on another date.

Parasakthi has a stellar ensemble cast featuring Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa and Sreeleela, among others. The film marks Sreeleela's Tamil debut. From the recently released two-minute-long footage which begins with 'Once upon a time in Madras', it's evident that the film is of a strongly political nature. The glimpse revealed campus politics, student gangs, and the intriguing scene of Ravi Mohan using the picture of Sivakarthikeyan for target practice, followed by the introduction of the leading man himself, who shows up in front of a large crowd and tells them, 'We need an army... a great army..."

Scripted jointly by Sudha Kongara and Arjun Nadesan and bankrolled by Dawn Pictures, Parasakthi has veteran Ravi K Chandran as director of photography and Sathish Surya (Soorarai Pottru) on the editing table, with GV Prakash Kumar working on the music.

Meanwhile, Jana Nayagan, marks the end of Vijays cinema journey, as he has taken an active plunge in politics. It apparently is the first Tamil film bankrolled by a Karnataka-based production house, KVN Productions. The film, which will be released just ahead of the assembly general elections in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be a major political propaganda tool for Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Helmed by H Vinoth, one of the popular directors in Tamil Nadu, Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Nisha Venkat Konanki under the KVN banner. The co-producers include Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK. Jagadish is one of the close associates of actor Vijay. With Pooja Hegde playing opposite Vijay in the lead, the makers wrapped up the shooting for the project on June 2.

Sivakarthikeyan's latest release Madharaasi is currently running in theatres. The film marked the actor's first collaboration with director AR Murugadoss. Vijay was last seen in Venkat Prabhu's GOAT (The Greatest of All Time).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur today, his first trip to the northeast state since the ethnic violence broke out around two years ago.

Modi will inaugurate developmental projects worth Rs 8,500 crore in the strife-torn state, besides interacting with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal. The PM will address a public gathering at Peace Ground in Churachandpur.

At least 360 people lost their lives, while thousands were left homeless since clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities broke out in May 2023. The state has been under the President's Rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

"We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women's hostels and more would be laid," Modi said in a post on X ahead of his visit.

I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow, 13th September. We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid. The  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2025

The projects being inaugurated include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building and the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, as well as unique all-women's markets in various districts.

He will also lay the foundation stone for Manipur Urban Roads, drainage, and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and the working women's hostels at nine locations, according to a release from the Prime Ministers Office.

Modis visit to Manipur was confirmed by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel on Friday. Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Goel asserted that peace is "not only the absence of violence but also the presence of trust, harmony and reconciliation".

The Opposition Congress, which has been targeting the prime minister for not visiting Manipur ever since the violence broke out, has taken a dig at his trip, noting that he will hardly spend three hours in the state.

"So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit, instead of providing a force for peace and harmony, is actually going to be a farce, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said.
Security has been tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur in Manipur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the violence-ravaged state on Saturday.

Modi will address public gatherings in Churachandpur and Kangla and will interact with internally displaced people.

The state government has issued an advisory, asking people who attend the prime ministers event not to bring "key, pen, water bottle, bag, handkerchief, umbrella, lighter, match box, piece of cloth, any sharp objects or arms and ammunition".

The authorities have already banned air guns in Churachandpur district in view of Modis visit.

#WATCH | Manipur: Police personnel, led by DGP Rajiv Singh, inspect security arrangements in Imphal ahead of the likely visit of PM Narendra Modi to the state. pic.twitter.com/TMoOMs3ZvQ  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2025

A separate advisory has requested that people avoid bringing children under 12 years old and individuals with illnesses to the venue.

A large posse of central and state forces personnel is present in and around the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and Kangla Fort in Imphal where Modi will address the gatherings.

Forces are conducting round-the-clock inspection of the Kangla Fort. Boats of the Manipur disaster management force have been engaged for patrolling the moats that surround the fort, reported PTI news agency.

Police and paramilitary forces have been maintaining a strict vigil along the route to the programme venues.

#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: On PM Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the state, Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel says, "... PM will be arriving in Manipur on 13th September 2025 from Aizwal. On his arrival at Churachandpur around 12.15 pm, he will first interact with some pic.twitter.com/5MdM9vHL3j  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2025

At least 360 people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless since the clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities broke out in May 2023.

Nearly 57000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are staying in around 250 relief centres in the state, according to officials.

The state has been under the President's Rule since the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to Manipur after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023 came under heavy criticism from the Congress, which called it "tokenism" and a serious "insult" to the people of the state.

Claiming that 300 lives were lost, 67,000 people displaced, and more than 1,500 injured in the clashes between Kuki and Meitei tribes that lasted for 864 days, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that PM Modis self-organised welcome ceremony was a cruel prick to the wounds of those still suffering. He termed Modis roadshow in Imphal and Churachandpur as nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps.

.@narendramodi ji



Your 3-hour PIT STOP in Manipur is not compassion  its farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to a wounded people.



Your so-called ROADSHOW in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!  Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 13, 2025

Kharge also pointed out that Modi made 46 foreign trips during the period but did not pay a visit to the embattled state.

Other Congress leaders such as party general secretary K.C. Venugopal and AICC social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate, too, echoed similar sentiments, calling it a "belated, face-saving farce" and reminding the citizens that the prime minister went there now to inaugurate a railway project.

                 



  



         ,   ,     -           



   pic.twitter.com/62QViTfoFI  Congress (@INCIndia) September 13, 2025

Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed relief that Modi finally decided to visit Manipur after two years, but pointed out he should have gone much earlier.

I'm glad that he has decided, after two years, to visit Manipur. He should have gone long before. It's very unfortunate that he allowed the situation to continue for so long, resulting in so many deaths.



This isn't in line with the tradition of Prime Ministers in India; pic.twitter.com/BR89yM3qAx  Congress (@INCIndia) September 13, 2025

PM Modi arrived in Manipur on Saturday afternoon, and addressed a public meeting in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district. He urged the various outfits to shun violence, and assured them that his government was with the people of Manipur, and wanted to make the state a symbol of peace and prosperity.

"It is unfortunate that violence happened here. Today, I want to promise you that the Government of India is with you and I am with you. I would appeal to all groups and organisations to choose the path of peace," he said.

Modi said peace is paramount for development, and emphasised how the Centre has increased budget allocation for railway and road connectivity projects in the state.

Manipur is a vital pillar of India's progress. Addressing a programme during the launch of development initiatives in Churachandpur. https://t.co/1JENvDXOoE  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025

His stop in Manipur is part of his three-day tour, which also includes Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

In Aizawl, Modi unveiled the Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi-Sairang line, which integrated landlocked Mizoram fully with the Indian Railways. He also flagged off three new express trains connecting Aizawl with Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata

"Northeast suffered heavily due to vote bank politics practiced by some political parties. Our approach is different those neglected before are at the forefront now, those marginalised earlier are in the mainstream at present. Mizoram has now emerged as a key driver of the nation's growth as the Centre has been working for the region's development for the last 11 years," Modi said, and added that the state plays a major role in the Centre's 'Act East' policy.
The 15-day comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (caste survey) that begins on September 22 has been welcomed by all political parties, but the draft notification published by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, including 52 new castes of Christians (with a caste prefix) such as Kuruba Christian, Vokkaliga Christian, Billava Christian, Brahmin Christian, Ediga Christian, Maadiga Christian, and Lambani Christian, has triggered a controversy.

The SC/ST and OBC communities have slammed the Congress government for appeasing the minorities at the cost of the disadvantaged Hindu communities. The BJP has alleged that the caste survey is just a precursor to scrapping the anti-conversion law in the state by keeping the reservation benefits for converted Christians intact.

The BJP contended that there is no constitutional provision for religion-based reservation and those who convert forfeit their claim for reservation. The new nomenclature (new caste-based classification of Christians) would also normalise conversion and encourage the gullible to convert without the fear of losing their caste identity, reservation benefits, or the cultural connection to ones default religion, assert BJP leaders.

This is a ploy to integrate Christians into the Hindu OBC communities. After the government rejected the Kantharaj Commission report, it ordered a fresh survey and enlisted 1,400 castes and sub-castes in the new list. But the list includes more than 50 Dalit, OBC, and upper-caste communities with a suffix Christian. This is a conspiracy to label the Hindu communities as Christian. We oppose this move as it is a ploy to divide our unity and encourage conversion. This will deprive our people of availing the reservation benefits as the converted Christians will corner all benefits, said S Harish, president of Samajika Nyaya Jagriti Vedike (social justice forum), Bengaluru North district.

Interestingly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tried to play down the issue of tagging Christians with Hindu caste names in the caste survey and said, This survey is to capture the social and educational backwardness of the people and to find out their religion. If he or she is a practising Christian, they will be listed as Christians and not by any caste.

Siddaramaiah, who asserted that the exercise (survey) would help design scientific and fair welfare policies to eliminate inequalities through affirmative action, did not clarify if the new Christian castes would avail the reservation benefits.

"The CM's clarification on Christian castes is vague. The commission has allotted code numbers to each of these castes. There will be huge confusion and conflict of the people listed under Christian castes stake claim to reservation benefits based on their original castes. So, the confusion should end before you start the survey. Keep those who have converted under the respective religion column," demanded BJP MLA Sunil Kumar.

Madhusudhan Naik, current chairman of the Backward Classes commission, said, The survey is based on self-declaration and we will record whatever the people disclose in the survey. We will not lead them to choose their religion or caste. The Commission will take a call on how to classify after the data collection is completed.

Even as the various community leaders from Lingayat, Nekaar (weaver), SC, ST, and others are reaching out to their respective communities to guide them on filling up the religion, caste, and sub-caste columns in the 60-point questionnaire, the Christian community has chosen to remain mum over the upcoming survey.

According to community insiders, each church has a huge following and asking the members to choose between their original caste and adopted religion would be self-defeating as most converted Christians choose to remain close to their cultural roots while practising Christianity. The converts also fear losing their cultural identity and the reservation benefits if they choose to be Christians in the government records. It will also pave the way for Ghar wapsi, they say.

In fact, the Christian leaders have been urging the Congress government to keep its poll promise of repealing the anti-conversion lawthe Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, passed by the BJP, which prohibits conversion (Section 3) by use of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or any fraudulent means, or by promise of marriage.

The religious and political leaders from the Christian community are keeping a safe distance from the caste survey controversy.

Christianity has sects, not castes

Dr Anil Thomas, state president of the Karnataka BJP Minorities Morcha, accused the state Backward Classes commission of sowing the poisonous seeds of caste among religions through the intended survey.

The government is searching for caste within Christianity, which has shocked the community. It has created 52 new castes like Kuruba Christians, Brahmin Christians, Vokkaliga Christians, Madiga Christians, Reddy Christians, Tulu Christians, etc., and is creating divisions and differences within the community under the pretext of recognizing castes. The government claims that the 2015 Kantaraju Commission report, followed by the Jayaprakash Commission, had 44 castes of Christians, which has now increased to 52! The question is how some new castes suddenly infiltrated the community, said Thomas, adding that the community strongly condemned the caste system imposed by the Congress government on Christianity.

The Minority Morcha also urged the state government to conduct a survey on the basis of the various Christian sectsRoman Catholic with Latin Rite, Roman Catholic with Syrian Rite (Syro Malabar, Syro Malankara), Church of South India (CSI), Church of North India (CNI), Indian Orthodox Church, Jacobite Church, Marthoma Church, Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Brethren, Jehovah's Witness, New Life, Assembly of God (AG), and the Pentecostal churches.

Are Christians being deprived of their rights?

In the 2011 census, the population of Christians in the state was 1.144 million, and the population growth of the community has not been recorded since.

The BJPs Minority Morcha alleged injustice by including the Christian community under Category 3B, along with other dominant Hindu OBC communities like Veerashaiva Lingayat, Maratha, Bunt, and the minority Jains for reservation, while Muslims had been exclusively given four per cent reservation under Category 2B.

All minority groupsChristians, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Parsisshould be included in Category 2B. The 4% quota provided under Category 2B should then be increased to 6% and internal reservation should be provided to give a fair share to all minorities.

Flagging the issue of government nominations to the offices related to minorities like the Minority Commission (KMC) and the Minority Development Corporation (KMDC), Thomas said, The nominations to these posts should be made rotational to safeguard the vitality of all minority communities. The number of Christian employees in the state government is also very low compared to our population. This should be rectified, said Thomas.

Calling for social justice for all minorities, Thomas urged the government to constitute a high-level committee to study the ethnography, social, educational, and economic conditions of the Christians and other minorities on the lines of the Sachar Committee.

The Sachar Committee report helped improve the condition of Muslims in the country. Almost 80% of all grants and facilities extended to minorities are now being given to Muslims, 10% for Christians, and the remaining 10% is reserved for Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Sikh communities. We need to study the remaining minorities to end this discrimination and ensure social justice, said Thomas.
Middle East diplomacy is once again in churn, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict pulling in world powers, reshaping alliances, and testing even the most familiar partnerships.

ALSO READ | Dohas dilemma: Between mediation and confrontation with Israel

Much of the latest shift has played out at the United Nations, where an overwhelming vote for a two-state solution has underscored just how isolated Israel now finds itself.

What is the New York Declaration?

The UN General Assembly voted yesterday in favour of the New York Declaration, a resolution urging renewed efforts towards peace and a two-state settlement. As many as 142 countries backed it, while just 10 voted against and 12 chose to abstain: a clear signal of where the international mood now lies.

Co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, the declaration condemned both Hamas October 7 attacks on civilians and Israels military response, including the siege and bombardment of Gaza.

It outlined a framework under which the Palestinian Authority would govern all Palestinian territories, Hamas would disarm, and an international stabilisation mission under UN auspices would be deployed. The text urged the recognition of Palestine as vital to any settlement, and warned against unilateral steps that threatened this goal.

A difference in response to Palestinian statehood vs the Qatar strike

Momentum for Palestinian statehood has been growing with seven Western countriesincluding the UK, Australia and Francepledging recognition. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour described the vote as a reflection of the worlds desire to keep alive the prospect of peace.

Israel and the United States rejected the measure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted there would never be a Palestinian state, while Israels UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as theatre that served Hamas. Washington described it as a misguided stunt and a gift to terrorism.

ALSO READ | Doha airstrike fallout: How Israel's attack on Qatari soil threatens Middle East peace efforts

At the same time, the UN Security Council on Thursday issued a unanimous condemnation of Israels airstrike on a residential complex in Doha on September 9. The strike killed a Qatari security officer and several Hamas functionaries in a diplomatic district where Hamas officials were meeting to discuss a US proposal on Gaza.

"Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar," said the statement, drafted by the UK and France. It was endorsed by all 15 members, including the United States. This was a rare departure from Washingtons practice of shielding Israel from censure. Although the text avoided naming Israel directly, it called for de-escalation and expressed solidarity with Qatar.

United States in a difficult position

Qatar reacted angrily to the attack. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Israel of crossing all boundaries, warning that it would be difficult to continue hosting Israeli representatives. Qatar has hosted Hamas political office at the request of the US to facilitate mediation. Israel defended its actions, with Danon arguing there could be no sanctuary for terrorists.

The strike placed the Trump administration in a difficult position. President Trump sought to distance himself, saying the attack did not serve American or Israeli interests. He reassured Qatars Emir that such actions would not be repeated, but Netanyahus threat of more strikes immediately undermined this assurance.

ALSO READ | US senators accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing in Gaza; says country complicit in mass destruction, displacement

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to steady the situation by meeting Qatars prime minister in Washington before travelling to Israel for a two-day visit. His trip was intended both to reaffirm US support for Israel and to underline American opposition to the unilateral recognition of Palestine.

Rubio also arranged to meet families of hostages held by Hamas and discuss Israels military objectives with its leaders. The administrations efforts underscored its reluctance to impose costs on Israel while trying to preserve trust with Arab partners.

India's response

Indias response was also significant. Breaking from its pattern of abstention on Gaza-related resolutions, New Delhi voted in favour of the General Assembly resolution supporting a two-state solution.

Modi also spoke by phone to the Emir of Qatar, condemning the Doha strike as an infringement of sovereignty.

Although his public statement avoided naming Israel, Qatars account of the call stressed that India denounced what it described as a cowardly Israeli attack and a violation of international law.

Modi also criticised terrorism in all forms, in an effort to balance criticism of Israel with Indias own security concerns.

Yet, the strong language clearly showed the value New Delhi places on its ties with Qatar.

The isolation of Israel

These developments seem to point towards a growing sense of Israels diplomatic isolation. The General Assembly votealong with pledges of recognition from Western statescould leave Israel and the United States nearly alone in rejecting Palestinian statehood.

ALSO READ | Does Israels Qatar strike threaten the USGulf strategic partnership?

The European Union has also floated sanctions targeting extremist Israeli ministers and suggested suspending parts of its trade relationship: a serious threat, given that the EU is Israels largest trading partner. Brussels has also announced a donor mechanism for Gazas reconstruction, sending a signal that the forced displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable.

Arab states have reacted sharply to the Doha strike. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others denounced what they saw as reckless adventurism, adding to the anger already fuelled by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The backlash risks pushing Arab governments closer to Iran, and may lead to a reassessment of frameworks such as the Abraham Accords.

At the same time, the decision of several Arab states to lean closer to the Russia-China camp has reinforced the sense that Israel is facing an increasingly hostile international climate.

Israel, however, shows no sign of bending. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains adamant in his rejection of Palestinian statehood, but the price of that defiance is steadily rising.

Long-time allies are keeping their distance, international consensus around recognising Palestine is gaining momentum, and the prospect of European economic pressure is drawing closer.

Washington still shields Israel diplomatically, yet the United States is being pulled in two directionsneeding to reassure its Gulf partners while continuing to back its closest ally in the region. For India, the turmoil has opened a space to recalibrate its approach and project itself as a more confident diplomatic player.
Those responsible for preserving Indias heritage got lazy, but we are now bringing in an ecosystem to preserve it, said Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at THE WEEK Heritage Awards 2025 in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Union governments commitment is to make India developed (while) respecting its heritage, he said, adding, "Our heritage is a chance for us to assimilate our history  our history was distorted, but now finally, its coming into its own.

The minister emphasised the importance of protecting the nations heritage and harked back to how it was in danger of disappearing at one point in time. Especially during the period the nation was enslaved, our heritage was taken out with impunity. Even after independence, it kept going out, legally and illegally.

Shekhawat said those days are now over, with the Modi government now turning preserving our heritage into what he called a mass movement

Our heritage gives us pride in being Indian. Our tangible and intangible heritage is a symbol of our history. Previous generations handed it to us and that is a responsibility on us  we need to come together to protect it, or else, future generations will not forgive us.

When a society gets inspired from its history, it can learn from it  how to right the wrongs, Shekhawat said.

The minister highlighted how India under PM Modi is today the "new guardian of the world" and added, "it also gives our tourism great opportunities." The minister also commended THE WEEK for the Heritage Tourism Awards venture and remarked how it will contribute to the preservation of the nations history and heritage into a mass movement.

In his vote of thanks, THE WEEKs Chief Associate Editor & Director Riyad Mathew assured the minister that the magazine will do its best to promote culture, tourism and heritage through such initiatives and through the magazines reportage.
THE WEEK Heritage Awards evening unfolded as a tapestry of music, dance, storytelling, and reflection, where practitioners, policy thinkers, and cultural custodians came together to explore what heritage truly means in contemporary India and how it can be passed on to the next generation.

The session opened with a reminder that heritage is not a relic of the past but a lived practice. Veteran classical dancer Bhari Shivaji recalled her personal journey from Tanjore, where she trained in Bharatanatyam, to creating her own distinct style of Mohiniyattam. It was not possible for me to travel to Kerala to learn Mohiniyattam, she said, so I invented my own style. It gained acceptance, and I was privileged to perform at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Her daughter, initially a Bharatanatyam dancer, also embraced Mohiniyattamproof, Shivaji said, that heritage flows naturally across generations when nurtured with devotion.

The panel, themed 'Heritage for the Next Generation', featured Dr Chandrima Roy, renowned sarod player, Dr Kamalika Banerjee, a science policy professional with a PhD from IIT Delhi, Shreyasi Gopinath, Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher and Pragya, a heritage walks expert. The discussion was moderated by Shubhangi Shah, Senior Correspondent, THE WEEK, who framed the debate with a provocative question: In schools, emphasis is put more on sciences compared to humanities, and performing arts is rendered to extra-curriculars. Where does this mindset stem from, and why havent we moved past it?

Culture as DNA, art as vocation

For Dr Chandrima Roy, the answer was rooted in upbringing. In a Bengali family, culture and music are our DNA, she said. Choosing to learn the sarod at the age of 13 was a natural extension of this legacy. But her words also carried a sharp edge: Music is a very unpaid profession. I come from a middle-class family, and I know the struggles. Why cant an IIT campus have a permanent residential guru teaching any form of art? Why not a yoga teacher, or even an ayurvedic doctor? Heritage should not be treated as ornamentalit must be integral to daily life.

Chief Associate Editor & Director of THE WEEK Riyad Mathew addressing the gathering | Sanjay Ahlawat

Shreyasi Gopinath echoed the call to normalise the arts in everyday settings. Government is making efforts for promoting dance, but this must start at the preschool level, she argued. It has to be fun, cool, and experiential. Teachers and artists need to work doubly hard to make dance accessible. You cannot just learn ityou have to live it.

Bridging science and humanities

Dr Kamalika Banerjee drew attention to the structural barriers that separate science from culture. There is a clear demarcation between humanities and science in our education system, she said. But we must rethink that divide. IIT Mandi and IIT Kanpur are already studying the effects of ragas on student mental health. This shows that heritage is not just about nostalgia, it can actively contribute to wellbeing. She also called for broader outreach initiatives, such as SPIC MACAYs work in taking Indian classical arts to young audiences worldwide. Why cant we launch a one district, many arts programme to ensure diversity in cultural promotion?

Pragya, who conducts heritage walks, brought the conversation back to the experiential. Heritage was introduced to me at an early age by my family, she said. But beyond passive learning, we need experimental and immersive methods. Children must walk through monuments, listen to stories, meet artists; it is only then that heritage becomes a lived memory rather than a chapter in a textbook.

Reimagining daily life

The panellists collectively challenged the tendency to reduce heritage to spectacle. Dr Chandrima Roy offered a striking example: Why call a DJ to a wedding when you can call a shehnai player? Why cant school children start the day with prayers in a raga? Heritage must not be confined to festivals or awards functions; it should seep into the rhythms of our daily lives.

Shreyasi added that the perception of dance and art as optional careers has to change. Yes, avenues have grown, but there is still a mindset problem. You have to slog in any profession, be it engineering or dance. It is about how society values the effort.

A tapestry of performances

If the panel gave words to the idea of heritage, the evenings performances gave it sound and soul. The event opened with a sitartabla jugalbandi by Megha Rawoot and Kapil Sharma. Megha, a disciple of maestro Purbayan Chatterjee, began her journey at the age of 10 with vocal music before discovering her calling in the sitar. Having performed across the USA, Russia, China, and India, she brought a global resonance to the stage. She was accompanied by Kapil Sharma, a distinguished tabla artist trained under Pandit Sri Kishan and Pandit Shailendra Mishra of the Banaras and Farukhabad gharanas. Their duet was both meditative and energetic, a reminder of the timeless dialogue between melody and rhythm.

The audience at THE WEEK Heritage Awards | Sanjay Ahlawat

The evening also featured the evocative art of Dastangoi, presented by Usman Siddique and Rajesh Kumar of the Dastangoi Collective. Their performance of Dastan-e-Choubali, based on the works of Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Detha, transported the audience to a world where oral storytelling still holds sway. Siddique, a documentary filmmaker, uses creative expression for social causes, while Kumar, a seasoned theatre actor with roles in Parzania and Halla Bol, brought his dramatic flair to the narrative. The performance underlined that heritage is not limited to temples and palaces but also thrives in the spoken word, in voices that carry folklore from one generation to the next.

As the session concluded, what emerged was a collective convictionheritage is not an isolated pursuit for artists, but a shared responsibility. From classrooms to campuses, from families to festivals, Indias cultural inheritance must be reimagined as a lived reality rather than a ceremonial occasion.

Heritage is our way of life, as Dr Chandrima Roy put it, and it cannot be separated from us.
With the arrest of Charlie Kirk's murderer Tyler Robinson, the authorities are trying to establish the motive of the killing. One of the initial clues to the motive was revealed through the wordings inscribed on the bullet casings.

ALSO READ: Who are Tyler Robinson's parents? Charlie Kirk shooter's father Matt Robinson is NOT a law enforcement veteran

Of the four bullets in the bolt-action rifle used by Tyler Robinson, only one was fired at Charlie Kirk, striking him in the neck. The bullet casing was recovered from the spot while the three other bullets were found in the rifle abandoned in a wooded area.

What did the engravings on Tyler Robinson's bullet casings mean?

The engravings reportedly referred to the internet culture as well as antifa ideology. The casing of the fired bullet read, "Notices bulges OwO, whats this?". This was in reference to a meme used to troll transgender people and the furries, who are a community with a strong interest in humanoid animals.

OWO is a slang emoticon used by furry community to express surprise, curiosity, or confusion, with the "O"s for wide eyes and the "W" for a mouth. "Notices bulge" refers to the male genetalia.

ALSO READ: Who is Tyler Robinson? Charlie Kirk shooter, 22, was turned in by father after he confessed the murder

There were three other unfired bullets. One of these casings read, "Hey Fascists! Catch". It also had an up arrow, a right arrow symbol and another three arrows pointing downwards. The symbols are likely to be a reference to the Iron Front, a militant group that resisted the Nazis in erstwhile Weimar Republic.

Another casing read, "Oh bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao," an Italian anti-fascist song of those who resisted dictator Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. The song entered pop culture through Netflix series Money Heist.

The fourth casing had the wordings, "If you read this you are gay LMAO."
A day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University, his wife Erika Kirk addressed an emotional press conference in Phoenix on Friday, saying the movement her husband built would never die.

"If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you have just unleashed across this entire country," she said.

Erika, who was accompanied by US Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, vowed to take forward the fight Kirk left unfinished.

"Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby. I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen," she said.

Erika recalled the moment when their three-year-old daughter asked about her dad on the day he was fatally shot.

"I said, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget, she said.

I cant wait to see you again one day, the 36-year-old broke down at the press meet.

Erika Kirk  If you thought my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea" Mic drop



"The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. The movement MY husband built WILL NOT DlE."



THIS IS SO POWERFUL 



pic.twitter.com/WRgJjNQ7WW  MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) September 13, 2025

Kirk and Erika have been married for four years, getting engaged two years after their first meeting. Erika was often seen by her husbands side as he travelled across the country. The couple have two kidsa one-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl.

Kirk, a right-wing commentator and a close aide of President Donald Trump, was shot at while speaking at the university on Wednesday. A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder.

The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, a native of Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit.
Prior to the murder of Indian-origin Chandra Mouli "Bob" Nagamallaiah (50) over a laundry dispute in Dallas on Wednesday, the accused, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, had once faced a deportation order to his native country, Cuba.

Jail records show the 37-year-oldfound wearing a blood-soaked t-shirt soon after the grisly killingis being held without bond in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Dallas County Jail, an NBC News report said. The records identify him as an undocumented immigrant.

ALSO READ | Chandra Nagamallaiah's head was left in dumpster by bloody Yordanis Cobos-Martinez who carjacked a woman naked in 2017

"He was most recently in ICE Dallas custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Centre until he was released on an Order of Supervision on January 13, 2025under the Biden administration," a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said, about his previous conviction.

It added that a previous attempt to deport him failed because Cuba refused to accept "this barbaric criminal", citing his criminal history.

Currently facing homicide charges, Cobos-Martinez's criminal history includes child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment, and carjacking.

Condemning his release into the streets after the failed deportation attempt to Cuba, Tricia McLaughlin, a Public Affairs official at the DHS, stated that ICE would now be "removing criminal illegal aliens to third countries".

"President Trump and Secretary Noem are no longer allowing barbaric criminals to indefinitely remain in America. If you come to our country illegally, you could end up in Eswatini, Uganda, South Sudan, or CECOT," she warned.

ALSO READ | Who is Chandramouli Nagamallaiah? Karnataka man beheaded in US by co-worker

A funeral for Chandra will be held at 2 PM (local time) on Saturday at the Flower Mound Family Funeral Home in Flower Mound, Texas.

Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas, Tx.



We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police.  India in Houston (@cgihou) September 11, 2025

He is survived by his wife Nisha and son Gaurav (18), for whom a fundraiser has raised nearly $200,000.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has put FBI Director Kash Patel in a tough spot, as questions have been raised from various corners about his capability to lead the bureau under pressure.

His first goof-up in the high-profile case came when he falsely claimed in a social media post that the suspect in the shooting was in custody. While two men had been detained, they did not have anything to do with the shooting, and the killer remained at large.

"The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody," said Patel, only to retract later, saying, "The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement."

As the search for the shooter stretched on for over a day, the director vented in an expletive-ridden virtual video meeting with FBI personnel about what he perceived as a failure to keep him informed about the investigation proceedings, including that he was not quickly shown a photograph of the suspected shooter.

On Friday morning, as the authorities announced the arrest of the suspect at a news conference, Patel claimed credit for certain investigative steps. Patel claimed that the decision to release photos and videos to the public was made at his direction, and this has led to the capture of the suspect, Tyler Robinson.

However, this did not go down well with even some of the FBI employees who found it inappropriate for Pate to claim credit for the investigation. According to CNN, his style was in contrast to the previous directors of the bureau, who would credit the employees for cracking such high-profile cases.

Patel's response did not go unnoticed in conservative circles. One prominent strategist, Christopher Rufo, posted on X that it was time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI.

We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done, Rufo wrote in the post, adding, Ive been on the phone the last few days with many conservative leaders, all of whom wholeheartedly support the Trump Administration and none of whom are confident that the current structure of the FBI is up to this task.

He was backed by conservative commentator Erick Erickson, who claimed that "The FBI situation is concerning."

Meanwhile, the decision of the FBI to hold on to the gun allegedly used by the suspect until late Thursday before handing it over to ATF for analysis has also attracted criticism.

Besides, Patels recent decision to fire experienced FBI officials, including the Salt Lake City office head whose team covered the university where the assassination of the activist took place, is being blamed for hampering the investigations efficiency.

According to an AP report, Patel will soon face congressional oversight hearings where he will be posed not just questions about that investigation but broader doubts about whether he can stabilise a federal law enforcement agency fragmented by political fights and internal upheaval.
It has been revealed that Tyler Robinson, 22, who allegedly killed conservative influencer Charlie Kirk moments after he praised the Mormon church. Ironically, Tyler is himself a member of the church

ALSO READ: Who is Tyler Robinson? Charlie Kirk shooter, 22, was turned in by father after he confessed the murder

Neighbours recalled that Tyler was a "very nice" Mormon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, adding that he regularly attended church with his family as a child, reported New York Post.

Charlie Kirks assassin Tyler Robinson, 22, killed him because he hated his opinions and thought he was a fascist. Yet ironically, HE was the fascist, killing someone to silence their opposing views.

The woke left love to say speech is violent.

Its not - violence is. pic.twitter.com/70CWowT465  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 12, 2025

Saying 50 per cent of his team is Mormon, Charlie Kirk said moments before the shooting, I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are.  Half my team is Mormon."

Mormons are great people. Let me just say, Im an evangelical Christian, but Im not one of those guys that hates on Mormons, Kirk added.

ALSO READ: Who are Tyler Robinson's parents? Charlie Kirk shooter's father Matt Robinson is NOT a law enforcement veteran

Following the shooting, leaders of the Latter-day Saints Church condemned horrific acts of violence worldwide, including the recent assassination in Utah. "We affirm our repeated calls to seek peace and unity despite our differences," they added.

They urged everyone to reject violence and work towards an understanding. "Recognizing that we are all children of God, we must treat one another with more dignity, compassion and respect," the statement read.

Tyler Robinson's father, Matt Robinson, is running a construction firm while his mother, Amber Robinson, is employed with Intermountain Support Coordination Services, where she takes care of differently abled people.

"I knew his mom (Amber Robinson, you know, just by church and school," the outlet quoted Kristin Scheiermann, a local resident, as saying. "He was smart. I hear he aced his ACTs [pre-college exam]. I hear he had a full-ride scholarship to college."

University Rep Amanda DeRito said Tyler received the presidential scholarship from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. However, he spent only one semester at the school in 2021 and took a leave of absence. The university did not disclose the reason for his leave.

Recently, Tyler was enrolled as a third-year student at Dixie Technical College in St George, Utah for an electrical apprenticeship program.
The Brazilian Supreme Court has convicted (on 11 September) and sentenced ex-President Bolsonaro for his crimes of coup attempt, plot to assassinate political and judicial leaders and incitement of mobs to destroy the buildings of the Supreme Court, the Presidential palace, and the Congress, after he lost the elections in 2022. The court also sentenced seven other military and political accomplices of Bolsonaro. Earlier, the court had convicted more than 600 far-right extremist followers of Bolsonaro who had vandalized the iconic government buildings of Brasilia.

The trial and delivery of judgments were telecast live so that the whole country and the world could see and hear the details of the crimes, the evidence, arguments and defense in the case transparently and publicly. The court showed clips of the most dramatic moments of the coup attempt. Bolsonaro and his accomplices had self-incriminated themselves with public statements, interviews and activities on live TV. The audiovisual evidence for their attempts against democratic institutions are in the archives of the TV channels.

Brazilians, who had suffered many coups and military dictatorships in their history, did not want a regression to the ignominious past. Bolsonaro's conviction is clearly a victory for the democracy of Brazil. It is a warning to future coup plotters. As Justice Carmen Lucia noted in her decisive vote this week, the Bolsonaro case is an encounter between Brazils past, its present, and its future. The last dictatorship which ruled from 1964 to 1985 had killed, tortured and disappeared hundreds of activists for democracy. Bolsonaros military coup did not succeed because the army and air force commanders refused to participate.

In other Latin American countries, members of military dictatorships who had committed atrocities were brought before justice and convicted. But the Brazilian military torturers and killers got away with their crimes. They got impunity as part of the bargain to transfer power to the civilians in 1985. So, this is the first time in the history of Brazilian democracy that the coup plotters have been tried for their attempt to disrupt democracy.

Bolsonaro has always publicly expressed his pride and admiration for the past military dictatorships and the killings and tortures openly and unapologetically. Ex-President Dilma Rousseff was a victim of imprisonment and torture by the military regime. Bolsonaro had dedicated his vote for impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff to the notorious Colonel Ustra who tortured her when she was caught as a young leftwing guerilla fighter. He called Ustra a national hero.

Bolsonaro has never hidden his contempt for democracy. During his presidential visit to Chile, he praised the Pinochet dictatorship, causing embarrassment to his Chilean hosts. Elections wont change anything in this country, an angry Bolsonaro told an interviewer on the programme Camara Aberta, broadcast by TV Band in 1999. It will only change on the day that we break out in civil war here and do the job that the military regime didnt do, killing 30,000 people beginning with Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the President of Brazil at that time. If we kill some innocent people thats fine because in every war, innocent people die. Shouting at the interviewer, an intemperate Bolsonaro said that if he became president, he would dissolve Congress on his first day in office.

Bolsonaro had worked systematically and consistently to undermine democratic institutions during his four year presidency as well as before and after his presidential term. He had filled his cabinet with military officers, including serving ones and politicized the armed forces. Anticipating his election loss, Bolsonaro had tried to discredit the electoral system systematically with disinformation and fake news. He held a public meeting even with the foreign ambassadors in Brasilia and explained to them his lack of belief in the electoral system. He had ordered police roadblocks to prevent voting by Lula supporters and monitored opponents using the national intelligence agency.

The Bolsonarist mobs had camped several times in front of the army headquarters in Brasilia and called for the return of military dictatorship and closure of the Congress and Supreme Court while President Bolsonaro smiled and cheered the crowds. In 2018, Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of Jair Bolsonaro, was recorded speaking in a classroom, saying that the Supreme Court could be shut down if it went against his father. He said, One wouldnt even need a Jeep. Sending a soldier and a corporal would be enough to close the Court.

Bolsonaro has ignited a new gun culture in Brazil. His three politician sons have been fierce proponents of expanding gun ownership through policy proposals and social media posts. Eduardo Bolsonaro has spoken admiringly of the Second Amendment in the United States. He has lobbied to make the Brazilian market more attractive to foreign arms manufacturers, which he said would lower prices and provide gun buyers with more choices. Flavio Bolsonaro, a senator, made the promotion of gun manufacturing in Brazil the focus of his first project in the legislature. During his presidency, Bolsonaro had loosened gun control to make more firearms available easily to more of his followers. Gun ownership rocketed by 98% during Bolsonaros first year as President. Weapons newly available to the public now include semi-automatic rifles, previously only available to the army. In April 2020, Bolsonaro revoked decrees that existed to facilitate the tracing and identification of weapons and ammunition. One week later, he tripled the quantity of ammunition available for purchase by civilians, saying on record in a ministerial meeting, that he wanted everyone to carry guns.. Bolsonaro's signature favorite pose is gun shooting gesture. Bolsonaro reaffirmed in his inaugural speech, Good citizens deserve the means to defend themselves through gun ownership. His supporters in the Congress cheered and applauded him by pointing their fingers in the shape of a gun.

During his 2019 visit to US, he tweeted, For the first time in a while, a pro-America Brazilian president arrives in DC. He had made an unusual visit to the CIA headquarters. This was bizarre. No foreign president goes to the CIA office. According to diplomatic protocol, it should have been the CIA Director who should have called on him and not the other way. After the visit, Eduardo Bolsonaro described the CIA as one of the most respected intelligence agencies in the world, in a tweet.

After losing the elections. Bolsonaro fled to Miami in an official plane without handing over power to his successor. He thought it was safe to incite the mobs from the US in order to claim later that he was not present in Brasilia when his followers ransacked government buildings. His son Eduardo Bolsonaro has been camping in US and has succeeded in convincing Trump to impose sanctions and tariffs on Brazil. He has been proudly claiming credit for these Trump punishments against Brazil.

President Trump had imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, saying that it was to stop the prosecution of his friend Bolsonaro. He imposed sanctions against judges and revoked the US visas of some. He had exempted two judges, who were appointed by Bolsonaro, when he was President.

President Trump has reacted to the Supreme Court verdict saying, "It's very much what they tried to do with me, but they didn't get away with it at all. He was a good man, I don't see that happening. The United States will respond accordingly to this witch hunt, tweeted the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, calling the conviction unjust. Eduardo Bolsonaro , who continues to lobby with the MAGA crowd says that "he expected the US would take further measures in the wake of the verdict."

The Brazilian government and judiciary have rejected the brazen American attempts to interfere in their domestic governance and justice system. President Lula had said in a CNN interview, " If Trump had done in Brasilia what he had done in Washington DC on 6 January, he would have been put on trial". The Brazilians have not forgotten the past American support to the Brazilian military dictatorship as well as other Latin American military regimes.

In an ironic twist, on the day the Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro defying Trump sanctions, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer secured an order to sell 100 aircraft to the US airline Avelo. It has placed a firm order for 50 Embraer jets (valued at 4.4 billion dollars) with purchase rights for another 50. Trump has exempted Brazilian aircraft from his 50% tariff on Brazil. Airplanes are one of the 700-plus items Trump has given an exemption from his egregious tariff on Brazil.

Reacting to the Brazilian Supreme Court verdict, an opinion column in New York Times on 12 September (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/12/opinion/trump-bolsonaro-conviction-democracy.html) says, "The Brazilian Supreme Court has done what the U.S. federal courts tragically failed to do: bring a former president who assaulted democracy to justice. President Trump also attempted to overturn an election. But he was sent not to prison but back to the White House. Trump has criticized Brazils effort to defend its democracy. He has punished it with tariffs and sanctions to bully Brazilians into subverting their legal system  and their democracy along with it. In effect, the U.S. administration is punishing Brazilians for doing something Americans should have done, but failed to. Brazilian democracy is healthier today than Americas. Rather than undermining Brazils effort to defend its democracy, Americans should learn from it".

The author is an expert in Latin American affairs.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK
The 911 calls after the fatal shooting of conservative instigator Charlie Kirk revealed shocking details from the incident that occurred on Wednesday.

NBC News in Utah accessed the audio of 20 calls emergency responders received between 12.24 pm and 12.57 pm local time.

I saw everything, said a man, almost out of breath, who said he saw Kirk getting shot in the neck and then being rushed off in a black SUV, which ground to a halt at one point. Right in the neck so I dont think he has long, he said.

When the 911 operator asked about the shooter, the caller responded that he had no clue. Kirk was facing the courtyard and the shot hit the left of his neck, he added,

A distraught father also called dispatch, saying that his daughter was at UVU and that there was an active shooter there. She was pretty hysterical, but sounds like shes in a building with a bunch of other people now. But she said she doesnt think that theyve gotten him yet, the recording went, reported NBC News.

Another mother in panic asked the 911 responder if it was a bad idea to text her daughter at the scene because her phone will make noise.

Fast forward to the weekend, and the days-long manhunt resulted in the FBI arresting Tyler Robinson as the prime suspect.

The conservative Robinson family, part of the suburban Utah community, expressed shock at the events that unfolded, now surrounding the considerate and squeaky clean youthaccused of murdering Kirk.

Robinson was arrested on alleged charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit, with the charges to be officially slapped next week.

Given that the victim was a far-right conservative activist, local media in the US and social media were quick to blame those with an opposing political stance. Instagram and TikTok filled with demands to deport the shooter Utah Governor Spencer Cox even went on to describe the Kirk shooting as a political assassination.

However, once it was revealed that the suspect was a Caucasian from a conservative family, the noise in social media surrounding the demand to deport and detain suddenly died down.

On Wednesday, a student at UVU asked Kirk: Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last ten years?

Too many, Kirk retorted. Encore. Applause. Then the bullet hit.

The empathy surrounding the Kirk shooting has already split the internet.

That is a prudent deal, Turning Point US founder Charlie Kirk defended gun rights while addressing the Salt Lake City campus of Awaken Church, Its worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year, so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given right. Now, Kirk is, sadly, among them.
Even days after the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, his followers are still reeling from the shocking tragedy. It has now been revealed that Kirk, 31, had a lengthy conversation with his rabbi friend, Pesach Wolicki, before his death.

ALSO READ: Is Tyler Robinson a Mormon? Utah man shot Charlie Kirk moments after influencer described how polite the church members are

Ahead of kicking off the American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University, Kirk met Wolicki, 55, via Zoom on Tuesday night. Wolicki, a US-born rabbi who resides in Israel, said Kirk was excited to kick off his campus tour at Utah Valley University, reported the New York Post.

In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America.



"It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom." pic.twitter.com/3Xrf5dcFlP  The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 12, 2025

Wolicki, who often advises his evangelical Christian friend on how to defends Israel and Jews during his public debates, met Kirk in December 2023 at a 12-person Shabbat dinner during a Turning Point America Fest event.

ALSO READ: Who is Tyler Robinson? Charlie Kirk shooter, 22, was turned in by father after he confessed the murder

The rabbi said that they both discussed about creating a WhatsApp channel for questions thrown at Kirk during the campus tour.

The 55-year-old said the slain influencer was "unbelievably courageous" as Gen Z conservatives are "turning on Israel" and often bombarded him with questions. Saying that it worried the heck out of Kirk, Wolicki said, "He held fast and it wasnt easy. Charlie was always seeking true information."

ALSO READ: Who are Tyler Robinson's parents? Charlie Kirk shooter's father Matt Robinson is NOT a law enforcement veteran

During his debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Kirk, who is an evangelical Christian, also praised the Mormon community despite disagreements.

Moments before the shooting, Kirk said around half his team are Mormons. "I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are.  Half my team is Mormon," he said.

Mormons are great people. Let me just say, Im an evangelical Christian, but Im not one of those guys that hates on Mormons, Kirk added.

A few moments later, Kirk was allegedly shot by a sniper, identified as Tyler Robinson, from the rooftop of a nearby building. Kirk was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries after undergoing surgery. Ironically, Tyler Robinson himself was raised a Mormon by his parents Matt Robinson, a law enforcement veteran, and Amber Robinson, a care worker.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki will lead the interim government in Nepal, where daily life is gradually returning to normalcy following days-long violence and a political crisis.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki, 73, on Friday evening, three days after Oli resigned from the post. Nepal's chief justice, senior government officials, security chiefs, and members of the diplomatic community attended the swearing-in.

Karki will be the first woman prime minister of the Himalayan nation.

I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025

At least three dozen people lost their lives in the youth-led agitation, which forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign and pave the way for a new regime.

Authorities on Saturday lifted the curfew and restrictive orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal, even as an uneasy calm prevails in the country.

Who is Sushila Karki?

Karki, known for her integrity and plain-speaking, is the first woman chief justice of Nepal. She held the post from July 2016 to June 2017, during which her verdicts, especially on corruption cases, earned her both admiration and criticism.

In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion filed by lawmakers of the then-ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre). The members alleged bias in her verdict, disqualifying the head of the anti-corruption watchdog.

Karki was suspended following the motion. But the move led to widespread protests and the intervention of the Supreme Court which stayed further proceedings against her.

Born in 1952 as the eldest of seven children in a Chhetri family in Shankarpur, Karki completed her master's in political science from Banaras Hindu University. She later enrolled for LLB at Tribhuvan University.

Karki began her legal career in 1979, though she briefly worked as an assistant teacher at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan. She actively participated in the 1990 People's Movement against the Panchayat system and was briefly jailed.

In 2009, she was appointed as an ad hoc justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal. In 2010, she became a permanent justice of the Supreme Court. Six years later, in July 2016, she became the first woman chief justice of Nepal.

Karki has authored two booksNyaya (autobiography) and Kara (novel).

First woman PM

The decision to choose Karki to lead the interim government was taken at a meeting between President Paudel, Nepal's top military brass, and the youth protesters.

The protesters had reportedly proposed her name, considering she is not affiliated with any political party and her strong stand against corruption.

Nepal's Gen Z protesters demand Sushila Karki as interim PM. Her clean image and judicial record have made her a symbol of change. Political leaders are under pressure as support for Karki grows across Kathmandu. #nepalprotests #genzprotests #sushilakarki pic.twitter.com/rtYYeOvHVD  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) September 11, 2025

In the first meeting of her cabinet, she is likely to recommend to the president the dissolution of the Parliament as per an understanding reached during the negotiations between the youth leaders and the president, PTI reported, quoting top sources.
A British Sikh woman, in her 20s, was raped in broad daylight at Tame Road, Oldbury, in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands region, sparking anger and fear in the community.

The incident, which allegedly took place on Tuesday morning, is being investigated as a case of racially aggravated assault, the West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack. We are currently treating it as an isolated incident, they said.

The attack that took place on Tuesday 9 September between 8am and 8.30am in Oldbury against a woman of Sikh heritage took place off Tame Road, a short distance from my constituency office. The attack which reportedly involved rape is truly horrific and my thoughts and prayers are pic.twitter.com/TuXKpQhaYi  Gurinder Singh Josan CBE MP (@gsjosan) September 12, 2025

A manhunt has been launched to nab the two white male suspects. One of them is believed to have a shaved head, a heavy build and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible," said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police.

"Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area, she added.

A young Sikh woman was raped by two white men in Oldbury.



During the attack they said, you don't belong in this country, get out.



Why is this not on the front page of every major news outlet?



Why are politicians not publicly condemning this?



https://t.co/YhWmNk0ZJe  Dr. Thusiyan Nandakumar (@Thusi_Kumar) September 12, 2025

The Sikh Federation (UK) alleged that the perpetrators had made racist remarks against the woman during the attack.

"You don't belong in this country, get out, the woman was allegedly told by her rapists, according to a Sikh Federation leader. He also alleged that the incident took place in broad daylight on a busy road.

"The current racist political environment is driven by populism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views, Dabinderjit Singh, a Sikh leader, was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Groups such as Sikh Youth UK said they are supporting the victim and her family after the brutal attack.
This is 'the golden age of nuclear power'. Or so we have been told by the Government and others  and it is a claim sure to intrigue even the most cynical investor, especially since shares in a few of the companies in the 'nuke' sector have more than doubled this year.

By 2040, the bankers Goldman Sachs expect global nuclear generating capacity to rise to 575 gigawatts, against the current 378 gigawatts, as countries focus on this technology 'after many years of underinvestment'.

This would supply 12 per cent of global electricity demand, up from 9 today, with FTSE 100 names including Centrica (the British Gas group) and aerospace and defence titan Rolls-Royce, benefiting from the surge.

Factors driving this shift include western countries' heightened emphasis on energy security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the push for clean energy.

Nuclear has some of the lowest carbon emissions of any energy source.

David Coombs, of asset manager Rathbones, says: 'As recently as four or five years ago, nuclear was a no-go zone.

Sign of the times: This is 'the golden age of nuclear power' - or so we have been told by the Government and others

But now it's clear that it has to be part of an energy strategy. You can't store the energy produced by wind or solar.'

Nevertheless, some investors will still be wary of nuclear's altered image in light of disasters such as Fukushima in Japan in 2011 and Three Mile Island in the US in 1979.

Three Mile Island was officially shut down in 2019. But the plant is being reopened by US tech titan Microsoft, which needs extra power for its data centres.

These sheds  full of computers and cabling  require the 'baseload' (uninterrupted) power that nuclear can provide.

Shares in Three Mile Island's owner

Constellation Energy have jumped by 75 per cent over the past year to $319.

The recognition that nuclear may be the answer lies behind the building of the Sizewell C plant in East Suffolk which, or so it said, will provide power for 6million homes for at least 60 years.

The Government has pledged 14.2billion to this ten-year project in which Centrica is committing 1.3billion for a 15 per cent stake. Centrica is also looking into prolonging the lives of its other plants.

The controversy and delays over the construction of Sizewell C explains the enthusiasm for small modular reactors (SMRs). These are cheaper and easier to build.

This is a business into which aerospace and defence giant Rolls-Royce is moving, with the aim of building 400 SMRs by 2050, costing around $3billion each.

Rolls-Royce has gained government approval to deliver the UK's first SMRs.

Centrica has also intimated that it would like to enter the SMR sector, which is tipped to be worth 500billion worldwide by 2050.

You may be impressed by these forecasts but remain sceptical; in 2021, the enthusiasm over wind power was at fever pitch.

This month the trailblazing Danish company Orsted is launching an emergency rights issue to recover the losses from its American operations, which has suffered from US President Donald Trump's opposition to the energy source.

Orsted shares have tumbled by 50 per cent this year, suggesting caution should be your watchword if you opt to go nuclear.

Here are the companies and the funds you can consider to take a bet on this energy source and the fuel  uranium  that makes nuclear fission happen.

The top candidates?

The 90 per cent-plus rise in Rolls-Royce shares this year has been fuelled by its defence division, but also by its resolve to be pre-eminent in nuclear.

Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic declared last month: 'There is no private company in the world with the nuclear capability we have. If we are not the market leader globally, we did something wrong.'

Despite the jump in the price, nine out of the 14 analysts that follow Rolls-Royce rate the shares a 'buy'. This week Jefferies set a new target price of 1290p. It stands presently at 1130p.

Coombs sounds a note of caution, however, pointing out that the SMRs will not be operating until the 2030s, which means that you have to take a ten-year view if you buy at this elevated level.

Centrica shares have risen by a more modest 17 per cent this year, although they jumped by 15 per cent on the day that news broke of the investment in Sizewell C.

This seems to have been prompted by the perception that Centrica should enjoy a measure of protection against extreme expenditure overruns on the project, which may cost 40billion.

The assumption seems to be that taxpayers will foot the bill. Once more Jefferies is optimistic about the prospects, setting a target of 200p. The average is 180p. It now stands at 160p. But again the rewards will take some time to flow.

Britain may be promising a 'golden age of nuclear'. In America, the pledge of a 'renaissance of nuclear energy' has been sufficient to spark this year's 264 per cent rise to $81 in the shares of Oklo.

This start-up business which designs SMRs was initially backed by Sam Altman, boss of OpenAI, the Silicon Valley company that created AI system ChatGPT.

Considerable excitement surrounds Oklo's plans for a facility that will convert nuclear waste into fuel for the reactors. That is one reason why Bank of America has set a $92 target price for the shares.

But note that the first of the Oklo reactors will not be launched until the end of this decade.

A different kind of precious metal

In another illustration of the risks of investing in nuclear, shares in Yellow Cake, a UK company that holds stocks of uranium, was one of the most shorted in the London market this summer.

This reflected the decline in the uranium price, although this has recovered. Yellow Cake shares have also revived, but they seem suited for the strong-nerved.

The exchange traded funds (ETFs) Global X Uranium and Sprott Uranium Miners and the Geiger Counter investment

trust provide exposure to this metal which is mined in Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada and Namibia. New sources are being keenly sought, however, in Arizona and Sweden.

Investors who want a quieter life might prefer to hold EDF and Westinghouse  the two names most associated with nuclear.

Sadly, this is not possible since EDF is owned by France. It holds eight UK nuclear plants.

Costs continue to balloon at Hinckley Point C, another of its UK ventures which was expected to start generating power this year but may not do so until 2031.

The fortunes of Westinghouse, the American nuclear pioneer, also underline the hazards of nuclear.

It was bought out of bankruptcy in 1999 by the Canadian private equity business Brookfield in combination with Cameco, another Canadian company.

Shares are 118 per cent higher than a year ago, but the majority of analysts still rate them a 'buy'.

This optimism for nuclear power's prospects is infectious. But, for me, a fund like iShares' nuclear energy and uranium mining may be enough of an adventure.
AstraZeneca has put a 200million investment in Cambridge on hold as international drugs companies snub Keir Starmer's Britain.

Hours after official figures showed output from the pharmaceuticals industry in the UK fell 4.5 per cent in July, Britain's biggest firm said the project at its research site has been 'paused'.

The project was set to create 1,000 jobs and the decision means none of AstraZeneca's planned funding  originally announced in March 2024, before the election  is going ahead.

In January, the company scrapped plans to invest 450million in its vaccine manufacturing plant in Merseyside after Labour cut support.

The news is a blow to Starmer's government and its efforts to draw investment into the UK's stagnant economy  and comes days before Donald Trump arrives in Britain for his State Visit.

An AstraZeneca spokesman said: 'We constantly reassess the investment needs of our company and can confirm our expansion in Cambridge is paused.'

On hold: The project was set to create 1,000 jobs and the decision means none of AstraZeneca's planned funding before the election is going ahead

The move came days after US drugs giant Merck  known as MSD in Europe  abandoned plans to build a 1billion research centre in London.

The decision coincided with a report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) warning Britain risked becoming 'uninvestable'.

Richard Torbett, chief executive of the ABPI, said yesterday's figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing output in the industry falling were yet more cause for concern as firms 'look hard at their UK investments'.

'There are many warning lights flashing red for the UK's life sciences sector, and this is another we will need to watch closely,' he told the Daily Mail.

Among the major concerns is an NHS rebate scheme that forces drugs firms to repay 23.5 per cent of the money they make selling drugs to the Health Service back to the Government.

This compares with 7 per cent in Germany and less than 6 per cent in France  making the UK a less attractive place for pharma companies to invest.

Rippon Ubhi, of French drugs giant Sanofi, said: 'The UK is increasingly being viewed as uninvestable in global boardrooms due to unprecedented clawback rates and restrictive patient access to medicines.

'While other countries are actively investing in innovative medicines for patients, the UK is falling behind.'
BAE Systems has struck a deal with Poland to boost production of heavy artillery shells  days after Russian drones entered the country's airspace.

The defence giant will establish a 155mm artillery ammunition manufacturing plant in Poland to help bolster its defences.

The shells have been in short supply and Poland is leading a European push to rearm in the face of Russian aggression.

Serious salvo: A howitzer fires 155mm calibre ammo during tests

BAE boss Charles Woodburn said: 'This is not only important for Poland's own national defence but will also help to enhance its contribution to securing Nato's eastern flank.'

Work on building the factory in Poland will start later this year and could be completed as early as 2027.
Two tech giants are planning to unveil billions of dollars of investment into UK data centres when they accompany Donald Trump on his State Visit next week.

Sam Altman, the co-founder and boss of ChatGPT's OpenAI, as well as the chief executive of chipmaker Nvidia Jensen Huang are working with London-based data centre business Nscale Global Holdings on the project, Bloomberg says.

Looking ahead: Sam Altman and Jensen Huang are said to be part of a delegation of US executives visiting Britain with Donald Trump

Altman and Huang are said to be part of a delegation of US executives visiting Britain with the US President.

The tech spending pledge is expected to be one of a raft of UK investment announcements made by American firms during Trump's visit.
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Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has thanked viewers for their "love and support" following news that he and his wife, UK television presenter Cat Deely, had separated after 13 years of marriage.

During the opening night of the iconic show's newest season, Mr Kielty grew emotional when addressing the audience.

He said, "Honestly, it is so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I've genuinely been blown away by all the love and support that you guys have sent my way. One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you're never alone. And so to all of you who have been so kind to me and my family this past few months, can I just say, a huge go raibh mile maith agat.

"Its one of the many reasons why walking out here is always a privilege, why being back here with you tonight truly puts flesh on my bones and why it never gets old to say these words, welcome to The Late Late Show!" he concluded.

The media personalities wed in September 2012 at a ceremony in Rome and they have two children together.

They announced their separation in July of this year with a statement to the Press Association, which said, " We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected."

A native of Down, Mr Kielty took over the reigns as host of The Late Late Show in 2023 following Ryan Tubridy's departure.
Vladimir Putin has quietly pulled the plug on the Kremlins Office for Interregional and Cultural Ties with Foreign Countriesa bureaucratic arm set up back in 2005 to push Russian influence across the post-Soviet neighborhood. In its place, hes ordered the creation of a new Office for Strategic Partnership and Cooperation. On paper, the move is billed as nothing more than administrative optimization. In reality, it looks like a tacit admission that Moscows two-decade experiment in soft power has gone bust. For years, the Kremlin tried to win hearts and minds in the former Soviet republics through cultural outreach, clandestine political patronage, and lavish funding. Instead, it ended up with dwindling leverage and vanishing trust.

Why did a project that was supposed to build loyalty unravel into scandals, leaks, and Potemkin-style activism? And what comes next for Russias regional game plan?

From Color Revolutions to a Special Kremlin Bureau

The idea for a dedicated Kremlin shop to handle the near abroad was born out of panic. The early 2000s brought a wave of color revolutions that rattled Moscows hold over its backyard. In 2003, Georgia saw the Rose Revolution. By late 2004, Ukraine was in the throes of the Orange Revolution. Both uprisings put pro-Western leaders in power, and in the Kremlins eyes, threatened to spread like wildfire.

Putin feared that a democratic tide could roll right up to Russias bordersand weaken Moscows clout in neighboring capitals. By the spring of 2005, a new presidential office was set up with a mission: stop any more velvet revolutions and make sure pro-Russian politicians held onto power in the post-Soviet space.

The scope was sweepingUkraine, Moldova, Georgia, Central Asia, the Baltics, even the breakaway enclaves of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Officially, this was a soft-power project: cultural programs, elite networking, nurturing pro-Russian parties and NGOs. But the reality veered sharply from the script.

Enter the Political TechnologistsAnd Exit, Quickly

The offices first boss was Modest Kolerov, a Kremlin political strategist known for his hardline nationalism. He pushed aggressive integration under Moscows umbrella, and his blunt style quickly became a liability. Kolerov made headlines with fiery statements and heavy-handed tactics that grated on neighboring governments. Within two years he was quietly shown the door, with officials blaming his excessive radicalism.

The Kremlin had learned an early lesson: brute force diplomacy doesnt play well in fragile states. The job required subtler handspreferably the kind trained in the shadows.

Spycraft Rebranded as Cultural Outreach

From then on, the office became the turf of career intelligence officers. In 2007, it was handed to Nikolai Tsvetkov, a veteran of Russias foreign intelligence service. In the 1990s, Tsvetkov had posed as a journalist in Japanworking at Komsomolskaya Pravda while freelancing for Yomiuri Shimbunbut his real job was espionage. His stint at the Kremlin didnt last long.

By 2009, the reins passed to Sergey Vinokurov, a colonel in the SVR, Russias foreign intelligence. Vinokurov was known as Moscows fixer for the toughest assignments: unrecognized republics, unstable regions, places where Russian leverage was decisive. But his tenure coincided with humiliating setbacks.

In South Ossetias 2011 presidential race, the Kremlins handpicked candidate lost to opposition leader Alla Dzhioyeva, triggering protests and a court battle that annulled the vote. Around the same time, in Transnistria, Moscow threw its weight behind another favoriteonly to watch him lose to Yevgeny Shevchuk, who wasnt considered a Kremlin loyalist.

For Moscow, these defeats were more than local embarrassments. They were strategic faceplants. Russian media later reported that Vinokurov was yanked from his post over the failures and shunted back to the SVR, where he was quietly parked in a deputy director rolea soft landing that looked a lot like forced retirement.

The Chernov Era: Spies in Suits

In 2012, the job went to Vladimir Chernov, a major general in the SVR and a consummate insider. Chernov had deep ties to Sergei Ivanov, a former defense minister and once one of Putins closest confidants. The two had bonded back in the 1980s, when Chernov was a young operative in London, officially working for the International Grains Council before being moved to Finland under diplomatic cover.

Under Chernov, the office became a de facto extension of Russias intelligence network. It served as a convenient umbrella for covert operations across the post-Soviet space, while Chernov himself stuck to a familiar playbook in public: railing against Western-backed color revolutions, denouncing U.S. and NATO interference, and urging neighbors to stick close to Moscow.

But behind the curtain, the contradictions piled up. Journalists uncovered that the same official blasting the West was spending his vacations at luxury European resorts and sending his granddaughter to school in the United States.

Chernovs tenure lasted nearly a decadeuntil 2021and marked both the peak of the offices activity and the height of its scandals.

Millions Poured into Elections and the Balalaika Diplomacy

One of the Kremlin offices core missions was to shape the domestic politics of its neighbors. For that, it built a dedicated planning department, headed by retired KGB-FSB officer Colonel Valery Maksimov. Maksimov became the point man for Moscows interference in foreign elections. His teams job was simple: identify pro-Russian candidates, design their campaigns, feed them resources and political consultants, and manage the narrative through pliant pundits and experts who would tilt public opinion in Moscows favor.

Among the offices stable of assets was a familiar face: TV personality and hardline political commentator Sergey Mikheev. Today, Mikheev is a regular fixture on Vladimir Solovyovs talk shows, spouting Kremlin talking points with trademark venom. But years before his television fame, Mikheev was penning thick analytical briefs on Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Baltics. Leaked documents reveal his grumbling over how Moscow paid him: stacks of U.S. dollars, handed over in cash, often in torn or outdated bills that currency exchanges refused to accept. The ripped dollar fiasco captured the dysfunction and penny-pinching of a system supposedly burning through massive budgets.

Mikheevs job wasnt confined to deskwork. On orders from his Kremlin handlers, he often jetted off to former Soviet states during election season, parachuting in as a behind-the-scenes consultant setting up campaign headquarters for Moscows chosen candidates. These candidates were often anything but popular.

One telling case came in Georgia in 2020. Ahead of parliamentary elections, General Chernov and Colonel Maksimov persuaded Dmitry Kozak, then the Kremlins overseer for the post-Soviet space, to back the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia (APG), a small, hardline opposition party known for its anti-West tirades. The partys leaders, husband-and-wife duo Irma Inashvili and David Tarkhan-Mouravi, were regulars in Moscow, welcomed at the Duma and hyped up as a rising force. Behind the curtain, more than $10 million was funneled from Russian slush funds into their campaign, with Mikheev running the show from Moscow. But Georgian voters werent buying it. APG scraped together barely 3 percent of the vote and failed to enter parliament. The cash evaporatedsomewhere. Inside Moscow, whispers grew louder: how much of those millions lined the pockets of Maksimov and Mikheev themselves?

The Baltic Play: Bloggers, Independent Journalists, and Zero Results

Other clandestine projects fell flat too. In the Baltics, the Kremlin tried to build a shadow media network of independent journalists and bloggers parroting Russian narratives. That portfolio was managed by Colonel Yevgeny Umerenkov, another spy who once masqueraded as a reporter in the U.S. and Mexico. Later he shifted focus to Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, cultivating ties with Russian-language outlets and community leaders.

The goal was straightforward: polish Russias image and sway the regions Russian-speaking population. Yet the returns were abysmal. While Umerenkov still appears as a columnist at Komsomolskaya Pravda, tirelessly praising Putins wise leadership, Kremlin influence in the Baltics has steadily eroded. Governments expelled journalists exposed as spies, shuttered pro-Russian organizations, and saw younger generations drift further from Moscows orbit.

Moldova: Moscows Soft-Power Playground

If there was one place the Kremlin banked heavily on, it was Moldova. With a sizable Russian-speaking minority and the breakaway enclave of Transnistria, the country was considered fertile ground for Moscows influence machine. Colonel Igor Maslov, an SVR officer with Balkan experience, was tapped to run the Moldova desk. His team churned out exhaustive dossiers on Moldovan politicians and security officials, rating them by loyalty and usefulness to Moscow.

The so-called Chernov archivea trove of leaked documentscontained hundreds of these files. Kremlin operatives even got advance copies of Moldovan politicians speeches at international forums and edited them to insert Moscows talking points. According to investigative group RISE Moldova, Maslovs people effectively ghostwrote policy speeches for then-President Igor Dodon, a staunch Russia ally.

In downtown Chisinau, a secret Kremlin office operated as an unofficial campaign hub for Dodons Socialist Party. Russian consultants, brought in under the radar, plotted electoral strategies and messaging. Insiders called it the Moscow Cabinet.

The arrangement might have stayed hidden if not for a major slip-up. During the 2020 campaign, Dodon lost his official BlackBerry, which landed in journalists hands. Its contact list was explosive: dozens of Russian officials, oligarchs, and security officersincluding Igor Maslov, who appeared to be Dodons most frequent caller. The revelation that Moldovas president was effectively phoning a Russian spy for guidance was a scandal he never recovered from. Dodon lost the election to a pro-European challenger, and the Kremlin lost a key ally despite years of grooming.

Spies for Every Neighbor

Moscow had carved out handlers for nearly every neighbor. In Azerbaijan, oversight fell to military intelligence officer Valery Chernyshov, who compiled dossiers on the countrys political and military elite. These files could serve as leverageeither for recruitment or blackmail.

In Armenia, another GRU officer, Dmitry Avanesov, ran the show. He cultivated a mole inside the Armenian government who fed him sensitive details, even tracking Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans movements. In the reports, Pashinyan was codenamed Beard.

The irony was thick: even in Armeniaa formal ally and member of Moscows security blocthe Kremlin preferred to spy rather than engage in honest dialogue.

Soft Power on Paper, Empty Show in Reality

Officially, the now-defunct Kremlin office was tasked with culture, education, youth programs, and NGO workthe building blocks of a positive image of Russia. In theory, this was Moscows soft power arm. In practice, it became a Potemkin project: endless reports, staged events, bloated budgets, and the kind of showmanship that fooled no one.

Inside the office, analysts churned out confidential memos for top officials on the state of play in post-Soviet countries. One such report, prepared by the Azerbaijan desk for deputy chief Dmitry Kozak, admitted the obvious: Azerbaijan had virtually no pro-Russian civic organizations, while Turkey and other players were gaining ground. The memo urged Moscow to ramp up its NGO presence in the countryrevive dormant groups, plant new ones, and infiltrate Azerbaijani society from within. The strategy called for special focus on youth, border regions, Russian-language programs, cultural initiatives, and journalism forums. Events, the authors insisted, couldnt just be one-off conferences; Russia had to be a constant presence in the information space. The memo even suggested swapping out underperforming leaders of Russian diaspora groups for younger, more energetic ones.

It seems Moscow tried to follow through. Between 2019 and 2021, emissaries from the Kremlins Old Square became frequent visitors to Baku. Russias embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo, the federal agency in charge of soft power, staged seminars, workshops, and even set up journalism schools for young people. Moscow money bankrolled splashy exhibitions and concerts in the Azerbaijani capital.

The payoff? Zero. One former staffer later confessed bitterly: By my count, we poured more than $100 million into building friendship with Azerbaijan, and it all disappeared into a black hole. Most of it was window dressing or what I call balalaika diplomacylavish receptions, empty talk. And endless drinking. Drinking, drinking, and more drinking. According to him, much of the cash ended up padding the pockets of organizers or funding meaningless banquets for the usual crowd: Russian diplomats acquaintances, ex-expats, and opportunists who showed up for free food, not for lectures about shared history.

From Tragedy to Diplomatic Fallout

By 20222023, as the Ukraine war escalated, Azerbaijan tried to keep its balance between Moscow and Ankara. But a series of incidents obliterated what little trust remained. In late 2024, tragedy struck when an AZAL passenger jet traveling from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Rumors swirled that the plane may have been downed during military exercises. Rather than investigate transparently, Russian authorities stonewalled, dodged questions, and contradicted themselves. The evasiveness infuriated Baku.

Then came a scandal that blew relations apart. In June 2025, two Azerbaijani brothers, Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov, were detained during a special operation in Yekaterinburg, accused of ties to old criminal disputes. Both died soon after in custody. Russian investigators coolly declared sudden heart failure. But local sources said the bodies bore clear marks of torture. For Baku, this was the last straw.

Azerbaijans response was swift and unflinching. By late February 2025, Baku shut down the local bureau of Sputnik, the Kremlins state-run propaganda outlet. The offices license was revoked, staff expelled, and operations declared over. It was a historic first: a blunt eviction of Moscows flagship media arm. High-level contacts with Russia shrank to nearly nothing. Bilateral forums were canceled, and Azerbaijani ministers pointedly avoided Russian counterparts at international gatherings. By early 2025, relations were colder than at any time since the 1990s. And all the multimillion-dollar investments in winning hearts and minds had gone up in smoke.

The Same Story Elsewhere

The writing on the wall wasnt limited to Azerbaijan. Internal dispatches to the Kremlin admitted the same pattern: without cash and perks, nobody wanted to befriend Russia. The Armenian desk complained that pro-Russian messaging was coming mostly from politicians well past retirement agevoices the younger generation ignored. Winning over fresh opinion leaders, the memo warned, required money.

In Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asia desk, overseen by Kremlin adviser Alexei Vlasov, painted a bleak picture. Most of the time, the only attendees at our events are embassy neighbors and their families. Neither they nor their kids care about Russias history lectures. They show up for the free coffee and snacks. Then we send doctored photo reports to Moscow about successful seminars, when in reality its money down the drain. We need to financially incentivize energetic, creative young locals.

In short, even Moscows own operatives admitted that without outright bribery, Russian soft power had no pull. The younger generation across the Caucasus and Central Asia looks Westfor technology, education, and opportunity. A glossy retelling of the Soviet past, no matter how hard Moscow sells it, simply doesnt resonate.

Agents of Influenceand the Flop That Followed

Grants and forums werent the only arrows in the Kremlins quiver. The office also leaned heavily on covert tactics straight out of a Cold War playbook: cultivating agents of influence. For years, staffers built meticulous lists of journalists, bloggers, and policy experts across the post-Soviet space who might be nudged into Moscows orbit.

One such list, obtained by The Insider, named 136 media figures tagged with notes like: interesting, ours, should be recruited, playing dumb, switched sides, only cares about money, or unrulymight start a fight at a rally. It was a checklist that looked less like cultural diplomacy and more like KGB tradecraft applied to the information wars.

Targets were invited to Russia under the guise of press tours or conferences, where they were quietly tested and courted. Some apparently agreed to cooperateearning the label ours. Others were written off as unreliable, greedy, or hostile.

One case veered into pure farce. The list identified journalist Anna Schneider as a Moskva-24 correspondent, marked work with her, recently divorced from anchor Pivovarov. The implication was clear: exploit her personal life to reel her in. The only problem? She hadnt divorced her husband, prominent Russian journalist Alexey Pivovarov. Worse, she hadnt worked at Rossiya-24 in years. Investigators later suggested that Kremlin handlers either padded their reports with fake intel to justify budgetsor simply confused her with another Anna Schneider in Latvia who did freelance for Russian-language outlets. When contacted, the Pivovarovs flatly denied everything. The whole fiasco underscored just how sloppy and unserious the effort had become.

Some journalists from the region later admitted theyd accepted invitations to Moscow or Sochi forums, only to be quietly approached about closer cooperation. Reactions varied. Some politely brushed it off. Others grew paranoid, convinced they were being targeted by Russian intelligence. A few cut off contact entirely. In the end, the Kremlin failed to build any meaningful network among younger media voices. Most who were openly pro-Russian were already on boardtypically older nostalgics for the Soviet Union with little reach. Younger bloggers treated ideology as a transactional nuisance: take the money, but dont change the content. Russia was trying to buy affection, and even then the returns were meager.

Leaks and the End of the Old Guard

By early 2021, the office itself was engulfed in scandal. A massive leak of internal documentsincluding correspondence and analytical reports on CIS countriesblew the lid off its operations. Dubbed the Chernov Archive, the trove was passed to Mikhail Khodorkovskys Dossier Center and then to outlets like RISE Moldova and The Insider.

The leaks revealed everything: backchannel coordination with Moldovas Igor Dodon, detailed reports on neighboring states, and even the agent-of-influence lists. Moscow was forced to act. In February 2021, General Vladimir Chernov, who had run the office for nearly a decade, was retired. Officially, it was framed as pension, but everyone understood: he was ousted over a catastrophic security breach and the offices mounting ineffectiveness.

In a twist that baffled even veterans of Russias intelligence world, Chernovs replacement was none other than Igor Maslovthe same SVR colonel who had disastrously mishandled Moldova. As one retired spy put it to reporters, seething: Maslov lost Moldova, and they made him head of the entire office! Whats he done since? Opened a Russian Book House in Yerevan, flew to South Ossetia and Kyrgyzstan for photo ops. Thats it. I dont know how this man even got into the service.

Under Maslov, little changed. The office was already an anachronismout of step with a Europe reshaped by full-scale war in Ukraine and the collapse of old-style influence networks.

Through 2022, Kremlin deputy chief Dmitry Kozak remained the formal overseer of the portfolio. A seasoned operator, Kozak had handled everything from domestic politics to Crimea after 2014. But once Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine, his clout dwindled. Reports suggested Kozak floated compromise proposals to Kyiv, angering hawks in Moscow. By 2023, the Kremlins information outreach and soft power in neighboring states had effectively spun out of control. Allies peeled away; others froze the relationship.

The August 2025 Reset

The final act came in August 2025. With one sweeping decree, Putin abolished both the Office for Interregional and Cultural Ties and its twin, the Office for Border Cooperation. In their place, the Kremlin announced a new structure: the Office for Strategic Partnership and Cooperation. The new unit will be overseen not by Kozak, but by Sergei Kiriyenko, Putins powerful first deputy chief of staff.

Chief of Staff Anton Vaino has three months to finalize the structure and roster. Insider accounts suggest the Kremlin wants no trace of the old, compromised guard. Figures like Maslov, Maksimov, and other scandal-tainted operatives wont make the cut. Instead, the plan is to bring in younger cadres, a mix of next-generation intelligence officers and Kremlin-loyal political consultants.

The message is clear: Moscow wants a reboot. A clean slate. No baggage from years of failure, leaks, and botched influence ops. Whether this reboot will succeedor just repeat the same costly mistakes under new brandingremains the real question.

A New Partnershipor Just Another Dead End?

The big question is whether a shiny new nameplate and a shuffle of personnel can really change anything. Since the war in Ukraine, the entire regional landscape has shifted. Most post-Soviet states are keeping Moscow at arms lengthat least publicly. For them, the Kremlin is no longer a protector but a source of instability and risk. Even formal allies inside the CSTO, like Kazakhstan and Armenia, are increasingly charting independent courses. As for countries already looking WestMoldova, Georgiaor those leaning on other heavyweights like Turkey or China, the drift away from Moscow is even more pronounced.

Defense budgets tell the story. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and even neutral Turkmenistan have dramatically increased military spending in the last two years, by anywhere from 8 to 15 percent annually. Kazakhstan alone boosted its defense budget by nearly 50 percent in 2022 and another 1012 percent in 2023. The message is obvious: Russias neighbors now view it as a potential aggressor. And theyre hedging not with Russian weapons, but with Turkish drones like Bayraktar and Anka, Chinese artillery systems and comms tech, and contracts with Western defense firms. Moscow is no longer the regions default security provider. Meanwhile, old military ties are quietly unraveling. Uzbekistan left the CSTO years ago, Turkmenistan never joined, and in 2023 both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan canceled joint CSTO drills on their soil, wary of stoking anti-war sentiment at home.

Diplomatic Isolation

The political picture is just as stark. Russias diplomacy has bled influence. With the exception of Belarus, no member of the Eurasian Economic Union or CIS recognized Moscows annexation of Ukrainian territories in 2022. Even the most dependent regimes balked. On global stages, most partners abstainor side with resolutions condemning Russias violations of international law. Leaders across Central Asia and the Caucasus now stress multi-vector foreign policy, sovereignty, and territorial integritythe very principles Russia has trampled in Ukraine.

Sanctions add another layer. With Moscow under intense Western pressure, its neighbors are forced to tiptoe. Their banks and markets are flooded with Russian capital, but their governments are careful not to trigger secondary sanctions. The new playbook is pragmatic: trade with a weakened Russia, but avoid binding political or military commitments.

What Can the New Office Offer?

Against this backdrop, what does the Kremlins brand-new Office for Strategic Partnership and Cooperation really bring to the table? The label sounds appealingstrategic partnership implies equality and friendship. Perhaps the Kremlin wants to shift the focus toward economics, investments, and infrastructure, moving away from ideological Russian World rhetoric toward tangible benefits.

Theres logic here. The new office absorbed the old department for border cooperation, which had traditionally handled practical issues like trade and transport in cross-border regions. The hope may be to convince neighbors that Russia can still deliver real valuemoney, investment, preferential dealsrather than stale cultural slogans.

The choice of Sergei Kiriyenko as overseer reflects that shift. Kiriyenko, a former prime minister, has long specialized in crisis management and political projects. He masterminded domestic youth initiatives like the Tavrida arts forum, Victory Volunteers, and the Russia  Land of Opportunity platform. The bet seems to be that he can repackage Russias image for a younger generation abroadthrough education, tech, startup grants, student stipends, and youth exchanges. Indeed, agencies like Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russkiy Mir Foundation have ramped up outreach in Central Asia, dangling free trips, Russian language courses, and scholarships.

The Trust Deficit

But the elephant in the room is trustor rather, the lack of it. As long as Russian tanks are smashing Ukrainian cities, no cultural festival or scholarship program will outweigh the fear. Kazakh analysts openly admit: We saw what happened to Ukraine. We cant afford to be next. In Moldova, anti-Russian sentiment has only deepened since 2022, driving the country closer to the EU and shrinking the space for pro-Moscow parties. Even in Armenialong seen as Russias closest allydisillusionment is mounting. The Kremlins passivity during the Karabakh crisis left Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan looking elsewhere, strengthening ties with the U.S. and EU without formally severing Moscow.

Across the board, from Minsk to Dushanbe, governments are diversifying their foreign policy portfolios. In October 2023, for the first time, all five Central Asian presidents met the U.S. president in a joint summitwithout Russia in the room. Around the same time, Beijing hosted its own China + Central Asia gathering, pledging tens of billions in investment and deeper integration.

In this environment, the Kremlins old playbookinstalling proxies, pushing propaganda about shared historyis dead on arrival. A fresh image of Russia would require not just money, but moral authority and inspiration. And thats the rub: todays Russia projects fear, repression, and war. Instead of a beacon, it has become a scarecrow.

Clearing Out the Augean Stablesor Just Rearranging the Dirt?

The shuttering of the Kremlins scandal-plagued office is both overdue and, perhaps, necessary. For years, the very name of that department became synonymous with espionage, meddling, corruption, and hollow pageantry. Dismantling it and launching a new unit gives Moscow a chance to rethink its approach in the post-Soviet space. But the real question is whether the Kremlin can actually craft a model of partnership that looks attractive to its neighbors.

So far, the rhetoric hasnt budged. Russian officials still drone on about unity and special relations, while chastising neighbors for ingratitude whenever they tilt Westward. That patronizing tone lands badly, sparking only irritation.

For Moscow to regain lost ground, it would need to radically change course: drop the threats and ultimatums, respect the genuine sovereignty of its neighbors, and invest in their development without a hidden agenda. Is todays regime capable of that? Unlikely. What seems far more probable is cosmetic rebrandinga quieter office, some new faces, and more careful messaging after so many failures. But if the underlying mission remains restoring neo-imperial influence, then the outcome will look just like the last twenty years: wasted money and shrinking clout.

The End of an Era

Russias soft power strategyonce billed as a way to compensate for lost hard controlhas run out of steam. Its devolved into empty gestures: friendship forums that fooled no one, budgets burned on Potemkin projects. And when the real stress test camethe war in Ukraineit became painfully clear that Moscow had almost no genuine allies left.

The new generations in Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltics have already set their course toward Europe. Central Asia is chasing economic growth through China and other partners, not Russia. True, cultural and human ties remain. Millions of families are still bound across borders, and tens of millions still speak Russian. But that isnt nearly enough to persuade countries to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of friendship with a domineering neighbor.

The closure of the old office marks the symbolic end of an era in Russian foreign policyan era when Moscow believed it could micromanage its neighbors from the shadows by funding loyalists and squeezing dissenters. That world is gone. The new reality is one in which respect cant be boughtnot for millions, not for billions. Whether the Kremlin can accept that truth will determine the future of Russias place in its own neighborhood.

Baku Network
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. Eternal Brotherhood-IV, a multinational joint exercise held in Azerbaijan with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan, continues, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense told Trend.

The exercise focuses primarily on enhancing interoperability and strengthening cooperation among the special forces of friendly and allied nations. Participants are engaged in joint special operations designed to promote the exchange of experience, improve coordination in planning and execution, and develop the operational capabilities required for potential future missions.

During the joint exercise, the troops are hitting the ground running with combat training tasks, covering everything from shooting and parachuting to sniping and clearing out the enemy from residential areas.

Special forces demonstrate high professionalism in accomplishing the tasks set during the preparations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Following the directive of President Ilham Aliyev, as part of the Great Return to territories liberated from occupation, the first group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Seyidbeyli village in the Khojaly district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The families, temporarily housed across the republic in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings, have now begun resettlement under the official return program. The initial group included 30 people, comprising 9 families who previously lived in the Aghdam district.

Returning residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state care. They also expressed their gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, our heroic soldiers and officers who liberated our lands from occupation, and prayed for the mercy of our martyrs who gave their lives on this path.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. Commercial oil inventories in OECD Europe slipped by 2.1 million barrels (mb) in July, leaving total stocks at 920 mb, according to the International Energy Agencys latest outlook, Trend reports.

The decline reduced forward demand cover to 67.9 days, half a day below last years level.

Crude oil inventories provided some support, rising 5.8 mb month-on-month, with the Netherlands reaching a two-year high and Germany and Italy also posting gains.

By contrast, oil product stocks fell by 8.5 mb. Gasoline led the draw, down 3.1 mb, including a sharp 1.9 mb drop in the UK following the closure of the Lindsey refinery. Middle distillates declined 2.7 mb, weighed by UK, Italian, Dutch and German draws, though France saw a notable 2.8 mb increase. Fuel oil inventories fell by 1.8 mb, while other products dropped for a fourth consecutive month, slipping below the five-year average.

Preliminary August data from Kayrros point to a further draw of 5.9 mb in European crude stocks. Gains in the Netherlands and Germany were offset by sharp declines in France, Turkiye and Spain.
Trade between Serbia and Turkmenistan making fresh milestones

On the domestic market, Turkmen companies reached agreements with the State Concern Turkmennebit for the supply of SN-600 base oil, and with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held talks with the delegation of the Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC), led by Chairman of the Board Mr. Jeon Young Gi, Trend reports.

The meeting focused on three key areas of cooperation: modernization of the district heating system in Zarafshan, construction of a bioenergy complex in the Jizzakh region, and the introduction of innovative energy solutions within the framework of the New Tashkent project. Particular attention was paid to mechanisms of public-private partnership and financing models that would ensure mutual benefits for all stakeholders.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and agreed to continue detailed discussions on the proposed initiatives. According to the ministry, successful implementation of these projects will help create a modern district heating system in Uzbekistan, improve energy efficiency, and further expand the bilateral investment partnership with the Republic of Korea.

Established in 1985, KDHC is the largest state-owned enterprise in Korea specializing in district heating, cogeneration, cooling, and renewable energy integration. Today, the corporation supplies energy to more than two million households and organizations through its extensive production and regional network.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 13. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a sovereign loan of up to 70 million euros to the Kyrgyz Republic to support the construction of a new substation near Balykchy in the Issyk-Kul region and a 500 kV overhead transmission line connecting it with the existing Kemin substation in the Chui region, Trend reports via EBRD.

To ensure robust delivery, the project is supported by a technical cooperation package, funded by the EBRDs Shareholder Special Fund and international donors. This includes 66,000 euros for ornithological studies, 209,844 euros for environmental and social assessments, 280,000 euros for feasibility studies, and up to 5 million euros for project implementation support. The latter will cover procurement assistance, contract supervision, and environmental and social compliance monitoring.

The project will be implemented by the National Electric Grid of the Kyrgyz Republic (NEGK), which operates more than 10,000 km of power transmission lines and over 190 substations.

The initiative aims to enable the integration of around 1 GW of renewable energy capacity currently under development, while also improving the reliability, stability, and security of the national power grid. By reducing electricity losses and greenhouse gas emissions, the project aligns with EBRDs Green Economy Transition strategy.

The project is categorized as "A" under EBRDs Environmental and Social Policy, given the potential biodiversity, land acquisition, and social impacts of the new transmission infrastructure. A full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has been carried out, with public consultations launched in July 2025. Measures include avifauna surveys, stakeholder engagement, and a land acquisition and resettlement framework.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. United States Charge dAffaires Alan Purcell convened with a delegation of American business leaders and representatives from Georgian enterprises and governmental organizations to investigate potential in trade, energy, infrastructure, and logistics within the Middle Corridor region, Trend reports via the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.

The delegation was organized in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, the American-Georgian Business Council (AGBC), the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan. During the visit, the delegation traveled to Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

The embassy noted that the participants explored prospects for strengthening cooperation between the United States and Georgia in critical infrastructure, digital trade, new technologies, transport, and logistics. Georgian Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili also took part in the meeting.

This delegation highlights the commitment of the United States to developing economic partnerships and enhancing regional connectivity, the statement noted.

The Middle Corridor is a trade and transport route linking Asia with Europe, serving as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors. It begins in China, passes through Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe, providing a shorter land-based connection between East Asia and Europe.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. The Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreed document under the Technical Assistance Agreement (TAS), formalizing the commitments of both parties, Trend reports.

The document was signed during a meeting between ADSEA Chairman Zaur Mikayilov and ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal.

From the agency, Chairman Zaur Mikayilov, First Deputy Chairman Khayyam Mammadov, Advisor to the Chairman Asad Shirinov, and Head of the Strategy, International Cooperation, and Science Department Riad Akhundzade attended the meeting.

Representing the Asian Development Bank were Country Director for Azerbaijan, Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Regional Director for Private Sector Development, Enrico Pinali, Director of Markets Development and PPP Office, Mohammed Azim Hashimi, Senior Markets Development Specialist, Masayuki Kanda, Principal Private Sector Development Officer, Sanan Shabanov, and Consultant Ramazan Samedov.

The discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in the field of public-private partnership (PPP) in Azerbaijan and on potential technical assistance projects with the Asian Development Bank. The meeting concluded with the signing of the agreed TAS document, officially setting out the obligations of both sides.

The Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) was instituted via a presidential decree on March 30, 2023, with the objective of optimizing hydrological resource governance and mitigating the challenges associated with water scarcity within the national context. The agency was established through the amalgamation of antecedent hydrological governance bodies into a singular, cohesive framework.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the delegation of the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China to discuss the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

During the talks, the parties stressed the importance of further strengthening economic ties, noting the steady growth of trade, investment, and industrial partnership, as well as the expansion of cooperation in technical and grant-based assistance. Special attention was given to deepening collaboration in key areas of socio-economic development, with discussions covering initiatives to ensure sustainable growth, introduce innovations, improve public welfare, and jointly address global challenges.

The sides emphasized that regular high-level dialogue creates a solid foundation for expanding joint projects, exchanging expertise, and attracting new investment. They also reaffirmed their intention to maintain active working contacts, ensure effective implementation of existing agreements, and develop new forms of cooperation aligned with the priorities of both countries.

Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial relations and enhancing the strategic partnership and friendship between Uzbekistan and China.

In the interim, bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed $14 billion in the previous fiscal year, showing an impressive 23 percent increase since the beginning of 2025. This dynamic growth underscores the rapidly intensifying economic interlinkages between Uzbekistan and China, turning Beijing into one of Tashkents most significant and reliable partners.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Kazakhstan's Astana hosted a working meeting at the office of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) with a delegation from the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC), Trend reports via the official Middle Corridor website.

The visit, organized at the direction of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission, aimed to review the operational situation of China-Europe rail transport and evaluate the opportunities of the TITR route.

In the course of the meeting, stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive discourse regarding the intricacies of container train traffic dynamics and frequency, the competitive landscape of the TITR route, tariff frameworks, quota optimization, and various operational challenges. Special attention was given to infrastructure development and key hubs, including the launch of a container hub at the Aktau port, reducing delivery times, and implementing digital solutions for cargo tracking.

Following the meeting, an understanding was reached on further cooperation and joint actions aimed at improving transport efficiency on the TITR route and supporting sustainable development of China-Europe rail connections, the report said

CIECC is Chinas largest state consulting company, managed by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. Over the years, the corporation has implemented more than 150,000 projects in transport, energy, urban development, and high-tech sectors, with a total value exceeding 200 trillion yuan.

The Middle Corridor is a transport and trade route connecting Asia with Europe, providing an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors. The route begins in China, passes through Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. It offers a shorter land-based path linking eastern Asia, including China, with Europe.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 13. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a delegation from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) to discuss cooperation in international road transport under the TIR system, Trend reports via the service.

The Turkmen delegation was led by the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service, while the IRU delegation was headed by Senior Advisor Vakhtang Zarandia.

Discussions focused on developing a roadmap to simplify procedures and enhance the TIR guarantee mechanism. The parties also exchanged expertise on introducing digital technologies, modernizing TIR procedures, and using advanced information systems. The IRU delegation included representatives from the Turkmen Association of International Road Carriers(THADA).

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) is the world's leading organization for road transport, representing the global industry and advocating for its interests. Founded in 1948, its primary mission is to promote economic growth and sustainable development through the movement of goods and people by road. IRU works with governments and international bodies to facilitate trade and mobility, notably through the management of the TIR customs system, which simplifies border crossings for goods.

The TIR system (Transports Internationaux Routiers, or International Road Transport) is a worldwide customs transit and guarantee framework that facilitates the movement of goods across international borders in sealed containers with minimal border involvement. Administered by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), it streamlines and accelerates the transportation of goods by the utilization of a singular, globally acknowledged transit document, the TIR Carnet, alongside an international assurance system that encompasses prospective levies and taxes. This system advantages transport operators by diminishing costs and time, while also advancing global trade facilitation objectives through enhanced border crossings and customs collaboration.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Industry development is becoming a key measure of Kazakhstans economic resilience. In a recent address to the nation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the country is not just pursuing quantitative growth in production but is focused on a qualitative transformation of the sector - one that will secure Kazakhstans place in global manufacturing chains.

Over the past five years, the manufacturing sector has delivered impressive results. Gross value added has doubled to nearly $31.5 billion, and the sector now accounts for 12.4% of GDP. More than 12,000 permanent jobs have been created, and 163 new enterprises have opened.

But numbers tell only part of the story. Today, the focus is not just on production growth but on its structure. Kazakhstan is prioritizing high-tech engineering, metallurgy, and the production of deeply processed goods.

The Karaganda region plays a central role as the countrys industrial heart. Over the coming years, 120 investment projects are planned there, including facilities for rare-earth metal processing. Last year, the regions enterprises produced over $5.5 billion worth of goods.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov predicts 190 new projects this year, worth $2.8 billion, which could create more than 20,000 jobs if delivered on schedule. This scale of planning reflects a systematic approach to industrial development, building the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth.

Despite these achievements, President Tokayev stressed that more needs to be done. The priority is the production of deeply processed goods that are competitive both domestically and internationally. We need a streamlined, coordinated approach, he said.

The president also noted that past efforts were non-systemic, with support measures often implemented through fragmented institutions, creating uncertainty and slowing growth. In the coming years, transparency, coordination, and strategic focus will be essential.

Special emphasis is being placed on high-tech production and deeply processed goods with international demand. This sector will define the future of Kazakhstans industry: metallurgy and chemical production are already adopting next-generation technologies, while the mining and metallurgical complex remains the industrial backbone.

A strategic example is the development of gas chemistry and liquefied gas processing. It is essential to launch a major gas chemical complex in Atyrau and liquefied gas processing plants in Pavlodar on schedule, the president said. Efficient use of hydrocarbon resources can turn traditional materials into drivers of high-tech production.

Industrial success depends on a reliable energy base. Kazakhstan is modernizing its energy system on a large scale and implementing major projects with foreign investors. Over the next five years, 6.3 GW of green energy will be added.

Nuclear energy is also a priority: the first nuclear power plant project in the Almaty region has started in cooperation with Rosatom. President Tokayev stressed the need to plan now for a second and third plant.

This approach is not just about diversifying energy sources; it is a strategic tool for sustainable development. The energy system must support industry, transport, and utilities while enabling digitalization of production.

President Tokayev also highlighted the importance of modern geological exploration: We need up-to-date digital maps of our mineral resources. This will allow us to assess deposit potential on a new level Successful exploration requires a solid scientific foundation, he said.

Kazakhstan is actively leveraging international financing. Cooperation with the EBRD, ADB, World Bank, and EIB supports large infrastructure and green projects, modernizes production, and develops transport corridors and social infrastructure.

Notable projects include the reconstruction of the Aktobe-Ulgaysyn road, expansion of the Khimfarm pharmaceutical plant in Shymkent, and the construction of a university hospital in Almaty and a multidisciplinary clinic in Kokshetau. These initiatives improve citizens quality of life, stimulate industrial production, create jobs, and reinforce Kazakhstans role as a reliable regional partner.

With around 129 active EBRD projects totaling over $3.2 billion, the country is building a system of industrial development based on international standards, innovation, and sustainability.

Kazakhstans industry is undergoing a transformation, combining production growth with modernization and technological upgrades. President Tokayevs strategic vision aims to establish a systematic, competitive, and diversified industrial base.

This is about more than numbers. Its about turning traditional sectors into high-tech industries, using hydrocarbons for deep industrial processing, and making energy a driver of sustainable economic growth. In this sense, the success of Kazakhstans industrial policy is already clear: a structure is taking shape that can withstand external challenges, integrate into global chains, and ensure long-term development.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. The Agency for Foreign Investment Attraction under the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan has signed a cooperation agreement with Scania Central Asia, a subsidiary of the Swedish industrial corporation Scania AB operating in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

Under the agreement, the investor plans to implement a project for the production of heavy trucks and tractor units. The parties also agreed to cooperate on preparing project and technical documentation, attracting qualified specialists, and holding meetings and negotiations with representatives of government bodies and the private sector to ensure the effective implementation of the project.

Founded in 1891 in Sodertalje, Sweden, Scania AB is a leading global manufacturer of transport solutions. It is part of the TRATON Group under the Volkswagen Group and operates production facilities in China, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 13. The Agency for Attracting Foreign Investment under the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan has signed three new cooperation agreements with companies from Poland and Finland: Freedom Finance, Bart sp. z o.o., and Metateks Oy, Trend reports.

Under a memorandum of understanding with Freedom Finance, the Agency and the Uzbek subsidiary of the international holding Freedom Holding Corp. agreed to jointly promote investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, participate in international forums and conferences, and exchange information on projects and potential partners.

A cooperation agreement was also signed with the Polish company Bart sp. z o.o. to implement an investment project for establishing a freeze-drying production of fruits, berries, and vegetables in Uzbekistan. The Agency will support the investor in connecting with local agricultural suppliers and addressing issues related to certification, storage, and transportation of raw materials.

At the same time, the Finnish company Metateks Oy plans to develop production of eco-friendly packaging from phytoremediation plants using locally sourced raw materials, with the Agency providing consulting support and assistance in establishing links with local suppliers.

These agreements are a testament to the agencys dedication to building bridges in international partnerships and paving the way for a modern investment landscape in Uzbekistan. They open the door to a world of opportunities for introducing cutting-edge technologies, boosting exports, and crafting high-skilled job prospects.

Freedom Finance, part of the international investment group Freedom Holding Corp., operates in nine countries, including the United States, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Russia; employs over 6,800 people; manages more than 530,000 brokerage accounts; and has a market capitalization of around $5 billion. In Uzbekistan, the company has been active since 2018, with branches in seven cities, and in 2025, BlackRock, Inc., the worlds largest investment company, increased its stake in Freedom Holding Corp. to 0.85 percent, investing approximately $89 million.

Bart sp. z o.o., founded in 1990, specializes in natural food supplements and dried fruits and vegetables. With over 30 years of experience, it is actively operating in the EU market and expanding partnerships in Asia and North Africa. Metateks Oy, founded in 2024, is a Finnish biotech startup developing regenerative biomaterials from phytoremediation plants.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Azerbaijan's Economic Council has held the next meeting to discuss details of financing the costs of reconstruction and restoration of Karabakh and East Zangezur and ensuring the Great Return Program, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

Detailed discussions of the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ali Asadov also included forecast projects of the state budget and consolidated budget for 2026 and indicators of the consolidated budget for the next three years, development trends of the world economy, main assumptions used in budget forecasts, current economic situation and updated macroeconomic forecasts for 2025-2029, main goals, directions and targets of budget policy in 2026-2029, areas where the medium-term expenditure framework and the results-based budgeting mechanism are applied, target indicators for the parameters of the budget rule, current situation in the field of macroeconomic and financial stability, policy directions and other issues.

The meeting heard reports from the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, the Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev, the Chairman of the Central Bank Taleh Kazimov, and the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev.

Besides, discussions were held by the members of the Economic Council on the presented agenda.

At the end of the meeting, taking into account the opinions and proposals of the council members, relevant instructions were given to the relevant bodies to submit all documents and information included in the 2026 budget envelope to the Cabinet of Ministers for submission to the President of Azerbaijan.

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Russia augments electricity import from Azerbaijan in 7M2025

From January through July 2025, Azerbaijan's electricity export to Russia equaled 68.1 million kWh, bringing around $3 million. Compared to the same period last year, exports increased by 7.1% in volume and 34.7% in value. Over the same months, Azerbaijan imported 50.5 million kWh of electricity from Russia, valued at $1.8 million.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 13. Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yersayin Nagaspayev held a meeting with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Huseyin Ozhan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan.

At the meeting, they discussed the implementation of joint projects for the reconstruction and construction of sewage treatment facilities (STFs) in the cities of Aktobe, Karaganda, and Ridder.

The minister confirmed that the state is ready to support the construction projects of STFs within the framework of the National Project for the modernization of the energy and utilities sectors. The parties discussed the need to revise the financial model of the project in Ridder and the current status of the competitive procedures for the treatment facilities in Aktobe.

In the course of the discussion, particular attention was given to the participation of international companies in the development of the water supply and wastewater sectors. This measure reflects the priorities outlined in the recent Address of President Tokayev to the people of Kazakhstan.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution supporting projects in more than 30 countries worldwide. The bank has been actively working in Kazakhstan since 1993, investing in transport, energy, utilities, and financial infrastructure. To date, the EBRD has financed over 300 projects in our country with a total amount exceeding 10 billion euros, paying special attention to issues of the green economy and sustainable development.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 13. Azerbaijan has exported 1.1 billion cubic meters of gas to Georgia from January through June 2025.

Data obtained by Trend from the State Statistics Committee indicates that this figure is 0.2 billion cubic meters, or 18.2 percent, lower than during the same period last year (1.3 billion cubic meters).

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan produced 25.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the reporting period.

Of this total, 6.6 billion cubic meters came from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field during the first six months of 2025, 13.8 billion cubic meters from the Shah Deniz field, 0.8 billion cubic meters from the Absheron field, and nearly 4 billion cubic meters were attributed to the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 13. Tajikistans Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, and Japans Ambassador to Tajikistan, Keiko Furuta, discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the energy and water sectors, Trend reports via the Tajik ministry.

The discussions revolved around strengthening bonds in green energy development, rolling up the sleeves for joint infrastructure projects, and sharpening technical skills.

According to Tajikistans Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, the country generated 11.812 billion kWh of electricity from January through June 2025, up 1.445 billion kWh, or 12.2 percent, compared to the same period in 2024. Total electricity losses in the power system amounted to 2.262 billion kWh (17.2 percent), down 48.8 million kWh, or 3.3 percent, from the first half of 2024 (20.5 percent).

Japan occupies a distinctive position within the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia. It stands as the singular Asian nation within the elite consortium of the globe's seven most advanced economiesthe G7. The designation of "Asian origin," amidst the escalating geopolitical dynamics between East and West in recent years, positions Japan as a strategically advantageous "Western" ally for Tajikistan and neighboring nations within the region.

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Al Haramain plays down loud bang heard near Masjid Nabawi in Madinah

Al Haramain, which keeps track of happenings in and around The Two Holy Mosques, played down the loud bang heard near The Prophets Mosque (Masjd Nabawi) in Madinah al Munawwarah

Sunday September 14, 2025 0:33 AM , ummid.com News Network

Madinah al Munawwarah: Al Haramain, which keeps track of happenings in and around The Two Holy Mosques, played down the loud bang heard near The Prophets Mosque (Masjd Nabawi) in Madinah al Munawwarah.

Al Haramain of The Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah said it is in knowhow of the incident and asked people to refrain from spreading unverified information.

The Al Haramains statement came after videos widely shared on social media showed unidentified objects spotted in the sky near Masjid an Nabawi before dawn Thursday.

We are aware of an incident that occurred near Masjid An Nabawi at approximately 5:43 yesterday (Thursday) morning, during which a loud bang was heard and some visuals were captured.

We kindly urge everyone to refrain from speculation and wait for verified information from official sources when it becomes available, Inside Haramain said in a statement posted on X.

Watch: Masjid an Nabawi Drone Footage

Drone footage of Masjid an Nabawi pic.twitter.com/ZYHlJ06WMo   (@Alhamdhulillaah) April 3, 2024

Sharing the video showing the flying object accompanied by loud bang, some media outlets have said Saudi Arabia intercepted missile flown at close proximity to Masjid an Nabawi in Madinah.

It is also speculated in the media that the intercepted missile was a Yemeni missile heading towards Israel.

However, except the Inside Haramain statement cited above, there is no official denial or confirmation by the Saudi authorities.

The explosion near Masjid Nabawi has been reported amidst the rising tension in the Middle East, especially after the Israeli airstrikes in Doha, Qatar on September 09, 2025 .

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Qatar Bombing: Sans Military Strength, Financial Power is Worthless

Financial power - no matter how considerable, is worthless without military strength, which Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Arab States lack

Saturday September 13, 2025 12:32 PM , Haider Abbas

In Qatar lies the largest U.S. military base in the entire Middle Eastthe Al Udeid Air Base in Al Rayyan. For two decades, the United States used this base to launch attacks on Afghanistan. It is also the site from which Israel (with U.S. backing) has sought overt and covert support to attack seven Muslim-majority countries since October 7, 2023 , when Hamas attacked Israel. Since then, Israel has displaced over a million Palestinians and killed more than 65,000, amidst an ongoing genocide.

Qatar, a wealthy Muslim nation, has aspired for a role as an arbiter in regional disputes. However, financial power - no matter how considerable, is worthless without military strength, which Qatar lacks.

Qatar relies on the U.S. base, as do most Middle Eastern oligarchies, to safeguard themselves. Otherwise, the specter of an Arab Spring, last orchestrated in 2010, perpetually looms as a threat.

Qatar facilitated negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and the U.S. , leading to the U.S. withdrawal and a handover of government to the Taliban  the same group the U.S. had fought for twenty years.

Did the U.S. bomb and kill those Taliban negotiators? No.

At least the U.S. displayed some moral-military scruples, but the same cannot be said for Israel. Israel bombed Hamas negotiators in Doha, Qatars capital, who were there on September 9, 2025 at the invitation of the U.S. and Israel.

Reports suggest the Hamas leadership survived, with their second-tier leaders killed instead. However, what has baffled observers is the question of Qatari sovereignty.

Qatar, UAE, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - the frontline U.S. allies, and by implication, Israeli allies, hosted U.S. President Donald Trump last May, oblivious to the Palestinian genocide unfolding next door. These Arab states poured billions of USD into Trump.

In fact, this was a pre-scheduled funding intended to encourage the U.S. to support Israel in starting a war with Iran, which began on June 13 and, after 12 days, ended in a ceasefire but may restart at any moment.

Iran attacked the Al Udeid base, condemned the act later, and subsequently improved relations with Qatar. Iran did not attack any civilian hotel or building where U.S. military personnel were present, but Israel chose to kill Hamas leaders by luring them into so-called dialogue.

This is Israels modus operandi.

Unrepentant, as expected, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu  himself accused of corruption before October 7, 2023, has declared that Qatar supports and sponsors Hamas, and Israel will hunt Hamas leaders anywhere in the world. Could the U.S. or Israel do this if Hamas were hosted by Russia or China?

What is occurring now is all very much expected. According to Axios, Qatars Prime Minister Jassim Al Thani informed the White House that Qatar will reevaluate its security partnership with Washington after this betrayal, and Gulf leaders are discussing possible responses. Trump has demanded a commitment from Netanyahu not to strike Qatar again. But this is all eyewash.

Can the Qatari establishment not see through the absurdity  why would the U.S. track and strike its own F-35 stealth fighters, which it has itself supplied to Israel?

Trump wants a commitment from Israel, and Israel may give it, only to betray it later  this cat-and-mouse game will continue.

Qatars threat to seek other partners  namely Russia and China, has compelled Trump to act.

Trump is already preoccupied with supporting Ukraine President Zelensky against Russia in the ongoing war since February 2022 . An enhancement in USQatar security cooperation is likely, and the situation may cool off in the interests of both the nations, and Israel as well.

There is no more room left for any doubt that Israel will again strike in Qatar or for that matter inside any Gulf state. It is already at war with Yemen. Killed its PM in a similar attack, killed top military and nuclear scientists inside Iran. Killed Ismail Hanyieh - the Chief of Hamas, Fawad Shukur - the top commander of Hezbollah and Hezbollah Chief Hasan Nasrullah in all such precision bombings.

This could happen solely due to the pivotal CIA/Mossad i.e. the US/Israel intelligence agencies, network and sleuths across the whole world, most notably in the Middle East. Ayman Al Zawahiri, second to Bin Laden, was on the balcony when a drone had him killed in 2022. All other occupants remained unharmed.

Netanyahu, in a televised message after the Doha killings, likened Israels actions to those of the U.S. when it hunted down Al-Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. He mentioned Pakistan three times, possibly as a prompt for India to attempt something similar in Pakistan. India and Pakistan went to war in May; after a brief conflict, a ceasefire brokered by Trump was reached, though India denies this.

Netanyahu has warned, I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you dont, we will.

He drew a parallel between the U.S. September 11, 2001 incident and Israels October 7, 2023 attack, suggesting that a similar response is warranted. Qatar is already in damage-control mode, with Al Thani scheduled to meet Trump in New York.

The idea of Greater Israel remains prominent which the U.S. administration has supported it for decades. Skeptics wonder: when Israel, with full U.S. backing, seems to know everything beyond its borders, how could it not foresee the October 7, 2023 attacks or locate the 48 hostages still held by Hamas? Is Israel aware of their whereabouts and using them as cover for its ongoing campaign in Gaza?

Israel has grand plans for the West Bank and seeks control of Al Aqsa mosque  the third holiest Islamic site, but experiences over the past two years have taught Israel a hard lesson.

No Muslim or Arab nation will defend Palestine. Only strong condemnation messages will emerge. No Arab or Turkish Army will ever arrive. Iran will attempt to defend, but Arab and Turkish governments support the US. Iran, which has been under U.S. sanctions for 55 years, may challenge the situation if Russia and China openly support it.

The situation is extremely volatile. Reports suggest Poland has shot down Russian drones in its airspace, though Russia denies it. NATO could invoke Article 5 against Russia at any moment, triggering World War III. We are dangerously close.

Ironically, the first world war saw the birth of the idea of Israel and the second its formation. Is the third leading to something else for Israel?

[The writer, Haider Abbas, is a former UP State Information Commissioner and writes on international issues.]

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Sushila Karki takes oath as interim PM in Nepal



Sushila Karki has been sworn in Friday September 12, 2025 as the Interim Prime Minister amid fragile peace in Nepal

Saturday September 13, 2025 9:55 AM , ummid.com News Network

Kathmandu: Sushila Karki has been sworn in Friday September 12, 2025 as the Interim Prime Minister amid fragile peace in Nepal.

Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, is the first woman Prime Minister of the country.

Sushila Karki became Prime Minister of Nepal after four days of violent protest, billed as Gen Z Movement.

The immediate cause of the violent protest that began Monday was the governments crackdown on social media. But, anger against the government was growing in Nepal due to rampant corruption.

The fallout of the protest was the complete collapse of the erstwhile government and resignation of the President, Prime Minister and other ministers of the country.

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Universities around the world are severing or suspending collaborations with Israeli institutions in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where more than 63,000 people have reportedly been killed.

Academic partnerships are being affected across multiple continents, with institutions citing concerns that Israeli universities are complicit in government policies toward Palestinians.

In Brazil, the Federal University of Ceara canceled an innovation summit planned with an Israeli university. Universities in Norway, Belgium, Spain, and Ireland have halted joint research projects, while Trinity College Dublin ended its collaborations with Israeli schools earlier this year. In the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam suspended a student exchange program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The European Association of Social Anthropologists endorsed these actions, reflecting a broader movement within the academic community.

While some universities in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany oppose such boycotts, citing academic freedom, grassroots pressures have led individual researchers to independently end collaborations.

The impact on research funding is also evident. Israel's participation in European Union Horizon Europe grants has decreased significantly, prompting the Israeli government to allocate additional resources to counter the effects of the boycott. Experts warn that continued disengagement could contribute to a "brain drain" that undermines Israel's science and technology sectors.
Tips on how to avoid falling victim to pickpockets in Rome.

Rome is generally a safe city for tourists however it has a long-standing problem with pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport.

Despite an increased police presence on the city's subway in recent times, pickpocketing remains rampant.

These opportunistic thieves are often small groups of girls and young women who work together, bustling in around their chosen victim who usually only notices their missing purse or wallet when it is too late.

However it is not just gangs of young girls - in recent years the pickpocket "business" in Rome has attracted various groups of people, usually from countries outside Italy.

Aside from standing too close, they can usually be identified by wearing hats, to shield their eyes from being seen, and often carry a jacket over their arm, to hide their stealing hands.

Tourists, particulary elderly visitors, are their primary source of "income": the key to avoiding them is to be aware, prepared and not to make yourself an easy target.

Awareness and prevention

Stay alert, especially in crowded places including around popular tourist attractions, on public transportation, including subway elevators, as well as in markets and on busy streets.

One of the most common places to be pickpocketed is during the crush getting on and off subway trains, particularly in busy central metro stations including Termini, Colosseo, Spagna, Barberini and Ottaviano near the Vatican.

Rome's 64 bus, which operates between Termini and St Peter's, is also notorious as it is usually crowded with tourists.

In some cases pickpockets will work together on the street: after selecting their victim, one will walk in front and stop abruptly or slow the tourist down while the one behind strikes.

Another common place to get pickpocketed is while standing to cross the street at pedestrian crossings in the city centre or among crowds watching buskers perform on the street.

Sometimes pickpockets will strike after their accomplices create a fake scene or commotion to distract the victim.

Pickpockets will also watch people buying subway tickets at metro stations, observing where they put their wallet, before following them onto the train.

If seemingly kind people offer unsolicited advice on how to buy train tickets at ticket machines, they are likely seeking to steal the tourist's wallet.

There are also cases of thieves snatching phones out of the hands of people sitting beside the exit of the subway train.

How to avoid falling victim to pickpockets in Rome

Secure your belongings

Keep your bag in front of your body, with your hand on the zip. Cross-body bags are a good choice, as are money belts.

Backpacks are vulnerable, so if you use one, wear it on your chest in crowded areas.

Leave valuables at hotel

Don't carry all your cash, multiple credit cards or your passport with you. Leave what you don't need in a safe at your hotel, and carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport.

Don't be a target

Avoid keeping anything valuable in your back pockets and never leave your luggage unattended.

When sitting at a restaurant, particularly outdoors, keep the strap of your backpack looped around your arm, leg or chair leg.

Don't leave your phone or camera on restaurant tables and never hang your bag on the back of your chair while sitting at a bar or restaurant.

Following these simple tips will greatly reduce your chances of being pickpocketed in Rome and avoid having your vacation ruined.
The canonisation of St Carlo Acutis and St Pier Girogio, which was performed by Pope Leo XIV, took place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in St. Peters Basilica in Rome.

To celebrate the great occasion a service was held in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Barronstrand Street, Waterford.

Wonderful to see such a large crowd join us as we spent time in adoration together.

After a talk by Youth & Young Adult Ministry Officer, Nodlaig Lillis, Sr. Kathryn Press led us in a Scripture passage very close to Pier Giorgios heart, from 1 Corinthians 13.

He transcribed this passage and always kept it with him.

Thanks to Olivia Elliott and her team of helpers, Liam, Roisin, Amelia, Chloe, Michael and Jack for leading us beautifully in the rosary and prayers through the intercession of our new saints.

After a time of silent prayer and beautiful music by Fr Patrick Cahill, our time of adoration drew to a close.

The 250 people present had the opportunity to be blessed by a First Class Relic of Carlo Acutis.

May our young saints continue to guide and inspire us always.
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BusinessCompaniesCommercial real estate This was published 3 months ago Oxford Street project hit by $92 million legal battle Carolyn Cummins September 12, 2025  9:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 4 View all comments

The $300 million Oxford & Foley development at the heart of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moores efforts to bring some razzle-dazzle back into Oxford Street is finally nearing completion. But theres a catch. After facing earlier construction delays, the development welcomed its first retail tenant last week when US rapper Tyler, The Creator triggered a crowd frenzy on Oxford Street as he opened his streetwear brand Golf Wangs fourth global store while touring Sydney. Tyler, The Creators streetwear brand Golf Wangs fourth global store has opened in Sydney. Amy Harris/Invision/AP Sony Australia HQ is set to open its doors upstairs next month when the first of the three Oxford & Foley buildings are complete, at 60-120 Oxford Street. Other tenants preparing to move into the modernised heritage buildings include the cult late-night Italian eatery Big Poppas, artisan gelatery Mapo, Mecca Coffee, Bourke Street Bakery co-founder Paul Allams new venture Paulies Pizza and luxury cycling apparel brand MAAP.

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However, with the entire project nearing completion, a legal drama has now erupted. The developers AsheMorgan and TOGA have lodged a $92 million claim against the original builder, Growthbuilt, in the NSW Supreme Court over alleged breaches of contract, delays, loss of rent from tenants and defects. They have also accused Growthbuilt co-founders Peter Sukkar and Colin Rahim of making misleading and deceptive representations. Growthbuilt has denied the claims. An artists impression of the Oxford & Foley development. TOGA Brewery deal Hotel and property developer rich-lister Dr Jerry Schwartz, owner of Sydney Brewery, has expanded his footprint with the purchase of the brewing assets and long-term lease of White Bay Brewings Rozelle site.

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The added capacity will enable the company to launch new product lines and expand its Sydney bar presence. The taproom at the White Bay Brewery, 26C Mansfield St, Rozelle, NSW. Under the plan, the White Bay Brewery will consolidate its brewing operations at its large-scale brewery in Reservoir, Melbourne. Schwartz will then rebrand the White Bay Brewhouse and taproom as the Sydney Brewery Rozelle from October 1, 2025. The brewery operates within a 150-year-old former steel mill on the edge of Sydney Harbour, near to the new Sydney Fish Market building. Sydney Brewerys new venue follows the takeover earlier this year of the Rocks Brewery and Brewhouse in Alexandria, which has been rebranded as Sydney Brewery Alexandria.

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Related Article Commercial real estate Backpackers hostel sold to glam up for flashpacker crowd Sydney Brewery also operates a Brewhouse in Surry Hills and a large-scale brewing facility in the Hunter Valley. The Rozelle brewery will add 25 per cent extra capacity for Sydney Brewery, and that will enable the latter to launch its first low-carb and non-alcoholic beers. Schwartz said the acquisition of the White Bay brewing assets and public tap room at 26C Mansfield Street, Rozelle, fitted perfectly with Sydney Brewerys DNA and expansion strategy. Taking over the lease of the Rozelle brewery was a no-brainer for us, Schwartz said.

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Chanel store Chanel has opened its very first domestic travel retail boutique in Australia at Sydney Domestic Airport, Terminal 2  the countrys busiest domestic terminal. More than 17 million travellers passing through it every year. Chanel at Sydneys domestic airport. The luxury brand, which has its new flagship store in Westfield Sydney, has partnered with airport retail operator Heinemann to open the 100-square-metre boutique. With a five-metre-high neo-Paris facade, it will bring a touch of Parisian glamour to Mascot. It comes as new Ray White research reveals that Sydney is the countrys luxury fashion capital and Melbourne has the food sector wrapped up.

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According to Ray Whites head of research, Vanessa Rader, Sydney maintains its position as the nations retail fashion capital, with clothing and soft goods representing 31.1 per cent of all tenancies, coupled with substantial retailing in the jewellery space at 25.8 per cent. Tourism recovery is supporting retail performance across major markets, with hotel occupancy data showing strong results across all cities. Frothy pub sales More pubs have been sold as investors seemingly cannot get enough of the sector. One of the latest is the Kurrajong Hotel at Erskineville, at 108 Swanson Street, which was sold by the receivers and managers of Jon Adgemis Public Hospitality fund, as a vacant freehold for $20 million to a new hotel investor, the Millinium Capital Managers, led by Tom Wallace.

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The Kurrajong Hotel. Wallace has also been revealed as the recent buyer of two more Public pubs, being Balmains Town Hall Hotel and Paddingtons Rose, Shamrock and Thistle  aka Three Weeds  both in July. Warren View Hotel, 2 Stanmore Road, Enmore, NSW. HTL Propertys Andrew Jolliffe and Dan Dragicevich sold the Kurrajong Hotel. Another inner west institution, the Warren View Hotel, at 2 Stanmore Road, Enmore, has been listed for sale with a price guide of $18 million. The hotel has been owned and operated by Theo and Tanya Damianakis for 17 years, who are considering exiting the industry after four decades.

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HTL Propertys Sam Handy, Dan Dragicevich and Blake Edwards are the sales agents. carolynannecummins@gmail.com The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessConsumer affairsConsumer rights This was published 3 months ago When dream holidays turn into nightmares, without ever taking off Elias Visontay September 12, 2025  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

When Edilia Ford and her husband Geofs European holiday to celebrate his cancer recovery was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, she never imagined that getting her money back would be dragging on for five years and involve legal action. However, the Fords ordeal with travel website TripADeal is just one amid a growing chorus of frustrated Australians who run into issues with flights, accommodation and tours they bought via third-party booking websites instead of directly with airlines, hotels and trip operators. Edilia Ford and husband Geof have had a years-long battle with third-party booking website TripADeal. Louie Douvis While third-party websites can help compare costs and allow travellers to link complex flight options into one ticket, when disruptions  or even glitches  affect a booking, it can leave customers in a void, consumer advocates warn. Customers of websites such as Booking.com say that when issues with their bookings arise, they are routinely left to chase up refunds or access to their tickets with one company in their booking, only to be told to pursue the other side, in a never-ending responsibility loop where their rights are reduced by exclusions from the compounding terms and conditions of each business.

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It was this infuriating experience that led Ford to ultimately take legal action against TripADeal. Her tour included a cruise component in Italy, but on the day in March 2020 that she and her husband were set to fly from Sydney to Hungary to begin the trip, the Italian government announced a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Related Article Aviation Government leaves door open to refunds for airline passengers under new scheme On the day of departure, Ford contacted TripADeal concerned about the trip, but was told it was proceeding. If they didnt board their flight to Europe, they risked forfeiting the $7600 they had spent on the tour. It was totally foreseeable we were never going to complete the trip, but if we refused to get on the flight, wed have lost all our money, she said. Reluctantly, and hours after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had issued a caution to reconsider travel there, the couple flew to Budapest, but soon after landing, were told the tour was cancelled. They were told to wait in Budapest as return flight tickets would be changed to fly home immediately.

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However, amid the chaos of the time, the Fords organised their own way home, buying new flights for about $3300. Theyd wanted to modify their original return tickets bundled with their tour, but the details and authority to deal with the airline directly were held by TripADeal. Fords frustration with TripADeal intensified on their return to Sydney. She sent them a letter of demand seeking a refund plus reimbursement for the cost of their new return flight, but the company would only offer a company credit for a partial value of the tour, less the outbound flights and accommodation in Budapest. They just pocketed all the money. That was it, tough bickies for us, we had to give the credit away to friends. Edilia Ford The booking site had justified a refund refusal, Ford said, with the claim that they had already paid the operators of the flights, hotels and cruise, and that their money was with those companies. At the same time, Ford couldnt chase those businesses for a refund directly. We didnt own our bookings with those companies, TripADeal did, so it went nowhere.

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After two months dealing with the company directly to no avail, Ford launched proceedings against TripADeal at the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), seeking $11,160 covering the cost of the initial booking, their replacement flights home, plus compensation costs to cover their time preparing the case. Ultimately, the tribunal ordered TripADeal provide a credit for about $3000 to cover the unused land component of the tour, and a cash refund for the unused return flight and cruise of about $2300. The tribunal found the company did not breach consumer law, and that it hadnt stated it would reimburse customers who chose to book their own flights home. They just pocketed all the money. That was it, tough bickies for us, we had to give the credit away to friends, said Ford. TripADeal, which has since been acquired by Qantas, said it apologised for the immense stress and disruption caused to Ford. As the booking agent, we worked closely with our operators on the ground to recover all eligible funds for our customers, which were returned as a combination of cash and travel credits, a company spokesperson said.

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Edilia Ford and husband Geof remain out of pocket thousands from their booking with TripADeal. Louie Douvis However, Ford is still fighting for the thousands she hasnt been able to claw back. Every time I see a TripADeal ad, my blood runs cold. She is active in an online community for aggrieved customers of the business seeking recourse. Beyond travel disruptions, even system glitches can also cause chaos for customers. Such was the case with Melbourne father David Hamilton who booked flights to Europe in April for a September trip with his teenage son. He purchased via Booking.com not motivated by a cheaper price  his tickets cost about $5300  but because he felt it was easier to have his various, multi-city flights in one itinerary, which Booking.com  a name he had come to believe was trustworthy  offered.

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I assumed it was all sorted, I had a flight reference number and everything, so I didnt worry about it. Related Article Updated

Earnings season Seat densification: Virgins discipline pays off as full-year earnings climb Trouble arose two months before departure when he tried to add his flights to the Virgin app on his phone. It came up as an error, it said my ticket had been cancelled. He immediately contacted Virgin Australia, who told him to contact Booking.com. It was then that he learned Booking.com uses an intermediary party, GoToGate, for its flight sales, and was instructed to take his issue up with that company.

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They were all as bad as each other, each one telling me to call the other one. A recurring reason he was given was that he had a duplicate booking  which occurs when a booking is erroneously made twice in an airlines system  on Virgin Australias end. I spent probably 20 hours on the phone and typing to chatbots, re-explaining my story over again, and it all went nowhere. Hamilton claims a Booking.com representative ultimately called him in late August informing him that after internal consideration, it had determined it had fulfilled its duty to him. I asked can I at least get a refund, and she said no, there was nothing I could get from them.

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David Hamilton: I spent probably 20 hours on the phone. Contacting Virgin Australia became a dead end, too, Hamilton said. While the airline could see his booking on their end, it was only Booking.com, which transferred the money for the tickets, that was authorised to speak with the airline. I was stuck in a loop. Days out from his departure date with no tickets or refund, it was only within hours of this masthead contacting Booking.com seeking comment, that Hamiltons tickets were reissued. I was going to have to rebook fresh flights, I had no other options, it was a very stressful experience. Id never go through a third party again, I will go direct every time, Hamilton said.

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A Booking.com spokesperson said that on reviewing the matter, we learned the flight reservation had been made twice, which triggered an automatic cancellation. The company said after realising this, due to questions from this masthead, it had contacted Virgin to reissue the tickets. Ford and Hamiltons frustrations at third-party booking sites are increasingly common. Over the two years to July, Booking.com was the sixth-most complained about company to NSW Fair Trading, with 502 issues lodged. In Victoria, there were 2866 complaints lodged about third-party booking websites with Consumer Affairs Victoria. Complaint activity corresponds with the growing use of third-party travel websites in recent years, spurred by the demise of bricks-and-mortar travel agencies. Australians spend about $452 million a year booking flights with third-party sites, according to an IBISWorld analysis. Across flights and accommodation, Booking.com  whose parent company also operates Kayak and Agoda  has 32 per cent market share, with Expedia close behind on about 28 per cent. Third-party travel sites such as Booking.com are becoming increasingly popular. Getty Images

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Adam Glezer, from Consumer Champion which provides advice for aggrieved customers to seek recourse, said while these platforms promise convenience and competitive pricing, they often leave customers stranded when things go wrong. Travellers frequently find themselves caught between the booking site and the service provider  be it an airline, hotel, or tour operator  with each side deflecting responsibility, he said. This blame-shifting leaves consumers without answers, without access, and without their money. Glezer said using third-party booking websites is ultimately far riskier than booking directly. If anything goes wrong, even due to a technical glitch, consumers can face months or even years of chasing down refunds or [getting a] resolution without a guarantee of getting what is rightfully theirs in the end. He said he was aware of a growing number of affected customers resorting to taking websites to tribunals and pursuing legal avenues. Alarmingly, legal action or media exposure are often the only ways customers can get answers.

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Related Article Travel tips Warning over dodgy hotel booking sites charging hundreds in fees Glezer called for legal reforms to improve outcomes for customers. Stronger protections, clearer and more transparent pathways for resolution, and real consequences for misconduct are long overdue. Nothing will change until they are introduced, he said. Jodi Bird, a travel expert at consumer advocacy organisation Choice, agreed that buying via third-party websites meant agreeing to reduced consumer rights. You are essentially subject to two sets of terms and conditions, not just one, such as from Booking.com or Expedia and then the airlines, too, he said. That might include an entitlement to a credit only where you would have otherwise been entitled to a refund under the airlines terms. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsPhotography This was published 2 months ago The Sydney institution riding the wave of a Gen Z-fuelled revival Abby Seaman September 13, 2025  7:00am 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 3 View all comments

If Sydney Super8 had a shopkeepers doorbell on a Friday afternoon, it would be ringing constantly with the steady stream of young people coming and going. The old-school film and camera shop is considered an institution in Newtown with passing pedestrians getting a peek inside the bright Kodak-yellow exterior. A new generation of enthusiasts are discovering the pleasures of old school photogrpahy. Abby Seaman More often than not, its millennials and Gen Z who occupy the narrow shop space, dropping off single-use cameras for processing, buying rolls (and rolls) of film from the fridge or asking technical questions of current owner Nick Vlahadamis and former owner (and now worker) Christopher Tiffany. While some things have not changed, others have. Our customers are 90 per cent young people and maybe 75 per cent of the time they are female, says Tiffany.

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You get half a dozen girls at the table outside going through their pictures, giggling, laughing and carrying on like crazy. Vlahadamis says the store has attracted a younger crowd since the store opened in its current spot in 2013, with an increase after the pandemic, but more so now than ever. Social media has an impact, its really weird, [that] digital social media has an impact on an old technology. I think the same thing happened with records, says Vlahadamis. Sydney Super8 owner Nick Vlahadamis and Christopher Tiffany. Abby Seaman Twenty-six-year-old Lilly Orrell was dropping her camera into Sydney Super8 for a repair, a Pentax Espio camera she received on her 21st birthday.

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Orrell shoots on film for fun and because it looks cute. She brings her film camera on nights out, to take photos of her friends and on holidays, like on her recent trip to Europe. It captures the moment, you cant be like I look ugly and re-take it The photo is what it is, says Orrell, who has been on a break from Instagram because of the pressure to capture and share a perfect moment. I look back through my parents pictures, and its all about the memory and not about performing. When I get to 60, I can look back at my film photos and reminisce, says Orrell. In August, photography company Eastman Kodak reported its quarterly filings, including significant debt, which led to news headlines that the company might be facing closure. Kodak called these media reports misleading and released a statement to clarify that Kodak has no plans to cease operations and is confident it will repay, extend, or refinance its debt. Loading

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In November 2024, the iconic 133-year-old camera company had to temporarily pause its film production to make upgrades to its New York factory to keep up with the motion picture and still image film demands. Its funny talking about whats going to happen in the future. We dont know. Pentax is the only manufacturer who have produced a film camera in 20 years, says Vlahadamis. Japanese camera manufacturer Pentax launched the Pentax 17 last year, the first new film camera from a major brand since the 2000s. Its a camera that shouldnt exist today. They have almost sold out globally. But as a major manufacturer, Pentax has gone out on a limb, says Vlahadamis. The stores street view; The well-stocked film fridge. Abby Seaman

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Christopher Tiffany getting a single-use camera ready for processing. Abby Seaman In August, FujiFilm Australia took a similar risk and re-launched QuickSnap, a 35mm single-use camera targeted at Gen-Z customers. General manager of the photo imaging department at FujiFilm Australia Mary Georgievski says the product relaunch comes at a time of culture shift and taps into the younger generations craving for nostalgia. Gen Z are a lot about mental health, slowing things down, realising what we had in the past was great. While theyre highly connected digitally, Gen Z is driving a renewed appreciation for analog, choosing film not in place of digital, but alongside it, says Georgievski. Film photography is experiencing a wave of revival at the same time as compact digital cameras. Both trends are trying to tell the same story  perhaps the instant gratification of a smartphone camera is no longer satisfying for young people.

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Denis Hasagic was originally saving up to buy a digital camera when he was actively searching for a hobby. Denis Hasagic, 25, was originally saving up for a digital camera when he found his love of film photography. Abby Seaman Instead, the 25-year-old Sydney Super8 regular picked up his dads old Pentax MZ-50 and started shooting film. Only four out of 37 photos turned out, but Hasagic was already hooked. I saved up all this money for a digital camera and then got a film camera for much cheaper and spent the extra money on film and development, says Hasagic who bought a Pentax P30. Although saving his money was short-lived.

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Related Article Photography Meet the eight-year-old photographer who captured a secret Sydney skate park Around the new year, I counted up how much I spent last year and it was about three or four grand. So probably double that. Hasagic loves that shooting on film forces a sort of mindfulness that makes you slow down and go with the flow. Theres also the surprise element. When you get the scans back and the photo you thought was going to be really good turns out bad, but the photo you took accidentally is really amazing, says Hasagic. Professional photographer Julia Sarantis, 29, says that mistakes are to be expected when working with film.

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Julia Sarantis outside of Sydney Super8 wearing a tie that previous owner Christopher Tiffany gifted her. Abby Seaman Even though its heartbreaking, there are so many rolls [of film] that just didnt turn out ... but its magic when it happens, she says. Sarantis accidentally discovered her love of film photography when taking a required university elective. As soon as I got in the dark room and saw the magic of the development, I got hooked, says Sarantis. Ive always had an interest in old technology. But I think in a larger, cultural way its a deviation from immediacy of digital technology, says Sarantis.

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Sydney Super8s Vlahadamis wishes that more younger people wanted the physical prints as well as their digital scans, but understands the drive to post their shots on social media and is happy that they are embracing the old-school tech. You get one shot. We are in such an era right now where everything is instant  Youre going back to the future in a way. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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NationalShark debate This was published 3 months ago Opinion I surfed the same breaks as Mercury. I hate to see politics trawl this tragedy Malcolm Knox Journalist, author and columnist September 12, 2025  1:50pm

September 12, 2025  1:50pm 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 56 View all comments

The stretch of surf breaks where Mercury Psillakis was taken by a white shark last Saturday is called No Mans Land, or Poles, for a large rusty pipe standing in the sand. For Sydney, No Mans is isolated. Midway along the 1.8-kilometre stretch between Dee Why and Long Reef, it appeals to many surfers because it requires a decent walk from car parking. That means fewer people. From the water you look onto hectares of scrub around Dee Why Lagoon rather than beachfront development, which adds a country feel to a city spot. Illustration: Simon Letch Psillakis exemplified how the best boardriders are often the most easy-going. Theyll get their waves, and dont bring petty insecurities into the water. Ive seen Mercury or his twin Mike in the surf, and they always looked serene and comfortable in their element. Special places like this are an escape from conflict and a deliberate surrender to nature. The polarising politics of shark-netting seem especially remote. Shark nets are just 150 metres long and six metres deep, about 500 metres offshore. A net at Dee Why-Long Reef is, as one surfer friend told me, like a napkin in a swimming pool.

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The Psillakis family stated that Mercurys death was a tragic and unavoidable accident, an eloquent plea, amid grief, to not conflate what happened with a political issue driven by fear and misinformation. In the hours after Mercurys death, with his friends, family, local community and emergency services in shock, NSW Premier Chris Minns was no doubt intending to be sensitive and respectful in pausing a trial to reduce shark-netting. But nothing a premier can say is not political, particularly on such an emotive matter, and when Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said later that the trial would be halted indefinitely, the politicising of what police called a freak accident was under way. Mercury Psillakis with his twin brother, Mike. Psillakis Surfboards Minns and Moriarty said there would be an investigation by the Department of Primary Industries into what happened last Saturday. This satisfies a certain public demand to bring to justice the perpetrator of a crime. It yields to the fantasy of anthropomorphising sharks as motivated killers. Minns and Moriarty calculated that their move was sensible about what the community would expect at this time, as Moriarty said, but this is political logic, pandering to the lowest common denominator, the demand for zero tolerance. The more it sounded like standard politics, the less it sounded like sensitivity to a heartbroken community. Couldnt the matter have been left without political intervention, while the family and community grieved? This is overwhelmingly what Ive heard from surfers this week. A shark swam close to the shore and bit a surfer trying to look after his mates who knew they were in a shark habitat and accepted what are an estimated one-in-8 million odds in their favour, according to the Nature Conservancy Australia.

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Among the hundreds of thousands of sessions boardriders enjoy in Sydney each year, many during the net-free winter, this was the first shark-related fatality ever. The first. Among millions of surf sessions in NSW every year, this was the ninth lethal shark bite. Including swimmers, according to the Australian Shark-Incident Database, there have been 55 fatalities in Sydney in the 237 years since white settlement. Thirteen were at ocean beaches. Related Article Marine life Shark net removal plans scrapped as Psillakis family thanks community Supporters of shark-netting in Sydney cite the absence of so-called shark attacks since the nets introduction in 1937. But this is to give the randomness of mathematics the mystique of causation, as Dr Brianna Le Busque, from the University of South Australia, told Nine News: The pause in the trial of the removal of shark nets is unfortunate, as shark nets are not an effective mitigation approach, and can actually provide ocean users with false security that they are being protected from bites. People fear things that we feel we cant control, and non-effective mitigation techniques like nets can make people inaccurately feel in control of shark interactions. I feel sorry for those scientists who have devoted careers to accumulating and analysing information, which has confirmed that thousands upon thousands of sharks swim harmlessly near people every single day, only to have their work overturned in a moment when politics sees an opportunity to exploit emotion. Politics, unlike science, is about producing illusions of control and safety. The zero tolerance response is engineered to meet an expectation that government can stop every accident of nature. A section of the public is spring-loaded to see sharks as murderers that can and must be stopped. The political posture is to present strength: put a few dozen napkins out there.

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Shark hysteria is a recurring theme of life in Sydney. The author Vicki Hastrich has just published The Last Days of Zane Grey, a tale of the shark hysteria in the 1930s that brought the world-famous writer, Hollywood legend and big-game fisherman here to hunt down a great white shark and make a movie about it called White Death. After a swimmer was taken at Manly Beach, Hastrich writes, The creatures were quite simply hated. Grey himself detested sharks and believed that each time he killed one he was potentially saving a human life. Aiming to eradicate the species, harbour fishermen were being paid 10-shilling bounties for every shark they caught. Related Video Video icon 3:08 Tributes flow for surfer killed by shark near Dee Why Greys Australian adventure developed into a hairy-chested competition to land the biggest beast. For all his efforts, Grey failed to catch one for his film, but later, in South Australia, he hooked a killing machine, only to have his self-image as the great white hunter flipped when he stared into the face of death and had to picture himself as meat. Zane Greys story evokes a time when humans imagined themselves as heroes in a man-versus-shark contest. But the myth has proven durable, and politics rides on legends more than science. Jaws doubled down in 1975 and Chris Minns is like a prudent iteration of Amity Island Mayor Larry Vaughn. While there has been a renewal of white shark stocks since bans on fishing them in 1996, according to a CSIRO summary of published research, any rise in shark bites in recent decades coincides with an increasing human population, more people visiting beaches, a rise in the popularity of water-based fitness and recreational activities, and people accessing previously isolated coastal areas. Mercury Psillakis family said he was aware of the risks of the ocean, among which sharks would have been one of the lesser. His death wasnt a crime, it was an accident.

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I dont doubt for a moment that politicians are sincere when they say they respect grief. But sometimes respect can be expressed in restraint. Sometimes they dont need to project an image of strength. Sometimes they could just listen to the science. Sometimes its not about them. Sometimes they could stay silent. Otherwise the moment they open their mouths they find themselves in no mans land. And yes, the same applies to media, so Ill shut up now. Malcolm Knox is a journalist, author and columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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It was a crime that rocked a small country town. A woman set on fire, seen running from her burning car towards a nearby stream while ripping off her clothes and screaming so loudly it was captured by nearby security cameras. Neighbours ran from their homes to help, hosing her down, horrified by her injuries and feeling helpless as she cried out in pain. What led to that moment on the Friday evening of June 2, 2023, was never fully explained until the man responsible went on trial in the WA District Court two weeks ago. Kirsten Moiler on her way to court during her estranged husbands trial. In court, the jury was left horrified by the details of the attack. They were told how a woman, after enduring years of verbal and physical abuse, finally tried to leave and seek protection, enraging her husband, who later told his own mother that setting his wife on fire was the comeuppance she deserved. Such crimes are rare in Mount Helena. The Hills suburb, 40 kilometres east of Perth, is home to just over 3000 people, and many know one another.

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Visitors flock there for the popular country pub, an annual old-fashioned festival, and to drive through scenic rural back roads that weave through hobby farms. That it was also home to drug dealers and chronic domestic abuse would likely be unknown to many who lived there. Kirsten Moilers car after she was set on fire while sitting inside. Nine News/WA Police The night Peter Moiler set his wife on fire Peter Moiler, a long-time meth user, had been verbally and physically assaulting his wife for years. Kirsten Moiler was on and off the drug herself. After 11 years of marriage and 16 spent together, the pair decided to separate. Kirsten moved to a nearby suburb and the couple began to navigate a co-parenting arrangement for their children. But Moiler was getting more and more erratic and unpredictable, and there was tension between the pair.

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He began turning up to Kirstens new residence uninvited. She told the court he would sit in his car outside of her house and watch with the lights off. He was also sending her increasingly hostile text messages and pressuring her for sex. In the past, during arguments, he had threatened to kill her. Kirsten was getting nervous. She wanted things to remain peaceful between them as they began to navigate the journey of co-parenting their children together. Loading It was her dad who suggested the restraining order after she voiced concerns, but it was Friday afternoon before she got to Midland Magistrates Court, and the start of a long weekend. Court staff told her to come back on Tuesday to have her request processed. Kirsten told the jury during the trial she felt she needed to take matters into her own hands, because she needed to make sure we were still friends for co-parenting.

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She called Moiler and asked if he wanted to go for a drive to a nearby gravel pit to do some burn-outs. It was something they had often done together. She drove to the Honey Street property just after 6pm, but before she could get out of the car, Moiler threw a star picket into the passengers seat and asked her, You good? You strapped in? before spraying her with an accelerant and setting her alight. I could feel the flames, she told the court. I cant really describe it for you - it felt like my skin was being ripped off my body. It was burning, it was singeing. I couldnt stop it. Kirsten and Peter Moiler Her husband looked on as she burned. What the f--- happened? What are you doing? he could be heard on CCTV saying. A ruse, prosecutors said, to later cover his tracks.

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Kirsten was screaming at him: What the f--- Pete? She also begged him to help her as she peeled off her clothes and ran to the nearby stream. Related Article Courts Hefty sentence for Perth man who set his wife on fire days after she left him About 20 minutes later, moiler called triple zero, but then he went back to the house, got his car and drove off, leaving Kirsten in agony with a group of neighbours. Moiler drove to the homes of three separate neighbours, giving them each a version of events in which he claimed Kirsten had set herself on fire. Kirsten was treated by paramedics at the scene and then airlifted to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where she underwent surgery to treat partial and full thickness burns to 38 per cent of her body. She spent six weeks in hospital, underwent multiple painful operations, and has been left with significant scarring she will live with for the rest of her life.

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Characterisations such as these have helped turn Price into a conservative star, a valuable party fundraiser who can pack out auditoriums. Sacked from the frontbench last week over her comments about Indian migration and her failure to back her leader, she has promised to speak out more on the plight of those in remote communities.

Price has made much of the dark side. She describes the town her grandparents called home, and where her parents first met, as a brutal and backward place known for all the worst reasons.

This is where Jacinta Nampijinpa Price remembers eating honey ants as a child on visits from Alice Springs. This is where she watched her aunties dance in ceremonies, their bare chests painted with ochre and goanna fat. I have many happy early memories of times at Yuendumu, the Northern Territory senator writes in her memoir. But I was also acutely aware that Yuendumu had a dark side.

The public housing is yellow, green, blue, purple. Some streets are red dirt. People drive 4WDs or old sedans, kids sometimes riding on adults laps while packs of cheeky dogs nip at mudflaps. Theres a school, a police station, an arts centre, a nursing home, two stores, a dustbowl AFL oval and a Baptist church shaped like a Toblerone.

Head north-west from Alice Springs along the Tanami Road towards the desert. Go past spinifex plains, mulga scrub and low hills, and if you need fuel, theres a lonely roadhouse at the two-hour mark. An hour further on, youll see the turn-off for Yuendumu, population 740.

Outside a house on the edge of Yuendumu, children crouch around an open fire. Its winter and its been raining. Tommy Jangala Watson, who has lived here since 1969, sits on a bench under a tree, wearing a hat and a flannel shirt.

Now, a press release she issued last year has spiralled into a defamation trial  one she says could force her out of parliament. Some would love nothing more than to see me lose this case, Price told supporters in an email, seeking $320,000 in donations to her legal defence fund by the end of August.

At the same time, Price has campaigned for radical land rights changes and waged war on Aboriginal land councils, all without acknowledging her familys fight over land, dreaming and royalties.

But for Price to become leader, she would first need to win a seat in the lower house. That would mean confronting her deep unpopularity in remote Aboriginal communities, which she says she fights for every day. In her first term, the Warlpiri-Celtic senator did not spend time in a Warlpiri community for work. Elders reject her link between traditional law and violence.

Her supporters say she will rise again. They describe her as a future prime minister.

Growing up, Oldfield was close to Bess Nungarrayi Price, Jacintas mother. She likes Jacinta and supports her political career. But she doesnt like the way Price describes Warlpiri culture. She should help us, Oldfield says, not talk about her people, us Warlpiri mob.

Should she visit more? No, says elder Nancy Napurrurla Oldfield. Because lots of people dont like her. I just want her to be safe. People might do something. She adds in a low voice that they might do black magic.

But she has made only one attempt to visit a Warlpiri community. In 2023, she travelled with a Sky News journalist to Yuendumu to seek comments about the Voice but says she was denied entry to the town by white staff members of the local Warlpiri media organisation.

Price, who was born in Darwin and has lived in Alice Springs since she was three years old, has crisscrossed the country since becoming a senator. Her travel schedule was especially intense during the Voice campaign. In the past three years, she has visited Hobart three times and the NSW agricultural city of Orange five times.

Watson speaks of tension that Price has created between Yapa and Kardiya  Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. She didnt talk to anybody here at Yuendumu, or my people, Warlpiri people, he says, Warlpiri people at Lajamanu, Warlpiri people at Willowra, at Nyirripi.

Price declined interview requests and did not respond to questions for this article.

On election night this year, she told the ABC it should send a journalist to investigate. A spokeswoman for the Australian Electoral Commission said it had received no complaints from Price personally, while a complaint from the CLP lacked evidence and detail.

We wondered why the bush has voted for Labor all these years, she said. Well, this is why  Indigenous people have been bullied, theyve been intimidated, and I wont stand for it. Price alleged there had been a lot of manipulation at booths in the Voice referendum, in which nearly all remote Aboriginal communities in the NT voted Yes.

Over the years, she has argued that the results are skewed by election interference. Running for the seat of Lingiari in 2019, Price alleged she and her mother had been harangued and intimidated by a Labor booth worker.

Yuendumu votes Labor, by thumping margins. At the May election, the remote polling team covering the town and surrounding areas recorded nearly 10 times as many votes for Labor as for Prices Country Liberal Party in the NT Senate race.

An update to Prices register of interests on Thursday, first reported by Open Politics, showed 761 donors gave $300 or more in just over a fortnight. Among donors was Hancock Prospecting, the mining company of Australias richest person, Gina Rinehart.

If it goes well for them  defamation cases can go either way, after all  they might even bankrupt me and cost me my seat, she wrote in an email to supporters in July, alluding to the constitutional bar on MPs who are bankrupt or insolvent. But I will not go down without a fight. I will never back down on my principles.

It could all be over soon, the senator warns. In October, Price is set to front Darwins federal court for a defamation trial.

In Yapa culture, say Jacinta was based here, as a senator, someone says something wrong towards her, Id come with a nulla nulla [fighting stick], Ross says, with humour. Asked whether she agrees with Prices political stances, she says she does not follow politics, just normal news.

One Yuendumu voter who supports Price is Theresa Napurrurla Ross, a cousin of Prices mother. Seeing a Yapa [Aboriginal] woman up there in power, in politics, makes me really proud, Ross says. For the same reason, Ross supports other Aboriginal women in parliament, including Prices Labor opponents.

The case turns on a press release Price sent last August. In it, she made a number of criticisms of Aboriginal land councils. But she opened with the claim that Central Land Council chief executive Les Turner had lost the confidence of most of his members due to unprofessional conduct.

Turner denies this and says Price seriously injured his reputation by not checking her facts. Price maintains she acted reasonably and in the public interest. But she has dropped her truth defence.

The CLC is the second largest land council in the Territory, covering an area larger than France. Last year, Price took on its chair, Warren Williams, using a Senate inquiry to obtain his police record. It revealed offences from as recently as 2015, including assault and contravening domestic violence orders.

I regret things I did in the past, Williams said in response, describing how he now tried to change other mens behaviour through workshops.

Aboriginal land councils, which collect and redistribute money paid for land use such as mining, have been in Prices sights for years.

They are the most important organisations in the lives of our most marginalised and cannot be left to operate as they have been, she has argued. She has called them opaque and unaccountable. She would like to see them broken up into smaller bodies.

Both Price and former Greens senator Lidia Thorpe have called for greater scrutiny. Before the last election, the Coalition promised an inquiry.

Senator Price as a young child with her mother, grandparents and cousins. Matters of the Heart by Jacinta Nampijinpa Price

For Price, land use is not simply a policy matter. Its personal. In 2021, she said a lot of traditional owners  herself included  have not had the opportunity to be able to access their own country for economic development opportunities. She told a think-tank audience last year that the NTs land rights legislation should be reformed, or even scrapped.

Throughout all of this, Price has stayed quiet on her familys long-running dispute over land.

Unlike most politicians, she does not own property. She rents in the Alice Springs suburbs with her husband, Scottish-Australian musician Colin Lillie. Her register of financial interests includes only a few assets  a super fund and a savings account  plus a company and trust to deal with book royalties.

The section about shares contains a clue to the land fight. Price lists herself as a traditional owner within the Janganpa Land Trust in accordance with the NT Land Rights Act 1976.

There is no additional information online about a trust with that name. A spokeswoman for the CLC said it never comments on the situations of individual traditional owners.

Price wrote in 2018 of a janganpa (possum) dreaming she inherited from her mother. The dreaming stories tell us of how places came into being and explore what it means to be human in a vast, harsh landscape, she said. This is how we are connected to our country forever.

A line of hills south of Yuendumu, at the centre of the land dispute. Patrick Begley

Bess Price has identified herself as a traditional owner of a janganpa site in the hills south of Yuendumu. Owners of the hills have received money for the extraction of gravel for road building. In 2017, Bess staged a protest with other family members, accusing the land council of failing to consult her over the use of her land.

Others say thats not her Country.

Shes not from there, says Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, a prominent Yuendumu spokesman. That doesnt belong to her. He argues that Bess claim is invalid because her father was not Warlpiri but Arrernte, a separate nation to the south.

According to Theresa Ross, thats just talk. Shes heard it many times before. The hills belong to her mother as well as Bess and Jacinta, Ross says, putting the dispute down to jealousy that brewed after Bess entered politics. Thats why they started saying that Bess and my mum wasnt traditional owners.

Nancy Napurrurla Oldfield says the land dispute has hurt her friendship with Bess Nungarrayi Price, the senators mother. Patrick Begley

The dispute has had a personal cost for Nancy Oldfield, who was once a good friend of Bess. Oldfield explains that she is a servant of the hills, a kurdungurlu. It is her role to preserve dreaming knowledge and conduct ceremony in partnership with the kirda, or owners. Personally, she wanted Bess to be able to claim the dreaming. And she says Jacinta could possibly be counted as a kurdungurlu.

But her relatives disagree. My family dont want to share dreaming with [the Prices], she says. The owners complain, [Bess] shouldnt be getting money. When Oldfield visits Alice Springs these days, shes less likely to call in on Bess because of this.

Disputes like these are fairly common. Less common is for one side to include an influential politician criticising their land council in parliament.

The senator has also used her position as a politician to advocate for between $8 million and $12 million in funding for a new boarding facility at an Alice Springs school where her mother worked as an assistant principal.

Price was choking back tears when she first secured the election promise from the Morrison government, saying it would help get children off the streets at night. In opposition, she pushed Labor to match it.

When Labor did not immediately back the funding, Price and other members of the opposition pursued the issue repeatedly, including in parliament. Labor senator Tony Sheldon suggested in a Senate estimates hearing this year that there be a declaration if there is still an existing conflict of interest regarding this line of questioning.

Price did not mention her mother worked at the school. Asked about the connection at a press conference in Alice Springs in 2023, she said: Thats just the nature of being an Indigenous person in the Territory [who has] family and kin right across the Northern Territory.

Bess Price did not respond to questions for this article.

Promised marriages

Standing before the blue curtain backdrop of the National Press Club, a Vote No badge pinned to her lapel, Price spoke of traditional Aboriginal culture.

It was September 2023, the month before the Voice referendum. Price, a fierce critic of the Black Lives Matter movement, had just told her audience that colonisation had no ongoing negative impact  a comment that outraged many Indigenous leaders.

Price went on to speak of her family in remote communities who live very close to traditional culture and experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country. They experience that, she said, not because of the effects of colonisation but because its expected that young girls are married off to older husbands in arranged marriages.

In her memoir, published this year, Price describes these promised marriages as a means of exploitation encouraged by traditional law. She recounts stories of girls from her mothers generation who had been beaten or raped after being forced into promised marriages, some of them as young as 10. She details the case of her mothers 14-year-old cousin, who disappeared in 1982 after resisting a violent promised husband. (Prices grandparents and her mother defied their arrangements to marry who they wished.)

In 2018, Price called the practice very prevalent. In her book she writes of her belief that it continues in the Territory today.

This week, the NT News reported a major story about a 28-year-old man from an unnamed remote community, jailed for raping a 13-year-old girl he met as part of a family arrangement facilitated by her relatives. The court accepted that the man did not know the girls age until her family told him, after she fell pregnant. Justice Peter Barr said while the relationship did not breach Aboriginal customary law, that would have no bearing on sentencing.

None of the Warlpiri people interviewed by this masthead last month said they were aware of coercive promised marriages in Yuendumu. Two Price relatives  Oldfield and Ross  say the expectation of marrying a promised partner died out long ago. Danilda White, 24, says neither she nor anyone she knows has faced pressure to follow through on the commitments, which still form part of ceremony.

Danilda White says she does not know of anyone who has been pressured to marry a promised partner. Patrick Begley

These days, these promises are purely ritual, says Associate Professor Yasmine Musharbash, an Australian National University anthropologist who has visited Yuendumu since the 90s. Everybody has a promised partner but hardly anybody ever marries them today.

In 2015, Prices mother, then a Northern Territory minister, said: When young women do have promised husbands, they still choose who they want to be with.

Fighting domestic violence is the cause that has defined the careers of both mother and daughter. My mother was one of the first in our community to speak out, Price writes in Matters of the Heart. She has bravely refused to be silenced.

Prices parents met in Yuendumu in the mid-1970s. Her father, Dave, who grew up in a large, white, working-class family in Newcastle, had taken up a job in town as a teacher. He was married, unhappily. So was Bess, a teachers aide at the school who had become a mother at 14. (Her first child, Linawu, died of leukemia.)

Bess husband, a teenager himself, liked to drink. And with the bottle came regular beatings for my mum, Price writes. She still bears the scars of being burned with a firestick and sliced with a boomerang. Her uncles eventually gave the husband a flogging, but waited far too long, according to Price. Cultural law dictated that there was little they could do.

In 2018, she tweeted: Where culture is strongest is where violence is highest. The same year, thousands signed a petition titled As an Aboriginal Person Jacinta and Bess Price DO NOT represent me or speak on my behalf.

Trisha Morton-Thomas, an Anmatyerr woman living in Alice Springs, supported the petition. In her experience, those who are strongly connected to culture are quietly taking care of their families and communities, while those who have lost connection are more likely to fall into drugs and alcohol.

Senator Price was a spokeswoman for the lobby group Advance, urging Australians to vote No to the Voice. Most remote communites in the NT voted Yes. Advance

She highlights the issues, but the emphasis is always on how bad Aboriginal people are and how bad Aboriginal culture is, particularly men, Morton-Thomas, a film-maker and producer, says of Price. She finds the senators language quite destructive.

According to Dr Chay Brown, an Australian National University researcher specialising in domestic, family and sexual violence, there is no evidence that traditional culture contributes to the problem. Colonisation creates the context in which violence against Aboriginal women occurs, Brown says. Any prior experience of violence or trauma makes someone more likely to be re-victimised or to begin to use violence.

Working closely with prevention services in Alice Springs, where she lives, Brown says: I havent seen much engagement from Senator Price with the DV sector.

As opposition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians, Price led the push for a royal commission into the abuse of Indigenous children. According to the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), a not-for-profit focused on Indigenous children, her campaign was harmful and based on no evidence.

The impact of this campaign on our children and our communities was horrific because people believed it, and it shaped the way they saw us, says chief executive Catherine Liddle, an Arrernte/Luritja woman. Liddle says SNAICC engages with all the major political parties. But every request to meet with Price has been rejected or ignored.

She dont know the laws

Before her maiden speech, Prices relatives conducted a hare-wallaby dreaming ceremony in a parliament courtyard. Her great-great aunt gave her a fighting stick. My aunty and grandmother insisted that I also don the traditional feather headdress that we wore at womens ceremonies, she writes in her memoir.

But Warlpiri elders say Price does not take part in ceremony, in which knowledge of traditional law is shared. They question how she can confidently blame violence against women on culture when she does not participate in it.

Shes been betraying her own people, damaging their reputation, says Wanta Pawu, a professor at Melbourne Universitys Indigenous Knowledge Institute, based in Lajamanu.

Shes not a cultural woman, says Robin Japanangka Granites. She dont know the laws.

Robin Japanangka Granites questions Senator Prices claims linking traditional culture to violence. Patrick Begley

Along with other Warlpiri men, Granites helps repatriate cultural objects from overseas collections. During the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot dead by a police officer in Yuendumu in 2019, he helped translate proceedings into Warlpiri.

But Granites has a complicated relationship with the Price family. His brother, now deceased, was Bess Prices first husband, whom she accused of serious domestic violence. (Granites denies his brother was violent but says he struggled with alcohol abuse.)

In the 2010s, Granites worked for Bess in her electorate office. But after his own record of domestic violence was raised in parliament by a Price opponent, she sacked him. When asked about this, he says he realised in his early 20s I have been doing something very bad, then turned his life around. It wasnt a cultural issue at all, it was to do with me being on the grog.

His good friend, Scott McConnell, is a white former politician who grew up in Warlpiri communities including Yuendumu. He won his seat from Bess Price in the 2016 election but later resigned from Labor, citing frustration over Indigenous policy.

McConnell is adamant: People who say that Warlpiri culture is fundamentally violent are wrong  their opinion is not informed by fact. He attributes domestic abuse to social problems and inequalities for which both sides of politics bear responsibility. They add up to an absence of hope.

Travelling back from Yuendumu, you see a piece of graffiti on the back of a road sign: Yapa Lives Matter. On one level, the senator would agree. But she would never use those words.

Read day one of our Jacinta Nampijinpa Price series, The senator, the ex-PM and the lobby group: Prices crusade to remake the Liberals, here.
Images of Price draped in the Australian flag last week were shared across Advances social media. The same campaign vehicle calls for an end to migration madness and attacks sitting Liberals. It has amassed 500,000 supporters. Serving on Advances advisory council is Tony Abbott, Australias 28th prime minister, and Prices mentor.

But even before she was moved off the Liberal frontbench, Price was pursuing an agenda closer to that of the conservative lobby group, Advance, which she worked for before entering the Senate.

That same afternoon, Price suggested the government was prioritising Indian migration to shore up votes . She quickly retracted the comment but refused to apologise. A week later, her defiance still dominating headlines, she declined to support her leader, Sussan Ley. By late Wednesday evening, she had been sacked as a shadow minister .

Price, 44, wants to unite the country under the Australian flag. Last week, draped in the Southern Cross and Union Jack, she gave a rousing speech in the Senate calling for burning of the flag to be banned. When she was joined by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, the face of conservative race politics in Australia for decades, Price leapt to her defence. You vilify her, Price said of the governments treatment of Hanson. Youve made her out to be a racist in this country.

But Price, a town councillor in 2018, remained opposed. She questioned whether the flags supporters truly represented Arrernte wishes. The plan, she warned, was too divisive.

For more than a decade, Indigenous residents campaigned for the Aboriginal flag to join the Australian one on Anzac Hill, a site held sacred by the Arrernte people that also serves as the towns war memorial.

Price declined interview requests and did not respond to questions for this article.

Does she want to be prime minister one day? As she told Sky News in May , Theres a lot of Australians who would love to see that.

The Warlpiri-Celtic senator  who once shared a meme comparing Black Lives Matter protesters to Nazis  is more divisive than ever. Now on the backbench, she is no longer talking about the defence industry. She is free to wage her larger campaign: to remake the Liberal Party.

Both Abbott and Prices father, a white former cultural consultant, have argued against the history of the stolen generations taught in schools and universities. Price claims without evidence that the descendants of Indigenous people who were forcibly taken from their mothers are now wealthier than their peers. At the same time, she says too few children are being removed by child protection authorities due to a stolen generations stigma.

Without any warning, it changed my life, Price, who was then an Alice Springs councillor, writes in her memoir, Matters of the Heart , released this year. Suddenly the media was contacting me and I was inundated with requests to speak  The fact that I was a young Indigenous woman from the bush, and that I called it as I saw it, added a new dimension to the discussion.

But Price truly went national in January 2016, with a 1400-word Facebook post defending the date of Australia Day.

McAllan says Price was dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable Aboriginal kids. The pair went on to travel the country with Yamba, visiting thousands of children across remote communities with the help of at least $359,000 in government funding for their production company.

She was such a creative and talented person, says Julie McAllan, who produced the award-nominated childrens show about Indigenous health and education. She was an artist, she wrote songs, she sang, she performed on stage. She was everything a television producer ever dreamt of, and she was local. After she was hired, I said wed end up going national with this show.

One of the happiest times in her life was spent playing the best friend of a giant honey ant called Yamba on television.

She fell pregnant with her first child in high school. Later, on weekends without her children, she took ecstasy and went on three-day benders. She was never involved in student politics because she never went to university. She worked in art galleries and rapped under the stage name Sassy-J in a band called Catch the Fly.

Tickets to see her speak sold out. People lined up for photographs and signatures. She has more social media followers than any other Coalition MP. Her presence at a fundraising dinner can command $10,000 a seat . In both 2023 and 2024, Resolve Political Monitor polls ranked her among Australias most well-liked leaders. Her closest colleagues call her a rock star.

By the time Price gave her maiden speech in parliament in 2022, wearing a traditional feathered headdress, she was one of Australias leading conservative voices on Indigenous affairs. Then the No campaign transformed the charismatic, plain-speaking senator into a rare character for Australia: a political celebrity.

Would you rather offend someone, and save a life, or keep your mouth shut? she asked in a 2018 interview with Peta Credlin, a Sky commentator and former chief of staff to Tony Abbott.

The Centre for Independent Studies, a conservative think tank, invited her to give a talk on domestic violence. An invitation from the National Press Club followed. She began appearing on Sky News, writing opinion pieces for News Corp publications, and became a spokesperson for a new conservative lobby group, then known as Advance Australia.

Price hasnt declared any professional relationship with Advance since the referendum. A spokesman for Advance said: While there is no formal or financial relationship between Advance and the senator, she will always have the backing of our [463,825] supporters.

I dont doubt at all that there are those who would regard me as a gift to the conservative side of politics, she told Australian Story . But theres no way I would allow anybody to use me.

The outspoken senator says she cannot be manipulated.

This kind of support is not a new phenomenon, says Dominic Kelly, author of Political Troglodytes and Economic Lunatics: The Hard Right in Australia. When they do emerge, these Aboriginal voices who are conservative, the groups like the CIS and Quadrant and the IPA are very keen to get in touch with them, Kelly says. They saw that Jacinta was a star that they could get behind.

All three organisations have embraced Price and propelled her political career, covering flights or accommodation for her to attend their events, according to her register of interests. Prices partnership with Advance has been the closest: her role as lead spokesperson for the Voice campaign involved Advance covering modest expenses at its events, including a 12-day speaking tour, and flying one of her sons to Brisbane.

The right-wing campaign group has become a central part of Australias conservative ecosystem since it launched as a grassroots organisation in 2018, backed by a handful of Australias richest people . Its network of prominent donors includes board members of the Centre for Independent Studies and the Institute of Public Affairs, both right-leaning think tanks that have influenced Liberal Party policy for decades.

Open the Advance website today, and the first face you see is Prices.

But two years after the referendums defeat, Price and Advance still appear closely aligned. Nearly everything she does is pushed by Advance, says a Liberal MP, one of several who were granted anonymity to speak frankly for this article.

After the Coalitions election loss in May, Advance emailed its mailing list, asking supporters to become monthly donors. The email was signed off by Price.

Become an Advance partner and help Australia win again, Price wrote, as first reported by independent news website The Klaxon.

A consultancy linked to Advance also helps write Prices supporter emails and manage her inbox, according to invoices released last month under freedom of information laws.

Whitestone Strategic describes itself as Australias conservative campaign consultancy and was contracted by Advance during the No campaign. The firms director is Advance campaign strategist, Stephen Doyle, whom Price described in her book as one of the sharpest political strategists Ive ever worked with.

Whitestone billed taxpayers $2750 in August, October, November and December last year, and January this year, for its services to Price. That included $2000 for supporter communications and $500 for inbox management, plus GST. The company also charged the senator almost $70,000 over 2023 and 2024, The Guardian reported last year.

Advance is now running three campaigns: to dump net zero climate targets; stop mass immigration; and end Welcome to Country ceremonies.

Not one of these stances is Liberal policy. Price has been vocal on all three. She appears as the face of Advances fight against Welcome to Country. She vowed to fight the ramifications of mass migration and the economically immiserating and freedom-eroding policy of net zero in her first statement as a newly unshackled backbencher.

Advance will always encourage politicians who align with our supporters and criticise those who dont, the Advance spokesman says.

It was Prices freelancing on the topic of mass migration  a phrase rejected by Liberal immigration spokesman Paul Scarr  on the ABC this month that went further than any of her colleagues and landed her in trouble. A Liberal Party source says they believe Price wanted to show her support for recent anti-immigration rallies, which she did not attend.

It was the view of the right  to say these were great. She was trying to replicate that part of the ecosystem, they say.

Price says she was disappointed by colleagues who did not back her argument.

Advance is also willing to attack Liberals on the issue. A recent Advance Facebook post warning of worsening traffic and fraying social cohesion included a picture of Scarr with members of the Sikh community. Several other Advance posts feature AI-generated images of people with dark hair and brown skin massing in queues at the airport or outside a rental property.

In relation to your question about our content, Advance opposes Labors mass immigration policies for no other reason than they are undermining this nations security and prosperity, the Advance spokesman says.

But asking us if we are racists in the same breath as you question our support for an Indigenous senator is what weve come to expect from the mainstream media.

A Facebook post from conservative activist group Advance. Advance

Maurice Newman, a businessman who helped establish the Centre for Independent Studies and has served on Advances advisory council since day dot, denies Advances immigration campaigning is racist.

This whole discussion about racism is totally unnecessary and divisive, he says. Asked about the groups attacks on Liberals, Newman responds: If the cap fits, it should be worn.

The mentor

Colleagues who observe Price see a senator searching for relevance. Shes looking for her Voice 2.0, says one. She took that thing and killed it. Thats what shes seeking again.

After the referendum, Price said she wanted to focus on transgender issues. Then she called for a national debate on abortion, saying pregnancies ended after the first trimester were immoral. But that was slapped down by then opposition leader Peter Dutton. In her memoir, published months later, she wrote that she had no moral objection to abortion and totally supported a womans right to choose what happens to her body.

Some MPs say these episodes have exposed Price as a political amateur who rose up the ranks too fast and is out of her depth on policy. Theres only been one or two issues shes been able to pick up and take off, and theyre the very divisive ones, says another Liberal.

Price (centre) with former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard at the Liberal Party campaign launch on April 13. Abbott supported her defection to the Liberal Party. James Brickwood

But shes got conservative right-wing support throughout the country because of her stance on the Voice. 

Price also has a powerful supporter in Tony Abbott. Still active behind the scenes of the Liberal Party, he is a long-time member of Advances advisory council.

Abbott helped orchestrate Prices move to the Liberals, as well as her failed deputy leadership bid. Tony Abbott has long been a strong supporter of Jacinta, says Natasha Griggs, president of the Northern Territorys Country Liberal Party. He spoke with me earlier this year and again made clear his view about the contribution she can make.

Those interventions frustrate Liberals who disagree with Abbotts vision for the party.

Abbott is behind all of this. He pretends hes doing nothing, but hes actively trying to drag the party, kicking and screaming, to where Advance is. They think theyre Nigel Farage and theyre going to save Australia, says one MP.

She gets a lot of guidance from him. The connection with Advance is there. Every time something happens for her, shes on [Sky News with Peta] Credlin. Thats her safe space because theyre the people that guide her.

Abbott declined to comment. In a post on X he said: Jacinta Price will be a big loss to the frontbench but Im confident that she will continue to make a strong contribution to our public life.

The family

Fifteen years ago, Lasseters Casino in Alice Springs refused entry to a 49-year-old Aboriginal woman on the grounds she was intoxicated.

I put it down to racism, the woman would later tell the media, denying she had been drunk. After police attended they lifted me and threw me, she said. I was taken to the police station and treated like a blackfella.

The woman was Jacintas mother, Bess Nungarrayi Price, a Warlpiri activist known for speaking out against domestic violence and for supporting the Howard governments intervention in Aboriginal communities.

Two years later, as she ran for NT parliament, a journalist profiling her for The Weekend Australian magazine noted she had not mentioned racism in their time together. I have never faced racism, she told him. Maybe once, in a clothing shop.

Senator Price with her mother, Bess Nungarrayi, a former Northern Territory government minister. Jeff Tan

Jacinta is in many ways her mothers daughter. Both have won office as CLP politicians (Bess Price served one term, becoming a minister). Both have attacked Aboriginal leaders living in capital cities as out-of-touch elites. Both say the media is preoccupied with racism and that they are more likely to be racially vilified by other Aboriginal people. Price has called the insult coconut  brown on the outside, white on the inside  an example of hate speech.

Prices father, Dave, is another important influence. In his younger days, he was a long-haired hippie who loved nothing more than tossing a backpack over his shoulder and heading off on his motorbike in whichever direction the wind was blowing, the senator writes in her memoir.

These days, theres little hippie left in Dave Price.

In a 2023 interview with Andrew Bolt, he called Aboriginal culture particularly misogynist. Writing for Quadrant in 2020, he demanded an apology from Aboriginal leaders who have convinced governments that the best we can do for these children is to leave them in the hellholes they die in as long as they are on Country, practice their culture and speak their language.

Dave Price had been a lifelong Labor voter, Jacinta has said, dating her familys political conversion to the time of the 2007 NT Intervention. But years earlier, Dave was already in John Howards camp when it came to the history wars fought over colonisation and its legacy.

The Aboriginal flag, flying on Anzac Hill, which Price opposed in 2018 when she was a town councillor. Patrick Begley

In 2001, Dave told the Alice Springs News that debate over the stolen generations  the removal of tens of thousands of Indigenous children from their families over decades  was being repressed.

The complexities of the story arent aired, he said. Politicians and the press look for an Aboriginal point of view. Its an absolute absurdity. We dont say, what is the white point of view?

In a 1999 essay, posted to the website of the cultural consultancy business he ran with Bess, he argued there was more to the stolen generations than unrelenting and cruel injustice.

There were whitefellas involved who acted from the highest motives and did see themselves as rescuing children from intolerable circumstances, he wrote. We dont hear enough from them.

The benefactors

When Prices parents flew to Canberra for their daughters maiden speech, they found themselves in powerful company. Gina Rinehart made an appearance in the Senate viewing box.

Australias richest person has since praised Price for her endeavours to speak up for truth about marginalised Indigenous Australians. Last year, Rineharts mining company, Hancock Prospecting, made its first donation to Prices CLP in a decade, $75,000.

The admiration flows both ways. A remarkable woman, a pioneer, Price called Rinehart in a 2022 speech. In the same address, Price thanked Lachlan Murdoch whose family have provided a beacon of light in a sea of woke darkness. When News Corp celebrated The Australians 60th birthday, Price received free flights and accommodation to attend.

But according to her gift disclosures, her most generous benefactor is a retired UNSW maths professor.

James Franklin donated $15,000 to Prices 2019 election campaign. He flew her family to Canberra to attend her maiden speech, twice covered her legal fees, and paid for her to attend a London conference.

Senator Price with her benefactor, retired mathematics professor James Franklin. Facebook

For nearly a decade, Franklin maintained an online project called The Australian Database of Indigenous Violence.

I mean violence to Indigenous people but, as everybody can see, nearly all of it is by other Indigenous people, he told The Australian in 2008. He said some in the Aboriginal industry would call it racist. I agree its problematic to say in some sense that one community is worse than another, but thats too bad. They are.

Franklin later joined the board of the Bennelong Society, a now-defunct group devoted to right-wing thought on Aboriginal affairs, which had awarded Bess Price a medal in 2009.

Indigenous issues, especially as talked about in the city, had a lot of bullshit talked about them, Franklin says of this time. I was on the lookout for someone who might be talking some more sense.

Franklin, who also donated to Bess, describes the Prices as family friends. He has met Jacinta several times. But he says they dont discuss Indigenous policy. They say that in the end, its not policies imposed from outside that can do anything, Franklin says. Its cultural change from the inside that is needed.

The claims

Where Advance targets ordinary Aussies, Quadrant pursues an intellectual audience. For decades, the arch-conservative magazine has provided a platform to the opponents of Aboriginal self-determination.

Franklin sits on the board. Abbott is its chair.

This year, both men spoke at a memorial held for Quadrant editor Keith Windschuttle, who concluded there were no stolen generations in his 2002 book, The Fabrication of Aboriginal History.

In his eulogy, Abbott said: Few, if any, Aboriginal children were removed other than for their own well-being, as best as that could be understood.

Its a conclusion at odds with the 1997 report to parliament Bringing Them Home, which found the removal policies amounted to a crime against humanity.

Price wrote for The Australian last year that even when misguided policies are pursued, like those that befell the stolen generation, we find that, over time, the efforts to integrate proved more fruitful than policies of separation.

She went on: The records show many descendants of the stolen generations now enjoy greater prosperity and success than those generations who were simply neglected and left to live in poverty and squalor.

A 2021 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study found stolen generation survivors aged over 50 had worse health and finances than other Indigenous people. They were nearly twice as likely not to own their home.

Previous AIHW research showed that households where children live with a survivor are more likely to face financial stress.

Price has also argued that child protection authorities are leaving children in unsafe homes to avoid perceptions of new stolen generations.

Jacynta Krakouer, a Minang-Noongar woman and an Aboriginal Enterprise Fellow at the University of South Australia, strongly disagrees.

The best interest of the child is a legal precedent in all states and territories, Krakouer says. And to state that Aboriginal children need to be removed more is an insult to all of the children that are being removed at incredibly high rates  rates that continue to climb year on year.

Price and husband, Scottish-Australian musician Colin Lillie.

According to her memoir, Price was the one who advised Advance to get involved in the Voice referendum. But it was Advance director, Stephen Doyle, over a coffee in Brisbane, who suggested Price and her family should front the campaign.

What followed was a nine-minute documentary featuring interviews with Price and her husband at home in Alice Springs. It opens with Price, perched on a boulder on Anzac Hill, as the sun dips behind the ranges in the distance.

In one of the final images, the Australian flag flies majestically on the summit. The Aboriginal flag, right beside it, was cropped out of view.

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Fashion designer Shona Joy Thatcher, of the eponymous clothing brand, and her property investor husband, Marty McGrath, are offloading their Mediterranean-inspired family home in Sydneys eastern suburbs with a guide of $16 million.

The Dover Heights home has come a long way since the couple purchased the block for $2,201,350 in 2014. They have gone on to transform the 618-square-metre parcel from a double red brick house into a modern luxury.

The Dover Heights home of Thatcher and McGrath, which was purchased for $2,201,350 in 2014. Credit:

Teaming up with Andrew Burges Architects, the firm responsible for the redesign of Parramatta Aquatic Centre, and Robert Plumb Build, the couple built a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house that evokes the nostalgia of a Greek island holiday.

With interiors designed by Design Daily,and Dangar Barin Smith gardens, no corner has been overlooked.
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InspirationWeekend getaways Can only get two days away? Here are the best spots for a short break September 13, 2025  10:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

This article is part of Travellers Holiday Guide to short international holidays. See all stories .

Two days can seem like a lot more with a mix of good food and wine mixed with culture and the great outdoors. MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VIC Good for Wine drinkers, spa lovers, beach devotees. Stay The five new villas of The Sanctuary are hidden among moonah woodlands at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. Spend the day hopping between pools of hot, mineral-rich waters and then retreat to your villa for peninsula wines and cheese platters. In the morning, order breakfast from Albas excellent restaurant, Thyme, and watch eagles coast on the sea breezes. From $950 a room. Alba Thermal Springs, Mornington Peninsula.

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See + do + eat Make like the eagle and cruise up Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola for glittering bay views and the Dromana Drive-In, ideal for a cosy night tucked in for starlit movies. The 40-seat Barragunda Dining at Cape Schanck is the latest addition to the peninsulas exceptional dining scene; work up an appetite on the Fingal Beach Walk or the shorter Cape Schanck lighthouse boardwalk. Dont miss Swim with the dolphins and Australian fur seals of Port Phillip Bay on a boat tour from Sorrento Pier  if the dolphins are fickle and dont want to play, the boisterous seals are always delighted by company. Seal the deal: Chinamans Hat in Port Phillip Bay. Essentials The Mornington Peninsula is an hours drive south-east of Melbourne CBD via the Peninsula Link tollway. See albathermalsprings.com.au; aseagle.com.au; barragunda.com.au; moonrakerdolphinswims.com.au; visitmorningtonpeninsula.org NEWCASTLE, NSW

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Good for Surfers, foodies, art lovers Stay Little Nationals third design-led property opened last year in Newcastles rejuvenated waterfront precinct. Designed by Bates Smart and Luchetti Krelle, all 181 compact rooms and apartments offer super king beds, delicate sconce lighting and Byredo amenities. Theres a club-like library with oversized couches and granite bar, 24-hour gym and sunny ground floor cafe with alfresco tables overlooking the bustling harbour. The QT Newcastle. See + do + eat Start with coffee and Newcastles best paninis (try the #23 with porchetta) at Florence-inspired Arno Deli. Nearby, Newcastle Art Gallery reopens, in part, this month after a $47 million expansion with a full unveiling due in February. At QT Newcastle, new executive chef Carmine Maris (ex-Becco, Melbourne) ingredient-led menu is shaped by his southern Italian roots. Think hand-rolled pasta with mortadella and pistachio, dry-aged duck and red wine and West Australian truffles, shaved tableside over buttery potato gnocchi. Book way in advance for hatted Bistro Penny featuring a French forward wood fire menu (the oxheart tomato salad and whole lemon sole are highlights) followed by a nightcap at cocktail bar Roxanne. At the refreshed watering hole, The Del, chef Stephen Scotts truffle pizza, barbecue king prawns with spicy salami butter and Sunday roasts are wowing pub goers. Porchetta and eggplant panino at Arno Deli, Newcastle.

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Dont miss Newcastle Food Month celebrates the citys burgeoning food scene each April with vegan degustation, plate dates, masterclasses and more. Essentials Newcastle is two hours drive north of Sydney, or fly direct into Newcastle Airport (from Sydney, Melbourne and other capitals). The airport opened a new international terminal last month. See littlenationalhotel.com.au; arnodeli.com.au; newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au; qthotels.com; bistropenny.com.au; roxannebar.com.au; thedelanyhotel.com.au; newcastlefoodmonth.com.au; visitnewcastle.com.au GEELONG AND THE BELLARINE, VIC Good for Culture vultures, wine aficionados Geelong waterfront.

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Stay Mount Duneed Estate is just 20 minutes drive from Geelong and 15 minutes from the coast, so its perfectly positioned for exploring both. Go for a wine tasting or long lunch, then head to one of the estates sleek accommodation pods featuring private outdoor tubs overlooking the vineyard. See + do + eat Geelongs art scene is thriving: head to the new arts centre to see a concert or show, drop into the stately Geelong Art Gallery, explore Fyansford village and its old paper mill turned design-focused hub and enjoy the public art on the ever appealing waterfront. Head out of town for a wine tasting at one of the many regional cellar doors or stay in town for a gin masterclass at Ceres Distilling Co, one of several local distilleries, breweries and cideries. Theres no shortage of good dining options, but you cant beat a meal overlooking the beach. The imposing Tarra at Queenscliff fits the bill. Geelong Art Gallery. Dont miss Youve tasted wine, cheese and chocolate, how about butter? Lard Asss butters are made from local dairy and come in a range of flavours, from black garlic to miso. The Ocean Grove factory shop is open weekdays or find them at the South Geelong Farmers Market on the third Sunday of every month. Essentials Geelong is just under one hours drive or train journey from Melbourne. Jetstar flies direct to Avalon Airport from Sydney. See mtduneedestate.com.au; geelonggallery.org.au; fyansfordpapermill.com.au; ceresdistillingco.com.au; tarra.com.au; lardass.com.au; visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

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MANLY, SYDNEY, NSW Good for Beachy types, nature lovers, foodies Room with a view: the Manly Pacific Hotel. Stay Ruminating over what could have been rarely elicits a warm glow. But when you consider the Manly Pacific Hotel was built in the heady 80s, when excess equalled success, its a relief to know cooler heads prevailed and the hotel is not tall enough to throw shade on the main attraction across the road. After all, Manly is all about that mesmerising blue expanse. And this five-star MGallery Collection hotel does not take its enviable position lightly, cementing its coast-loving cred with a $30 million beach-vibe renovation in 2023 by Coco Republic. Beachside rooms and villas offer unrestricted views as does the rooftop pool. From $399 a night. See + do + eat Travel by ferry then walk up the Corso, dotted with weekend markets, and dive into Manly Beach. Or take a 161 bus to the Q Station on North Head for historical shocks. Away from the surf and harbour are cafes, bars and second-hand sensations such as Desire Books and Records in Whistler Street. Food offerings may surprise, starting with the hatted Italian Cibaria next to the Manly Pacific; Young Chef of the Year Luke Bourkes foray into respectful fish dishes at Felons Seafood at the wharf, and a deli on steroids at Normas Deli in the Corso. For pastries with a Nordic twist head to Fika or roll with the locals to Rollers Bakehouse.

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Cibaria, Manly. Dont Miss Head south past the surf club for one of Sydneys best walks, a 15-minute amble to Shelly Beach, dotted with sculptures and home to Cabbage Tree Bay where snorkelers splutter at the fishy fantasy land below. Essentials Ferries leave regularly from Circular Quay. See manlypacific.com.au; qstation.com.au; desirebooks.com.au; cibariamanly.au; felonsbrewingco.com.au; normasdeli.com; fika.au; rollersbakehouse.com KIMPTON MARGOT HOTEL, SYDNEY, NSW Good for Theatre lovers, city slickers

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The Kimpton Margot is a bit swish. Stay Feel lifes missing some Mad Men glamour? Dress the part and make like youre in Manhattan on a mid-week or weekend getaway at the delectably art-deco Kimpton Margot Hotel. Here, it may all appear to be about stylish aesthetics thanks to an astonishingly stylish reworking of the 1930s Sydney Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board headquarters, complete with pink Scagliola columns in the striking Wilmot Bar. But this hotels location and food and drink options deliver so much more. See + do + eat This five-star offers a stunning exit, stage-left for fans of the irreverently raucous Book of Mormon showing around the corner at the Capitol Theatre. A dine, show & stay package until January allows guests to stay at this designer overnight spot, nab two A-Reserve theatre tickets and enjoy a two-course set menu at the in-house Lukes Kitchen. The next day the revamped Paddys Markets beckon for lunch, but then so does Chinatown and Little Thailand  theyre all on your doorstep. In the pink: the Wilmot Bar. Dont miss Sydneys largest open-air rooftop bar. You can be swimming in it thanks to the sparkling pool on level seven amid the skyscrapers. Take friends and get a sun-lounger and cocktail and listen to some tunes with Mangan share plates in the sun-drenched surrounds of the Harper Rooftop Bar. You can also take Fido. Fridays and Saturdays.

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Essentials Kimpton Margot dine, show & stay $738. See kimptonmargotsydney.com; capitoltheatre.com.au; paddysmarkets.com.au SOVEREIGN HILL, BALLARAT, VIC Sovereign Hill Hotel, Governors room. Stay You can stay at Sovereign Hill, the open-air museum set in the Ballarat of the 1850s, with rooms at the onsite hotel from $155  a good option for experiencing Aura, the sound and light show. Closer to Ballarats centre are the hip and luxurious Hotel Vera, where rooms start from $230, and the heritage Craigs Royal Hotel (from $150). The Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct in Sovereign Hill.

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See + do + eat About 500,000 people a year visit Sovereign Hill to understand life in the gold rush era through the lens of this living museum, but its operators saw something was missing. Sovereign Hill told the story of the people who came, but not the people who were already here, says deputy chief executive Katrina Nitschke. So the museum worked with the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the Ballarat region, to create the Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct within Sovereign Hill. Youll find its main expression in and around a small dam where the work of five Wadawurrung artists tell their stories, such as those connecting them with Chinese miners. We have a lot of stories of conflict, but there are many of connection, Nitschke says. Food onsite has a museum vibe, but modern quality includes a bakery, cafe and restaurant. Dont miss Such is its significance as a museum, Sovereign Hill also hosts the Australian Centre for Goldrush Collections and the Rare Trades Centre. Here youll find everything from a Chinese processional dragon to fashions of the 1850s to a blacksmiths forge to Indigenous art. Tours and experiences are available through Cultural Attractions of Australia. Essentials About an hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne by car or train, Ballarat, Victorias third-largest city, holds its goldfields heritage in high esteem, not least at Sovereign Hill. See sovereignhill.com.au; hotelballarat.com.au; craigsroyal.com.au; culturalattractionsofaustralia.com Contributors: Justine Costigan, Jim Darby, Belinda Jackson, Julie Miller, Jane Reddy, Sheriden Rhodes, Jane Richards, Craig Tansley and Sue Williams.

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An illustration depicts a 3D, computer-generated image of a group of Bordetella pertussis bacteria. If someone infected with pertussis coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets are released that contain the bacteria.
As a senior commentator with the Financial Times, Philip Stephens has spent decades analysing the great political shifts between Britain and Europe. His latest book, These Divided Isles, examines the complex ties between Ireland and Britain - ties that, for Stephens, are not only historical and political but deeply personal.

Although born in London to an Irish mother and Welsh father, Philip spent long childhood summers in Kiltimagh, where his grandparents lived. Those visits, stretching from the mid-1950s into the late 1960s, shaped his identity, gave him a lifelong connection to Mayo, and now form a vivid thread in his reflections on what it means to be both Irish and British.

My first clear memories of Ireland are from when I was about six or seven, at the end of the 1950s, Philip told the Western People. Wed set off from Euston Station in London in the evening, my mother, my older brother Paul and me. My father stayed behind for work.

"The train was always crowded and chaotic. Then came the night boat from Holyhead, arriving in Dublin at dawn.

From there, the family made the long trek westwards. We had to cross Dublin to reach Heuston Station and take the train to Claremorris. In those days, you could continue on to Kiltimagh itself, but later the station closed and wed take a bus instead.

"It was always a long journey, but for us children, it was the gateway to freedom.

And freedom was the word.

Coming from a big city, what struck me in Kiltimagh was the freedom to roam. My mother was perfectly content for us to disappear after breakfast with a bit of soda bread and cheese and not return until teatime.

"Wed spend hours at the ball alley, swim in the river, walk in the mountain, and play with friends we made in the town. Everyone knew who we were, and though we were called the English boys, we were never strangers.

Philip's mother, Theresa Martin, grew up in Kiltimagh before emigrating to London in the late 1940s.

She had left school at 14, got a typing qualification, and found secretarial work in London. Thats where she met my father, who was Welsh.

His maternal grandfather, John Martin, was a tailor based on James Street in Kiltimagh. Several of his mothers siblings entered religious life.

Two of my uncles became Holy Ghost Fathers. One worked for many years in Africa, in what was then the Gold Coast, while the other was involved in education in Ireland. He only passed away last year. My aunt, Sister Mary Enda, was with the Holy Rosary Sisters and spent most of her life on mission in South Africa.

His grandmothers family were Costellos, with strong local ties.

They had a bicycle shop in town and relations on farms outside. They were also connected to the Higgins family. I had cousins across the road, and wed spend time on their land.

The Martins and Costellos were well-known names in Kiltimagh, and Philip remembers his grandparents modest home vividly.

They were very poor, by comparison with our life in London. It was a house with no bathroom and an outside privy. In London, we lived in a social housing flat that, by the standards of the time, was modern and had proper facilities.

"As a child, I didnt notice the difference - only later did I find it striking. But it never dampened my enthusiasm for Kiltimagh.

Philip reels off the names of friends from those long summers.

Next door to my grandparents lived the Jordan family, who ran a general store. I knew the children well, and I actually met one of them, Tom Jordan, again quite recently. Then there was the Roughneen family and we were friends with the Walshs, who had the pub on the corner, and the Meenaghans further down town. We had a whole set of friends and spent so much time together at the ball alley or wandering the countryside.

He remembers the social life of Kiltimagh too.

As teenagers, we went to the dances in the ballroom. I had a crush on a girl there who I wrote to for years afterwards - but I wont name her! he laughs. My brother had his own crush as well. It was all part of growing up.

Those visits continued until the late 1960s when school exams, university and new opportunities took over.

I suppose we stopped going regularly when we were 15 or 16. My brother announced one year that he was going to Spain with friends instead, and that was that.

Although Philip built his life and career in Britain, the Mayo summers gave him a strong Irish identity.

I never really felt English. I always thought of myself as Irish as well as British, he says. After my mother died in the 1990s, I applied for an Irish passport to hold on to the connection and to honour her memory. Ive passed that on to my children too. Theyre both Irish citizens as well as British.

For him, the Irish connection is about personal identity rather than professional life.

It shaped me as a person. It gave me a sense of belonging and of being both Irish and British. Thats something Ive wanted to hold on to.

These Divided Isles, the second book in Philip's planned trilogy on Britains place in the world, interweaves these personal memories with an analysis of Anglo-Irish relations. The first volume, Britain Alone, examined Britains post-Suez decline, while the final, yet-to-be-written instalment will cover relations with the United States.

In These Divided Isles, Philip charts the story of Irish emigration to Britain, the discrimination Irish people sometimes faced, and the gradual integration that followed. He argues that the Belfast Agreement marked a turning point, allowing both nations to build a future free of old antagonisms. Queen Elizabeths 2011 state visit to Dublin was, for him, a high point of reconciliation. But he believes Brexit undid much of that progress.

The Brexiteers showed ignorance and indifference to Ireland. Boris Johnson in particular treated Northern Ireland as an inconvenience. The sense of respect built over decades was squandered.

Philip sees growing support for Irish unity, but he argues that Scotland will leave the UK before Northern Ireland joins the Republic.

The more often I go to Scotland, the more I realise it feels like a different country. It is growing apart.

He also highlights emerging tensions between Ireland and Britain over neutrality and defence.

The idea that neutrality is a pillar of Irish independence no longer holds, if it ever did. Ireland cant just be a bystander in a world of Putin and Russia. While no one expects Ireland to send troops around the world, relying on the security umbrella of others will cause friction.

Philip is proud to see Kiltimaghs place in wider Irish history too.

When I was back last year, I learned that Michael Collins used to hide out there because his sister was a teacher in Bohola. He would stay in a shop on the main street. I also heard about one of de Valeras close friends who lived near the church - they had known each other from school in Blackrock, and de Valera would spend time in Kiltimagh as a result. So the two great figures of independence, Collins and de Valera, both had connections to the town. I found that fascinating.

Now aged 72, Philip looks back on his Mayo summers with warmth and gratitude.

Those summers shaped who I am. They didnt determine my career, but they gave me something much more lasting - a sense of freedom, belonging, and identity. For two London boys, Kiltimagh was a wondrous place. It still is.

Philip will be back in Kiltimagh on October 18th for the Mayo launch of his book and he will give a talk on his life in the local museum.
James Cox

Pope Leo has revealed he was physically assaulted during a visit to Ireland.

In a recently resurfaced video from 2019, he detailed how a person set upon him in the street after saying "you're a priest".

Addressing a conference in Peru, the then-bishop referenced how attitudes to Catholicism have dramatically changed, especially in Ireland since the clerical abuse scandal broke in the 1990s.

Never in my life, anywhere in the world, have I been physically attacked as I was in Ireland, for just going out on the street.

A man passes by, he looks at me [and says] youre a priest  and he starts attacking me. Fortunately, another Augustinian, who is twice as big as me, came to defend me.

He added: "I dont know if he was a victim or had lost faith in the church, I have no idea what happened to him. But I truly believe it is a very important factor in the experience here in the church as well.

It is unclear when the attack took place, but Pope Leo is known to have visited Ireland twice, in 2005 and 2007.
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...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM CST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, Southern Marinette County, and Southern Oconto County Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. &&
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The International Committee of the Fourth International welcomes with pride and enthusiasm the establishment of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi - Dorduncu Enternasyonal (Socialist Equality Party  Fourth International) as the Turkish section of the World Party of Socialist Revolution.

The formation of the section of the ICFI in Turkey is an event of immense historical significance. Although it was on the island of Buyukada (Prinkipo) in 1933 that the call for the building of the Fourth International was issued, the establishment of the SEP marks the first time that a party has been formed in Turkey based on the internationalist program and principles of Trotskyism.

The establishment of the Turkish section is the outcome of an intense and systematic process of theoretical, historical and political clarification. The foundations for the formation of a Trotskyist party in Turkey were laid by the late comrade Halil Celik, who initiated political discussions with the International Committee. Halils contact with the ICFI and his commitment to building its Turkish section resulted from his conclusion, drawn from years of painful experience with various forms of Pabloite opportunism, that relentless political struggle against these tendencies was necessary.

In 2014 the ICFI formally endorsed the efforts of comrade Halil, who had begun the education of a group of young socialists in the history of the Fourth International, to establish a section in Turkey. In 2018 the Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu (Socialist Equality Group) was formed.

Halil Celik (1961-2018)

Halil undertook the translation of major publications of the International Committee into Turkish. He wrote:

In a country where the working class and socialist movement in general have been dominated by Stalinism, Maoism and petty-bourgeois nationalist tendencies for decades, these books are of prime importance in developing socialist consciousness among workers and youth. Publications of the contemporary Marxist literature produced by the world Trotskyist movement in Turkish, we believe, will contribute to laying the theoretical and political foundation for the building of the Turkish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

Despite his untimely death on December 31, 2018, Halil had by then recruited and educated a cadre of Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu that was determined to carry forward the fight for Trotskyism.

In June 2022 the SEG submitted its application to join the ICFI. The resolution motivating the application stated:

The building of a revolutionary party in any country is possible only on the basis of an international perspective, program and party. The only solution to the major problems in Turkey, which is in a critical position in terms of global geopolitics and class struggle, is the international socialist revolution. The founding of the SEP (Turkey) will be an expression of the global expansion of the ICFI, the only political tendency that assumes the task of solving the great historical problems.

The International Committee accepted the application of the SEG. This posed before the Turkish comrades the challenge of elaborating the historical foundations and principles of the new section. As there had never been a Trotskyist party in Turkey, this required the most exacting political work. It demanded not only a thorough assimilation of the history of the Fourth International, but also an analysis and explanation of the complex political and strategic issues that confront the Trotskyist movement in Turkey.

While pursuing this theoretical work, contributing significantly to the editorial work of the World Socialist Web Site, and continuing their ambitious program of publishing critical works of the International Committee, the SEG undertook important political initiatives to expand the political presence of the ICFI. Of particular importance was the SEGs organization, beginning in 2023, of annual meetings on the island of Buyukada to commemorate the life and work of Leon Trotsky.

In April 2025 the International Committee voted to approve the transformation of the SEG into the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi and its recognition as a section of the World Party of Socialist Revolution. This vote was taken following a careful review of the organizations document, The Historical and International Foundations of the Socialist Equality Party (Turkey).

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi - Dorduncu Enternasyonal held its founding congress in Istanbul on June 13-15, 2025. In addition to the historical document, the SEP also adopted a Statement of Principles and a constitution. In accordance with Turkish law, the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi - Dorduncu Enternasyonal was obligated to apply in Ankara for formal recognition as a party by the state. The official certification was received in August.

In a video statement announcing the formation of the SEP, posted on the World Socialist Web Site, its national chairman Ulas Sevinc states:

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi is unlike other political parties. We are part of the World Party of Socialist Revolution. We reject all forms of nationalism and fight for the international unity of workers, who have common interests and enemies worldwide. We reject petty-bourgeois identity politics, recognizing that the fundamental division in society is class-based. All fundamental problems facing humanity are global problems stemming from the capitalist system. Since one cause of these problems is private ownership of the means of production and another is the division of the world into economically obsolete nation states, the solutions must also be international. The working class, as an international class, is the only social force capable of implementing these solutions. Rather than pursuing a multipolar capitalist world, the alternative to the nation-state system that leads to imperialist war and genocide is a federation of world workers states that will eliminate borders. The ongoing genocide in Gaza is the most striking manifestation of the barbarism of the capitalist system and the decay of all parties defending it. As with other critical issues, it has become clear that the Palestinian question cannot be solved within the existing capitalist nation-state system. The same applies to the Kurdish question, which is an international issue. The only valid, progressive solution to these questions is a Socialist Federation of the Middle East, which will be established through the revolutionary mobilization of workers of all nationalities. The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi unequivocally rejects the lesser evil policy and fights for the political independence of the working class. This means rejecting class-collaborationist popular front politics, which subordinate the working class to bourgeois parties and interests. Regardless of their differences, all capitalist parties are in complete agreement on two fundamental issues: allegiance to imperialism and hostility toward the interests of the working class. For this reason, by their very nature, they cannot resolve any fundamental political issues, including the Kurdish question. They cannot establish a democratic regime, ensure social equality, or pursue an anti-imperialist foreign policy. As Leon Trotsky explained in his theory of permanent revolution, these tasks fall to the working class in the struggle for socialism. That is, the struggle for democracy is inextricably linked to the struggle for socialism. The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi rejects the capitalist establishment parties and the pseudo-left parties that claim there is no alternative to collaborating with them. We call on workers and youth to build the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi as their own revolutionary party. The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi is a party of history. Our party stands in the tradition of classical Marxism of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Trotsky, as well as the tradition of the October Revolution of 1917. Since its founding in 1923, the Trotskyist movement has defended and developed this tradition against Stalinism, whose national socialism betrayed the revolution in the interests of the Kremlin bureaucracys peaceful coexistence with imperialism that led to the collapse of the USSR; against Social Democracy, whose reactionary program of reforming capitalism has failed; and against petty-bourgeois nationalism, which results inevitably in capitulation to imperialism and defeat. The aim of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi and the International Committee of the Fourth International, with which it is in political solidarity, is summed up in the following statement of Trotsky, founder of the Fourth International:  the full material and spiritual liberation of the toilers and exploited through the socialist revolution. Join us in this struggle that determines the fate of all humanity. Visit sosyalistesitlikpartisi.org, review our documents, and join the party!

The foundation of the Socialist Equality Party in Turkey extends the work of the Trotskyist movement into a country that stands at a key strategic juncture of not only global geopolitics but also of the international class struggle. The massively powerful multi-national proletariat of Turkey is destined to play a gigantic role in the global struggle against capitalism and imperialism.

Moreover, the raising of the banner of Permanent Revolution by our comrades in Turkey will inspire a new generation of workers and the most principled elements among the youth and intellectuals in the emerging countries of the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. The political bankruptcy of the national bourgeoisiei.e., its subservience to imperialism and inability to satisfy either the democratic aspirations or social interests of the massesis vindicating every day the insistence of the Fourth International that the future of humanity depends upon the socialist revolution and the transfer of power to the working class.

Long Live the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi!

Long Live the International Committee of the Fourth International!

Forward to the World Socialist Revolution!
Ontario college support staff picketing on September 11, the first day of their province-wide strike [Photo: OPSEU/Facebook]

More than 10,000 full-time support workers at 24 community colleges across Ontario launched strike action on Thursday, September 11, in pursuit of improved wages and benefits, and most crucially amid a brutal cost-cutting drive, job security provisions.

The workers, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), provide a full gamut of services in the provincial college network, acting as library technologists, student advisers and co-op placement coordinators, administrative staff, job counsellors, IT specialists, tradespeople, custodians and food service workers.

The strike is the latest indication of mounting working class opposition across Canada to the ruling class imposition of savage austerity and the gutting of workers rights to pay for war and further swell the financial oligarchys vast wealth. Contradicting the bogus claims of the mainstream media, establishment parties, and the trade union bureaucracy of a Team Canada united across all social classes in the ongoing trade war with the United States, the college workers strike underscores yet again that Canada, like every country, is riven by irreconcilable class conflict under conditions of a deepening global capitalist crisis.

The strike by the over 10,000 support staff comes less than a month after 10,500 Air Canada flight attendants defied a back-to-work order from Mark Carneys federal Liberal government before having their courageous struggle for better wages and an end to unpaid labour sabotaged by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) bureaucracy. It coincides with ongoing rotating walkouts by over 30,000 government workers in British Columbia, who are fighting for a new contract against a New Democratic Party (NDP) government that is just as determined to impose savage cost-cutting as Doug Fords Tories in Ontario.

Classes and most labs for the more than 500,000 full- and part-time students enrolled in the provincial community college system are currently proceeding without significant interruption. This is thanks above all to the recent sellout of the contract fight of the 17,000 Ontario college faculty, who are also members of OPSEU. The union sat on an overwhelming strike mandate delivered by college lecturers last year before sending their contract to binding arbitration in January, thereby blocking the possibility of a joint struggle involving all college workers. A contract that failed to address many of the memberships grievances around looming layoffs, precarious gig economy working conditions and low pay was eventually imposed, the union having surrendered the workers right to strike or even vote on their terms of employment.

OPSEUs betrayal has created the conditions for college management to threaten full- and part-time professors, instructors, librarians and other part-time education workers with disciplinary action if they refuse to cross picket lines and continue classes during the support workers strike.

The support workers confrontation with the College Employer Council (CEC)the bargaining agent for the managements of Ontarios 24 publicly funded collegesdirectly raises the issue of the massive under-funding of the college system in Ontario by successive Liberal and Conservative provincial governments. The Ford governments cost-cutting agenda is already well on its way to eliminating 10,000 of the 50,000 faculty, support and administrator jobs and canceling curriculum programs by the hundreds.

These developments underline that the striking support workers are not simply in a contract struggle, but a political fight that pits them against the class war agenda spearheaded by the Ontario Tory government and Carneys Liberals and backed up by all of corporate Canada to offload the burden of paying for rearmament, war, and handouts to enrich the wealthy few on the backs of the working class. The immediate task facing the strikers is to appeal for support from broader sections of workers, all of whom confront the same threats of precarious employment, layoffs, wage cuts, and worsening public services, to join a worker-led industrial and political counteroffensive to secure decent-paying, secure jobs and well-funded public services for all.

The full extent of the jobs massacre in the colleges was only made public this past July as the result of the release of the arbitrated contract between the OPSEU faculty bargaining unit and the CEC. The right-wing Conservative government of Premier Doug Ford had withheld plans for the layoffs, leaving the details to be revealed to the press and the general public only when the arbitrated agreement for the teaching faculty was finalized.

The arbitrators report noted that the federal Liberal governments 2024 cap on international students had led to a dramatic decline in enrolment and tuition revenue, and the cancellation of more than 650 college programs. That cap represented a 35 percent reduction of international student visas from the previous year, with an additional 10 percent reduction for 2025. Colleges have reported a 48 percent decrease in first-semester enrolment of foreign students for 2024. Tuitions for these students, at twice the domestic student rate, had become an ever-more important cash cow for the colleges since the provincial government froze domestic tuitions in 2019, while continuing to reduce the real-terms dollar value of provincial grants.

The budgetary crisis in Ontarios college system, like those facing all levels of education across the country, has been deliberately created through decades of underfunding by successive governments. In order to fund the colleges to the standards of other provinces, it is estimated that the disbursements from the provincial Conservative government would have to be more than doubled. The Ford government, however, has refused to meet this country-wide standard and has insisted, without any credibility, that it has no hand in the CECs negotiations with OPSEU, even as it calls for more cost-cutting efficiencies.

College managements assertion that massive job cuts are needed to address budget shortfalls stands in stark contrast to the massive salaries and compensation increases delivered to college executives. Conestoga College president John Tibbits, for example, received $409,900 in 2022. In 2023, his salary was bumped by 20.7 per cent to $494,716. His 2024 salary has been listed as $636,107, a year-over-year increase of 28.6 percent. Such payments are not unusual amongst college executives. Meanwhile, the CEC brags about the magnanimity of its miserable wage offer to the support workers of a 2 percent increase per year over the life of any new deal.

Managements negotiators have called the unions position a poison pill and have refused to negotiate on employment levels. A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy, asserted CECs CEO Graham Lloyd. CEC has repeatedly advised OPSEU that these types of demands simply can never be agreed to. They are more about broader political campaigns than the benefits we have proposed at the table for their members.

OPSEU President JP Hornick responded quickly to Lloyds statement, signalling that bans on campus closures and staff reductions are not unmovable demands. Forget poison pills, said Hornick. There are countless proposals on the table that have not yet been addressed, from language around contracting out, to protecting bargaining unit work from management and erosion by new technologies. We made clear we wanted to trade proposals

For community college workers to defeat the brutal slashing of jobs and the gutting of student curriculum, a militant political struggle must be waged against the provincial government. But despite popular support for the community college system in Ontario, the union apparatus is determined to keep workers isolated on their picket lines even as their own members in the college faculties are instructed to bow to management demands to keep the classrooms open and the union bureaucrats give up job security and protection against campus closures at the bargaining table.

Workers must fight to mobilize the full 180,000 OPSEU membership, as well as the millions of workers whose families directly depend on a publicly funded education system, in this struggle. The union bureaucracy, however, is not interested in such a fight. Hornick and the OPSEU officialdom as a whole fear nothing more than the prospect of a broad movement in the working class against austerity, and the onslaught on jobs and working conditions, which inevitably must turn not just against Ford, but also against the bureaucracys partners in Carneys Liberal government, and the rump of the NDP that sees its role as a left prop for the big business Liberals.

As the unions Chief Steward prior to ascendancy to OPSEUs presidency, Hornickwho has been touted as a leading figure in a new generation of left and more militant union leadersplayed the leading role in demobilizing a previous contract dispute involving college faculty in 2021-22. Hornick, chairing the College Faculty Bargaining Team, held back strike demands in favour of a meek 13-week work-to-rule campaign that ended with capitulation to managements key wage restraint demands.

Hornicks role during the strike by 55,000 education support staff in November 2022 must also be recalled by all workers. After the members of CUPEs Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU) courageously defied a preemptive strike ban issued by Ford, triggering calls by workers throughout the province for a general strike, Hornick was among a phalanx of leading union bureaucrats from Ontario and across the country who prevailed on Ford to withdraw his strike ban in exchange for the strangling of the strike by the unions. The sabotage of the struggle, which Hornick loudly proclaimed as a victory at a well-attended press conference, was the prelude to the enforcement of a concessions-filled contract by OSBCU that escalated the crisis of the elementary- and secondary-level education systems.

The bureaucracys hostility to organizing workers in an unrelenting, mass mobilization against big business and their representatives in government flows from their corporatist ties with the state and big business that are the source of the union officials privileges. For them, all the jumps and traps and hurdles put up by the labyrinth-like collective bargaining system must be defended, because it is this system that secures union bureaucrats their well-paid salaries and de-fangs the working class of its true power.

The key lesson that striking college support staff and all workers must draw is that they must establish rank-and-file committees in every school and workplace to advance their interests in opposition to the entire stultifying union apparatus and the rapacious demands of the ruling class. The widespread anger and hostility to the betrayals of the union bureaucrats in dispute after dispute must find organized expression so that workers are capable of independently resisting and countermanding the bureaucrats when they attempt to enforce a sellout. This can only take place through the fight for a socialist program that places the interests of the workers above the demands of the corporate elite for higher profits, austerity and imperialist war.
Graffiti artist Banksy this week produced a powerful image of the repressive actions and legislation of the British state. The speed with which officials moved to cover and then remove his mural has confirmed its accuracy.

The mural appeared on Monday morning on a wall of Queens Building, Carey Street, London. This is in the back part of the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) complex, the home of the High Court and the Courts of Appeal. It showed an unarmed protester lying on the ground. A judge, in black gown and white wig, stands over him, beating him with a gavel. The protesters right hand is empty. His left holds a blood-spattered placard.

Banksy's mural [Photo: Banksy]

Banksy issued no statement about the work, simply posting pictures and location to Instagram, his usual method of establishing his authorship.

No statement was necessary. The mural appeared two days after the arrest of more than 850 people in Parliament Square in London, the latest mass arrests against opponents of the genocide in Gaza.

These are among the almost 1,500 arrests made under the Terrorism Act (2000), following the proscription in July by the Starmer government of protest group Palestine Action (PA) as a terrorist organisation. Leading members of PA and the legal rights group Defend Our Juries (DOJ) have been targeted in police raids.

Membership or encouragement of support for a proscribed group carries a maximum sentence of 14 years. Protesting this assault on democratic rights is itself being treated within the remit of the repressive legislation. The 857 arrested Saturday was because they held a placard containing seven words: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. Under the Terrorism Act, even wearing clothing or carrying items indicating support of a proscribed group means they could incur a fine of 5,000 or a six-month sentence.

Equating peaceful protest against the genocide in Gaza with terrorism is being used to criminalise opposition to brutal war crimes that are supported by the British ruling class. It is a further step into police state forms of rule that the government has tried to gloss with a veneer of legality. Banksys sharp image reveals the reality of such legalistic methods of the state.

A DOJ representative said the artwork represented the dystopian proscription of Palestine Action and the brutality unleashed by [then Home Secretary] Yvette Cooper on protesters.

The RCJ moved quickly but unsuccessfully to prevent the mural becoming a focus of attention. It was quickly covered with sheets of plastic and metal barriers, and security guards were posted to the spot. RCJ officials told press that it would be removed.

The Metropolitan Police said a complaint of criminal damage had been made and its inquiries were ongoing, leading to speculation about whether it would see Banksy in court. The prime question, if one were to believe the press, was whether it would finally publicly reveal the anonymous street artists real identity.

The pursuit of legal routes against Banksy is again confirmation of the repressive state apparatus his mural highlighted. This was reinforced by Blairite Labour peer Harriet Harman, who said more than she perhaps intended. Calling the mural a protest about the law, she said, Parliament makes the law, and judges simply interpret the law. I dont think theres any evidence, in terms of the right to protest, that judges have been clamping down on protests beyond what Parliament intended. [emphasis added]

Precisely. The government knows what it is doing with the judiciary as its willing tool. Banksys mural exposed that accurately and incisively.

On X/Twitter, the Good Law Project commented, The court is erasing Banksy's mural just like its erasing our right to protest Silencing a work of art about silencing protest? Maybe it was a little too close to home.

HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCT), which has responsibility for the building, ordered the immediate removal of the mural.

The RCJs front elevation, on the Strand, is a familiar sight from news reports. It is an imposing Victorian Gothic building, designed and built by George Edmund Street in the 1870s and opened in 1882. It is registered as a listed building, meaning it has special protection because of its particular architectural or historic interest. It thus requires special permission for demolition or alteration.

There are categories of listing. Streets building is Grade I listed. When officials called for removal of the mural, they said the RCJ is valued for its historical significance and must maintain its original character. A compliant media wrote of this in relation to the 143-year-old building.

But Banksys mural was on a much later building. The Queens Building was completed in 1968 and is Grade II listed.

In both cases, the listing refers both to the architectural significance and to the buildings place in the historical development of British legal systems. On the latter basis, there would be no requirement to remove the mural at all, as it did not alter that significance. If anything, it has reinforced it.

That concern for the building was not the reason for the murals removal became clear when it was erased on Wednesday. The scrubbing was done in haste and using inappropriate cleaning materials. So far from cleaning and protecting the architecture, the process left a shadow image on the wall.

Banksy has over recent decades become a collectable artist, with dealers finding ways of removing murals from buildings and making them highly lucrative sellable commodities. Not this time. There was no way anyone in ruling circles was allowing his latest work to exist, so acute was it in denouncing the moves to police state forms of rule and the accompanying evisceration of democratic rights.

Banksys work has always shown social conscience and awareness, including opposing the repression of the Palestinians and the filthy treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. He directed a 2009 documentary called Exit through the Gift Shop and has been explicit in identifying capitalism as the enemy.

In December 2019, he made a modified Nativity manger scene for his Walled Off hotel in the occupied West Bank. The Scar of David showed Jesuss manger up against the Separation Barrier, used to carve up Palestinian land for the Israeli state. The wall has apparently been pierced by a shell, leaving the shape of a star. Hotel manager Wissam Salsaa said Banksy was trying to be a voice for those that cannot speak.

Two years earlier Banksy organised a street party in the West Bank ahead of the centenary of the Balfour Declaration. An actress dressed as Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a plaque etched into the Separation Barrier. Mimicking her official initials, it read Er Sorry.

Banksy wrote, This conflict has brought so much suffering to people on all sides. It didnt feel appropriate to celebrate the British role in it.

He wrote in 2015 that Gaza is often described as the worlds largest open air prison because no-one is allowed to enter or leave. But that seems a bit unfair to prisonsthey dont have their electricity and drinking water cut off randomly almost every day.

The RCJ mural was a sharp exposure of the political repression being applied in Britain by Sir Keir Starmers Labour government against any opposition to the Gaza genocide. Banksy should be congratulated for it.

A zoomed image of the mural can also be viewed on the Banksy web site here
The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi  Dorduncu Enternasyonal (Socialist Equality Party  Fourth International), which is in political solidarity with the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), held its founding congress on June 1315, 2025. The party's official formation process was completed in August. The congress unanimously adopted three resolutions: Statement of Principles (official Program), The Historical and International Foundations of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi  Dorduncu Enternasyonal, and the Constitution. We are publishing here an announcement video by Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi National Chairman Ulas Sevinc, along with the transcript.

Turkey and the world are at a critical juncture. Genocide and fascism are being normalized, and preparations for nuclear war are underway. It is claimed that there is no alternative to the bankrupt capitalist system, which offers no hope or future to the vast majority of humanity.

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi  Dorduncu Enternasyonal (Socialist Equality Party  Fourth International) rejects this lie. The truth is that there are two options. One is a capitalist system that is driving civilization to annihilation through wars, pandemics, and ecological disasters. The other is a new system based on the needs of global society: socialism. Humanitys hope and future lie in socialism.

Our party was founded to turn this single progressive option into reality. To achieve this goal, the working class, united through global production and communication networks and producing all social wealth, must become conscious of its own interests, mobilize against the capitalist system and the ruling class, and take power all over the world.

The ill-gotten wealth of the ruling class, based on the exploitation of the working class, must be nationalized, workers control over production must be established, and a new society based on social equality, not private profit, must be built.

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi is unlike other political parties. We are part of the World Party of Socialist Revolution. We reject all forms of nationalism and fight for the international unity of workers, who have common interests and enemies worldwide. We reject petty-bourgeois identity politics, recognizing that the fundamental division in society is class-based.

All fundamental problems facing humanity are global problems stemming from the capitalist system. Since one cause of these problems is private ownership of the means of production and another is the division of the world into economically obsolete nation states, the solutions must also be international. The working class, as an international class, is the only social force capable of implementing these solutions. Rather than pursuing a multipolar capitalist world, the alternative to the nation-state system that leads to imperialist war and genocide is a federation of world workers states that will eliminate borders.

The ongoing genocide in Gaza is the most striking manifestation of the barbarism of the capitalist system and the decay of all parties defending it. As with other critical issues, it has become clear that the Palestinian question cannot be solved within the existing capitalist nation-state system. The same applies to the Kurdish question, which is an international issue. The only valid, progressive solution to these questions is a Socialist Federation of the Middle East, which will be established through the revolutionary mobilization of workers of all nationalities.

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi unequivocally rejects the lesser evil policy and fights for the political independence of the working class. This means rejecting class-collaborationist popular front politics, which subordinate the working class to bourgeois parties and interests.

Regardless of their differences, all capitalist parties are in complete agreement on two fundamental issues: allegiance to imperialism and hostility toward the interests of the working class. For this reason, by their very nature, they cannot resolve any fundamental political issues, including the Kurdish question. They cannot establish a democratic regime, ensure social equality, or pursue an anti-imperialist foreign policy. As Leon Trotsky explained in his theory of permanent revolution, these tasks fall to the working class in the struggle for socialism. That is, the struggle for democracy is inextricably linked to the struggle for socialism.

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi rejects the capitalist establishment parties and the pseudo-left parties that claim there is no alternative to collaborating with them. We call on workers and youth to build the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi as their own revolutionary party.

The Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi is a party of history. Our party stands in the tradition of classical Marxism of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Trotsky, as well as the tradition of the October Revolution of 1917. Since its founding in 1923, the Trotskyist movement has defended and developed this tradition against Stalinism, whose national socialism betrayed the revolution in the interests of the Kremlin bureaucracys peaceful coexistence with imperialism that led to the collapse of the USSR; against Social Democracy, whose reactionary program of reforming capitalism has failed; and against petty-bourgeois nationalism, which results inevitably in capitulation to imperialism and defeat.

The aim of the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi and the International Committee of the Fourth International, with which it is in political solidarity, is summed up in the following statement of Trotsky, founder of the Fourth International:  the full material and spiritual liberation of the toilers and exploited through the socialist revolution.

Join us in this struggle that determines the fate of all humanity. Visit sosyalistesitlikpartisi.org, review our documents, and join the party!
Jack White has led tributes to Viv Prince, the influential 1960s drummer who has died aged 84.

Jack White has led tributes to Viv Prince, the influential 1960s drummer who has died aged 84

Viv, born in Loughborough in 1941, became a defining figure of the British rock scene with his flamboyant performances and eccentric behaviour on and off stage  performing with bands including The Who, The Kinks and The Pretty Things, joining the latter in 1964.

He played on their first two albums, The Pretty Things and Get the Picture?, before leaving the group in 1965. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

Jack, 50, posted a tribute to the rocker online alongside a photograph of the drummer and said: I was lucky enough to meet Viv some years ago who was working on his farm in Portugal at the time.

He was an inspired and eccentric rock and roller and maybe Ill have to put together a team to work on a documentary about this man one day.

Safe travels into the sweet beyond Viv, you were one of the real ones.

Fans also shared their memories of Viv online.

One wrote: So sad to hear, Viv was pretty much the only musician of my formative era that I had any personal connections with.

Wonderful to hear you were familiar with his work.

Another added: Those early Pretty Things records were something else. Dude was a trendsetter for sure. He will be missed.

Others hailed his musical influence, with one fan writing: RIP thank you for your talent, while another said: The Pretty Things, what a band. Rest easy Viv.

Yet another tribute read: Such an amazing drummer, while another added: Cheers to a legend.

Viv was known for his off-the-wall stage antics as much as for his drumming.

Guitarist Dick Taylor, now 80, recalled his departure from the Pretty Things in an interview with Classic Rock.

He said: The final straw with Viv came at The Twisted Wheel in Manchester. He refused to play because the pub across the road wouldnt serve him.

What he hadnt twigged was that it was attached to the hotel hed been in the night before, causing mayhem with The Kinks. In the end, Phil (May, Pretty Things vocalist) said: Youd better just go home. He was a wonderful drummer, but .

The Pretty Things achieved chart success in the mid-60s with hits including Dont Bring Me Down and Honey I Need.

After leaving the band, Viv played with other groups including The Honeycombs and Hawkwind, before stepping back from the music industry in later years.
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

South Korea: Hyundai Heavy Industries shipbuilding workers continue industrial action

Industrial action by the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries union continues with seven-hour daily strikes this week, the tenth walkout since July 11. A tent sit-in by workers at the HD Hyundai GRC Center has passed 64 days. The dispute over stalled negotiations for a new work agreement involves workers from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho.

The company and union have held over 20 negotiation meetings for the 2025 wage agreement since May 20. The union is demanding a 141,300 won increase in base pay, an extension of the retirement age, and changes to the performance bonus calculation standard. On July 18, management and the union reached a deal for a new offer that included a base salary increase of 133,000 won and an encouragement payment of 5.2 million won. It was rejected by the workers.

Hong Kong: Coca-Cola workers strike over sacking of colleague

About 180 workers from Swire Coca-Colas Sha Tin factory walked off the job for the day on September 5 to protest the unfair sacking of a colleague truckdriver following a traffic accident. Management alleged the driver was not wearing a seatbelt when he reversed into a pedestrian, injuring her.

The Swire Beverages (HK) Employees General Union called striking workers back to work the following day after management agreed to reinstate the driver, along with other workers demands. Management agreed to review its internal guidelines with transparency, conceding that they were unclear, and to designate a legal adviser to facilitate consultations with workers. However, while management agreed not to retaliate against the strikers, pay would be deducted for the time they were on strike. Management rejected the unions demand that the company stop using in-vehicle cameras for surveillance purposes.

India: Assam public sector health workers strike for permanent jobs

About 1,000 contract public sector health workers from across Assam rallied in Chachal on September 9 to kick-off a campaign of indefinite industrial action in support of their long-pending demands. These were for permanent jobs, new ambulances to replace those in service for 15 years, and provident fund for all contract workers. Workers said that in 2019 the government agreed to set up a committee to investigate their demands but there has been no action since.

Vijayawada taxi drivers protest Andhra Pradesh governments broken promises

Auto (three-wheeler) and taxi drivers in Vijayawada demonstrated and blocked a main city road on September 9 over the Telugu Desam Partys failure to keep its pre-election promises. These included financial aid of 25,000 rupees ($US283) for each auto drivers family, interest-free loans for auto purchase and repayment relief and subsidies on auto CNG and insurance. The protest was called by the Centre for Indian Trade Unions.

Tamil Nadu: Talema Electronics factory workers hold on-site protest against terminations

About 140 terminated workers from the Talema Electronics factory in Salem, Tamil Nadu have been holding a sit-down protest at the plant since July 17 to demand reopening of the factory and their jobs back. Many had been employed at the plant since it opened in 1998.

Talema Electronics designs and produces spare parts, such as transformers for scanning machines and flight equipment. The Salem factory was abruptly closed on July 31 leaving 430 workers, including 150 women, out of work.

Workers said the shutdown came without prior notice or negotiations, and the management has not held any talks so far. One worker who had been with the company for 25 years said, This is too tough for us. Our livelihoods have been shattered overnight, and families are struggling to cope.

Bangladesh: Alif Casual Wear factory workers protest unpaid wages

About 600 workers from the Alif Casual Wear garment factory in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway on Monday morning for about an hour. They were demanding unpaid wages for July and August. Police intervened and ended the protest. The workers returned to the factory and entered into talks with management over their demand.

Workers accused factory authorities of deliberate and repeated delays of payments on the pretext of holidays. They closed the factory, which employs 800 people, from August 28 to September 4 and again from September 6 to 7, declaring general holidays.

Bangladeshi government threatens striking electricity workers

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources threatened protesting electricity workers from the Palli Bidyut Samity (rural electricity cooperative) that if they failed to turn up for work on Monday they would face legal action.

The protesting workers had decided to take mass leave from Sunday over various demands including for the merger of the Rural Electrification Board and Palli Bidyut Samity or the formation of a company like other distribution agencies. They also wanted permanent jobs for contract and irregular staff (meter readers-cum-messengers, line workers and billing assistants), reinstatement of dismissed workers, and determination of working hours for emergency services line crews.

A government representative accused the workers of being anti-state forces trying to create instability. If the protests disrupt electricity supply or customer services, the government will be forced to take strict measures, he threatened.

Sri Lankan School Development Officers demand direct recruitment

Hundreds of School Development Officers (SDOs) protested on Monday outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo to demand immediate recruitment into the national teaching service. The SDOs, who are already qualified graduates, expressed strong opposition to sitting for recruitment examinations, citing that their existing credentials and service experience qualifies them for direct entry.

Government officials assured the SDOs during the demonstration that a meeting would be arranged with President Dissanayake to address their concerns.

Australia

Woodside oil and gas production workers in Western Australia begin industrial action

About 250 Australian Workers Union (AWU) members employed by maintenance contractors Monos and Legeneering at five Woodside oil and gas production facilities in Western Australia began industrial action on September 5 seeking industry standard wages and conditions in new enterprise agreements.

The workers bargaining unit is the Offshore Alliance (made up of the AWU and the Maritime Union of Australia). It claimed that Woodside is demanding that the contractors cap wages at 2.5 percent per annum for the next four years. Legeneering wants its hook-up and commissioning crew to accept a 10 percent rate cut.

AWU members voted on August 28 to approve future industrial action which could include unlimited strikes from 30 minutes to 24 hours duration and up to ten work bans.

DHL Express workers at Brisbane Airport locked out for wearing union badges

On September 5, Transport Workers Union members from DHL Express at Brisbane Airport were sent home for wearing union badges while at work. Wearing the union badges was part of their industrial action following seven months of failed negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.

On August 29, 50 TWU members stopped work for 24 hours, their first strike ever.

The workers voted unanimously on August 14 to approve future action, including unlimited stoppages from 2 hours to 24 hours and bans on six different work activities including a ban on the performance of work unless wearing badges and/or hats with TWU branding.

The workers sort and deliver freight coming through Brisbane Airport. They want a pay rise that will keep pace with the rising cost of living and bring them into line with interstate DHL workers, about $33 per hour.

Repco warehouse workers in Queensland strike for better pay

United Workers Union members from Repcos automotive parts distribution centre at Eagle Farm, a Brisbane suburb, walked off the job for 24 hours on Monday, to protest the companys low pay offer in its proposed enterprise agreement. Workers are demanding a decent pay rise to compensate for years of near zero pay increases imposed by the union and Repco during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the unions failure to reach a pay deal with Repcos parent company GPC Asia Pacific, about 120 UWU members voted overwhelmingly on August 15 for future industrial action. The union has restricted its pay demand to just industry standard wages. Repco workers receive $56 less per hour than their counterparts at their competitor Supercheap Auto. Repco has 12 distribution centres across Australia and New Zealand. The strike mainly affected Repco stores in Brisbane.

Southern Downs council workers strike over pay and conditions

The Services Union (TSU) members from the Southern Downs Regional Council in southeast Queensland walked out for two hours at 1 p.m. on Thursday and rallied outside their offices at Warwick and Stanthorpe. The action was in response to the failure of TSU and the council to reach agreement on a new certified agreement.

The union is demanding a 15 percent pay increase over a three-year agreement, improved paid parental leave, five-day natural disaster leave, paid productive leave, and for council to drop its demand that ordinary hours be extended from five to seven days in the week. The union said the council is refusing to increase its original offer of a 4 percent pay rise with no back pay and rejected all workers demands.

Queensland public sector trades workers continue action for shorter work week

Following a 24-hour strike on September 1 by hundreds of state public sector trades workers from QHealth, QBuild and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), QBuild workers in Brisbane decided on Monday to continue industrial action and walked off the job.

The workers are represented by four unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Construction Forestry Maritime and Energy Union, Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Plumbers Union, who are pushing for a 36-hour week which they say would bring them into line with white-collar public servants.

Meanwhile, ETU members from TMR who were locked out on September 1 after they voted to impose low level bans on paperwork and answering phones, remained locked out on Monday. The ETU said TMR is using contractors to do their job of maintaining and repairing road traffic signals.

South Australian firefighters demand better pay and conditions

After 13 months of negotiations with the South Australian Labor government for a new work agreement, members of the United Firefighters Union (UFU) at a mass meeting on September 3 rejected the governments proposed work agreement offer and voted to take industrial action in their Fair Go For Firies campaign. The UFU accused the government of not providing adequate training and demanded it recognise and respect the true value of firefighters.

Stage 1 action included an immediate ban on charging for alarms using Code 600, wearing union t-shirts and flying union flags on work vehicles. Stage 2 action was put in place on Monday. This involves working-to-rule on shift changeovers, a ban on Act ups in Operations, and chalking Fair Go For Firies on station windows and vehicles. The union has threatened that Stage 3 action will start next Monday and will be added to current action.

South Australia public sector nurses and midwives walk out for higher pay

Hundreds of Australian Nurses and Midwives Federation (ANMF) members began rolling one-hour lunchtime stop work rallies outside public hospitals in Adelaide on Monday to win pay parity with their counterparts interstate. About 400 rallied outside the Royal Adelaide Hospital, followed by a rally of 300 nurses and midwives outside the Flinders Medical Centre on Tuesday, and the Womens and Childrens Hospital on Wednesday.

The ANMF called the action after members rejected the state Labor governments pay rise offer of 13 percent over four years. The union told the media it was not publicly naming a dollar figure but said nurses and midwives wanted parity with other states. ANMF members also want rural and regional attraction and retention provisions, increased penalties for night duties, and reduced use of excessive overtime.

MSS Security guards at Casey Hospital, Melbourne strike for wage rise

About a dozen security guards employed by MSS Security at the Monash Health - Casey Hospital in Melbourne walked out for three days on September 5 after MSS refused to pay them following the commencement of low-level industrial action. The United Workers Union members returned to work on Monday morning.

The security guards had voted for future industrial action after negotiations for a fair pay increase in a new work agreement failed to reach agreement. The company and the union were to resume negotiations this Friday.

Fonterra dairy processing workers in Victoria still striking

Eighty United Workers Union (UWU) members from the Fonterra dairy manufacturing plant at Bayswater, a suburb of Melbourne, began a week of rolling stoppages on Monday to protest the companys enterprise agreement offer. The striking workers rallied outside the plant.

After six months of failed negotiations, workers held two 1-hour stoppages on August 22 and imposed a ban on overtime, followed by two 2-hour strikes last week. Workers have accused management of purposely delaying negotiations prior to the sale of the company to French dairy manufacturer Lactalis.

The workers are worried about future attacks on jobs and conditions and want their new work agreement extended to four years during the company takeover. They are demanding an increase in redundancy payouts by 8 weeks to 60 weeks, as well as higher allowances and health-and-safety improvements. They also want wages increased to bring them in line with Fonterra workers at other company sites who they say are paid $5 more per hour.

CDC bus drivers in Victoria strike for improved pay

Bus drivers covered by the Industry Transport Union (ITU) employed at CDC bus depots at Oakleigh and Wyndham, in Melbourne, stopped work for twenty-four hours at 12.01 am on Friday. They will strike again on September 15 for 48 hours.

The workers voted overwhelmingly on August 29 to take protected industrial action following long-running failed negotiations over the companys proposed enterprise agreement. On September 7, they rejected the companys pay rise offer of 13 percent over three years, saying it was inadequate.

CDC drivers describe their current working conditions as horrible, saying they lack access to clean meal and toilet facilities, that current rostering is anti-social, pay is poor and disciplinary procedures are unfair. The union says its current log of claims is to address these issues in the new agreement.

CDC employs about 700 drivers in the Melbourne metro area, of which 126 are members of the ITU and 542 are members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The unions are not coordinating action and TWU members are not joining the strike.

Tasmanian paramedics ban expansions of work responsibilities

Tasmanian community paramedics are refusing to undertake any expansion of the governments integrated care activities, including community paramedics in rural areas.

Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) members are taking the action after Tasmanias Rockliff government refused to honour its April agreement with the union to back-pay skill loadings and boost the pay of Community Paramedics, Police Ambulance Clinicians, Early Response and Secondary Triage Paramedics for the expanded work they have been undertaking.

The government claimed its model for out-of-hospital care connects patients with local health services and avoids unnecessary transport to a hospital emergency department. Paramedics say the cost cutting plan is an attempt by the government to do more with less and cover up its years of under-resourcing of the Tasmanian health system which has driven it into crisis.
In the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, leaders of Australias political and media establishment have rushed to eulogize the far-right agitator and to mourn his demise.

Charlie Kirk at the 2025 Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida [Photo by Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 4.0

In the US, Kirk is being transformed into a martyr of the fascistic MAGA movement. US President Donald Trump is using the killing, the motives of which remain entirely unclear, to further normalise the extreme right within the political establishment and to demonise left-wing opposition.

Significantly, the same basic aims underlie the response in Australia. But whereas in the US this campaign is led by the openly fascistic Trump, who is attempting to overturn the Constitution and establish a dictatorship, in Australia it is being presided over by a Labor government.

The tone was set by Australias ambassador to the US, former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Kirks death was deeply distressing and My thoughts, and those of all Australians, are with his family and loved ones.

As many people on social media have commented, the vast majority of Australians had no idea who Kirk was until his death.

Rudds statement said nothing about Kirks politics. As the WSWS noted, Kirk was a politically foul individual, whose agitation centred on the demonisation of minorities, particularly African Americans and transgender people, the defence of state violence domestically and frothing support for imperialist war.

Not a single Labor leader has differentiated themselves from Kirks fascist politics or expressed a critical word. I think the world is shocked by such an event and my heart goes out to Mr Kirks family and to all those who will be grieving today in the United States, current Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared.

Albanese has not once expressed such sentiments in relation to a Palestinian killed by Israel in the offensive against Gaza that his government continues to support politically, diplomatically and materially.

In a radio interview yesterday, Albanese introduced a theme that has been taken up by the most right-wing sections of the press. Albanese warned of a polarisation of politics, which he claimed was fuelled by social media and pushes people towards extremes, whether at the left or the right, and thats not a good thing here in Australia.

Albanese referenced his governments collaboration with right-wing representatives of the opposition Liberal-National Coalition as a model to be emulated. And he declared that Political issues should be dealt with in the way that we dealt with them on May 3, i.e., the last Australian federal election.

The thinly-veiled message, when nothing was known about the motives of Kirks assassin or even their identity, was that political violence was an outcome of strident political speech. The only permissible participation in politics was within the framework of the tightly-controlled and anti-democratic electoral system, dominated by the major parties.

What was implicit in Albaneses statements has been made explicit, in a slew of press comments glorifying Kirk and declaring that his murder requires a state crackdown on left-wing opposition.

The Murdoch media has led the charge. In a bizarre essay this morning, the Australians foreign editor Greg Sheridan presented Kirk as the embodiment of American democracy, depicting his death as the downfall of values fought for by Abraham Lincoln and other world-historic figures.

Sheridan did not mention that Kirk was an opponent of civil rights legislation and had helped organise the mobilisation that ended in the January 6, 2021 attempt to overthrow democracy and install Trump as a dictator.

The far-right agitator, Sheridan wrote, was absurdly handsome, gifted in fluency, smart as heck, sometimes too tricky, sometimes a bit extreme, but he wanted to talk and listen to people.

Having prettified Kirk, Sheridan warned that the activist and far left were lost in identity politics hatreds, critical theory mind warps, postmodern nihilism, exhaustion of spirit, a frenetic search for lifes meaning in the wretched reaches of political extremism, and a kind of spiritual emptiness.

Sheridan included some criticisms of MAGA violence, but they had the character of disclaimers. What he wrote is not all that different to how Kirk and others of that far-right milieu would rant about the left.

The most open call for repression was made in an Australian comment by former Coalition Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. An ardent Zionist, who has denounced opponents of Israels genocide as antisemites for two years, Frydenberg did not mention Kirks unabashed Jew-hatred. Kirk made classic antisemitic statements, such as declaring that Jews control the colleges, the nonprofits, the movies, Hollywood, all of it.

Instead of mentioning that record, Frydenberg favourably cited Kirks own declarations that assassination culture is spreading on the left.

Frydenberg repeated entirely false and misleading claims of a wave of antisemitism in Australia over the past two years. In an extended article, there was much that was superfluous, but boiled down to its essence, Frydenberg was insisting that the state must forcefully suppress mass opposition to Israels genocide.

For instance, Frydenberg wrote: When I interviewed Anthony Albanese for my Sky News documentary Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism, he lamented the pro-Palestinian protesters who were camped outside his electorate office harassing his staff and preventing them from serving constituents.

Frydenberg continued, [I] thought to myself: you are the Prime Minister, if you wont do something about it what hope do the rest of us have? He had the same mental process, when vice-chancellors failed to disperse pro-Palestinian encampments on university campuses with sufficient speed.

The conclusion was that We need leaders who dont just want the job but want to do the job. They have the powers, they just the need the will to exercise it.

The protest events Frydenberg was referencing were completely peaceful, as has been the anti-genocide movement more broadly. There is simply no factual basis on which to claim such protests are associated with or fuel political violence.

Instead, it is the state that has frequently resorted to violence, including with repeated attempts by Labor governments to ban the protests and aggressive police deployments.

The argument that political free speech is impermissible, because its exercise is equivalent to or could lead to violence is an argument for a dictatorship in which no opposition is allowed to be expressed.

In the reaction to Kirks death, several trends in official politics come together. The attempt to vilify and demonise mass opposition, especially to the genocide, goes hand in hand with the normalisation of far-right and fascistic politics. Both tendencies were represented by Kirk himself, who was both a supporter of Israels persecution of the Palestinians and an antisemite.

As they seek to shutdown avowedly anti-racist pro-Palestinian protests, the Australian ruling elite has cultivated a far-right milieu, where racism is rampant. Labor has scapegoated immigrants for a social crisis caused by its own pro-business policies, contributing to an environment in which the largest right-wing, anti-immigrant protests in years were held last month.

Those protests were effectively led by the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, whose members in Melbourne violently besieged Indigenous activists. In the aftermath of the far-right violence, Albanese declared that there were good people in the far-right mobs. That was the exact same line as used by Trump in 2017, when fascists rampaged in Charlottesville and murdered a counter-protester.

The fact that it is a Labor government that is eulogising the fascist Kirk, while attacking left-wing opposition, underscores the reality that Trump is not an aberration. His fascistic program coincides with the agenda of militarism and austerity of the entire ruling elite, under conditions of a deep-going crisis of global capitalism.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. [AP Photo/Matt Rourke]

The Philadelphia School District has revealed plans to close several underutilized and deteriorating school buildings, signaling a major shift in the citys public education landscape.

SDP Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. told reporters Monday that, while there are no fixed decisions at this point about which schools will close we can surely say some will. The school board will present proposals this fall and early next year.

The district cited extensive facility issues and declining enrollment as key reasons behind this controversial move. The SDP administration pointed to some schools allegedly suffering from low utilization, costly maintenance and inadequate amenities, while others are overcrowded and ill-equipped, to justify the proposed closures.

The announcement of school closures comes less than two weeks after the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) helped the district forcefully ratify a new contract for its 14,000 educators and school workers. The SDP is facing a massive $313 million deficit, while state lawmakers from both major parties remain over two months late in announcing plans to fund the states education system.

Contrary to claims by PFT President Arthur Steinberg, who described the deal as historic, the contract is a sellout that fails to meet the pressing demands of teachers struggling with stagnant wages and rising living costs. This contract helped the district impose austerity, setting the stage for damaging school closures that deepen the financial crisis.

The contract, sprung on workers after weeks in which the PFT claimed to be preparing for a strike, was a set-up against teachers from the start, done to clear the path for steep cuts to the school system. The same maneuver was used by the Chicago Teacher Union, which pushed through a similar historic contract only for the school district to announce huge cuts a short time later.

The announcement underscores warnings from the Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee, which warned in a statement calling for a no vote that cuts were on the way. It is a proven, iron law that as long as a struggle remains in the hands of the bureaucracy, the only possible outcome is a betrayal. The only path to victory is building independent rank-and-file strength and solidarity.

The impact of closures

The announcements stem from a Facilities Planning Process led by the SDP, which released a detailed report and data last week to guide decisions on school buildings. The report compiles data on school conditions, capacity and utilization, program alignment and neighborhood vulnerability to inform upcoming decisions on which schools might be closed, modernized, repurposed or co-located.

According to the report, about one-third of schools (64 out of 215) operate below 50 percent capacity, with five schools more than 80 percent empty. Forty schools received the lowest unsatisfactory rating for building conditions, and another 47 were rated poor, citing serious facility problems such as plumbing issues, lack of heating and cooling, asbestos and general infrastructure decay.

Many buildings in northeast and south Philadelphia have the opposite problem and remain overcrowded. In these facilities, students are forced to learn in hallways, closets or makeshift classrooms because there simply isnt enough room.

While individual locations have not yet been selected, the list of poor, unsatisfactory, or crowded schools adds up to a far longer list of possible targets than the previous wave of closures in 2013-2014, which saw 24 schools close and displaced 10,000 students. A similar number of closures now would likely displace 11,500 students.

Following the 2013-2014 school closures, many displaced students failed to transfer to new schools; instead, a significant number dropped out. Studies show that while 80 percent of Philadelphia schoolchildren successfully transferred to new schools, 15-20 percent did not.

Research has shown that school mobilityoften caused by closuresstrongly correlates with increased dropout rates. Mobile students are twice as likely to drop out compared to peers who stayed at the same school.

The Facilities Planning Process report claims that this time, displacements will go smoother, by using metrics that take into account schools located in vulnerable neighborhoods with higher social risks, including safety concerns and lower academic outcomes.

Seeking to ease concerns, Superintendent Watlington and Deputy Superintendent Oz Hill are emphasizing a commitment to transparency and community involvement, highlighting plans for a series of community input town hall meetings scheduled throughout the fall.

According to Philadelphia Chalkbeat, which interviewed people participating in a series of advisory group meetings this summer, the SDPs process has already become opaque.

Advisory group members said they took time off work and rearranged their schedules to attend the meetings, often scheduled for the middle of the day, it reports, only to have their time wasted by bureaucratic presentations and unspecific brainstorming sessions. Community participants feared the district is using them to add credibility to a flawed process, without considering their feedback about how to prevent closures in the first place.

Nationwide cuts

Cities and municipalities throughout the United States are enacting cuts to social programs and spending.

Los Angeles faces a $1 billion deficit, with plans for thousands of job cuts, deep reductions in public works, and losses to school programs. The LA Unified School District will lose $82 million in federal funding for K12 education, resulting in staff and program cuts. Chicago, with a $982 million deficit, is considering layoffs and service reductions across departments, including education. It has already adopted a doomsday budget in its transit system.

In both cities, teachers have faced or face contract battles sold out by their union leaders. In California, the Los Angeles teachers contract expired in June. The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and California Teachers Association (CTA) have repeatedly delayed strike action and accepted inadequate, toothless demands in negotiations with LAUSD, despite mounting layoffs, benefit cuts and attacks on working conditions.

In Chicago, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) pushed through a sellout contract based on false claims of securing historic gains, while leaving teachers vulnerable to devastating layoffs and budget cuts.

In Pennsylvania, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority faced a $213 million budget deficit starting July that forced a 20 percent service cut last month and a 21.5 percent fare increase earlier this month.

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro approved SEPTAs use of $394 million in capital funds to restore full service by September 14, temporarily avoiding further cuts. This is a short-term fix that sacrifices funds intended for infrastructure and maintenance projects. No further financial solutions have been offered as the state continues to drain public transit resources.
The fall of the French government amid a historic budget crisis and a first mass protest organized on social media on September 10 have revealed the crisis of capitalist rule. As the NATO powers escalate spending on re-militarization and war hysteria against Russia, France and other European countries are teetering on the edge of state bankruptcy. The great question is how the working class can intervene to stop massive social attacks on the population and further escalation of the war.

The crisis is also exposing the mechanisms the political establishment uses to demobilize working class oppositionabove all, in France, Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) party. In his blog post on the September 10 protest, titled 1000 cuts open a breach, Melenchon asserts that issuing a few calls for the removal of Frances widely hated president, Emmanuel Macron, is all that needs to be done. A citizens revolution, he claims, will thereupon spontaneously unfold:

It is enough for us to let the situation ripen. Two governments have already fallen, proving the level of destabilization of the higher ups. With a good plan of action, we simply gave a push to get there. The result was totally out of proportion with the means we deployed. 

It is useless to tire oneself out trying to do more. [The higher-ups] are blinding themselves and thus showing themselves incapable to deal with the revolt that is coming. The citizens revolution ripening in peoples minds is closer to an elemental force of nature than to any sort of plot imagined by old bourgeois trembling in front of their televisions.

This is a thoroughly irresponsible, indeed reactionary attempt to lull workers to sleep. An elemental explosion of mass political anger is approaching, but the working class must prepare itself for the revolutionary challenges this will pose. The bourgeois counterrevolution will fight ruthlessly, using not only the riot police, but the power of the banks and, above all, the demobilizing role of the union bureaucracies tied to LFI.

These bureaucracies role was clearly illustrated in the 2023 struggle against Macrons massively unpopular pension cuts. Millions of people went on strike and riots erupted across France, yet the the union tops wore down the protests and shut down strikes after Macron promulgated his cuts as law. Workers must be warned: As the union bureaucracies resume their conclave with incoming Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, they are moving to play the same role again.

The working class needs to build its own independent organizations of struggle, rank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools and working class neighborhoods, to take back control of its struggles from the bureaucracies. The crisis of capitalist rule in France and across Europe cannot be resolved by a citizens revolution unfolding at the ballot box inside France, as LFI proposes. Only a socialist revolution unfolding across Europe and internationally, expropriating the capitalist oligarchy, can prevent a collapse in living standards and further war escalation.

While Melenchon again mocks the supposed debt crisis in his blog post, there is in reality a mortal crisis of capitalism in Europe. Sovereign debt is 114 percent of GDP in France, 150 percent in Italy, 104 percent in Spain, 102 percent in Britain. Germanys plan to spend 1 trillion on re-militarization could boost its debt to 90 percent of GDP. Across Europe, countries are spending hundreds of billions of euros on servicing their debts to the banks, and are calling to spend hundreds of billions on boosting their armed forces to prepare for war with Russia.

The French budget crisis starkly illustrates the issues poses to workers across Europe. On tax revenues of 330 billion, the French state is spending 100 billion servicing its mounting debts, 50 billion on the military and pledging to raise its military spending a further 100 billion to reach 5 percent of GDP. If the bourgeoisie is allowed to press forward with its plans for war and massive payoffs to the banks, it will also de-fund and destroy the social welfare state. A the statement of the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES) explained,

Two stark alternatives are presented. Either the capitalist oligarchy builds a fascistic dictatorship to crush the working class, or the working class wages a revolutionary struggle on a socialist program to expropriate the oligarchs. This requires breaking through the straitjacket of the union bureaucracies and building genuine, rank-and-file organizations dedicated to prosecuting the class struggle.

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) calls for the transfer of power from the trade union bureaucracies to the workers in all factories and workplaces. Such new forms of class organization, uniting workers in France and throughout Europe, are necessary to organize resistance to and defeat the corporate-financial oligarchys program of fascism, genocide and war.

Melenchons call for citizens revolution and to simply let the situation ripen is an attempt to consolidate the influence of the bureaucracies and block such a mobilization of the working class, by denigrating the struggle for socialism and workers power. In his blog post, he chides his allies in the Stalinist-led General Confederation of Labor (CGT) bureaucracy for their denunciation of the mass yellow vest protests against social inequality.

Melenchon prods the union bureaucracies to take a verbally friendly posture towards the protests, so as to cover up their meetings with Lecornu to plan attacks on pensions and to limit working class opposition to trade union sellouts. The September 10 day of action, he writes

does not resolve all the problems posed by the separation maintained between trade union action and mass popular action. The rapid involvement of Solidaires in the the September 10 day of action, reinforced by several of the decisive federations of the CGT alongside many local and regional trade union bodies has obviously reduced the fracture that emerged during the yellow vest episode. 

This time, the CGT supported September 10. But by calling for strikes on September 18, it set up a competition [between mobilizations on September 10 and September 18] that weakened the convergence of struggles. Fortunately, this did not prevent the success of September 10 or the mass character of the protests. Everyone should meditate on this fact.

In fact, the lesson that workers have to draw from the union bureaucracies collusion with Lecornu and their hostility to revolution is the need for an uncompromising struggle to build independent organizations of struggle, completely outside of the existing political system. The IWA-RFC must be built across Europe and beyond.

Melenchon cynically claims that he supports the self-organization of working people, but only to then make clear that LFI will play no part in achieving it. Indeed, he seeks to reassure his readers that his party poses no revolutionary threat. Calling for a spontaneous strategy, he indicates that he calls for self-organization because LFI is washing its hands of the fight for the building of rank-and-file organizations of struggle, and instead defending good order and tranquility:

Self-organization, as everyone knows, is the path privileged in LFIs vision of mass action. On their side, the fascists have meetings in the woods and train in unpunished bands to hunt blacks and Arabs  The 500 members of LFIs security detail have no comparable plan. They are exclusively destined to protecting the tranquility of our meetings and the personal security of our spokespeople.

But the self-organization of the working classthat is, building rank-and-file organizations of struggle completely outside the existing political systemmust be fought for. Through its leader, LFI is declaring that it will not carry out this struggle. His statement also describes the policy of countless smaller petty-bourgeois organizations that endorsed Melenchons New Popular Front alliance with the social-democrats and Stalinists. All of these organizations claim they must put pressure on the union bureaucracies to provide them with a battle plan.

The most dedicated and self-sacrificing elements among workers and youth must therefore strike out on an independent path and fight for the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees more broadly in the working class. The political organization that must be built in France to provide political leadership to such a struggle is not LFI, but the PES.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers gather for a briefing before an abduction operation, January 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, a 42-year-old Mexican immigrant and father of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Franklin Park, Illinois, late on Wednesday afternoon.

According to authorities, Gonzalez was initially stopped by ICE agents who claimed that his vehicle matched the description of one purportedly involved in a prior immigration-related investigation.

Friends and family contested this account, emphasizing that Gonzalezs only offense was a minor traffic infractionan expired license plate stickerin the quiet suburb just west of Chicago.

The shooting of Gonzalez took place within days of President Trumps immigration crackdown campaign launched in the Chicago area. Although Cook County officials did not identify him, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Mexican consulate in Chicago identified the ICE victim as Silverio Villegas Gonzalez.

Eyewitness accounts taken down and reported by WBEZ Chicago said events escalated rapidly after ICE agents approached Gonzalez, whose fear and panic were clearly visible to everyone nearby.

The WBEZ quoted several people who were on the scene. Maria Martinez, a neighbor, told reporters, He was just sitting in his car when two men came up out of nowhere, shouting at him in English. Silverio looked scaredhe didnt understand everything they were saying. We heard them yelling, then, all of a sudden, I heard gunshots.

Another onlooker, Samuel Ramos, recalled: After the first shot, Silverio tried to get out of the car, but he stumbled into the street. The officers kept shouting at himtelling him to stay putbut he was holding his hands up, trying to talk. People started gathering, screaming for help, but we were pushed back by the officers.

The WBEZ account describes confusion and fear among local residents, many of whom did not realize the men in plain clothes were federal agents until after the incident. Maria Santiago, who resides across the street, said: Nobody knew they were ICE. They didnt identify themselves clearly. It looked like a robbery at first, but then they started dragging Silverio away and blocking anyone from getting close.

As in every act of police brutality that workers are all too familiar with in American cities, ICE released a statement Thursday morning, claiming Gonzalez failed to comply with lawful orders and acted in a manner that posed a threat to officers.

The agency also said the use of deadly force was justified, stating: The incident is under review by ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility. We regret any loss of life, but our officers were confronting an individual believed to be involved with recent fraudulent document activity and suspected of prior immigration violations.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed that Silverio Villegas Gonzalez was an undocumented immigrant. Official statements say he entered the country at an unknown date and was the subject of a targeted ICE enforcement operation in Franklin Park, Illinois. Immigration authorities also stated that Silverio Villegas Gonzalez had no criminal convictions or violent offenses. The only record with law enforcement against him was a minor traffic violation.

Meanwhile, residents contradicted the ICE narrative of what happened on Wednesday, saying Silverio was not physically threatening anyone. He wouldnt hurt anybody, said Rosa Villegas, his mother. Silverio was afraid. He was just trying to go home to his kids. I watched his last moments from across the street. There were no weapons, no threatsjust confusion and panic. They shot him because they could, not because they had to.

A next-door neighbor, Jorge Hernandez, described Silverio as a quiet man, a hard worker. He didnt know what to do when those agents came for him. He was scared for his life, and now hes gone.

People close to Gonzalez spoke of a loving father who had never had trouble with the law. His eldest son, Marco, told reporters: He worked two jobs, would do anything for us. When those men came for him, he panickedthats not a crime. My dad always said he was worried ICE would come someday. He was terrified of being taken away, but he never imagined they would kill him.

Friends described how Gonzalez had grown increasingly anxious since the launch of Trumps immigration sweeps in recent months and took careful steps to avoid trouble. He stopped going out after dark, just in case, said family friend Nancy Rios. He was just living his life, scared every day.

Democratic Party Illinois Governor JD Pritzker issued a statement Thursday afternoon, saying Our state will not allow the unchecked use of deadly force against residents by federal agents, and Illinois remains committed to protecting immigrant communities and ensuring accountability for the loss of life.

Pritzker called for a suspension of ICE raids pending an independent review, but there is no indication that the White House or Department of Homeland Security is going to halt any of the police-state measures being meted out in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

The Resurrection Project, a Chicago-based immigrant advocacy group, released a statement Thursday evening that read: Silverio Villegas Gonzalez is yet another victim of Operation Midway Blitz, a campaign that has placed immigrant families in constant fear and exposed them to violence at the hands of federal agents.  This killing must not go unanswered.

The shooting comes amid the Trump administrations escalating immigration enforcement strategies, particularly Operation Midway Blitz, a policy announced last year deploying both federal police and National Guard troops in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and other major cities.

The operation, justified by the White House as a measure to crack down on violent crime, is part of the war on immigrants and in neighborhoods across the US with aggressive tactics by federal agents against all residents including US citizens, green card holders and others with legal status to live and work in the US. These tactics have led to repeated confrontations including fatalities like the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez in Franklin Park, Illinois.

The deployment of federal troops in Chicago has sparked protests throughout the last year, with comparisons to the shock-and-awe methods used during the illegal wars of conquest carried out by US imperialism over the past three decades.

According to statistics compiled by the American Immigration Council and the Chicago Tribune, shooting deaths of immigrants by ICE officers have been on the rise since 2018 . Over the past five years, according to cases that have been identified by advocacy groups, ICE officers have shot and killed at least 14 unarmed individuals nationwide, with four fatal shootings in Illinois since 2021.

Meanwhile, as of September 2025, at least 14 immigrants have died while in ICE custody this year. This is on track to be one of the deadliest in ICEs history. By comparison, police killings in the US remain at staggering levels, with over 1,100 deaths per year reported by the Mapping Police Violence project, the majority of whom are working-class, poor and people of color.
The World Socialist Web Site recently learned that Zorya Serebryakova, daughter of the leading Bolshevik and Left Oppositionist Leonid Serebryakov, passed away at age of 101 on October 26, 2024. Despite the passage of time since her death, her extraordinary life and fate warrant a tribute.

Zorya Serebryakova in 2013

Zorya was born in 1923 to Galina Serebryakova and Leonid Serebryakov, an Old Bolshevik worker who had joined the party at the age of 14 in 1905.

The year of her birth was a fateful one in the political history of the 20th century: Amidst the defeat of the German revolution, a nascent struggle in the Bolshevik Party leadership emerged into the open with the issuing of the Declaration of the 46 on October 15. Both her father, who was one of the partys secretaries during the civil war, and her maternal grandfather, Iosif Byk, a trained physicist from Ukraine and a leader of the Red Army during the civil war, were signatories of that declaration. Byks wife, Zoryas grandmother, was Bronislava Sigizmundovna Krasutskaya, a talented Polish pianist, who also joined the revolutionary movement at a young age.

Leonid Serebryakov, Old Bolshevik and signatory of the Declaration of the 46

Zorya grew up in one of the many remarkable revolutionary families of the Bolshevik and Oppositionist milieu. Her parents were friends with both Lenin and Leon Trotsky whom she recalled very fondly. In an interview with the World Socialist Web Site, Zorya later recalled,

I remember many old Bolsheviks and Left Oppositionists coming to our house: Voronsky, one of my fathers best friends, was there; Preobrazhensky, who was also a close friend of my father; Trotsky, obviously, and many others. He was also good friends with Bukharin until Bukharin started to support Stalin. The Old Bolsheviks did form a close circle, after all. Everyone knew each other very well. My father admired Trotsky enormously, and I was raised with great love and respect for Lev Davidovich [Trotsky]. I was, in fact, introduced to him as a child. I was very little, but I have very intense and good memories of him. Many, of course, say that he was cold. But in his relations with my family, he was a man of extraordinary warmth. He took a keen interest in everyone in our family, even in very personal matters like the divorce of my parents (Trotsky was against it and tried to convince my mother not to leave my father).

After the divorce of her parents, Zorya lived with her father. As she later recalled in an interview, I adored him. He was everything to me, a mother, a father, everything.

Zorya as a child with her father [Photo by Courtesy of Zorya Serebryakova]

Her mother married Grigory Sokolnikov, who became a member of the Joint Opposition when Grigory Zinoviev and Lev Kamenev entered a bloc with Leon Trotsky against the Stalinist leadership in 1926. It was only after the expulsion of the Opposition from the party at the 15th Party Congress in December 1927 and the capitulation of first Sokolnikov and then her father, that she began to live with her mothers new family. Now the Soviet ambassador in London, Sokolnikov and Galina Serebryakova lived, as Zorya later described it, in a palace. She was desperate to return to Moscow and rejoin her father.

Grigory Sokolnikov, an Old Bolshevik and leader of the Joint Opposition

Zorya took great pride in the revolutionary history of her family and often recalled that Lenin had called her father a brilliant worker. She was also proud of the fact that Trotsky expressed his respect for Serebryakov on several occasions, despite his subsequent capitulation and always emphasized that Serebryakov not once said a bad word, in writing or orally, about Trotsky. Thus, Trotsky wrote in 1937,

From 1923 to the end of 1927, he, along with I. N. Smirnov, who was shot in the case of the sixteen, occupied a prominent place in the leadership of the Left Opposition. In facilitating the rapprochement with the Zinoviev group (the Opposition of 1926), and in mitigating internal friction within the Oppositionist bloc, Serebryakov unquestionably played the principal role.  Serebryakov capitulated to the rulers [in 1929]to be sure, in a more dignified manner, but no less decisively, than the rest. (Writings of Leon Trotsky 1936-37, (New York: Pathfinder Press, 1978, p. 119)

Trotsky and Serebryakov in 1925

Upon his capitulation, Serebryakov, like many former Oppositionists, was reinstated into the party and began working to implement the drive to rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union. Zorya described his views as follows, My father left the Opposition because he felt that the struggle was futile and that he could still contribute something in concrete work. From 1931, he was the head of the automobile transportation [division] and he took his work extremely seriously.

Zorya Serebryakova (on the right) with her mother (on the left), her grandmother, Bronislava Sigizmundovna Krasutskaya, and her stepsister in 1936, before the beginning of the Great Terror [Photo by Courtesy of Zorya Serebryakova]

In August 1936, Serebryakov was again expelled from the party and arrested. That month, the first Moscow Show Trial ended in the conviction and murder of Grigory Zinoviev, Lev Kamenev and other leaders of the October Revolution for alleged counterrevolutionary sabotage. The alleged mastermind behind their conspiracy was Leon Trotsky. Serebryakov, as well as Sokolnikov, were accused of the same crimes and became defendants in the Second Moscow Show Trial, held in January 1937. As Zinoviev and Kamenev before them, they admitted, under duress, to crimes they had never committed or even fathomed, and were shot. Zorya was convinced that threats against her life played a central role in the NKVDs systematic attempts to torture and break her father.

Aged just 13, she herself was interrogated for three full weeks at the NKVDs Lubyanka prison. The entire city was gripped by terror. To quote her interview with the WSWS again,

We were all waiting for the NKVD to pick us up. We were staying awake at night, listening to the vans running in the courtyard. It was dreadful. No one in the house knew who would be next, everyone was waiting in horror. They came up the stairs slowly, acting as if they didnt yet know whom they were going to pick up. If they knocked at the door of a neighbor, we were relieved, since it meant at least one more day of reprieve for us. One woman in our house, whose bedroom bordered the elevator, came down with a nerve disease because she would always hear the elevator going up, fearing that she was the next to be taken away. In the end, she wasnt arrested but the nerve disorder stayed with her. Seven people from my family were killed by Stalin. My fathers mother was exiled in 1937 when she was 76 and died in exile in the 1940s. His sister, too, died in exile. His brother, a Bolshevik, spent eight years in the camps.

Zoryas maternal grandfather, Iosif Byk, an impressive figure and outstanding revolutionary, had already been shot in October 1936.

Iosif Byk (1882-1936), Zorya's maternal grandfather, was a physicist, Old Bolshevik and leader of the Left Opposition

Old friends of the family were murdered left and right. In the case of the family of Lev Kamenev, as Zorya often recalled with horror, even the sons who were above 15 were taken away and killed. Zoryas family, decimated by the terror, was overtaken by terrible despair. Both her mother and her grandmother, who were each longstanding revolutionaries in their own right, were contemplating suicide. Her mother was hospitalized several times because of her severe psychological distress. They were eventually both exiled to Semipalatinsk in Siberia.

Zorya soon joined them and became a midwife. In the spring of 1941, she was allowed to return to Moscow. Yet soon thereafter, on June 22, the Nazis attacked the Soviet Union, and she returned to Semipalatinsk where she began working as a nurse. Her first husband, Ilya Ivanovich Perevezentsev, was killed fighting to defend the Soviet Union against the Nazi invasion in the spring of 1944. Throughout the first year of the war, Zorya not only worked but also tried to make up for the several years of school that she had missed at the height of the terror. She was admitted to the local pedagogical institute where she studied history.

Zorya Serebryakova as a young woman [Photo by Courtesy of Zorya Serebryakova]

The first years after the war were a period of a relative relaxation of state repression. Zorya was allowed to transfer to the prestigious Moscow State University and graduated from its history department in 1947. Nevertheless, as a daughter of the enemy of the people, she was not allowed to teach history at institutions of higher education and instead had to teach in high schools in Semipalatinsk. Here, she met her second husband, Genrikh Solomonovich Tsveig, a native of Cracow, Poland, who had fled the Nazis with his family in 1939 and survived the Holocaust in the Soviet Union. Their son, Viktor, who would go on to become a noted biochemist, was born in 1948. That year, a new wave of terror began. This time, it had an overtly antisemitic component, with many prominent Yiddish writers and Jewish intellectuals arrested and, in several cases, executed. In many cases, however, the targets were people who had, in one way or another, survived the Great Terror of the 1930s, despite their personal or political connections to leaders of the revolution and the Left Opposition.

In 1949, Zoryas husband was arrested for having established a relationship with the daughter of an enemy of the people. He was sentenced to 25 years in the camps. Her mother too was re-arrested and sentenced to another 10 years in the camps.

In June 1950, Zorya too was arrested and her son put in an orphanage. In an interview with the Museum of the History of the Gulag, Zorya described how the NKVD stole the last picture of her father that she had kept and treated it as an essential piece of evidence in her case. However, she refused to admit to any counterrevolutionary activitiesthe feared 58th article of the criminal codeand was eventually sentenced to 10 years in exile in the Jambyl region in what is now Kazakhstan for being a socially dangerous element. She rejoiced upon hearing the verdict because, unlike a prison or camp sentence, the sentence, severe though it was, meant that she could be rejoined with her son from whom she had been separated for almost a year.

The almost two decades of continuous repression, repeated arrests and exiles, only ended when Stalin died in March 1953. In 1955, she was able to return to Moscow with her son. In 1956, she was rehabilitated. After the Secret Speech of Nikita Khrushchev at the 20th Party Congress, in which the head of the Soviet partyand one of Stalins henchmen during the terroradmitted to some of Stalins most egregious crimes, the first large wave of rehabilitations began. Among those now rehabilitated were her mother and husband, who were now also able to return to Moscow. In 1964, based on newly available archival materials, Zorya completed her dissertation on the emergence of the Soviets in the Russian Revolution. However, that year, Khrushchev was toppled, and she was not able to defend her thesis. This would only become possible over two decades later, in 1988.

Her mother, Galina Serebryakova, who had spent two decades behind prison bars, in exile and in camps, once again became a famed writer. She completed a three-volume biography of Karl Marx which was widely sold and was friends with the family of Khrushchev. In an indication of the prevailing climate, however, she never told her daughter that she, too, had supported the Opposition and signed the 1927 Joint Platform of the Left Opposition.

In the late 1980s, as the Soviet bureaucracy moved to restore capitalism under Mikhail Gorbachev, it began making available archival materials that revealed, to an extent hitherto unfathomable, the scale of the crimes of Stalinism during the terror. Many victims were only now rehabilitated, among them Zoryas father. Zorya was also given back her fathers dacha in a suburb of Moscow which Andrei Vyshinsky, the chief prosecutor of the Moscow Trials, had shamelessly stolen after Serebryakovs murder. She would live there until the end of her life.

The last three decades of Zoryas life coincided with yet another wave of political and ideological reaction that followed the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is to her great credit that, throughout this period, she remained deeply committed to restoring the historical truth about the Opposition and, in particular, Leon Trotsky and her father, Leonid Serebryakov. When Vadim Rogovin began publishing his history of the Opposition in Russian in the 1990s, she endorsed his work and participated in meetings organized by the International Committee of the Fourth International.

In 2010, already in her late 80s, she appeared on Russian national television at a popular show called The Court of Time to debate Leon Trotsky. In a minority of one, Zorya ardently defended the co-leader of the revolution and founder of the Red Army against the anticommunist smears of the other talk show guests. She also wrote articles on historical subjects, insisting that archival evidence proved that Joseph Stalin had been working for the Tsarist secret police, the Okhrana, before 1917. She gave many interviews to historians and outlets, in Russia and abroad, with the last one dating from when she was already well into her late 90s. In a climate shaped by the systematic rehabilitation of Joseph Stalin and his crimes, on the one hand, and anticommunism, on the other, her unwavering defense of historical truth required tremendous courage and tenacity.

It speaks above all to the immense political, cultural and intellectual impact of the crimes of Stalinism that she herself never came to grips with why these crimes occurred. While she held historical truth above all else, Zorya viewed history not in terms of social forces or political tendencies, but in terms of the actions and personal intentions of individuals. This marred her understanding of both history and politics. To her, the crimes of Stalinism were a result of Stalins personality, and the fate of the 1917 October Revolution was ultimately decided in Russia alone. Meanwhile, she was a fervent defender of Nikita Khrushchev and Mikhail Gorbachev. In her later years, she also came to admire Vladimir Putin.

Thus, even though she would passionately defend the figure of Leon Trotsky until the end, she was never able to fully assimilate the political basis of his opposition to Stalinism and his analysis of the betrayal of the October Revolution. But this view of history was not just her own: It was and is shared by many in her generation and those that came after. It is the result of decades of repression of any independent activities of the Russian working class and the destruction of the Marxist culture in the brutal political genocide of the Stalinist terror, of which Zoryas family was such an immediate victim.

Indeed, her fate and that of her family are a tragic embodiment of the meaning of the term political genocide. Within the realm of her possibilities, Zorya Serebryakova did what she could to help future generations overcome the terrible legacy of these crimes. For this, her life deserves the profound respect of everyone committed to historical truth and the fight for human progress. We salute her memory.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, right, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich address the media at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday, September 12, 2025. [AP Photo/Virginia Mayo]

The shooting down of Russian drones over Poland has inaugurated a new stage in NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine, threatening to trigger a direct military clash between the nuclear powers of Europe and Moscow.

Although the Kremlin has insisted that the drones did not target Poland and likely strayed accidentally across the border, the European powers are relentlessly propagating the narrative of a Russian attack and are seizing upon the incident to intensify their war offensive. They are not merely escalating their rhetoric, but taking concrete military measures that bring the continent closer to catastrophe.

On Friday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen defense along the eastern flank. Referring to the drones, he declared: This is reckless and unacceptable. We cannot allow Russian drones to violate Allied airspace. The operation, he explained, will mobilize resources from Germany, Denmark, France, Britain, and others, including capabilities specifically oriented toward the challenges posed by drones.

US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, ordered the operation to begin immediately. France has deployed three Rafale jets to Poland for air policing, while Germany announced it is doubling its Eurofighter detachment from two to four aircraft and extending their mission over Polish airspace until at least December 31.

Poland has established a no-fly zone along its entire eastern borderfrom Slovakia in the south to Lithuania in the northlasting until December 9, while Latvia has also sealed its airspace along its borders with Belarus and Russia. Simultaneously, Warsaw has closed its border crossings with Belarus, citing the start of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad military exercise. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Polands confrontational steps, warning Warsaw to consider the consequences of such counterproductive measures.

The NATO powers portray both the Zapad drills, which have been regularly scheduled for years, and the stray drones as acts of war requiring military retaliation. In reality, they are the aggressors. Russias reactionary invasion of Ukraine does nothing to change the fact that NATO systematically provoked the conflict over decades. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it expanded up to Russias borders, broke its promises, militarily encircled Moscow, and turned Ukraine into a NATO outpost. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the imperialist powers have continuously escalated the conflict and have now deliberately staged the downing of Russian drones in order to take further military measures against Russia and prepare a direct intervention in Ukraine.

In Germany, Defense Ministry and government spokesmen confirmed Berlins escalation. The Bundeswehr stated Thursday that its air policing mission in Poland is being extended to the end of the year and doubled in size, while government spokesman Stefan Kornelius declared that Berlin will also press for a robust 19th sanctions package in the EU. Thomas Rowekamp, chair of the Bundestag defense committee, went even further, demanding that NATO attack Russian drones already in Ukrainian airspace: It must be possible to neutralize drones in Ukraine with the consent of Kyiv if they threaten NATO territory.

The implementation of such plans would mean direct NATO combat operations against Russia inside Ukrainean act of war. Moscow has repeatedly warned it will not tolerate NATO troops or direct NATO intervention in Ukraine. The logic of this confrontation leads inexorably toward a direct military clash between Russia and Europe, threatening the lives of millions and the survival of the continent.

The drive to war has objective roots. Behind the increasingly aggressive posturing of the imperialist powers lies a toxic mix of political and geostrategic ambitions combined with a profound internal crisis. Just as in the 1930s, the ruling class is responding to the deep crisis of the capitalist system, intensifying great-power rivalries, and growing popular opposition by turning to militarism, fascism, and war.

Above all, German imperialism is re-emerging, eighty years after the end of the Second World War, with its old militaristic and murderous ambitions of acting as an independent great power. In his policy statement ahead of the last NATO summitwhere defense spending was raised from 2 to 5 percent of GDPChancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) emphasized that Germanys militarization was not driven by pressure from Trump, but by our own conviction. Germany, Merz declared, would make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe, in line with its size, economic strength, and geographic position.

The new 5 percent target will raise the defense budget from 85 billion today to 225 billion by 2029. To finance this massive upgrade the governmentwith the support of all establishment parties including the Greens and the Left Partyhas exempted military spending from the constitutional debt brake and approved 1 trillion in new debt. Together with the special fund of 100 billion established in 2022, this amounts to a rearmament program unparalleled since the Nazi era.

According to media reports, the 2026 draft budget shows the government planning arms purchases worth more than 350 billion through 2041. Already this year, 8.2 billion is being spent on procurement, with 22.3 billion earmarked for 2026. Between 2027 and 2041, so-called commitment appropriations of around 325 billion are planned. Adding in the expenditures for 2025 and 2026, the total reaches a staggering 355 billion.

These astronomical sums underscore the scale of German rearmament, comparable only to the Wehrmacht build-up under the Nazis on the eve of World War II. While millions face rising prices, stagnant wages, and cuts to social services, hundreds of billions are being funneled into new tanks, missiles, and bombs. As then, such a reckless program can only be enforced through dictatorial measures at home, and it serves the direct preparation of new imperialist wars of aggressionfirst and foremost against Russia.

Following the reintroduction of the draft and the creation of a National Security Council in August, outgoing Army Inspector Alfons Mais has called for a massive expansion of personnel to make the Bundeswehr fit for war. Only with significantly more troops, he argued, could Germany meet NATOs future requirements and be ready for a possible confrontation with Russia.

According to an internal document obtained by Reuters, Mais is demanding around 100,000 additional active soldiers. By 2029 alone, some 45,000 new recruits are to be added. By 2035, another 45,000 are to follow, to meet the targets set at the NATO summit in The Hague this June while also building reserves for a war of attrition. At least 10,000 of the additional troops would be assigned to territorial defense.

With these plans, the German Army is openly acknowledging it is preparing for a large-scale, protracted war against Russia. While austerity measures and social cuts are being rammed through at home, the recruitment of hundreds of thousands of young people and working-class youth for new imperialist slaughter is being mapped out.

The reckless escalation confirms the urgency of the analysis advanced in the recent WSWS perspective on the drone incident in Poland:

Since US President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the European powers have been waiting for such an opportunity. They concluded from the Alaska summit that the US can no longer be relied upon and are taking increasingly aggressive action against Russia. They have massively increased their financial and military support for Ukraine, are encouraging President Zelensky to attack targets deep inside Russia and are planning to send their own troops to Ukraine. In doing so, they are moving ever closer to a catastrophe that threatens the survival of humanity.

Neither the threatening maneuvers of Trump, the military intrigues of the European powers, nor the reactionary calculations of Putin offer a way out this catastrophe. The fight against genocide, austerity, dictatorship, and war requires the building of a conscious international socialist movement of the working class, uniting across borders against all capitalist governments and their political agents.
September 7 demonstration in Sao Paulo calling for Bolsonaro's conviction and opposing US intervention [Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agencia Brasil]

On Thursday, former President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for the fascist coup attempt that culminated in the January 8, 2023 insurrection in Brasilia.

The conviction for crimes of coup detat, violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law, armed criminal organization, and damages to public patrimony received favorable votes from four of the five justices of the First Panel of Brazils Supreme Court (STF).

In addition to the former president, seven members of the crucial nucleus of the coup conspiracy were convicted for the same crimes. Gen. Walter Souza Braga Netto, former Chief of Staff and Defense Minister and Bolsonaros vice-presidential candidate in 2022, was sentenced to 26 years in prison; Adm. Almir Garnier Santos, former Navy commander, to 24 years in prison; Anderson Gustavo Torres, former Justice Minister and former Federal District Security Secretary, to 24 years in prison; Gen. Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira, former Institutional Security Cabinet (GSI) Minister, to 21 years in prison; Gen. Paulo Sergio Nogueira de Oliveira, former Defense Minister and former Army chief, to 19 years in prison; Alexandre Ramagem Rodrigues, former Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) director, to 16 years in prison; and Lt. Col. Mauro Cesar Barbosa Cid, Bolsonaros former aide-de-camp, had his sentence reduced to two years in prison due to a plea bargain agreement.

The STF trial was based on the understanding that the defendants formed a criminal organization under Bolsonaros leadership. Between June 2021 and January 8, 2023, it committed various executive acts intended, first, to attack the democratic rule of law and, subsequently, to promote a coup detat.

Although the two elements of the coup conspiracy are inseparably linked, the justices argued that in the first, it is the constituted government itself, the constituted executive that intends to diminish or end the system of checks and balances. In the second, the passive subject is the executive.

The cases rapporteur, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, supported his vote to convict by introducing what he deemed 13 sequential acts of the coup conspiracy. He declared:

The first point is precisely the use of public agencies by the criminal organization for monitoring political adversaries and for structuring and executing the strategy. And at this moment, in June 2021, the first executive acts were committed to attack the judicial power and mainly the electoral justice, discrediting it, already to delegitimize a potential negative result in the 2022 elections, discrediting democracy itself. Subsequently, we have the already public executive acts, with serious threats to electoral justice, which derive from all the preparation and use of public agencies. ... [Subsequently,] the use of serious threat to restrict the exercise of judicial power on the famous September 7, 2021. ... We have the improper use of the Federal Highway Police structure in the second round of elections and the improper use of the Armed Forces structure in relation to the electronic voting system oversight report from the Ministry of Defense.

The activities of this conspiracy assumed a frenetic pace and an increasingly violent character with the approach of Bolsonaros defeat in the second round of elections in October 2022.

Among the actions enumerated by Moraes are included:

...the extremely violent acts on the day of the inauguration of the elected president and vice-president, on December 12, 2022, with attempts including invasion of the Federal Police; ... the placement of a bomb that ended up not exploding, thank God, at the [Brasilia] airport, on December 24, 2022.

The last sequential acts are the most critical:

The Punhal Verde e Amarelo (Green and Yellow Dagger) Plan to assassinate elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party  PT), Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, and Moraes himself, then president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The detailed plan for these executions was printed out at the headquarters of the Brazilian government, at the same moment when President Jair Messias Bolsonaro was also there  and the Federal Police proved it, Moraes stated.

The attempted execution of Moraes by Army Special Forces personnel on December 6, 2022, in the operation dubbed Copa 2022 (Cup 2022).

The elaboration of the so-called Coup Minutes, which provided for the establishment of a state of exception to prevent the transfer of power to the newly elected government, and its discussion with the commanders of the three Armed Forces.

The formation of a crisis cabinet under the command of Gen. Heleno and Gen. Braga Netto, to which power would be transferred after a military intervention.

The attack on the headquarters of the three branches of government in Brasilia on January 8, 2023, which, in the rapporteurs words, was not spontaneous combustion, [but] the conclusion of a procedure for seizing and maintaining power at any cost.

The conviction of the former president and members of the military high command, including three four-star generals and a fleet admiral, is a historic event in Brazil. In a country that lived through two decades under brutal military dictatorship, from 1964 to 1985, this is the first time that generals sat in the defendants dock and that crimes against democracy were punished.

But this is not an event of merely national dimensions. The fascist offensive in Brazil is deeply linked to similar political processes developing in all parts of the world  from Latin America to Europe, but above all, in the United States.

The January 8, 2023 coup attempt in Brasilia was a direct and inseparable continuation of the coup attempt led by Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 at Washingtons Capitol.

Despite going unmentioned by the STF, there is an undeniable correlation between the beginning of the systematic coup conspiracy by Bolsonaro and his allies, at least since June 2021, and the explosive political events that preceded them in the United States.

Trumps fascist insurrection at the Capitol, defined by the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) as a watershed event in international politics, served as a political model for the attempt by Bolsonaro and his allies to set in motion a totalitarian project of power.

On January 10, 2021, in an article titled Bolsonaro endorses Trump coup, threatens to do same in Brazils 2022 election, the WSWS wrote: [Bolsonaro] has already announced his intention to use the same lies about electoral fraud in Brazil to mobilize his supporters in a bid to remain in power, whatever the results of the 2022 presidential elections.

Reporting the presence of Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former presidents son, in Washington during the January 6, 2021 events, the WSWS categorically concluded: Eduardo did not go to the United States as a tourist. He was effectively summoned as an international observer of Trumps coup on behalf of Brazilian fascists.

The profound correlation between the political processes in the United States and Brazil also exposes the hypocrisy of the official triumphalist narrative regarding the conviction of Bolsonaro and his accomplices being promoted by the PT and the media.

The STF trial concluded with a speech by the courts president, Luis Roberto Barroso, stating: I believe that we are ending the cycles of backwardness in Brazilian history, marked by coup-mongering and the breaking of constitutional legality.

This rosy narrative explodes in the face of the counteroffensive already underway to overturn the courts decision. A campaign for a broad amnesty for those convicted of carrying out attacks against democracy since 2019 has won the support of the majority of the right-wing dominated Brazilian Congress and its parties. On September 7, demonstrations held in support of Bolsonaro under the slogan React, Brazil! were attended by the governors of the countrys three most powerful states.

The promoters of this campaign were strongly encouraged by the dissenting vote of Justice Luiz Fux, who not only refused to convict Bolsonaro but called for the annulment of the entire process, alleging the absolute incompetence of the STF to judge the case.

Bolsonaros conviction has become, in fact, a battle horse for new attacks against Brazilian democracy by the same forces that promoted January 8, 2023.

The criminal intervention of US imperialism, in the context of its violent escalation against all of Latin America, is not a minor factor driving this process.

After imposing 50 percent tariffs, openly presented as a means of forcing the suppression of the proceedings against Bolsonaro, the Trump administration is doubling down on its criminal attacks against Brazil following the trials conclusion.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that political intervention against Brazil is a priority for the administration and the president is unafraid to use the economic might, the military might of the United States of America to protect free speech around the world.

The following day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to Bolsonaros conviction by declaring on X that The United States will respond accordingly to this witch hunt.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, who moved permanently to the US earlier this year, responded even more aggressively. Hailing Leavitt's statement as a very welcome demonstration of the Trump administration's willingness to defend the freedom agenda, he openly advocated for US military intervention against Brazil. I think it's worth it for the sake of freedom. Would you accept slavery to avoid war? I want war,' he stated.

If the Brazilian regime consolidates itself and evolves in the same way as Venezuela... it may well be necessary in the future to bring in F-35 fighter jets and warships, Eduardo said, referring to the criminal escalation of Washington's imperialist aggression in the southern Caribbean.

The events during the two years that separate the fascist insurrection in Washington from its reenactment in Brasilia demonstrate conclusively that the worldwide collapse of bourgeois democracy is an interconnected process. The swift advance of Trumps dictatorial project makes explicit, furthermore, that it is only intensifying.

The excessively high tension of the international struggle and the class struggle results in the short circuit of the dictatorship, blowing out the fuses of democracy one after the other, wrote Leon Trotsky in 1929. He continued: What is called the crisis of parliamentarism is the political expression of the crisis in the entire system of bourgeois society. Democracy stands or falls with capitalism.

The working class in Brazil, the United States and across the planet can only fight against fascism by waging a joint revolutionary struggle against capitalism and for socialism on an international basis.
The recent visit to Israel by a group of 16 Sri Lankan journalists, including two from the state-owned Rupavahini Corporation, amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, is a further demonstration of the pro-Israel line of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government.

Sri Lankan journalists visit Israel [Photo: Facebook/Nimal Bandara]

Citing Sri Lankas ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara, Newswire reported on September 5 that a group of Sri Lankan journalists had arrived in Israel on a five-day study program aimed at providing foreign media and policymakers with a clear understanding of the countrys current situation. Bandara stated that the visit was organised by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi.

The visit has nothing to do with providing a clear understanding of the genocide being carried out by the Israeli military in Gaza, but is to cover up Israels crimes against Palestinians. The Israeli regime, which has barred international journalists from Gaza and is responsible for killing at least 248 journalists, has no intention of letting the Sri Lankan delegation witness its barbaric operations.

Our journalists will also observe humanitarian aid operations in the Gaza Strip, which is an important part of understanding Israels realities on the ground, the ambassador stated. These carefully managed photo ops will not include scenes of starving children clinging to life or the gunning down of Palestinians lining up to get limited aid.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet with senior Israeli foreign affairs and defense officials to be instructed in Israeli propaganda on how to report on its military operations. Newswire published a photograph of the ambassador hosting the journalists for a dinner.

News of the visit has sparked outrage in Sri Lanka on social media. Roe De Mel wrote on Facebook: May the brain washing propaganda begin; and Mohammed Arhsad commented: Best destination to learn crimes and murder. Hassan Mhn wrote: It is noteworthy that our media, which is now going to promote Israel, has never before worked so closely with Israel as any government.

There is widespread concern and opposition to Israels ongoing crimes. The Israeli military continue their deadly strikes, targeting homes and aid seekers alike. According to Gazas Health Ministry, the death toll has surpassed 64,000, one-third of whom are children. Israel continues to use mass starvation as a weapon of war, with the number of dead reaching 313 including 119 children. According to the UNs deputy humanitarian chief, over 130,000 children under the age of five are at acute risk of malnutrition.

As Israel extends its military operations, one million people are being forced out of Gaza City, as part of its plans for the complete occupation of Gaza, fully backed by US imperialism. The Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar has exposed the sham of US-Israeli posturing on ceasefire negotiations.

When the issue was raised in the Sri Lankan parliament, opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs questioned the participation of journalists from the state-owned Rupavahini in the delegation. The SJB, an openly pro-US party, has made very mild criticisms of Israels genocide in Gaza, in a bid to exploit public anger over the war for political gain.

The government sought to dismiss the comments, insisting the trip was private. House Leader Bimal Ratnayake, who is also co-chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, expressed some concern about photos posted by the Israeli ambassador on Facebook, strongly suggesting the governments involvement in organising the visit.

However, Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told a press briefing later: The government will not bear any responsibility. Anyone is free to go to Israel; there is no ban on visiting. We cannot obstruct this.

However, if the JVP/NPP government has no involvement, why is its ambassador making statements justifying the visit and hosting dinner for the journalists and posing for photographs with them?

Before taking power last year, the JVP postured in the election campaigns as a critic of Israels crimes. Once in office, it abruptly shifted to align with the US-Israel genocidal war in Gaza and broader Middle East strategy. Apart from empty calls for a ceasefire, the JVP/NPP has remained silent on the unfolding disaster in Gaza, underscoring its tacit support.

Significantly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not condemn or even name Israel in its statement on the blatantly illegal Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar on September 9. It simply expressed deep concerns over the recent strikes reported in Qatar, which might further escalate volatility and undermine regional security and called for diplomatic dialogue toward peace and stability in the region.

The JVP/NPP, tied to imperialism by countless threads, is completely incapable of uttering the term genocide in relation to Gaza, let alone condemning the Zionist regime and its imperialist backers for its ongoing war crimes.

An opposition MP argued that state officials on the visit may have violated the Establishments Code and called for an investigation into who organized the trip and under what authority. NPP parliamentarian Lakmali Hemachandra dismissed the suggestion, stating: We cannot recall our ambassadors without due cause and risk triggering a diplomatic incident.

The government has no desire to antagonize or upset its close ally in Tel Aviv. Instead it targets those who publicly criticize Israel.

Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail, 21, was arbitrary arrested last October and detained for nine months under draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) alleging that he had posted an Instagram photo showing the Israeli flag being trampled. Another youth, Mohammed Rusdi, was arrested on March 22 and detained under the PTA for allegedly pasting stickers condemning Israels attacks on Gaza. He was only granted bail two weeks later on April 7.
More than 100 South Korean women have filed a landmark lawsuit targeting the United States military over its role in a state-sanctioned sex trade.

According to the New York Times, the complaint seeks compensation for roughly 120 women who were forced to work as prostitutes for American G.I.s stationed in South Korea.

The suit was filed in a Seoul court on Friday (August 5), several years after the defendants successfully sued the South Korean government for establishing, managing, and operating brothels that catered to U.S. military personnel from the 1950s to the 1980s.

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In 2022, South Koreas Supreme Court upheld previous rulings that found its government responsible for the exploitation of the plaintiffs, some of whom were teenagers when they were forced to work as "comfort women" for American soldiers. Although the women received compensation from South Korea, their latest lawsuit seeks to hold the U.S. military accountable for its involvement in the decades-long abuse.

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According to the suit, the women were placed in state-sanctioned brothels through kidnapping or false promises of work. They were also subjected to STD/STI testing twice a week. Per the Times, "The infected women, but not their G.I. partners, were locked up in facilities with barred windows where they were heavily dosed with penicillin; some died of penicillin shock, according to the women. The U.S. military demanded the isolation of the women in such facilities, and the local government acquiesced, the womens lawyers said, citing supporting documents."

One of the plaintiffs said she was 17 when she was lured into one of the "camp towns," a cluster of brothels and bars developed near U.S. military bases. The areas were reportedly established to help boost the South Korean economy with U.S. dollars and to maintain friendly ties with American servicemen.

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"Every night we were dragged to U.S. soldiers and sexually abused," she said, as reported by AFP. "Every week we were forced to undergo venereal disease tests. If there was the slightest abnormality, we were locked in a small room and injected with a thick needle of strong penicillin. The shots were so harsh that my legs gave out and I couldnt even walk."

The plaintiffs are seeking 10 million won ($7,200) in compensation.

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Iggy Azalea made a jaw-dropping purchase while hanging out with N3on.

During N3ons livestream on Thursday (Sept. 11), the 35-year-old rapper was seen purchasing a Bentley while accompanied by the 21-year-old streamer.

While taking a test drive of the vehicle, both of them seemed to be impressed by how quiet the car was. Azalea noted that the car was a birthday gift to herself, though her actual birthday had already passed on June 7.

Iggy Azalea just bought a $300,000 Bentley on stream with Neon, then took Neon on a $5 million yacht to the Bahamas to spend the weekend with her for her birthday pic.twitter.com/H5bfobftWh  FearBuck (@FearedBuck) September 11, 2025

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Later on in the same stream, Azalea took the streamer on a ride aboard a massive luxury yacht to the Bahamas.

Check out more highlights from N3on and Iggy Azaleas stream below.

Iggy Azalea started role-playing as N3ons Mom after he didnt want to sit in the front seat of her brand new Bentley with her 



Mommy will take you Where do you want to go? 

pic.twitter.com/xoihjCFZCL  Slime (@ItsKingSlime) September 11, 2025

Iggy Azalea admits that she FRIEND-ZONED N3on and signed him to a multi-MILLION dollar deal with her casino 

pic.twitter.com/fT9tslpFBn  Slime (@ItsKingSlime) September 11, 2025

Iggy azalea want to go for new year's eve to Australia with n3on pic.twitter.com/OJ5YDnnaGc  vpz (@vpZ_P0) September 11, 2025

Iggy Azalea during her twitch stream with N3on tonight. pic.twitter.com/LBQT1bbiPN  IGGY AZALEA DAILY (@IADaily) September 11, 2025

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N3on was lost for words after Iggy Azalea pulled up in a bikini 



"You look like an angel"pic.twitter.com/MbR4SA7n03  korza  (@korzawyd) September 11, 2025

Last month, the Fancy rapper appeared on ABCs Nightline where she discussed stepping away from music and the many ventures she has pursued since. Among them was the launch of her memecoin cryptocurrency, Mother Iggy.

"It seemed to me that, especially with meme tokens, they were central to virality, and that really interests me, obviously," she said in the interview.

The coin once reached a peak value of $240 million before eventually dipping to a cool $9.5 million market value, per Coingecko.

She also earned just under $48 million through OnlyFans, an amount she said was life-changing.

ComplexCon returns to Las Vegas on October 2526, 2025, with over 300 brands and live performances by Young Thug, YEAT & Friends, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, Ken Carson, and more. Get your tickets now.

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As one of the leads in The Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley became internationally recognized around the world. The 43-year-old actor has been romantically linked to a number of celebrities, including his first wife, Pretty Little Liars star Torrey DeVitto, and actress Phoebe Tonkin. After splitting from his second wife, Ines de Ramon, in 2022, Wesley found love again with Natalie Kuckenburg. The couple got engaged in 2025 after three years of dating. Heres everything you need to know about Paul Wesleys fiancee.

Kuckenburg is a model and philanthropist

Kuckenburg is a German-Brazilian model signed to Iconic Management, who has walked the runway for the likes of Balmain and Philipp Plein. Born in Hanover, Germany, her modeling career started when she was signed by an agency in Sao Paulo at age 13, after being discovered in a mall while living in Brazil, according to Marie Claire International. She has since appeared in a plethora of fashion editorials and on the cover of Harpers Bazaar Brasil.

Taylor Hill - Getty Images

Alongside her modeling career, Kuckenburg appears to be passionate about supporting women via charitable endeavors. As noted by Iconic Management, the model is deeply passionate about climate change and environmental issues, and launched Nareia, a brand and charity creating handmade, organic crochet pieces by women in northern Brazil.

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In her interview with Marie Claire International in April 2025, Kuckenburg recalled a crucial piece of advice her mother gave her, which helped her embrace a career in the public eye. I was very shy, but she told me to overcome my shyness if I wanted to succeed and pursue what I wanted, Kuckenburg told the outlet. Despite finding acclaim around the world, the model remains humble, telling the publication, I dont consider myself famous...Im still who Ive always been.

The model connected with Wesley after his marriage ended

In September 2022, a representative for Wesley and his second wife, de Ramon, told People, The decision to separate is mutual and occurred five months ago. A month prior to the former couples announcement, the star of The Vampire Diaries was photographed in New York with Kuckenburg. At the time, the model was 22 years old, while Wesley had recently turned 40.

The Smallville actor finalized his divorce from de Ramonwho has also moved onin February 2024; Wesleys ex was first linked to Brad Pitt in December 2022, People reported.

While appearing on LIVE with Kelly and Mark on Sept. 1, 2025, Wesley revealed that hed first met Kuckenburg at a bar in New York Citys East Village. Thats rare these days, I guess, because everyones, you know, meeting online and all these dating apps, the actor explained. It was just like the classic, pretty girl at a bar. There was a little look and I was like, Okay, Im gonna go for it. He also noted that they had a mutual friend, which made their meet-cute a lot less awkward.

Kuckenburg wants to share her Brazilian heritage with her fiance

While speaking to Marie Claire International in April 2025, Kuckenburg revealed that she grew up speaking Portuguese, even while living in Germany, as her mother is Brazilian. Being bilingual has since been invaluable in the models relationship with Wesley, as she explained, [I]ts quite natural for me to speak German with my father, Portuguese with my brothers, and translate between Paul and my mother. This was part of my life growing up. Discussing her heritage, Kuckenburg said, I think its cool to have this connection with Brazilians, precisely to show that I havent changed compared to when I lived in Brazil.

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In the same interview, the runway model shared her desire to introduce her fiance to things that are not so well known about Brazilian culture abroad, revealing that she was trying to convince him to visit the country. I want him to meet my family, my grandmother and my aunts and uncles, because its much easier for us to go to Brazil, Kuckenburg explained. Most of my family doesnt have visas to visit the United States.

Nick Tininenko - Getty Images

Elaborating on her decision to launch the clothing brand Nareia, she told the outlet, Brazil has a rich culture, and Ive always wanted to bring it to Europe, the United Statesin short, the whole world. Its a fashion project that does good. These artisans also receive a portion of the profits from sales and receive recognition from many people, which was previously very rare.

Kuckenburg is one of the funniest people Wesley knows

In a March 2024 interview with People, Wesley opened up about the people who make him laugh the most. Theres two people that are the funniest people in my life, the actor explained. Number one, my dog, and number two, frankly, my girlfriend. Referencing Kuckenburg, Wesley said, I think the reason we get along so well is because all we do is laugh, and I think its probably one of the most important things in a relationship.

In an Instagram post celebrating Wesleys birthday on July 23, 2025, Kuckenburg shared photos and videos from their yacht vacation on the Amalfi Coast. The model paid tribute to the qualities she loves in her boyfriend, captioning the post, Partner for adventures and only one who keeps up with my neediness.

Wesley proposed to Kuckenburg in July 2025 during an Italian vacation

On July 19, 2025, Wesley and Kuckenburg announced their engagement after three years of dating. The model shared a photo of her diamond ring on Instagram, revealing that shed accepted Wesleys proposal, writing in her caption, Always and forever.

Jean Catuffe - Getty Images

In a subsequent Instagram post, Kuckenburg revealed that Caruso, a Belmond Hotel on Italys Amalfi Coast, had played an important role in her romance with the actor. Paul and me came to this hotel [three] years ago for our very first trip together and immediately fell in love with the place, the model wrote in her caption. A charming little town, the most beautiful views of Amalfi, amazing hospitality, cute street cats...the list goes on. Thank you @belmondhotelcaruso for now being part of our story together forever.

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During his appearance on LIVE with Kelly and Mark in September 2025, Wesley revealed that he took Kuckenburg back to the hotel in Italy where they had their first date to propose to her. It was fantastic, Wesley told the hosts, sharing that hed planned the proposal as a surprise. Wesley later asked Kuckenburg whether shed anticipated the proposal, to which she responded, I kind of had a feeling, the actor shared. But she still broke down in tears, he explained.

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Malcolm-Jamal Warners wife has spoken out for the first time since the actors tragic drowning death on July 20.

Tenisha Warner took to Instagram on Friday, Sept. 12, to remember her late husband one day before what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary.

Thank you for holding us in so much love during this tender time, Tenisha began alongside a touching photo from the couples 2017 wedding. Tomorrow marks our anniversary  and my heart is wide open.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 5, 2023. Getty Images

Warners widow shared this message on Instagram on Sept. 12, 2025. river.and.ember/Instagram

For the first time, Im sharing a glimpse of the love that began it all, she continued. I can still hear my husbands laugh, still feel the way he made room for every part of me  every tear, every dream.

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Warners widow then announced that she and their daughter were launching a foundation to honor the late Cosby Show stars legacy.

Today, in his honor, my daughter and I are launching River & Ember and officially opening The Warner Family Foundation, Tenisha shared. Together we carry the legacy my husband and I began one that nurtures childrens inner light and gives young artists the freedom to create outside the lines.

Warner with his family on January 2, 2021. Malcolm-Jamal Warner/Instagram

Malcolm-Jamal Warner during the 2023 Beloved Community Awards at Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 14, 2023. Getty Images

This is love, Still moving. Still making. Still carrying us forward, she concluded the emotional post.

Warner was in Costa Rica when he accidentally drowned while swimming near Cocles after allegedly being caught by a high current on July 20. He was 54.

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Costa Rican National Police later told The Post that the Resident actor was pulled from the water by people in the area and rushed to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted to revive him to no avail.

Warner as Theodore Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Warner at the SiriusXM Studios in New York City on January 10, 2023. Getty Images

Warners body was taken to the morgue at San Joaquin de Flores for an autopsy, and his cause of death was listed as asphyxiation by submersion.

Several of the beloved actors former co-stars spoke out in the wake of his devastating passing, including fellow Cosby Show alum Keshia Knight Pulliam.

A week ago I lost my big brother, but I gained an angel, Knight Pulliam, who starred as Warners onscreen sister, wrote on Instagram on July 28. I love you I miss you We got our girls.

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Warners mother, meanwhile, took to social media on Aug. 8 to break her silence on her sons shocking death.

Warner attends SCAD aTVfest 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 29, 2020. Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020

The Resident star attends SCAD aTVfest 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 29, 2020. Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020

For those of you who are at a loss, pained by the suddenness of his departure, ache for his presence or just to hear his voice one more time, to see his beatific smile one more time, be comforted that he was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer, Pamela Warner wrote.

Malcolm was birthed through water and transitioned through water. This was his time, she added. His mission on earth had been completed.
Prince Harry has been keeping a packed schedule during his recent trip across the pond. The Duke of Sussex arrived in the UK on September 8 and hasnt slowed down since. One of his first stops was Windsor Castle, where he paid a private visit to Queen Elizabeth IIs final resting place and laid a wreath in her honor. That same evening, he attended the 20th annual WellChild Awards, an event close to his heart.

As part of his continued work with the Invictus Games Foundation, Harry also stopped by the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London earlier this week, showing support for innovations in veteran rehabilitation and recovery.

And it looks like the Duke decided to extend his trip because before returning home to Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the Duke made a surprise visit to Ukraine. The unannounced trip came at the invitation of the Ukrainian government, marking a significant moment in his ongoing advocacy for injured service members.

Eduard Kryzhanivskyi/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

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While the visit itself made headlines, its Harrys body language that we really need to talk about.

In photos taken at a train station, Harry appears relaxed and fully engaged. Hes seen smiling warmly, leaning into handshakes and conversations,and in one particularly touching image, embracing someone in a hug with a beaming smile on his face.

He genuinely seems to be in good spirits.

Eduard Kryzhanivskyi/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

During his time in Kyiv, Harry and his team are expected to outline new initiatives through the Invictus Games Foundation aimed at enhancing rehabilitation efforts for the wounded, with plans to expand support across Ukraine.

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The visit comes shortly after a reunion with his father, King Charles III, after nearly 19 months apart.

Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Reports say the pair met privately at Clarence House in London, where Harry arrived around 5:20 p.m. local time. The meeting reportedly lasted under an hour. While Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting took place, no further details were shared.

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The One Phrase Prince Harry Needs to Hear to Repair His Relationship with His Dad, According to a Family Therapist
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Princess Dianas hairdresser recalls a "total scandal" that occurred during a royal tour of New Zealand that left then-Prince Charles fuming

Richard Dalton tells PEOPLE Diana had a very different reaction after being mooned by a Maori activist

Dalton served as Dianas official hairdresser from 1981 to 1990

Princess Dianas hairdresser is sharing details about a total scandal that had thenPrince Charles  now King Charles ranting and raving" while drawing a starkly different response from the late princess.

Richard Dalton, who served as Dianas official hairdresser from 1981 until 1990, tells PEOPLE that the royal couple found themselves in the middle of an uproar during their April 1983 tour of New Zealand.

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There was a big hoo-ha going on, Dalton says, referring to anti-monarchist Maori rights protests at the time.

According to Dalton, one Maori protester lifted his skirt and showed his ass to the princess during a haka, a traditional Maori greeting ceremony intended to welcome King Charles, then Prince Charles, and Diana to New Zealand.



Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Princess Diana and Prince Charles watching a traditional Maori dance at Auckland Stadium, New Zealand during an official welcoming ceremony, on April 18, 1983. Princess Diana and Prince Charles watching a traditional Maori dance at Auckland Stadium, New Zealand during an official welcoming ceremony, on April 18, 1983.

"Total scandal, he continues.



Dalton overheard Charles reaction to the incident when he went to style Dianas hair and set her tiara that evening.

I was waiting that evening to go and do her tiara, and I could hear the prince was ranting and raving next door, he says.

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Diana, on the other hand, was laughing over the episode, per Dalton.

"He doesn't sound too happy. I heard what happened," Dalton recalls telling Diana of Charles. She said, I dunno what hes going on about. Its the best thing that ever happened to me since I arrived.

The Princess and the Platypus Foundation 'It's All About The Hair - My Decade with HRH Diana Princess of Wales,' by Richard Dalton and Renae Plant 'It's All About The Hair - My Decade with HRH Diana Princess of Wales,' by Richard Dalton and Renae Plant

Dalton also opened up about the scandal in his memoir, Its All About the HairMy Decade with Diana, written with friend and founder of The Princess Diana Museum, Renae Plant.

She was so funny, Plant tells PEOPLE of the princess. I can't even begin to tell you. There are all these cards and things that she would give people that are just so dirty and wickedly, crazy funny. She had so much fun.

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At the time, protests against Diana and Charles visit sparked headlines such as Maori moon shines on royals.



A Maori protester wearing a grass skirt broke through police lines Wednesday and flashed his bare bottom in the direction of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, read an April 20, 1983, UPI article.



David Levenson/Getty Diana, Princess of Wales is given the traditional Maori greeting of a nose rub on her arrival on April 18, 1983 in Auckland, New Zealand, at the start of the Royal Tour of New Zealand. Diana, Princess of Wales is given the traditional Maori greeting of a nose rub on her arrival on April 18, 1983 in Auckland, New Zealand, at the start of the Royal Tour of New Zealand.

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Documents kept in Britains National Archive and released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2021 shed further light on the incident.



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In a letter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office marked "confidential," then New Zealand High Commissioner Sir Richard Stratton wrote, A well-known Maori agitator presented his bare  and hideous!  bottom (allegedly the worst Maori insult, but I have my doubts!) to Their Royal Highnesses as they drove into Wellington from the airport.

Diana and Charles New Zealand tour was the only time the princess would visit the country, one of the 56 countries in the British Commonwealth.

Its All About the HairMy Decade with Diana is out now.



Read the original article on People
Happy 50th birthday, TIFF! The Toronto International Film Festival celebrated its golden jubilee edition by doing what its done since in inception as the festival of festivals: showed a ton of movies, culled from all over the world. As always, there were highlights and low points, disappointments and left-field surprises  you dont program over 200 feature films over the course of 11 days without a dud or two, and more than a few hidden gems that end up becoming critical flashpoints and audience favorites. Here are the 10 movies we saw at TIFF 50 (for the love of God, please do not call it TIFF-ty) that will stick with us long after the event concludes on September 14th. From docs on tragedies in Gaza and Argentina to a breakout horror flick, a Gothic monster movie with heart and soul, and a period drama about the Bard thats likely to be the next Best Picture winner, it was a very good year.

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(Also: Special shout-outs to Blue Heron, Erupcja, Franz, Hen, A Poet, Rose of Nevada, Tuner, and Wake Up Dead Man.)

Bad Apples

Bad Apples





Jonathan Swift proposed, modestly, that overpopulation might be solved by consuming children. This satire, starring Saoirse Ronan, suggests that students whove fallen through the cracks of a broken school system could be best served by one-on-one tutoring  specifically while being forcibly chained up in a basement. (Chaining folks up in basements seemed to be a recurring motif in this years TIFF lineup, by the way; no less than five films featured this plot point, and thats just out of the ones I saw.) Swedish filmmaker Jonatan Etzler doesnt shy away from the darker aspects of such a premise, and his star leans heavily into the unlikable aspects of her elementary school teacher, who finds herself a rather reluctant jailer of a severe problem child (played by Eddie Waller). Yet this black comedy of manners doesnt stop at indicting the failings of modern education, and points its finger at larger systematic issues  the demands of the gig-economy, the uneven plating fields of meritocracy  that play into the problem as well. Also? Its genuinely fucking funny and wields its sense of irony like a epee.

The Christophers

The Christophers





Look, wed have been perfectly happy if Steven Soderbergh had simply given us a solid art-heist movie starring Michael Coel and Ian McKellen, and not broken his 2025 winning streak. (Hes already blessed us with both Presence and Black Bag this year!) His moody, more-meditative-than-usual drama about a young artist hired to find, pilfer, and finish some unfinished works from a controversial painter goes the extra mile, however, and delivers a pensive piece about creative blockage, the burden of legacies, and how the anxiety of influence can be a boon instead of a burden. And the hot-cold dynamic between its stars, with McKellen in full cantankerous-old-coot mode and Coel offering a cool and aloof counterpart, fits the specific tone Soderbergh and Ed Solomons script to a tee.

Exit 8

Exit 8





The concept is simple: Youre walking down a corridor in a Tokyo subway underground. You notice everything around you, from advertisement posters to a passing fellow commuter. After turning a corner or two, you find yourself in the same hallway  but if you notice any anomalies, such a different billboard or an extra door, turn back. If everything is the exact same way it was the first time, proceed. Do this successfully eight times, and you can exit the building. The 2023 Japanese cult game doesnt exactly scream movie adaptation when you play it, but director Genki Kawamura not only captures the feeling of existential panic and the flexing of deductive muscles. He also constructs a parable about parental anxiety and the peril of making bad choices  in and out of this strange prison  as he puts his hero, the Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya), through his paces. Its fun and stylish and creepy and oddly touching, in all the right places.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

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Guillermo del Toro finally tackles the movie he was born to make, and his take on Mary Shelleys misunderstood monster and the man who made him is exactly what youd hoped for: tony yet pulpy, tender yet perverse, faithful to the original source material while paying homage to all sorts of other Gothic and genre-related influences. Above all, however, its a passionately personal story about being an outcast, and trying to break cycles of bad parenting  no, seriously  that does not skimp on bringing the sound and the fury. Oscar Isaacs Victor Frankenstein is part 18th-century dandy and part swaggering Swinging Sixties rock star, as if Lord Byron had been genetically spliced with Brian Jones. The above-and-beyond production design and costumes are filled with both period-appropriate lushness and totally idiosyncratic touches, like sarcophagi that showcase the naked faces of the dead and several flowing gowns that resemble full-length veils. And for those who only know Jacob Elordi from Euphoria, his sympathetic interpretation of the creature as both an innocent and an angel of vengeance is eye-opening.

Hamnet

Hamnet





Meet the Shakespeares. Chloe Zhaos rigorous, moving, and altogether transcendent take on Maggie OFarrells novel  about the untimely passing of William and Anne Agnes Shakespeares son Hamnet, and the way that tragedy inspired the Bards play Hamlet  was the most shattering fiction film we saw at TIFF this year, and is most likely to be the movie of 2025 that leaves you in a puddle on the floor. Yet its a chronicle of reckoning with death that nonetheless bursts with life, renewal, rebirth. Young Hamnets shuffling off this mortal coil once laid the groundwork for a masterpiece. Its now done so twice. Paul Mescal makes for a rugged Shakespeare, and young actor Jacobi Jupe delivers a surprisingly sublime portrayal as the title character. Yet its Jessie Buckleys performance that truly drives this grief-stricken tale, and the manner in which she ultimately finds a sense of solace and catharsis through art feels revelatory.

No Other Choice

No Other Choice





Park Chan-wook (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Decision to Leave) turns Donald E. Westlakes 1997 novel about an unemployed businessman killing off potential rivals for jobs into a pitch-black comedy, one thats both horrifying and laugh-out funny (see: a set piece involving a loud stereo, a home invasion, and a gun). Squid Game superstar Lee Byung-hun is a paper-company middle manager in Seoul who suddenly finds his middle-class life deteriorating after getting laid off. Desperate times mean desperate measures, which means murder is on the table as an option. Forget it, Jake, its late capitalism. Slapstick bits of business sidle up next to satirical jabs at the mercenary aspects of selling yourself as a job candidate and the less-than-level playing fields one is forced to navigate for creature comforts and self-worth. Its bleak, thrilling, and a blast.

Nuestra Tierra

Nuestra Tierra





Lucretia Martel (Zama, The Headless Woman) crafts a true-crime documentary out of a case involving a prominent figure within Argentinas Chuschagasta community being murdered by a trio of men. They were attempting to claim the land for themselves, citing longtime disputes over whether settlers or the nations indigenous population owned the rights of the resource-rich land. The proceeding court case lasted years and clearly favored the accused over the persecuted. The typical approach would have been to lay everything out and proceed chronologically, yet Martel favors a more mural-like approach, which skips around chronologically and spends a good amount of time delving into the lives and rich history of the Chuschagasta themselves. It still begins with the inciting incident and ends on a partial injustice, but its everything in between those poles that makes this such a compelling, thought-provoking watch.

Obsession

Curry Barker went into TIFF as an up-and-coming horror filmmaker with a strong YouTube following. He left the festival with a $12 million deal with Focus Features and an official next-big-thing coronation. The big head-turner out of this years Midnight Madness program, his debut feature is a spin on the old when-you-wish-upon-a-monkeys-paw chestnut: A boy (Michael Johnston) is head over heels for a girl (Inde Navarrette). Worried that hes stuck in the friend zone, he buys an item at a curio shop that will apparently make his dream of true love come true. It works not wisely but too well. Barker takes his time with the wind-up, which only makes the eventual shift into high gear that much more of a jolt. You can totally see why there was a bidding war for this. And a special kudos to Navarrette, who plays the supernaturally obsessed young woman with a commitment that, in and of itself, borders on obsessive.

The Testament of Ann Lee

The Testament of Ann Lee

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How do you follow up a film like The Brutalist? If youre Mona Fastvold, who cowrote and co-produced that Oscar-winning film with her husband Brady Corbet (hes the co-writer on this one as well), you direct a part-musical biopic about the woman who founded the Shakers in the 18th century with a rigorous attention to period detail. Amanda Seyfried throws herself into the role of Ann Lee like a woman possessed, finding both providence and ecstatic release in worshipping via celibacy, song and dance. Her religious movement will convert many and, because of its strict pacifistic leanings, run afoul of her fellow citizens when the colonies enter the American Revolutionary War. Its an epic take on the power of resistance and the idea of spirituality as a full-contact sport, as well as a metaphor for sticking to your guns no matter; sub in moviemaking for religious movements, and you feel like Fastvold has made something both highly political and intensely personal.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

The Voice of Hind Rajab





This absolutely devastating cri de coeur by Kaouther Ben Hania (Four Daughters) chronicles an emergency call taken by Red Crescent volunteers in Ramallah: a car in Gaza has been shot at by the Israeli Army near a gas station. Inside, a six-year-old girl named Hind Rajab is surrounded by the bodies of her relatives and is the only survivor of the attack. Workers keep her on the line and try to calm her while others attempt to co-ordinate the safe passage of an ambulance to pick her up. The volunteers frantically rushing around are played by actors, recreating the scene. The voices on the phone calls, including Hind, are real, with Hania using the calls actual recordings to detail what happened. The movie doesnt try to simplify the conflict or the ongoing destruction of the region. It simply boils everything down to a single case study in rage, sorrow and unfathomable tragedy, and asks: Why? Why did this have to happen?

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The 80s were filled with toy companies scrambling to get their piece of the millions Hasbro was pulling in every year from the Transformers. Autobots and Deceptions were the hottest toys for Christmas, leading to the creation of the Go-Bots, M.A.S.K., the revival of G.I. Joe, and even the Rock Lords. Lost within the gold rush of childrens marketing were the Battle Beasts, two-inch figures of anthropomorphic animals in power armor, each representing a different element that came complete with signature weapons, vehicles, and playsets. In Japan, they were known by a different name, Transformers: Beastformers, making these tiny animal figures an official part of the Transformers franchise.

The Beastformers made their first appearance in the fifth episode of the anime series Transformers: Headmasters when Galvatron assists the evil Alligatatron in taking over Planet Beast. The good Beastformers, led by White Leo (reptiles bad, mammals good), call on the Autobots for help and save the day, marking the first and only major appearance of the Beastformers. As it turns out, Headmasters wasnt brought over to the West until 2011, and the toyline was developed by Takara in Japan, and Hasbro had international rights, which led to a renaming: Battle Beasts.

My personal collection of Battle Beasts.

Arriving on store shelves across North America in 1987, Battle Beasts failed to include any type of backstory, no fun bio cards like G.I. Joe, and not even a name for the figures on the packaging. Kids called them by their animal, or at least I did, because I was the perfect age to become obsessed with these figures. I didnt know they were part of the Transformers universe, which would have made me think they were even cooler, but back then, they had an amazing look, and animals in power armor are always awesome (yes, including Marvels 90s spin on it, Brute Force).

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Three waves of Battle Beasts were released, totaling over 70 figures, or animals rather, as there were multiple variants of each figure thanks to the inclusion of touch-activated emblems on each figures chest that revealed an element. The thought was that the figures could be used in a game, where Water beat Fire, Wood beat Water, Fire beat Wood, and a super secret fourth emblem, the Sunburst, beat everything. It was Rock, Paper, Scissors with extra steps.

2011s Beast Saga

Its a testament to the quality and design of the figures that theyve been remembered for nearly 40 years despite none of the Transformer tie-ins making it out of Japan. Battle Beasts have been so popular that they went through a revival in Japan in 2011 with the introduction of Beast Saga, which took visual design cues and the basic concept from the 80s toy line, but failed to catch on and was quickly forgotten. Not before a manga, anime, and a Nintendo 3DS game were released, but even that was over a decade ago, and nostalgia is king right now, so why not bring back the Battle Beasts?

Through multiple moves across the country, major life milestones, and multiple decades, Ive kept most of my Battle Beasts with me. In the last year, I even added to my collection when I found Sawtooth Shark and War Weasel at a local comic store. While I was there, the owner fielded multiple calls about the available Battle Beasts, so I know Im not alone; there are plenty of people like me who have nostalgia for these figures, even if we never learned anything about them as kids.

Sawtooth Shark and War Weasel, recent additions to my collection.

We now live in a time where Roboforce has an animated series, The Biker Mice From Mars are coming back, a G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover is leaving comics and heading to the big screen, so wheres the new retro-cartoon series about the uprising on Planet Beast? The Transformers line could use an injection of something new and different, so why not try the small-scale Battle Beast figures? Maybe this time Ill finally get my hands on Blitzkrieg Bat or Major Moose.
In the new comedy Drivers Ed, Sam Nivola (of White Lotus incest fame) plays a lovesick high school senior, Jeremy, who has a passion for movies. He made a short film that won some kind of prize, and he frequently pulls out a little video camera to capture a moment that strikes him as cinematic.

If you told me that Drivers Ed was itself made by Jeremy, Id believe you; it has all the distracted, hurried texture of typical teenage creative output, batting at big emotions it doesnt quite understand and zigging haphazardly in various directions as it makes its way to the most obvious of conclusions. Were I his film teacher, Id give Jeremy a solid B on the assignment but suggest maybe he consider majoring in accounting.

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Jeremy didnt make the film, though. Bobby Farrelly did, he of Dumb and Dumber and Theres Something About Mary fame. Farrelly is 67, and Thomas Moffett, who wrote the film, is 47. So Im not sure what their excuse is. Drivers Ed is almost shockingly generic, a boilerplate teen road-trip movie whose only distinct personality trait is having no personality at all.

Were it not for the iPhones and a lit here and a no cap there, Drivers Ed could have been made in the early 2000s, those waning days of the last great teen cinema epoch. It has all the requisite components: a nerdy-cute boy protagonist, a wise-beyond-her-years dream girl, a funny stoner friend. Its sensitivities are more evolved than those of, say, American Pie, but Drivers Ed would otherwise fit cozily alongside any of the movies that American Pie inspired.

There are glimmers of originality in Moffetts script, flashes of idiosyncratic detail that suggest something richer, more personal that could have been had Farrelly not sanded down every edge he could. Farrelly takes broad swings at comedy, but few of his jokes land. Whatever magic he used to have has gone; his instincts have faded, his timing is off.

The film concerns Jeremys madcap adventure to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where his bitterly missed girlfriend, Samantha (Lilah Pate), is a freshman at UNC. Jeremy is pretty sure hes going to lose Samantha to the temptations of college life if he doesnt do something big. So he steals a driving instruction car and steals off into the Carolina backcountry, with three mismatched fellow students in tow. What ensues is meant to be a comically odyssean journey in pursuit of blind passion. In reality, a few minor things happen and then the movie ends exactly as we expect it to.

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At least the company is welcome. Nivola is a charming, natural actor. He breathes something like real life into Moffetts bland characterization. He has able support from Aidan Laprete as an affable slacker, Mohana Krishnan as a Type A overachiever, and TikTok star Sophie Telegadis, doing very convincing Samaire Armstrong-on-The O.C. drag. The kids have a lively, winsome rapport and manage to register some specificity in the face of Farrelly and Moffetts myriad tired cliches.

The adults dont fare quite so well. Molly Shannon does her noble best with a Bad Principal role, while Kumail Nanjiani strains for anything resembling humor as a loser substitute teacher. Im sure both saw some value in working for one of the Farrelly brothers, even in 2025, but they maybe should have held out for something better.

Drivers Ed is kindhearted and well-intentioned enough that one cant outright hate it. But Farrelly seriously tries that good will as the movie lurches along. Its 98 minutes feel like twice that. The expected tangents and vignettes of a road moviein this case a meet-cute with a dog owner, a run in with a petty thief who has the whitest veneers Ive ever seen, a quick trip in the back of a refrigerated truck full of fur coats (yeah I dont get it either)are to a one fatally dull and wholly unnecessary. Drivers Ed has all the arbitrary comedy of a bad improv set, seeming to figure that randomness itself is funny. There are a few laughs to be found in the film, little moments of wit or weirdness, but the film is otherwise a mirthless drag rescued only by its bright leads. Maybe let them make the movie next time.

Grade: C

Drivers Ed premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution.

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Coastal Maine is home to some of the Northeast's most charming towns, and vacationers have been descending for centuries, especially in summer. But if you're looking for a cozy fall weekend getaway, Biddeford, the historic textile mill town on the Saco River just 20 miles up the road from Kennebunkport, is quietly becoming one of Maine's most exciting stays. "Brooklyn North," as a town leader has called it, is truly having a "Biddesance." "Biddeford has been such an awesome home for our business since we took over Palace in 2014," says the Chad Conley, co-owner the Palace Diner, housed in Maine's oldest dining car and named best in the U.S. by Bon Appetit and Eater's 38 Essential American Restaurants. To find out more about what makes Biddeford so special, I spoke with some of the business owners and leader at the heart of its revitalization, as well as an area historian who were happy to share the story of their beloved town. "With a short walk downtown, you can really get a sense of the scale of the city, its history and the changes that are happening today. There's so much variety crammed into such a small amount of space," says Conley. Here are a few highlights if you're looking for a cozy fall getaway in Biddeford, Maine.

Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns Are Fall Hidden Gems, Say Travel Pros

A City With History

The historic brick pepperell center or former mill building in the town of Biddeford Maine on the Saco River.

Biddeford's past is a living part of its history. From the old red brick Pepperell factory sitting proudly on the Saco River like a beacon to its area residents descending from Franco-American and many other immigrant communities that that built its growth. "Biddefords mills met the same fate as many in New England. Production was either outsourced or moved closer to source material," says Emma Bouthillette, author of A Brief History of Biddeford. While Biddeford had a thriving downtown in the mid-20th century, retail stores started closing around the time that the Maine Mall and other larger retailers came into the area, leaving the town in a few decades of economic depression.

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Heart of Biddeford's Executive Director Delilah Poupore has been an integral part in shaping its evolution first-hand. "We knew we needed a 'third space' where people could gather outside of home and work. Elements bookstore was the winner of Heart of Biddeford's first 'Main Street Challenge' business competition, with a ten-thousand-dollar forgivable loan and six months of free rent. That was really when people started returning to the downtown and when the university students started exploring. Palace Diner is here because the owners, Chad [Conley] and Greg [Mitchell], stopped in to Elements when they came to town looking for a place to start a restaurant. Elements' owner, Michael Macomber, sent the two to HOB and I gave them a tour. A week later they'd signed a lease at Palace and launched that amazing business."

Gradually, says Poupore, Biddeford-Saco developed as a food and beverage destination, the storefronts filled in and tourists began to recognize that they could make an entire day out of a trip to Biddeford. Then came its chic boutique hotel in the center of town. "The arrival of The Lincoln started the next chapter for Biddeford," says Bouthillette. "A hotel downtown has created opportunity for more activity and its exciting to see guests walking throughout downtown and supporting our small businesses."

"Biddeford is a special place because we have been able to build upon the interesting history that's here. Mill workers that came from around the worldworking class people that knew how make ends meet and to demand good governmentand incredible natural elements like the Saco River and the ocean just four miles away," explains Poupore. "There's a sense that we've revitalized the town from the inside out, and that makes it welcoming for others to come start a business or bring their family here."

Related: The Cape Cod Town Going Viral for Its Iced LattesAnd Cozy Sweater Season Vibes

Where to Stay in Biddeford This Fall

As everyone noted, The Lincoln Hotel is truly a gem, and is reminiscent of Portland chic (both Maine and Oregon) and a NYC boutique hotel.

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The vibe is apparent from the hotel lobby, where mini conversation spaces are outfitted with plush velvet sofas, cowhide rugs and mid-century modern decor. You can grab a coffee or pastry at the bakery, or start the evening off with cocktail hour from the bar every day at 5 p.m. Batson River Brewing Company in the basement is the perfect spot for a big night out.

Urban-loft-style rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces and close-up views of the Saco River. I even took a dip in the beautiful mosaic-tiled rooftop pool during the fall season and no one was out to stop me!

Related: 7 Biggest Fall Travel Trends, According to Travel Pros

Best Fall Coffee and Breakfast Spots

No visit to Biddeford is complete without a stop at the 15-seat Palace Diner, the breakfast and lunch spot that started it all. Prepare to arrive right at opening (7 a.m.) or wait in line to try its famed flapbacks and breakfast sandwich, made with fluffy baked eggs and pickled jalapenos. "There's one item that's more iconic than the rest, it's got to be our Deluxe breakfast sandwich," says Conley. "Order the Deluxe with a side of French toast, or if you're coming for lunch, try out the famous Tuna Melt."

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From there, it will be a tough choice with loads of options to choose from for coffee and baked treats. "The local coffee shops roast their own coffee in the millssome, like Time & Tide, that moved here with decades of experience in the coffee industry, and others that grew up in the area and learned the craft while running the business, like Elements," says Poupore. "Edelweiss Bakery is not to be missed. The owners are two pastry chefs and chocolatiers who studied at the culinary institute in Switzerland. You will feel like you're transported to Europe."

Cant-Miss Boutiques and Bookstores

You'll definitely want to check out Elements, the bookstore that became the city's soul. "There are hundreds of people locally who consider Elements to be an extension of their home. It's the community's third place. People come to work, study, meet, date, write and connect with others. It's a safe space where you can be alone, surrounded by others. Our customers, our current and former staff, our gallery artists and local musicians all share ownership in what Elements has become over the last twelve years," says co-owner Katie Pinard. "I recommend letting us make you a fresh pour-over; my favorite cup is a 50/50 blend of our light roast Ethiopia Limu and Dionysus rye barrel-aged Honduras coffees."

A walk down Main Street isn't complete without some vintage shopping. "People definitely come to town for the vintage shops, especially Biddeford Vintage Market. We have a brand new spot opening up with great clothes too, called Offhand Thrift. If you're in the know, you'll also go to the basement of Wild Grace & Co to find more secondhand clothes," says Poupore.

Roxi Suger is a clothing designer who moved here from Brooklyn. Now, she designs and sews their full lines of Angelrox and Suger clothing here, and sells them around the country as well as in their flagship store in Biddeford, continues Poupore. "Suger is a must-stop because the clothes are incredible and there's a great assortment of curated Maine gifts and treats. I also love Briar and Bone tooit's full of gifts for people who love the natural world and curiosities."

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"Some that I recommend often include Biddeford Vintage Market, Moon Lady Plants, Nibblesford and Stem & Vine," says Bouthillette. "You really cant go wrong no matter where you shop."

Best River Walks and Light Hiking Trails

Biddeford sits on the swiftly moving Saco River. It's an integral part of its past and a naturaly beautiful part of the landscape to explore. "An amazing perk of the mill district revitalization is that we now have access to spots on the Saco River that were off limits before. The Saco River Walk wraps from the Saco Train Station, around Saco Mill No. 4, across the Saco River, through some mill buildings, and drops you out at the falls, where you can sit on the plaza, enjoy the mist of the river and have a picnic," says Bouthillette.

Biddeford boasts four fun tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. Learn all about Biddeford's food and beverage scene on The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour. The Tour of Biddeford combines the tastes of the town with its history, culture and hometown stories. On Biddeford Homecomings Tour, you'll meet folks in person, get to ask questions and find out why they came to Biddeford to make this place home. Finally, the Biddeford Mills Museum Tour gives you a deeper look inside look at the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. "I recommend finding Laconia Plaza and sitting while marvelling at the waterfall. You'll learn more about how that waterfall powered the mills before there was electricity. They even take you underground to visit the tunnels where the water flowed," says Poupore.

Where to Eat and Drink in Biddeford, Day and Night

The Maine food scene is epic right now, and Conley, who also worked at Chez Panisse, Jean George, Daniel and Portland's Duckfat, is one of the many chefs with epic pedigrees doing exciting things in Biddeford. Fish & Whistle, from James Beard-award winning chefs is another can't miss. "Every other Friday, I go to Fish & Whistle with my parents for dinner. It's an incredible chip shop on Main Street. The best fish, the best people. If they have dessert specials, don't snooze on those," says Pinard.

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"I love going to Magnus on Water. It's super cozy inside in the winter or you can sit in their unique, tree-lined patio in the warm months. They are 100% consistent in providing a warm, welcoming, fun and quirky evening with foods that are comforting and delighting. The cocktail mixologist is a known genius too," recommends Poupore.

Biddeford's pizza scenesome new and some for many generationshas many fans. "The first is Reillys Bakery, founded in 1910 and now run by the fourth generation of the family. They serve up classic donuts, pastries, cakes, and other delicious treats. The second is Pizza by Alex, another historic staple in the city. Founded in 1960 and still family operated, you get a delicious 10 Greek-style pizza in a nostalgic restaurant setting for a decent price," says Bouthillette. Conley also recommends Pizza by Alex as well as newcomer Coletti's Pizza. "It's off the beaten path and the pizza is incredible."

Three craft brewers have put Biddeford on the map. "Sacred Profane, Banded Brewing Co., and Lucky Pigeon (gluten free!) all brew great beer right here in Biddeford. Sacred is a great Czech brewery with a special Czech-inspired tankpub menu, and Banded has developed a great menu and even Sunday brunch," explains Poupore.

Pinard recommends spirit tasting at Round Turn Distillery. "They ruined me on gin forever. You can get a classic G&T or a specialty cocktail designed in house, and bring some bottles home with youI recommend the Bimini Barrel Reserve No 1."

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Some others leading the food renaissance and are not to be missed are Nibblesford, Rover Bagel and Sweetcream says Conley.

If You Only Have 24 Hours in Biddeford

It's really tough to narrow down an overnight itinerary. On my recent trip, I only had 24 hours, and I'm already planning a trip back. But for newcomers looking for a starter taste, Poupore has this suggestion:

Dinner on the patio at Magnus (followed by their rice pudding dessert indoors when it cooled down)

Cappuccinos and pistachio lattes at Time & Tide

Lunch at Fish & Whistle

Reading at the bar with more coffee at Elements

Cocktails in the Lobby Bar at The Lincoln, followed by dinner at Batson River

Reading at the ocean at Middles Beach

A long walk through Clifford Park (a half mile walk from the downtown)

A large family gathering on the back patio at Cowbell Burger Bar

Ice cream at Sweetcream Dairy

Pinard has some additions. "Go to a show at Biddeford City Theater. It's a fully restored, historic 19th-century opera house and its community theater productions are all fueled by volunteers. The theater draws incredibly talented actors and tech specialists, and the opera house itself is a Southern Maine gem," she recommends. Goldthwaite Pool Lobster up at Biddeford Pool is another can't miss. "Order yourself some lunch or dinner, and take it out back to the picnic tables and adirondack chairs overlooking the bay. It's one of the two places that I recommend going for a lobster roll."

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Overall, Poupore notes, it's the history and people of the town that have made this evolution possible. "There has been a major transformation, but it's kind of important that this city is still a mill-based town. None of us would be here, going to cool restaurants and coffee shops, if workers hadn't continued to innovate and work really hard in these mills."

Related: The Maine Beach Town Thats Perfect for Labor Day Weekendand Fall Too

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before there were parenting experts, there were abuelas. These matriarchs use data points and knowledge from lived experiences. They offer priceless consejos ensuring that we not only survive, but thrive, and find a path to preserving our culture.

With 1 in 7 Latine kids living in multigenerational homes, according to The Hispanic Research Center, grandparents are essential influencers in preserving and honoring our cultural traditions and language. I didnt grow up with a grandparent figure in my life, but Im fortunate enough to have a layered family dynamic with many figures who took on the role of an abuela for me.



As we raise the next generation of Latines in the U.S, its important to honor their seeds of wisdom and the roots that keep our values and traditions strong.



Lesson 1: Family is more than blood.

Sugey Palomares Lam, New York, New York

The biggest lesson and one that stays with me: Family is more than a blood connection. In our home, close friends were treated like family and often referred to as a tio, tia, primo, or prima. My mom, who was born in Cuba and fled during the Fidel Castro regime, would cook extra food, and we always had close neighbors stop by for dinner. Where four can eat, five can eat, she would say.



The strength in community and showing people love without expecting anything in return has been one of the greatest lessons. I hold it close to my heart and try to show my kidswhile also keeping more boundaries in mind. I often tell them now, Lets be a day maker today, with simple acts of kindness and generosity. They are honoring our family values and what we stand for with these simple acts. We are much stronger together as a communityalways.



Lesson 2: It's okay to slow down.

Annabelle Canela, New York, New York

My Dominican abuela taught me to slow down. She took care of me most times I got sick as a child and would stop everything to tend to me. She would set up a comfortable spot for me to lie down and put on my favorite cartoons and refused to let me do anything until I felt better. To this day, I still consider the way she treated me when I was sick as a lesson to be kind to myself (and others) when I'm not feeling the best.

Lesson 3: Self-care isn't selfish.

Teresa Pena-Lupher, Lincoln, Nebraska

My abuela believes that mothering is the most important job, and in order to be there for your children, you have to stop and take care of yourself, too. She always says that if something happens to me, no one will ever take care of or love my kids the way I do.



I think that sounds harsh, but that is really the root of her advice. Finding time for self-care seems impossible when youre raising young children. But finding time to exercise, eat well, and nourish my mind helps me be a better person, feel good, and be there for my kids.



Lesson 4: Movement and music are healing.

Maritza Levy, Kissimmee, Florida

My grandmother was the rock of our family. She taught me what real strength and resilience were. After so many things she was able to overcome, she never let any of it keep her down and was always a safe space for anyone who needed support.



She always found a reason to turn up the music and let the rhythm move her. Music was her connection to her home in PR, her family that she missed, helped her cope when things got hard, and brought her so much joy.



Lesson 5: Education is important.

Maria Izaguirre Rivera, New York, New York

Sadly, I wasnt raised by my abuela because we had to leave Cuba while I was still young, and she wasnt allowed to leave the country. But my mom was raised by all women, including my grandmother, and she instilled the importance of education in me. She would always say, Estudia. Que la education es algo que nadie te puede quitar, (Study. Because no one can take your education away from you.)



So, Ive instilled the importance of education in my two girls and told them the same thing. That whatever they achieve and earn is theirs and no one can ever take that from them.

Read the original article on Parents
New Hampshire is a beautiful place, especially when it comes to its fall foliage and lakes.

Yankee Magazine made a list of the top six calming places to celebrate New England fall foliage, and one New Hampshire lake made the list.

"Each of these six venues, however, provides access to Mother Earths autumnal blaze in a serene setting without the distraction of crowds," the magazine said.

Here's the New Hampshire lake you may want to visit in place of Lake Winnipesaukee.

A dock and diving platform on Little Squam Lake, New Hampshire, at sunset.

Squam Lake, Holderness

Yankee Magazine chose Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire, because of how beautifully the colors of the changing treetops in the fall reflect off Squam Lake's waters.

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Here's what Yankee Magazine said about it: "Carved by glaciers from the last Ice Age, Squam (aka Big Squam) Lake is the second-largest lake located completely within the states borders. (Its also still noted for being the centerpiece for the film On Golden Pond, shot there more than 40 years ago.) Book a 90-minute, naturalist-led pontoon-boat cruise through Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and youll delight in the woodlands showing off their vibrant autumnal leaves and a rocky shoreline shaped by glaciers. Reflected in the lakes surface are the fiery colors of the surrounding forested mountain slopes. No less captivating are possible sightings of bald eagles, common loons, belted kingfishers, and other birds."

If you prefer to hike rather than cruise, Squam Lake has a plethora of trails to go on, according to the Squam Lakes association website.

The website suggests Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest Trails for those wanting an easy hike among others, Whitten Woods Trails and nine others for hikers who want path with modest slopes, East Rattlesnake Trails and eight other trails for a route with steep slopes for long periods of time. It also recommends two "strenuous" options.

If you prefer swimming to hiking or going on a cruise, then there's good news for you again at Squam.

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Out of all the lakes in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Squam Lake made Reader Digest's list as a top freshwater swimming spot.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Want to leaf peep in New Hampshire? Try the trails around this lake
Michel Bourez won the 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, winning both the thruster event and the grand final back-to-back at Sultans. And the kicker? Turns out he tore his hamstring while surfing in the twin-fin portion of the worlds most luxurious surf contest.

Fearing that his campaign was over, wrote Chris Binns in a release to the press, Bourez received a hefty dose of medical treatment overnight before adrenaline powered him through four heats in pumping waves on finals day.

The last day of the event was a good one, to say the least. When the sun rose over the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, competitors were greeted with the best waves of the window. Owen Wright, who won the twin-fin event the previous day, started off with a bang, pulling down a 7.50 on his opening wave. It wasnt long before Bourez, torn hamstring and all, figured out that he could surf relatively pain free if he surfed with most of his weight on his back foot, allowing him to hammer those huge turns he does so well and ride the barrel.

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I wasnt sure I was going to be able to surf today, Bourez said. But I was always going to try. Before the first heat I figured out if I put all my weight on the back foot I could still surf, and I felt like I was in the zone after that.

It was almost immediately apparent that Bourezs leg would not be an issue. An opening 5.5 showed that Bourezs treetrunk leading leg was up to the challenge, although an early turn-to-fall had the gallery holding its breath, Binns continued. Next came a 6.67 for a deep, double-sectioned tube, the best of the event so far. Bourez and the waves were on. With time running out a bomb came straight to the Tahitian who, finally back on his beloved thrusters, belted it repeatedly, sending sheets of spray to the sky. Long regarded as one of the worlds most powerful surfers, Bourez looked imposing, as if his injury had forced his fury up a notch. The judges locked in an 8.5 to give the Tahitian the lead.

Jesse Mendes, who was the third man in the heat, tried his best to eke out the scores needed to beat Wright and Bourez, but Bourez proved to be too much for either of them. Mendes, though, did manage to beat Craig Anderson in the first semifinal of the day. Although Anderson didnt advance, he was more than happy to have been in the water.

If all competitions were like this, he laughed, I might have stuck with them.

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Bourezs power carve game was on full display in the thruster division final, and it was enough to vault him to the top of the podium.

Bourez opened the thruster final with another rail-infused effort for a 7.83, before Mendes replied with a surgically smooth 7.17, then settled into the best seat in the house as Michel tore into the wave behind, the press release read. If youd forgotten about Bourezs love of critical turns, then a massive carve into a big vertical blast were a stark reminder. An 8.67 extended his lead and had the crowd questioning Michels apparently-injured hamstring, while another 7.5, for another wrenched bucket-throw, was a mere throwaway.

Mendes, who is married to Tatiana Weston-Webb, had priority, but the ocean went flat. A few wider sets rolled through un-ridden, and Mendes quickly ran out of time.

Jesse had his chances but he was too deep, Weston-Webb said. I told him to sit wide, but I can only tell him so many times!

The grand final was the third matchup of the week between Bourez and Wright. Bourez was surfing his fourth heat of the day, and his momentum was strong. They traded waves for much of the heat, but with just a few minutes to go the best wave of the event rolled in and Bourez was in position.

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The Tahitians eyes lit up, Binns wrote. He found his feet, pumped for speed, set his line, and threaded a deep blue drainer the length of the Sultans lineup, emerging with fists raised and a perfect 10 guaranteed for the best victory lap youll ever see.

Bourez couldnt believe his luck. That was unbelievable, he said. It was the perfect wall that hit the perfect section of reef, and I was so happy to have it happen in my heat, at that time. I knew it was a 10 as soon as I came out.
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There's something oddly comforting about Trader Joe's prepared foods  like they're somehow "homemade" instead of store-bought. Maybe it's the interesting concoctions, or the comparatively "clean" ingredients, but I personally feel pretty good reaching for those refrigerated or frozen packages dotted throughout TJ's stores. That's especially true for quick-fixing breakfast or snack items like Trader Joe's egg bites. One in particular harbors an impressive 17 grams of protein per two-bite package, and it does so with only the whites  no yolks involved.

That's the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese & Turkey Sausage Egg White Bites, which landed on our Tasting Table list of the 13 best high-protein snacks at Trader Joe's. Instead of making your own with sous vide or silicone egg bite molds, these little round cuties come precooked and packaged in microwave-ready trays, arriving warm on your plate in just 60 seconds. Better yet, skip the plate, as they're specifically designed for handheld breakfasts, snacks, and appetizers.

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You'll find these cheesy/sausage egg bites in the refrigerated section, tucked beside egg-bite companions such as Cheddar Cheese & Uncured Bacon, Cheese, Spinach & Kale, and Harvest Vegetable Hash Egg Bites. A primary component setting our high-protein pick apart from the others is in the name itself: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese. It's a well-known Trader Joe's favorite, appearing in the artisan cheese section not only as blocks of cheddar, but also in small tubs of Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread. It not-so-subtly slips into various other foods throughout the Trader Joe's repertoire  now including the egg white bites.

Read more: 13 Trader Joe's Prepared Foods, Ranked

Expect the Unexpected flavors and ingredients

Trader Joe's egg white bites - Samantha Maxwell / Tasting Table

Before further extolling the virtues of Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, which lands in my shopping cart on a weekly basis, it's worth mentioning that it's not the only taste-defining component of Unexpected Cheddar and Turkey Sausage Egg White Bites. The sausage itself brings a lot to the table, including a spicy, smoky flavor, plus its own contribution to the protein count. Apart from the renowned cheddar cheese, additional ingredients in these bites include cage-free egg whites and a subtle infusion of cottage cheese for a smooth, balancing effect.

Back to "that cheese" with the unique Unexpected flavors: Its distinct character comes from a seemingly dichotomous blend of mild creaminess and a tangy twist, accentuated by the crumbly texture and salt crystals typically present in aged, extra-sharp cheeses. When part of the egg-bite composition, this cheese brings the presence of an Italian-style hard cheese like Parmesan  understandably so based on its background. Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar cheesemakers work their wonders in Wisconsin, but their origins are in the Northeastern Veneto region of Italy.

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Many folks revel in the pure, unadulterated version of Unexpected Cheddar and Turkey Sausage Egg White Bites, and you can even eat them cold, straight out of the package. But they do shine with a bit of creative concocting. Trader Joe's suggests dipping or dousing them in things like hot sauce, sour cream, or bruschetta sauce. They're also fine contenders for breakfast or lunch sandwiches; just slip into an English muffin and top with avocado or tomato slices.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
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The mummified head from Bolivia has been in a Swiss museum collection since 1914. | Credit: Abegg et al. 2025, Int. J. Osteoarchaeol.; CC BY 4.0

An unusual mummified head discovered in Bolivia more than a century ago isn't what it seems, a new study finds.

Originally thought to be the remains of an Inca man, the mummified head is actually from someone from a different culture who had incisions cut into their skull, possibly as part of a ritual, the research reveals.

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The new analysis is an attempt to place the individual in their archaeological context and to "give them back their local history," according to the researchers.

"These remains are not just bones in an anthropological collection," museologist and art historian Claire Brizon of the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology and History in Lausanne, Switzerland, told Live Science. "They are the remains of individuals in their own right."

Brizon is the senior author of the new study, published Aug. 27 in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology , that analyzed the mummified head. It consists of its mummified skin, face, cranium, jaw and part of the neck. Remarkably, the top of the head is roughly conical and bears a prominent lesion from an attempted trepanation  the process of drilling or cutting a hole through the bone of the cranium.

But there are no signs that the trepanation was done in response to trauma, which suggests it might have had a ritual or social purpose, the researchers wrote in the study.

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Related: The Incas mastered the grisly practice of drilling holes in people's skulls

Image 1 of 2

four different detailed angles of the mummified skull

This composite photograph of the head shows (A) the face; (B) inside the neck, where it seems torn-off rather than cut; (C) a close-up of the head near its right eye, and (D) "pock marks" on the right cheek, possibly caused by insect damage.

Image 2 of 2

a close-up of a lesion on the skull

The skull has a prominent lesion near the top of its head caused by an attempted trepanation.

Collected in Bolivia

The new analysis determined that the head was from an adult man who died at least 350 years ago and that he had undergone "cranial deformation" as a child  a relatively common practice in pre-Colombian South America that was achieved by tightly binding an infant's head for many years.

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In addition, the trepanation attempt on the top-right side of his skull was not completed, for some reason; deep incisions were made in the outer layers of the bone, but it had not perforated the inner layers, the researchers wrote.

The study also includes research into how the mummified head was obtained by the museum and where it came from. The researchers found that the skull was donated to the museum in Lausanne in 1914 by a Swiss collector, who had obtained it in Bolivia in the 1870s.

A note attached to the head said it was from an Inca person. However, the researchers found that the type of cranial deformation indicated it was from one of the Aymara, an Indigenous group living in the Bolivian Highlands.

The note also said the head was recovered in a particular area of Bolivia, which is now known to be where the Aymara live. According to the new study, it was probably taken from a "chullpa"  a stone burial tower that was once common in that region  and it had likely been naturally mummified by the cold and dry climate there.

An example of a pre-Incan funerary tower known as chullpa. The above chullpa, which sits on the hills near Lake Titicaca in the Bolivian Andes, was restored and erected with financial support from Switzerland in coordination with the Bolivian Ministry of Cultures. | Credit: AIZAR RALDES via Getty Images

Preserving human remains

In keeping with their mission, the researchers were careful to use only noninvasive methods of analysis  as opposed to radiocarbon dating , for example, which often requires cutting, scraping or drilling a small hole in an object to obtain enough material for a sample.

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Because the dead man could give no consent, it was important to use analytical methods in line with what he might have wanted, study lead author Claudine Abegg , an anthropologist at the University of Geneva, told Live Science.

In addition, destructive testing such as isotopic or DNA analysis might be able to give more precise results than the methods used in the study, "but that decision should rest with communities connected to him," she said.

For now, the mummified head is still in the museum collection, although it is not on public display. Brizon said the museum had not yet received any requests for its repatriation but was open to inquiries.

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Julia Gresky , a paleopathologist at the German Archaeological Institute who was not involved in the latest study but has researched trepanations and cranial deformations, told Live Science that she had never before seen a head that had undergone both cranial deformation and an attempted trepanation.

In this case, there was no obvious trauma that might have been the reason for the trepanation attempt  although brain disorders wouldn't leave any evidence on the skull  so it might have been performed for ritual or social purposes, she said.

But she had no explanation for why the trepanation was not completed. "Maybe the person said, 'I'm sorry, but I don't want any more,'" Gresky said.
Sweeping cuts to foreign aid are impacting the UN's ability to support hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Afghans returning to their country, with the humanitarian response also overstretched following a series of deadly earthquakes, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) chief of mission for Afghanistan has told Euronews.

Around 2 million Afghan nationals have returned from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan this year alone, the majority from Iran, with as many as 40,000 crossing the border every day at the peak of the crisis in July.

While some returnees go back voluntarily, many are forcibly expelled.

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Pakistan has recently accelerated deportations under the so-called Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan, with a recent target for Afghan nationals holding UNHCR Proof of Registration (PoR) cards to leave the country by 1 September.

There has also been a recent mass of Afghans, including refugees, forcibly returned from Iran, with a surge in deportations in the wake of the twelve-day war between Iran and Israel.

Tehran has cited national security concerns and made widespread accusations linking Afghans in Iran to Israels intelligence services to justify its crackdown.

Many returnees arrive destitute and in desperate need of shelter, economic assistance, and help to rebuild their lives.

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They're coming back to a kind of new country. They don't understand how to navigate the system, or what the conditions are like, Mihyung Park, the IOMs chief of mission for Afghanistan, said.

A lot of these people are undocumented and even with documentation at the border, they're often confiscated.

Park explains that returnees have a raft of basic needs, including cash, shelter and access to economic opportunities.

A lot of people actually do want to stay. They want to settle in the country and see how they can cope, she says. But after a while, what they face is lack of livelihood opportunities and they don't have homes.

Aid cuts mean majority of returnees cannot be assisted

Western governments broad cuts to humanitarian and development aid, most notably US President Donald Trumps decision to freeze his administrations foreign aid in February, are denting aid operations across the world, with the impact particularly felt in Afghanistan.

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An estimated $1.7 billion (1.5 billion) in US aid to Afghanistan has been stripped away this year, forcing an estimated 50 international aid organisations or agencies to partly or wholly suspend operations.

The UN has previously warned that cutting the funding could be a death sentence for millions of people.

It has really impacted our work  not just IOM, but all humanitarian agencies operating in the country  in quite a serious way, Park told Euronews.

We had to make quite difficult decisions to de-prioritise (...) and this is even before the earthquake and the large returns that we did not foresee from both Iran and Pakistan.

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The agency has established nine vulnerability criteria to direct funding to those most in need, while also recognising that the majority of returning individuals are vulnerable and require assistance.

When, in 2023, we had about a million people who returned from Pakistan, we were able to assist almost everyone with immediate assistance. Now, we can barely assist 20% to 30% of people who meet the vulnerability criteria, she added.

A series of recent earthquakes and consequent aftershocks that hit Afghanistans mountainous eastern border region, killing more than 2,200 people, have also compounded urgent needs, with the UN recently warning that some affected areas have not yet been reached.

The UN has issued an emergency appeal for nearly $140 million (119 million) in funding to help almost half a million people affected.

Civil defense workers, locals, and army soldiers clear rubble and search for survivors after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, Sep 2, 2025. - Hedayat Shah/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.

We had to really squeeze before the earthquake (...) Now we have to squeeze again to provide assistance to the earthquake-affected zone. So we really, every day, we try to, we struggle to see how we can de-prioritise our priorities, Park explained.

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Of course, that means the people who really need support will not be getting support.

Women returning face huge barriers

The UN is also warning that women returnees face rising risks, as Taliban restrictions on women's and girls rights intensify.

These are big, huge challenges they face, especially for women, and especially women returning from Iran: they're quite educated and they're exposed to a more open society where they used to go to school, had jobs, and had a good university background," Park said.

"So when they return, they are anxious and uncertain about adapting to an Afghan society where you have no freedom for work, and education is a huge challenge.

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The IOM estimates that women make up just under one-third of returnees from Iran so far in 2025, and about half of all returnees from Pakistan.

On Thursday, the UNs refugee agency said it was halting its assistance to returning Afghans after the Taliban prevented its Afghan female staff from working.

In a statement, the UN said that "de facto Afghan security forces prevented national female staff members and contractors of the United Nations from entering UN compounds in Kabul," adding that security officers were "visibly present" outside UN premises in Kabul, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif.

The IOM said that while it had also been impacted, it maintained its "commitment to a principled response in the country", ensuring it continued to "support vulnerable Afghan women, men, boys and girls with humanitarian and resilience programming, delivered through (...) female and male personnel throughout the country."
One of the Air Forces most powerful bombers recently flew to the Arctic to test out its ship killing bomb earlier this month. A B-2 Spirit bomber flew with planes from the Norwegian Air Force in a test of the militarys Quicksink munition, taking out a floating target.

Rather than the massive bunker buster bombs B-2s dropped on Iranian facilities earlier this summer, this test involved a 2,000-pound-class GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM. It was the third test of the Quicksink, a large JDAM specifically modified to take out enemy ships in a single strike. The test took place on Sept. 3, although both the American and Norwegian militaries did not announce the exercise until a week later; flight trackers did notice a B-2 en route to Norway around that time however.

The bomber, from the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron assigned to the 53rd Wing, flew alongside four Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs and a P-8 Poseidon. The bomber dropped the munition on what the Air Force described only as a surface vessel set up near Andya, Norway, sinking it.

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The initial Quicksink munition weighed around 2,000 pounds. Earlier this year, the Air Force debuted a new 500 pound variant of the Quicksink bomb, meant to expand the Air Forces ability to target enemy ships. According to the Air Force Research Lab, which developed the munition, it is envisioned as a low-cost option for taking out enemy vessels, although the use of a B-2 in this test points to some costly uses outside of the weapon. The Air Force has a grand total of 19 B-2 Spirit bombers, all based out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

Quicksink offers an affordable, game-changing solution to rapidly and efficiently sink maritime targets, Col. Dan Lehoski, commander of the 53rd Wing said in a release in June. AFRLs 500-pound Quicksink variant adds options for the warfighter and enhances operational flexibility.

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The Air Force has used its Quicksink bomb in these kinds of exercises in the past. In 2022, during the massive Rim of the Pacific exercise, the Air Force blew a cargo ship into two pieces, dropping it quickly beneath the waves. Two years later in the came exercise, the Air Force tested out a 2,000 pound version of the Quicksink, again dropped from a B-2.

The B-2s flight to Norway comes after the 53rd Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base had been noticeably busy last year. The bombers struck Houthi targets in Yemen last October, forward deployed to the militarys base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and carried out part of the strikes in Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran in June. Last month two B-2s were sent to Alaska for the Northern Edge 2025 military exercise. One of those bombers flew over Russian President Vladimir Putin when he arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for a summit with President Donald Trump.
Albania is looking to artificial intelligence to tackle corruption in public finance, as Prime Minister Edi Rama appoints the world's first AI-generated government minister to oversee public tenders.

Presenting his new cabinet on Thursday following a big election victory in May, Rama introduced the new team member, named "Diella"  which means "sun" in Albanian.

"Diella is the first [cabinet] member who is not physically present, but virtually created by artificial intelligence," Rama said at a meeting of his Socialist Party.

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Diella will be entrusted with all decisions on public tenders, making them "100-percent corruption-free and every public fund submitted to the tender procedure will be perfectly transparent", he added.

Diella was launched in January as an AI-powered virtual assistant  resembling a woman dressed in traditional Albanian costume  to help people use the official e-Albania platform that provides documents and services.

So far, it has helped issue 36,600 digital documents and provided nearly 1,000 services through the platform, according to official figures.

Albania election a litmus test for EU accession amid deep divides

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Albania hopes that fighting corruption, particularly in public administration, will put it in good stead as it prepares its bid to join the European Union.

Rama aspires to lead the Balkan nation of 2.8 million people into the political bloc by 2030.

Fears of meddling, fakes

Other countries, including France, are also turning to artificial intelligence to help with running public services.

A French programme called "Albert" will be used by tax agents, for example, to deal with the approximately 16 million queries they receive each year.

The AI tool will also be programmed to transcribe legal hearings and medical reports, track forest fires and manage HR for civil servants.

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Polish radio experiment replaces journalists with AI presenters

However, the advent of artificial intelligence  notably its power to generate convincing text and images  has renewed concerns about disinformation and the potential harm the technology could cause during elections.

The EU called on Facebook, TikTok and other social media giants to crack down on deepfakes and other AI-generated content by using clear labels ahead of the Europe-wide polls held last June.

(with newswires)
Sep. 13CLAYTON  In its 50-year history, the Antique and Classic Boat Society, which has 52 chapters in the U.S., Canada and Europe, has never hosted one of its Vintage Boat Shows in this river village, where it is based.

The ACBS did host its annual show in Alexandria Bay in 2019 at an event that attracted nearly 600 participants and a menagerie of vessels, but never in Clayton, where the society is headquartered at 422 James St.

"With the 50th anniversary, we said we wanted to 'Bring it home to headquarters,' and partner with the Antique Boat Museum," ACBS Executive Director Lora Nadolski Hanson said.

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Last year's show was held along Gull Lake in Lake Shore, Minnesota. The location of the annual show has ranged from Idaho to Ontario, Canada.

The local Thousand Islands chapter of the ACBS contains members from the U.S. and Canada. The chapter hosts several events throughout the year, with the highlight its vintage "User" Boat Show in July, usually in Alexandria Bay.

New York is the birthplace of the ACBS. It grew from a 1974 organized show on the Lake George village docks led by local wooden boat owners, who decided to organize a year later.

"Technically, boat-show-wise, this is our 23rd international boat show," Nadolski Hanson said. "But we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of ACBS."

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'A taste of the waterway'

ACBS members from the U.S., Canada and Europe will begin trickling in on Monday for six days of vintage boat show events.

"The first half of the week is dedicated to our members, over 500, coming in," Nadolski Hanson said. "That's over a tenth of our membership. They have bonded over the years with members and friends across the country, across the world, who they haven't seen in a while. When they come to the international shows as part of Vintage Boat Week, we like to give them a taste of the waterway that they are visiting."

The show runs Monday through Saturday. Its first three days includes cruises for members: a "shake-down" cruise on Monday; an upriver cruise on Tuesday, followed by a downriver trip on Wednesday.

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"Captains affiliated with the Antique Boat Museum will lead the tours, so that the boaters from afar know where to go and how to weave through the islands," Nadolski Hanson said.

Members are planning side trips, such as to Boldt Castle. The ACBS chapter roundtable is Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, followed by the ACBS International annual board meeting beginning at 10:30 at the hotel.

A key partnership

The ACBS is celebrating its milestone year in conjunction with the Antique Boat Museum. Nadolski Hanson began her career with the museum as curator of education in 2005. She became executive director in November 2021, replacing the retiring Dan Gyoerkoe. Immediately prior to her ACBS post, she was executive director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg.

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The Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Antique Boat Museum are separate entities, but with similar roots.

ABM hosted its first boat show in 1965. The roots of ABM involve a small group of people who were determined to preserve the nautical and cultural heritage of the St. Lawrence River and established the Thousand Islands Museum in Clayton. Within the museum, a group concerned with preserving the area's rich boating heritage formed the Antique Boat Auxiliary and organized a show of antique boats in 1965. The group developed into the Antique Boat Museum, a nonprofit organization that has evolved into a highly esteemed national establishment.

"As it was getting going, there was a bunch of other people across the country and in Canada who were also starting to say, 'We also recognize that these antique and classic boats are going by the wayside,'" Nadolski Hanson said.

Boats made from fiberglass gained significant momentum in the 1950s and '60s.

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"The wood boats weren't as in vogue and they were going to the scrap pile," Nadolski Hanson explained. "But there were enthusiasts who said, 'We want to save these, share them with the public and preserve them.' That's where the ACBS, on the heels of that momentum, started to say, 'We need to have an organized body and to get shows and clubs started, all over.'"

The partnership the ACBS has with the Antique Boat Museum is very important, Nadolski Hanson said.

"We kind of grew together," she said. "Some of our very early planning happened at the Antique Boat Museum show, where our founders would get together and meet. Our first office consisted of one person, renting office space in the ABM. We grew with the museum. As they needed more space, and the ACBS needed more space, we bought the house two doors down from the boat museum. Our office has been here in Clayton for over 30 years."

Meanwhile, Nadolski Hanson is an honorary trustee of the Antique Boat Museum, and she said that Rebecca Hopfinger, executive director of the ABM, has served as director at large for the ACBS.

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"We have shared board members throughout the years," Nadolski Hanson said. "Our local chapters have similar relationships with other maritime museums in their backyards. And, a lot of our members also volunteer at their local maritime museum, and we see that here in the Thousand Islands as well."

Hopfinger said the facility is "thrilled" to be the venue for ACBS's 50th anniversary annual meeting and boat show celebration.

"The synergies between the organizations are mighty, and collaborating closely for Vintage Week is a meaningful experience for everyone," she said.

For the museum, the timing of the show coincides with the final stages of construction of its new boat shop facility. ACBS's closing reception next Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m.. will serve as the unofficial opening of ABM's new boat shop, with a special ribbon-cutting and naming announcement.

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"The museum is planning a formal dedication event in the spring of 2026, when the shop is fully operational and when everyone involved, from donors to designers, will be recognized," Hopfinger said.

A variety of boats

Boats registered for the ACBS Vintage Boat Show range from a canoe or two to a hydroplane and large cruisers.

"Similar to here locally, all the different boats in the Antique Boat Museum are examples of what our members and our owners might have at home," Nadolski Hanson said. "It could be canoes, small craft, antique sailboats, runabouts, utility boats and racers. Those racers are very unique boats on their own."

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Friday and Saturday will be the public parts of the show, with the ACBS International Boat Show at the Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St.

"The museum will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days, free of charge," Nadolski Hanson said. "They can come in and see the over 130 (ACBS) boats on display at the docks. We'll be expanded out onto the Clayton village dock on the end of Mary Street and wrapping around the harbor of the Antique Boat Museum, and filling all those docks."

Village streets will be alive next week with boats being towed in for the show, from as far away as Texas and California, Nadolski Hanson said.

"And every place in between," she added. "With this being our 50th anniversary, we have members coming from our France chapter and our Northern European chapter. They aren't bringing boats, but they are coming to partake in the festivities and to see the Thousand Islands."
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  In addition to showcasing experts on subjects like UFOs, cryptozoology, psychic phenomena and ghost hunting, the 2025 Arkansas Paranormal Expo will also feature the chance to summon a sasquatch.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 26 at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and tickets are $10 with free admission for children 12 and under.

Spa-Con Comics and Pop Culture Convention set for return of popular cosplay duo

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During the expo, attendees will have the chance to participate in the first annual Bigfoot Calling Contest with prizes handed out for calls and costumes.

There will be vendors outside and inside the museum, food trucks, a raffle and psychic readings available.

For more information, visit ArkansasParanormalExpo.com.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A global audience will soon join Hawaii in honoring George Fiji Veikoso, the legendary island reggae artist whose music shaped generations.

The free tribute concert takes place tomorrow, Sept. 13, at the Waikiki Shell and Kapiolani Park, with more than 25,000 fans expected.

But you can avoid the crowds and the chaos by streaming the concert live on KHON+.

More than 100 performers will fill the stage. These artists include J Boog, Common Kings, Maoli, The Green, Sammy Johnson, Henry Kapono, Kapena and Ekolu. Surprise guests are also promised.

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You can click here to see the evenings full lineup.

Tickets for reserved seating at the Waikiki Shell became available on Aug. 22 through the events website. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at 5:30 p.m.

You can watch all this from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on KHON+.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Living808 host Mikey Monis, who has long celebrated Pacific Island culture on his show, will help guide the evening as emcee.

I was so shocked they thought of me. Im not going to lie to be onstage, honoring Fiji, its mind-blowing, Monis said. We wanted this to be a tribute to Fiji, and everybody to come together as one ohana to celebrate all of his accomplishments and bask in the moment of who he is.

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Common Kings reflected on Fijis profound influence, not only as a musician but as a cultural beacon whose voice carried across oceans, during their Living808 interview.

Fiji gave us more than just music  he was the voice that raised all of the Pacific. He gave us healing, identity, and pride, the group said. This show is our way of saying mahalo and a hui hou to someone whose spirit and soul will echo for eternity.

For those attending in person, organizers urge guests to expect heavy traffic around Waikiki.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

Monis added, I do want to say maybe you should ride share or carpool because it is going to be a packed night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Authorities say that an apparent North Carolina statewide Blue Alert was about a man now captured in the shooting of a police officer in Georgia Friday night.

Capt. Brantley Worley of the McCaysville Police Department in Georgia was critically injured in the line of duty while responding to a call for service, according to a news release from police in McCaysville, about two miles from the North Carolina line.

Police said Saturday afternoon they are looking for Timothy Craig Ramsey, 26, who might be in Cherokee County, in the North Carolina mountains. Officials later said Ramsey was captured around 6 p.m. Saturday.

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He was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer after the incident just after 11:10 p.m. Friday, McCaysville police said. WTOC reported the McCaysville officer was shot in the throat.

Photos from Georgia Bureau of Investigation

This subject is considered armed and extremely dangerous, according to McCaysville police.

Ramsey ran from the scene wearing a bright green chemical-resistant type suit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said. He also had a dark-colored motorcycle helmet.

Last seen on foot, could possibly be close to the Cherokee County, N.C. area, the North Carolina Blue Alert said.

A Blue Alert is sent to residents after a violent attack upon a law enforcement officer, according to North Carolina officials.

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In Georgia, an alert was sent to cellphones in Fannin, Gilmer and Union counties.

Our hearts are with the McCaysville Police Department. We extend our prayers to Capt. Brantley Worley, his family, and his co-workers during his recovery, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Saturday night.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
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Bolsonaro was sentenced to more than 27 years behind bars. | Credit: Sergio Lima / AFP via Getty Images

What happened

Brazils Supreme Court on Thursday convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of conspiring to thwart his 2022 presidential election loss by plotting a coup. The justices, who found Bolsonaro guilty in a 4-1 vote, sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison. They also handed down long sentences to four of Bosonaros seven co-conspirators, including two former defense ministers and a former spy chief.

Who said what

The verdict made Bolsonaro the first former Brazilian president to be convicted of attempting a coup in a country that has endured several successful ones, The Associated Press said. The 70-year-old former army captain has never hid his admiration for the military dictatorship that killed hundreds of Brazilians between 1964 and 1985, Reuters said.

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Brazil almost returned to its 20-year dictatorship because a criminal organization, comprised of a political group, doesnt know how to lose elections, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said before casting his guilty vote. And the evidence is abundant. The coup plot, detailed in a two-year police investigation, envisioned dissolving the Supreme Court, giving sweeping powers to the military and assassinating the election winner, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, plus Moraes and other officials.

Bolsonaro maintained his innocence, but as the trial marched toward a verdict over the last two weeks, he found himself abandoned by some allies accused of plotting the coup alongside him, The New York Times said. He also faced damaging testimony from his personal secretary and records showing that the assassination plot was printed out and brought to the presidential palace. The expected guilty verdict led Bolsonaro to place his faith in a Hail Mary from abroad, President Donald Trump, who unsuccessfully sought to force Brazil to drop the case by imposing eye-watering 50% tariffs and hitting Moraes with some of the harshest sanctions the United States has at its disposal.

What next?

As many Brazilians began celebrating the verdict, authorities braced for a backlash from the White House, The Wall Street Journal said. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media that the Trump administration will respond accordingly to this witch hunt.
A woman who was arrested by the Taliban alongside an elderly British couple has warned that they are literally dying in prison.

Faye Hall was arrested with Peter, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, by the Taliban in February, when they were returning to the couples home in Bamyan province in central Afghanistan.

Ms Hall, an American woman, spent two months alongside Ms Reynolds in prison before she was released as part of a negotiated agreement facilitated by Qatari officials.

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However, she has warned time is running out for the elderly couple, who still remain in prison without knowing why they are being held.

The couple were detained earlier this year (Rebuild Consultants)

"We just have these elderly people, theyre literally dying, and time is running out, Ms Hall said, as she described the harsh conditions they were held in.

She said she witnessed the couples health deteriorate rapidly whilst in prison, where she said they slept on used mats on the floor in cramped cells.

Ms Hall said Ms Reynolds had lost a significant amount of weight and was one day unable to stand or walk.

She has now pleaded to US president Donald Trump and the UK government to work together to do more to push for the release of the couple.

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Asked if she had a message for them, she said: I love them, I know they will be out very soon, dont ever give up.

Faye Hall spent two months alongside the Reynoldses in prison before she was released as part of a negotiated agreement facilitated by Qatari officials (AP)

The Reynoldses have spent seven and a half months in detention without being charged and were held separately in a maximum-security prison until late May.

They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, but this has gone on for months.

The British couple had been living in Afghanistan for the past 18 years, running education and training projects and decided to remain in the country even after the Talibans takeover in 2021.

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The UN has called their detention inhumane, and the Foreign Office told the BBC it has met with their family to discuss the case.

The Reynoldses were living in Afghanistan for the past 18 years, running education and training projects and decided to remain in the country even after the Talibans takeover in 2021 (Family handout/The Independent)

Their children have spoken previously about fears they have for their parents health. Mr Reynolds, who has suffered heart attacks in the past, appears to have developed some symptoms of Parkinsons disease, according to his son Jonathan.

He said in July that his father had experienced shaking in his hands, arms and face to the point he was on the floor and he couldnt get up.

He added that his mothers hands and feet were going blue, due to malnutrition and some kind of anaemia.

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He added: The reality is they may die in that prison, and this is why Im pleading with whoever has the ability to release them and bring them home now.

In July, the Talibans foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, rejected allegations of mistreatment regarding the couple, claiming they are in constant contact with their families and their human rights are being respected.
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Unexplained lights caught by a wildlife camera in Patagonia confounded researchers in January. | Credit: Courtesy of Rodrigo Bravo Garrido

On Jan. 21, at 12:22 a.m. local time, in the silence and darkness of Chile's Patagonia region, a camera trap used to monitor wildlife for a project run by the University of Magallanes (UMAG) captured, in 2 seconds, three photographs showing intense lights moving downward.

Everyone was baffled.

"On a camera located at the edge of a meadow, quite far from any public road and focused on a flat horizon, some lights appeared that we cannot explain," biologist Alejandro Kusch said in a UMAG podcast in August . "Apparently, these lights, which are initially distant, approach and remain in front of the camera, dazzling it, in a movement that appears to be descending."

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Kusch is one of the leaders of the Public Baseline project , which uses 65 camera traps distributed between continental Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, on the southern tip of Chile, to record terrestrial animals, particularly felines. Since the project began in November 2023, at least 365,000 images and videos have been collected; however, only these three photographs show this phenomenon.

UMAG shared the images with a variety of organizations, from Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics ( SEFAA )to the La Serena UFO Museum , and to several people who analyze anomalous aerial phenomena.

Potential explanations ranged from an arachnid coming very close to the camera lens to that of a "plasmoid," a short-lived form of plasma rarely observed in nature that may be behind phenomena such as ball lightning. However, all specialists agreed: for now, there is no conclusive explanation.

This sighting is unique because it was recorded within the framework of a scientific project, said Rodrigo Bravo , a researcher with the Environmental Studies Group (GEA) at UMAG and a member of the Public Baseline project. That means there is no possibility of fraud or manipulation, as the camera traps operate under rigorous protocols and are equipped with an infrared system, motion sensor, and other features that would preclude people tampering with them, he argued.

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"This is not the first time these phenomena have been described in the area, but it is the first time they have been recorded in this way," Bravo told Live Science.

Related: No aliens in NASA's debut UFO report  but big questions remain

Image 1 of 3

A wildlife camera photo showing strange photos in the night sky

A series of images captured by UMAGs camera trap. The entire sequence took 2 seconds to record.

Image 2 of 3

A wildlife camera photo showing strange photos in the night sky

The sequence of the recording captured by UMAGs camera trap.

Image 3 of 3

A wildlife camera photo showing strange photos in the night sky

The sequence of the recording captured by UMAGs camera trap.

Bad lights

The local Mapuche people traditionally speak of "bad lights," which they believe are spirits that appear in the fields. This raises the possibility that the camera traps are finally capturing a phenomenon that has long been recognized in the region.

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But even if these strange flashes are the "bad lights" the Mapuche speak of, what are they?

One possibility is that the lights are unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), possibly from a mysterious flying object. Some declassified Pentagon files on UAP show similar characteristics, Bravo added. Generally poor-quality data means that most UAP sightings cannot be confirmed or explained, but common explanations include foreign spy drones and "airborne clutter" such as birds and weather balloons.

To address that possibility, UMAG sent photos and video to Freddy Alexis, who discusses UFOs and other unknown phenomena on his TV programs on UCVTV, the station of the Catholic University of Valparaiso.

Alexis wrote two reports on his findings, which included trajectory, spectrographic, and relief analyses of the photographs and videos. In the second report, he wrote that only a single "luminous stimulus" is visible, not two, and that the other "lights" are internal lens reflections.

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According to Alexis, the primary light may be a plasmoid, or a bubble of incandescent ionized gas that is confined by Earth's local magnetic field, and that can remain stable for a few seconds. The most familiar atmospheric example is ball lightning, usually associated with storms. But that is where his explanation hits a wall. "It was summer, with 48 degrees Fahrenheit [8 degrees Celsius], and there were no electrical storms," Alexis told Live Science. "There were no atmospheric conditions for a storm, so it is very unlikely that ball lightning could have formed."

But more exotic plasmoids have been proposed under special conditions, such as transient, localized changes in Earth's magnetic field.

Still, Alexis noted that there may be other, poorly understood atmospheric plasmoids, similar to the "mysterious lights" of Hessdalen, Norway . Like the Magallanes phenomenon, these lights defy conventional explanations and could involve plasma structures that are still poorly understood.

In one of his reports, Alexis also calculated that, assuming this was a distant, flying object, it would have been moving at a speed of 590 mph (947 km/h), or roughly 0.7 times the speed of sound. Alexis suggested that the lights might not be a flying object, but some plasmoids can move at high speeds , he added.

A strange creature

In a separate report, technicians from La Serena UFO Museum suggested that a spider or moth may have inadvertently tripped the camera's sensor. That's because in the first photo, what appears to be an insect or arachnid can be seen along one edge of the image. However, the insect does not appear in the subsequent photos.

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While one possibility is that the insect triggered the camera, this would only explain why the photo was taken, not why a bright, blob-like light appears, said

Cristian Riffo , director of the La Serena UFO Museum, who was also consulted for the UMAG report.

Riffo noted that the camera traps are designed to minimize false positives caused by insects, lasers or other stimuli. He thinks the rapid sequence of photos, in which the light appears to move toward the camera, is baffling and hard to explain.

"It could be two different phenomena: one natural, which triggered the camera, and the other, a light phenomenon, which remains unexplained," Riffo told Live Science.

A shot from the same wildlife camera where the lights appeared, but during the day. Except for a fence, there are no human-made structures nearby. | Credit: Courtesy of Rodrigo Bravo Garrido

Museum researchers analyzed before and after photographs taken by the same camera, during the day and at night, in the presence of wildlife and under different atmospheric conditions, and reviewed the manufacturer's manuals to rule out technical failures. So far, "they have not found an explanation," Riffo said.

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For this reason, researchers from the La Serena UFO Museum are planning to carry out their own on-site fieldwork in the area to collect additional data and analyze other local parameters, such as the terrain, lighting conditions, and environmental factors.

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Bravo added that the monitoring project in the area is scheduled to continue for up to 10 more years, and more camera traps are planned, raising hopes that this strange phenomenon may be captured again.

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"The scientists involved are eager to know what this was. This is also science: it's about discovering what happens in nature," Bravo said.

Meanwhile, the mystery remains, and so scientists and those interested in anomalous aerial phenomena are working together to understand it.
Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk this week, educators across the country have found themselves facing swift termination or potential discipline after allegedly sharing opinions on social media about the killing.

At least a dozen faculty and staff, from school board officials to classroom teachers, have been met with fallout over insensitive posts about Kirks death. In at least two instances, universities fired staff members entirely for posts deemed inappropriate.

Many other educators have been suspended or are under investigation, and the number is likely to grow as conservative online influencers share screenshots.

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At East Tennessee State University, two faculty members have been placed on administrative leave pending further review, school spokesperson Jess Vodden said. Complaints sent to the university included screenshots of Facebook comments, according to copies the school shared with NBC News, that one faculty member allegedly made in response to Kirks death, including you reap what you sow. Another allegedly wrote, This isnt a tragedy. Its a victory.

Vodden said the university had received numerous complaints about the posts. Because this is a personnel issue, we cannot offer further comment at this time, she said.

Middle Tennessee State University fired a staff member, according to a statement shared Wednesday by President Sidney McPhee.

State officials are weighing in as well, with the Florida Department of Education sending a memo to school district superintendents Thursday, threatening investigation and disciplinary action against educators who have commented on Kirks death in a manner it deems inappropriate.

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It has been brought to my attention that some Florida educators have posted despicable comments on social media regarding the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, said the memo, signed by Florida education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior.

Oklahomas state superintendent, Ryan Walters, similarly promised to investigate teachers making incendiary comments on social media about Kirks death, and he confirmed his department is investigating one middle school educator called out on X.

Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of conservative activist organization Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, a public school south of Salt Lake City. Officials on Friday identified a 22-year-old Utah resident, now in custody, as the suspect in the shooting.

Kirk was shot and killed during one of his regular events on college campuses hosted by Turning Point USA. The organization grew since 2012 to claim over 800 college campus chapters and 1,000 high school clubs, and it is credited with helping Donald Trump win a higher share of young voters.

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Kirk was known for taking contentious stances, including the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen and comments he made about Black people, the LGBTQ community, feminism, and immigration.

Turning Point USA hosts a Professor Watchlist and School Board Watchlist, websites that called out faculty and school board members, respectively, over allegedly promoting far-left ideology. The sites have faced criticism.

In recent years, right-wing activists have followed in the groups footsteps of pinpointing academics and teachers over comments they make in classes or online. And in the two days since Kirks death, theyve circulated examples of school and university employees celebrating or making light of his death, often tagging the district or college where they work.

University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce said in a statement on X that a staff member was let go due to comments the individual had re-shared on social media. The school did not immediately respond to NBC News request for further details.

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These comments run completely counter to our institutional values of civility, fairness, and respecting the dignity of each person, Boyce wrote Thursday. We condemn these actions, and this staff member is no longer employed by the university.

Several K-12 school staff from Mariposa, California, to Orange Park, Florida, have also been placed on leave as school officials investigate social media posts, according to multiple reports. The school board in Oskaloosa, Iowa, plans to consider one teachers employment at the next school board meeting, after they allegedly posted, 1 Nazi down, regarding Kirks killing.

At Newport News Public Schools in Virginia, an unidentified staff member was suspended after allegedly writing on Facebook, I hope he suffered through all of it, in regard to Kirks death, according to NBC affiliate WAVY of Portsmouth.

Given that employees have a unique responsibility to serve as role models, leaders, and caretakers for students in the school division, certain behaviors are deemed inconsistent with employment in the division, Robert C. White, a spokesperson for the schools, said in a statement that did not identify the teacher. Therefore, employees are expected to exercise professional judgment when using social media.

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A Baylor University graduate student lost their job as a student teacher in Texas Midway Independent School District due to a post they allegedly made on social media about Kirks death. A district spokesperson told NBC News that school officials coordinated with the university to immediately remove them from being around students. Baylor posted on X that it is greatly disappointed in the graduate student.

Adam Goldstein, vice president of strategic initiatives at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, questioned the value of trying to oust people from their professions over insensitive remarks they make on social media.

If we create a climate of fear so that everyone is afraid to talk, Goldstein added, then weve actually kind of accomplished the goals of people who wanted to silence Charlie Kirk in the first place.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Officials with CHI St. Vincent said the hospital received $5 million gift to provide for a hospital facility.

Officials said Isabel and John Ed Anthony donated the money to create the Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care in Little Rock. This is the largest gift the hospital has ever received, officials said.

CHI St. Vincent reaches agreement with UnitedHealthcare for Arkansas campuses

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Hospital officials said the Anthony Center will set the standard for cardiac care in the state while allowing the hospital to expand its heart program.

This gift signals a bright future for cardiac healthcare in the state of Arkansas, said Chad Aduddell, Market President of CHI St. Vincent. We are honored by Isabel and John Ed Anthonys generosity and for their long-time support of our ministry.

Isabel and John Ed Anthony (courtesy CHI St. Vincent)

Officials said the Anthonys are long-time hospital supporters, having previously supported the Cooper Anthony Advocacy Center, funded new 3D mammography equipment and expanded cardiac services at the St. Vincent Heart Center in Hot Springs.

CHI St. Vincent establishes first of its kind recovery program in Arkansas

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Other gifts from the couple led to the creation of the Anthony Childbirth Center at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, which addressed the maternal-fetal healthcare desert in Arkansas, officials said, adding that the center cares for more than 1,000 births per year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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By Marc Frank and Nelson Acosta

HAVANA (Reuters) - Communist Cuba's National Electric Union said power was slowly being restored Wednesday evening on the Caribbean Island after the grid collapsed at 9:14 a.m. local time.

State-run media reported airports and essential services such as hospitals and water pumps were up and running thanks to backup systems. The vast majority of the country's 9.7 million residents remained in the dark.

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In Havana, home to 2 million residents, authorities said they were working to start major power plants.

This was the fourth time in less than a year that the national grid collapsed. In the past, it has taken two to three days for service to be fully restored.

"There has been a total disconnection of the Electric System," the Energy Ministry and National Electric Union said Wednesday morning.

The ministry said causes are being investigated.

Even before Wednesday's grid collapse, the vast majority of residents had already been experiencing daily blackouts of 16 hours or more.

The grid failure follows a string of nationwide blackouts since late last year that plunged Cuba's frail and antiquated power generation system into near-total disarray.

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The country has also been facing fuel, food and other shortages, along with its worst economic crisis in decades.

"This is crazy for everybody," Raul Ernesto Gutierrez said in Havana.

Gutierrez said he was visiting the capital and that back home in the countryside, "we will have to cook with charcoal, with firewood. Its stressful and also frustrating."

Havana state worker Danai Hernandez, said she was on the way home from work which had just shut down.

"Im going home to organize everything in the household and ... now we have to wait. We don't have any other choice," she said, visibly upset.

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Cuba's oil-fired power plants, already obsolete and struggling to keep the lights on, reached a full crisis last year as oil imports from Venezuela, Russia and Mexico dwindled.

(Reporting by Marc Frank; Additional reporting by Alien Fernandez; Writing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Gladstone man who was previously convicted of federal child sex abuse crimes pleaded guilty to additional Clackamas County charges on Friday.

Noah Whitefield Madrano, 43, transported a 13-year-old girl from Canada to Oregon City, where he sexually abused her, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said.

The Clackamas County Senior Deputy District Attorney described Madrano as a manipulative, sadistic, violent, dangerous pedophile.

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Police arrested the wrong man. Now hes speaking out

Madrano met his victim online in 2021 after posing as a 17-year-old boy. Prosecutors said he groomed the girl, then sexually exploited her for more than a year before meeting her in Edmonton, Alberta, in May 2022. He then took her to a hotel room, sexually abused her, and recorded it, officials said.

After returning to Edmonton in June 2022, Madrano picked the girl up from school, then forced her to hide in the trunk of his car as they crossed the border back into the U.S. after she was previously under the impression they would only be spending a few days together.

The girl was forced to cut and dye her hair, and Madrano told her to use a false name and say she was a runaway secretly hiding in his trunk if she was caught. He then brought her to an Oregon City hotel room, where police located the pair on July 2, 2022.

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Oregon City police officers and FBI agents took Madrano into custody. Police later found a journal kept by the girl, writing that Madrano threatened to rape and kill her repeatedly, including that he would have sex with her corpse.

Blazers make formal sale deal with Tom Dundon

The girl, who is now 16, did not attend the sentencing, but her victims impact statement was read aloud by Clackamas Deputy DA Amos.

Awful things happened to me. (Madrano) violated my body and put me on display. He physically abused me if I said no. I have physical scars on my body that will not go away. Its hard to put into words how much pain and trauma I feel, her statement read. I still have very dark days. I will carry this pain with me for my entire life. He does not value human life. He took my dignity and violated me in the worst ways imaginable.

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The girls mother also released a written statement, saying in part that much of the damage that Madrano caused is irreparable and describing him as a vile predator who lurks in the underbelly of an unregulated internet and the lowest form of human being.

In January, Madrano was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges in a U.S. District Court in Portland for sexually exploiting a child and transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. On Friday, Madrano pleaded guilty to Clackamas County charges of second-degree kidnapping and first-degree sex abuse, for which he was given a 75-month prison sentence that will run concurrently with the previous federal sentence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Charlie Kirk emboldened a new generation of conservatives. His killing Wednesday as he addressed a crowd on a college campus has left those he brought into politics grieving  and vowing to continue his mission.

Nearly every young conservative staffer in Washington was involved with Kirks enormous youth organizing group Turning Point USA, whether through a college campus chapter or its national and regional conventions. That created a pipeline of young conservatives, who are now looking to cement his legacy in next year's midterms and beyond.

I was passionate before and this movement was important, but now its personal, said 19-year-old commentator Brilyn Hollyhand, who met Kirk when, at 11 years old, he asked Kirk to appear on his podcast. We have a martyr.

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Young men have become key to the coalition that elected President Donald Trump to his second term, a trend that many in the movement credit to Kirk.

Kirk was divisive  beloved by a generation that is shifting rightward; castigated for controversial and antagonistic remarks that critics deemed hate speech.

But that divisiveness helped him gain national attention and turn out young voters for Trump, particularly Republicans in Arizona, which flipped to Trump in 2024. In 2020, Trump lost young men by 11 points, according to Catalist data. In 2024, he won them by 1 point. And his vote share among young women improved too  from a 35-point deficit in 2020 to a 23-point gap four years later.

Kirks killing this week has awakened an army of believers, said 25-year-old activist Isabella DeLuca, who was arrested in 2024 for her role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and pardoned by Trump in January.

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We are at war for the soul of this nation. I will not retreat. I will advance, DeLuca said. Charlies voice did not die with him. It will live through us.

Hollyhand, who has worked closely with Turning Point, said he hopes to return to Utah and continue the American Comeback tour, which kicked off the day Kirk was shot. On Friday, Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced that law enforcement had apprehended a suspect in the shooting, 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, who a judge ordered to be held without the option of bail. Formal charges against Robinson are expected to be announced next week.

The rightward shift among young people is largely credited to Kirks megaphone, as well as his grassroots political organization, which he founded at 18. It quickly grew to more than 800 chapters on college campuses, with more than 250,000 student members nationwide.

Turning Point is what got me interested in politics, said 24-year-old White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers, who founded Clemson Universitys first chapter in the fall of 2020.

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Thats what truly guided my career in politics and where I am now, Rogers added. It was really Turning Point and their resources that were able to jumpstart the career of a young conservative like me.

Kirk has a huge social media platform  he posted TikTok videos of him debating college students to more than eight million followers and hosted a popular podcast. It is likely to be hard for the movement left in his wake to replicate the charisma and political organizing skills of Kirk, who also had a direct line to Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Kirks critics noted he utilized provocative language to roil national debate and normalize fringe theories. Some of his most memorable exchanges come from clips of his inflammatory back-and-forths with liberals over LGBTQ+ rights, restrictions on firearms and gender roles.

Kirk once called abortion in the U.S. comparable to, or worse than, the Holocaust. He promoted the white replacement conspiracy, which baselessly claims that immigrants are replacing white Americans.

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Harry Sisson, a prominent online figure in Democratic circles who has drawn the ire of conservatives online, is one of those who commended Kirks legacy as an influential defender of open debate.

Charlie Kirk did welcome debate from anybody, Sisson, 23, said in an interview. Do I think he did it in good faith? No.  But he did encourage debate.

For college student Matthew Kingsley, his fathers Fox News-informed conservatism didnt appeal to him while growing up in North Carolina. But he commended how Kirk encouraged young people to do their own research when forming their own political views, and joined his local chapter while in college at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he now serves as chapter president as a rising senior.

Kirks impact on the young conservative movement has been astronomical, Kingsley said. I really don't think this is going to stop it at all, he said. I think it is actually going to accelerate it.

Liz Crampton contributed to this report.
Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen has announced the launch of a new programme to support Ukraine, under which the country will allocate 375 million.

Source: Rasmussen during a press conference with Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 12 September, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent

Details: On Friday 12 September, Rasmussen presented the new Ukraine Transition Programme, describing it as "the biggest and most ambitious country programme in the history of the development support."

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It will enable Denmark to allocate 375 million. The programme's concept is to strengthen Ukraines resilience and ability to meet the urgent basic needs of its people.

Sybiha, in turn, said the programme would last three years.

"Three key areas: support for resilience and early recovery, energy security and transition to green energy, development of energy institutions," he explained.

Background:

Reports in late August indicated that Copenhagens support under the Danish model, which finances Ukrainian defence companies producing weapons for Kyiv, will reach approximately 1.4 billion this year.

That same month, it became known that Sweden, Norway and Denmark will jointly allocate around NOK 5 billion (US$500 million) for a NATO initiative to supply US weapons to Ukraine.

In September, it was reported that Denmarks support helped open the largest underground school-kindergarten in Mykolaiv, where more than 700 children can return to classroom learning.

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A clutch of 28 dinosaur eggs found in the Qinglongshan fossil reserve in central China is about 86 million years old, according to scientists who used an atomic clock method to date the samples. Researchers said they now hope the eggs, and the technique employed to evaluate their age, might help to reveal how dinosaurs living in Chinas Yunyang Basin adapted to a cooling climate.

The dating technique used on the eggs, known more formally as carbonate uranium-lead, or U-Pb, dating, is a common process for determining the age of carbonate minerals  those containing calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium. Uranium is present within these minerals, and over time, it decays into lead.

Scientists used a micro-laser to shave off bits of fossilized eggshell samples, vaporized the mineral fragments and then counted the number of uranium and lead atoms. By evaluating the ratio of uranium to lead, they were able to of determine the age of the eggs.

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Recent identification of calcite  a form of calcium carbonate  in the fossil eggshells suggested that the eggs would be good candidates for U-Pb dating, researchers reported Thursday in the journal Frontiers in Earth Science. The eggs are the first fossils to be reliably dated from the Qinglongshan fossil reserve, which includes three sites containing more than 3,000 eggs, the majority of which are semi-exposed and preserved in 3D, with their original shapes largely intact.

Most of the eggs there belong to the species Placoolithus tumiaolingensis in the Dendroolithidae family, a classification that is derived from the eggs rather than from a dinosaurs fossil skeleton. (The dinosaur that laid the eggs has not yet been identified.) The eggs are slightly flattened spheres measuring about 4.7 to 6.7 inches (120 to 170 millimeters) long, with mineralized shells that are no more than 0.09 inch (2.4 millimeters) thick.

Eggshells in this group tend to be relatively porous for dinosaur eggs, and that feature could offer clues about this ancient ecosystem during the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago), when Earth was already starting to cool down.

Direct dating

The dinosaur egg clutch contained 28 eggs. Most of the eggs in the Qinglongshan site belong to the species Placoolithus tumiaolingensis. - Bi Zhao

Paleontologists often estimate the age of plant and animal fossils based on sediments where the organic material was preserved. However, fossils may arrive at a location before or after the nearby rocks, lava or ash deposits form, meaning they could be older or younger than the spot where they were found.

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Their idea to test U-Pb dating on calcite in the fossilized eggs emerged somewhat serendipitously through conversations with researchers who specialize in stalagmite chronology using carbonate U-Pb methods, study coauthor Bi Zhao, a researcher at the Hubei Institute of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, told CNN in an email. We decided to give it a try on the Qinglongshan eggs, not expecting such clear and reliable results.

Geochronology  the science of pinpointing the ages of rocks and minerals  using U-Pb analysis is by far the most precise dating technique, said Heriberto Rochin-Banaga, a research associate in the University of Torontos department of Earth sciences. Rochin-Banaga, who was not involved in the new research, has used the method to analyze ancient corals and belemnites, an extinct order of squidlike cephalopods.

Scientists have used U-Pb dating on rocks that are from 1 million to hundreds of millions of years old, with a high level of certainty about their results, Zhao said. There are other radioactive decay systems for ancient geologic analysis, but the U-Pb system is considered to be the most accurate, Rochin-Banaga wrote in an email.

Recent advances have made U-Pb dating more accessible, but it is still not widely available for fossil analysis, according to Zhao. It requires highly sophisticated equipment and stringent laboratory conditions, and samples must be carefully collected and examined to avoid contamination with other material that could derail the chronology, he added. And while the presence of calcite in the eggshells made this analysis possible, it may not be the case for other types of fossils.

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In theory, this method could be applied to other fossils containing primary carbonate minerals. However, we have not yet attempted this, Zhao said. The feasibility depends on the preservation of the carbonate material and the geological context.

A snapshot of the Cretaceous period

The interior of the Dinosaur Egg Fossil Museum in China's Qinglong Mountain National Geopark. - Bi Zhao

The Qinglongshan site is a rare terrestrial snapshot of the Cretaceous, showing dinosaur nesting behavior and how groups of Cretaceous dinosaurs interacted with their environment.

The porousness of these eggs may represent an evolutionary adaptation in this unidentified dinosaur species, but it is also unknown whether having porous eggs was a benefit or a drawback as their world cooled.

With the study establishing U-Pb dating as a viable method for determining the age of fossil eggs, the researchers plan to apply the technique to other Cretaceous sites nearby, to better understand the origin and evolution of these distinctive eggs as well as the nesting habits of the dinosaurs that laid them, Zhao said. With more than 200 dinosaur egg sites worldwide, of which only a handful have been accurately dated, U-Pb dating could be a valuable new tool for studying preserved examples of egg laying in dinosaurs and learning how that may have changed over time.

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If widely applied, Zhao said, this approach could help establish a robust chronological framework for dinosaur reproduction behavior.

Mindy Weisberger is a science writer and media producer whose work has appeared in Live Science, Scientific American and How It Works magazine. She is the author of Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control (Hopkins Press).

Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

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A crash involving a school bus and an electric bicycle killed a a teenage on Sept. 12 near Camden, Delaware State Police said.

A school bus was heading east on West Lebanon Road at around 4 p.m. and proceeded to move into the right lane for a turn at Royal Grant Way.

An electric bicycle was also heading east on the sidewalk beside the right-turn lane. The sidewalk has a sign posted before the intersection that requires cyclists to stop before proceeding.

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The e-bike continued through the intersection without stopping at the same moment the bus began turning right, and the bike collided with the passenger side of the bus, police said.

A 14-year-old boy from Dover, who is believed to have been a passenger on the e-bike, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until the family has been notified.

A 16-year-old boy from Camden, who is believed to have been the operator of the bike, was also taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Neither the passenger nor the operator was wearing a helmet.

The bus driver, a 75-year-old man from Magnolia, and 21 elementary-school-aged children on the bus were uninjured. The bus is associated with the Caesar Rodney School District, police said.

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State police continue to investigate the crash and encourage anyone who witnessed the crash or has more information to reach out to Master Cpl. W. Booth at (302) 698-8451.

Residents can also reach out via a private Facebook message to the state police or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Electric bike crash into Caesar Rodney school bus kills teenager
Some business owners in downtown Merced said they were disappointed and left uncertain after a recent state report suggested high-speed rail stop in Merced would be delayed.

We need the tourism, said Janet Taylor, director of sales for the El Capitan hotel on Main Street which also operates two restaurants and a theater on the same block. She added that the hotel was anticipating and budgeting for increased demand because of the Merced station.

The report from the California High-Speed Rail Authority shows the extension of the route between Merced and Bakersfield would not pay for its full operating costs.

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A recent report by the California High-Speed Rail Authority suggesting a delay to a bullet-train stop in Merced has some downtown business owners disappointed and uncertain.

Instead, the Rail Authority proposes routing the line from Madera to Gilroy, prioritizing routes to San Francisco and Los Angeles where larger populations would presumably result in greater ridership and profit. Budget projections show the routes revenue would not cover its full operating cost. Instead, the Rail Authority proposes routing the line from Madera to Gilroy, prioritizing routes to San Francisco and Los Angeles where larger populations would presumably result in greater ridership and profit

.The city of Merced has already begun a Station Area Plan with the goal of reshaping and revitalizing downtown. Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto has expressed concern over Merced losing out after years of planning and development.

Taylor, who works with international tour groups, said they were excited about using high-speed rail as an environmentally friendly way to travel to Merced and Yosemite.

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Jose Nava, owner of Letys Decorations Inc. at 35 W Main Street said he thinks a stop in Merced would probably bring more business to the area. Nava said he hasnt made any concrete plans for expansion yet, but that he hopes the Rail Authority will make good on their promise [to]... bring it through town.

Some business owners seem to have given up on the high-speed rail altogether, including Travis Strang, owner of Tigers and Daggers Records on Main Street says, I just dont think its going to happen.
In her first appearance to a live audience in the United Kingdom, British-Israeli former hostage Emily Damari reveals how she stayed strong throughout her captivity.

Former hostage Emily Damari revealed more about how she didnt choose to be a victim during her time in Hamas captivity at a United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA) event in London on Thursday.

I used to educate the guards. They would call us prisoners, and I would say: Im not a prisoner. A prisoner gets to eat three times a day. A prisoner gets to sleep on a bed. A prisoner can call his parents, even if once a month. A prisoner gets to drink water and go to a loo and flush the chain, she said, as reported by the Jewish Chronicle. Above all, a prisoner did something wrong  they stole, they rape, they did something. I just woke up in my bed.

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Notably, the UJIA event was Damaris first time speaking to a live audience in the UK. She is a dual Israeli-British citizen.

Damari went on to reveal that on October 7, while she and Gali Berman were getting kidnapped, terrorists from Gaza were roaming about the Kibbutz.

So, Ive got one bullet in my hand, and one bullet in my leg. They took us outside. [Me and my best friend, Gali] are sitting on the couch on the balcony, on my balcony, and while we're sitting there, I'm looking to my right, to my left, and seeing something like 60 or 70 terrorists outside doing whatever they want, very ecstatic from what they are doing.

Emily Damari prepping for surgery. (credit: DAMARI FAMILY)

Emily Damari speaks for the first time to a live UK audience

She previously stated in a July interview that she told her captors that she would prefer to die than be held hostage.

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I took his gun, put it to my head, and said: Shoot me! Shoot me! she told the Daily Mail, explaining she only went quietly once the terrorist placed a gun to Gali Berman's head.

In London, she recounted her Dr. Hamas story at Al-Shifra Hospital.

It was Al-Shifa and if terrorists took me to Al-Shifa, it means there werent civilians in there, she told audiences. As I got to the room, the first thing I saw was a dead body, blood on the floor, and the second thing was 10 or 15 terrorists inside the room, with their guns, and the third thing is that the doctor came to me and said: Hi, Im Dr. Hamas.

This is Al-Shifa Hospital that the IDF continues to come back to, and all the news was talking about it, saying :How could they go to these civilian places? To hospitals? So, this is the reason.

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Damari went on to say that one of the moments that gave her strength during captivity was watching her amazing mom campaign for her release. For some of her time in captivity, she thought her mother and one of her brothers were dead.

That was my best moment in my life in my worst place in my life. I found out she was alive, and she was fighting for me.

She also noted that she saw protests at Columbia University during her time in captivity, which made her feel conflicted.

I remember sitting there, looking at [the protesters] on Al-Jazeera. Im gay, but Im watching [the protesters] on TV and thinking: Hes gay, shes gay, hes gay, and Im looking at the terrorist and Im saying: If they knew that they would come to Gaza and they wouldnt come out, maybe they wouldnt do it. And hes looking at me smiling, as if to say: Youre right.

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She also described how her determination carried her through the last minutes of her captivity.

They gave me a red sweatshirt to try on, but I didnt accept it. Im not putting on red. Im Maccabi Tel Aviv. All the world will see me in that moment. I cant do it, she said.

Whats going on? Are you crazy? Youre going out. I said: No.Im not going out in red. So, as you saw, I went out wearing green.

Now, Damari says shes focusing on the small things, like drinking a cup of water, even saying Hello and Good morning to my mum because a future is hard to imagine.

Future is a difficult word for me. As long as my friends are still hostage in Gaza, I cant really see my future.

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog was also at the UJIA event, and noted that Emilys story in particular touched him.

When Emily told me that during her terrible captivity she heard me speaking in an address to the nation and drew strength from my words, you touched me to the depths of my soul. How moving it is to see you here this evening, he said.

We have the full right to defend ourselves. By combating the barbarism of Hamas and the genocidal aspirations of Iran, Israel is defending not only itself; Israel is fighting on behalf of the entire free world, on behalf of all peace-seeking nations, on behalf of Europe, on behalf of the UK. Israel is on the frontlines, combating extremism and terror across the globe.
Estonia has imposed a temporary ban on flights along its entire eastern border due to Russian military activity and Ukrainian drones in Russias Leningrad Oblast.

Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The ban will allow for closer monitoring of the airspace. Restrictions on flights in the prohibited zone will be in effect in the coming weeks every day from 20:00 to 07:00 at an altitude of up to 6,000 metres.

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"We are only restricting part of the air activity. In simple terms, this means that those who contact us and justify their actions, such as the Police and Border Guard Department last night when they were searching for a missing person with a drone, can continue their work. We are introducing this measure so that surveillance operators have fewer objects to track. And if an incident occurs, it will be easier to remove peaceful aircraft from the area or land them," said Estonian Air Force Commander Riivo Valge.

The introduction of the restricted zone is due to the need for the Defence Forces to conduct more detailed air surveillance, training exercises and more flexible airspace protection in the area in the coming weeks, while ensuring the safety of air traffic.

"We received information that St Petersburg's airspace had been closed due to an attack. We closely monitored Russian aircraft and helicopters near our borders and strengthened our surveillance capabilities. This happened just last night [11 September  ed.]," Valge explained.

The military says it is too early to say how long the restrictions will remain in place.

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However, they also affected the airline Helsinki-Tartu.

"Yesterday, the information came unexpectedly and quickly. Our goal is the safety of passengers and pilots. The measures were therefore initially strict. Today, we reviewed the restricted area, specifically discussed with the Air Force the part of the area that Finnair needs for flights to Tartu at certain times, and made it free. Finnair has confirmed that it will be able to operate under these conditions, and the Air Force has officially changed the area," said Mihkel Haug, a representative of the Air Traffic Control Service.

The Defence Forces' assessment of the threat remains unchanged: there is no immediate military threat to Estonia. However, the frequency of air incidents in the region has increased due to Russia's military actions against Ukraine. Similar no-fly zones have been introduced by Finland and Latvia.

Background:

On the afternoon of 25 August, a local farmer in Tartu County, Estonia, discovered the wreckage of an attack drone, along with a crater from the explosion.

The Security Police said the drone had crashed in Estonia early on the morning of Sunday 24 August and may have been Ukrainian.

Drones struck targets in St Petersburg and an oil terminal in the port of Ust-Luga, located near the border with Estonia.

Many airports in Russia imposed restrictions, and airlines changed their schedules.

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In April 2011, Ethiopia began construction of Africas largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), on the Blue Nile river. The dam is expected to generate more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, effectively transforming Ethiopia into the continents largest power exporter.

The dam affects 11 countries, two downstream and nine upstream.

Addis Ababa completed construction of the US$4 billion-plus project in July 2025, mainly with funds sourced from Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora, with an official launch on 9 September 2025. John Mukum Mbaku, who has researched the governance of the Niles waters, explains the dams potential for Ethiopia  and the controversies that have dogged it.

What are the simmering tensions around the official launch of the dam?

The dispute over the allocation and use of the Nile waters has been going on for many years. This has been exacerbated by climate change, and increased demand for food and water from growing populations.

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The 11 countries that share the waters of the Nile have competing development priorities too. These states include Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Egypt and Sudan lie downstream. They receive the rivers waters only after it has passed through the nine upstream states.

Initially, the downstream states, particularly Egypt, opposed the construction of the dam, arguing that it was a threat to their water rights.

However, Ethiopia powered ahead with construction. Egypt and Sudan then shifted negotiations to securing an agreement for filling and operating the dam.

The two downstream states had suggested that filling the dam should take about 12 to 21 years in order to protect their water supply. For domestic and political reasons, Addis Ababa prefered a shorter filling period. In addition, Egypt and Sudan argued that filling the reservoir without a legally binding agreement would disregard their interests and rights.

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But with the dam now fully filled and due to be officially inaugurated on 9 September 2025, the issue of a binding agreement for filling the dams reservoir is moot.

Egypt and Sudans political and diplomatic efforts highlight what they say is the illegality of unilaterally operating the dam without a binding agreement. Despite the intervention of the African Union and the US government, as well as appeals by Egypt to the UN Security Council, the three countries havent been able to secure a deal.

Part of the reason is that Egypt has insisted that any negotiations on water allocation begin with the rights granted to it under its 1959 Nile Waters Treaty with Sudan.

Under this agreement, Egypt was granted 66% of the Niles estimated average annual water flow of 84 billion cubic metres. Sudan got 22%. The treaty ignores upstream countries legal claims to Nile waters, since 10 billion cubic metres were reserved for seepage and evaporation. Ethiopias highlands, for instance, supply more than 86% of the water that flows into the Nile River.

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Egypt continues to argue that Ethiopias dam is a threat to its water security and that, if necessary, it will take measures to protect what it refers to as its historical rights to Nile waters.

Egypt relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies. The countrys water needs have risen as its population has grown and its economy has expanded significantly.

However, Egypt and Sudans insistence on keeping their historical water shares cannot be considered equitable and reasonable. Additionally, Cairo doesnt appear to be prioritising a water-use approach that acknowledges the legal claims of upstream states to the Niles waters.

Instead of improving and updating its water infrastructure, minimising wasteful irrigation practices and generally improving water use, Egypt has focused on grandiose mega projects that are putting significant stress on the regions scarce water resources.

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Sudan, which has been battling a devastating civil war since 2023, has raised concerns about Ethiopias dam affecting the operations of its own dams. This would make it more difficult to manage Khartoums development plans.

What makes agreement on the Nile so elusive?

The legal framework regulating the allocation of the Niles waters has been dominated by colonial-era agreements. These have been embraced by the two downstream states, Sudan and Egypt, but contested by the nine upstream ones.

Two of the most important of these agreements are the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty and the 1959 Egypt-Sudan treaty.

The 1959 treaty augmented the water allocations granted to Egypt and Sudan by the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty. These treaties also granted Egypt veto power over any construction projects on the Nile or its tributaries.

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The terms of these treaties, however, are only possible if the nine upstream riparian states dont access or utilise any water from the Nile and its tributaries.

Most importantly, they make the water rights of the other Nile countries dependent on Egypt and Sudans goodwill.

Ethiopia and other upstream states have long argued that they were not parties to the colonial-era treaties and are, therefore, not bound by them.

What international principles guide water use across borders?

The pillars of international transboundary water law are:

(i) equitable and reasonable use

(ii) the obligation not to cause significant harm

(iii) the duty to cooperate.

International legal scholars have noted that the 1959 Nile Treaty stands in sharp contrast to these principles. It disregards the sovereign rights of other riparian countries to their fair share of the Nile, and interferes with their development.

What does the dam promise for Ethiopians?

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a symbol of national unity and pride. It is significant that construction was undertaken without reliance on financing from external actors, such as international financial institutions or major industrial countries.

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The dams electricity output could potentially transform Ethiopias development.

First, the electricity would provide a reliable source of energy for rural industrialisation, reducing deforestation by eliminating the need for households to cut down trees for firewood.

Second, it would reduce the pollution associated with burning wood, dung and other forms of biomass for cooking and other activities.

Third, it would improve access to education, effectively providing light that enhances the ability of pupils to complete homework assignments and study at night. During hot seasons, the electricity generated could be used to cool classrooms, improving learning outcomes.

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Finally, higher electricity output would boost internet connectivity in rural areas in Ethiopia, effectively boosting access to the outside world.

The dam could also help with flood control in Sudan and drought protection in Egypt  but only if the three countries work together.

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 Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University

Read more:



John Mukum Mbaku 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.
The European Union has agreed to apply a "unique" approach that will allow Ukraine and Moldova to move forward on their path to bloc membership while Hungary continues to veto their accession, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka said on Sept. 13.

Hungary, broadly seen as the most Kremlin-friendly nation in the EU and NATO, declared on Aug. 30 that it will not agree to open the first round of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. As an EU member, Hungary has veto power over further progress.

There is an agreement in place with the EU to maintain Kyiv's progress despite Budapest's veto, Kachka told reporters on the sidelines of the annual Yalta European Strategy meeting, where a Kyiv Independent journalist was present.

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"The traditional EU policy is that you have to persuade such a member state, and until you persuade it, you are blocked. You can be blocked for two weeks, or you can be blocked for 10 years," he said.

This was the rule that applied to some Western Balkan states that faced similar opposition from member nations during their accession process, Kachka said. This approach also brings a halt to technical preparatory processes while the veto lasts.

"We have a unique situation: the member states and the European Commission say that in the case of Ukraine, there should be no stop... In particular, the member states should determine the so-called 'benchmarks' (conditions for opening clusters) without waiting for the Hungarians," he said.

"This is a truly unique story."

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Read also: Trump says hell sanction Moscow if all NATO allies stop buying Russian oil

Kyiv and Brussels are continuing to collaborate on determining the benchmarks and preparation on a national program for the adaptation of EU laws and processes is underway, Kachka said.

This work cannot legally be completed, however, without the unanimous agreement of all member states. A formal vote will be held when Hungary changes its position, Kachka said. By that point, it's possible Ukraine will have met all the benchmarks currently being discussed.

The EU is exploring options for adopting certain decisions without Hungary's approval, according to Kachka.

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"The vast majority, almost all EU member states and the European Union itself, are ready to open clusters, even if Hungary does not join this position," he said.

The process Kachka described bears similiarities to a proposal from Lithuania, who recently urged the EU to bypass Hungary's veto in Ukraine's accession talks. In a letter to EU capitals in late August, Lithuania proposed launching technical-level accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova without Hungary, provided the other 26 member states agree.

Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia launched its war in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Hungary has been vocal about its opposition, even launching a highly questionable national referendum to allegedly prove that Hungarians oppose Ukraine's EU accession.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Aug. 30 that Ukraine's membership in the bloc "would destroy Hungarian farmers, Hungary's food security, and allow the Ukrainian mafia to enter Hungary."

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Nearly all EU member states agreed in June that Ukraine is ready to open the Fundamentals cluster, but formal negotiations can only begin with the unanimous consent of all 27 member states.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in May that the bloc has "a plan B and a plan C" if Hungary continues to veto Ukraine's accession.

Read also: Boris Johnson calls for European troops on Ukrainian soil, tells Russia to bog off

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Did Qatar "demand" returning the jet it gave to the Trump administration in the late spring of 2025? No, that's not true: As of September 12, 2025, Lead Stories found no credible reports corroborating the claim. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs made no such public demands.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) published on TikTok on September 10, 2025. It showed a banner saying:

Quatar demands their 'gifted' plane back 

This is what it looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Sep 12 01:03:45 2025 UTC

The post went live in the aftermath of the September 9, 2025, Israeli drone strike on Doha, the Qatari capital (archived here). It referred to the 747 jet accepted (archived here) as a gift from the Qatari government by the Trump administration in the late spring of 2025.

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Contrary to the claim, searches across Google News (archived here) and Yahoo News (archived here) didn't produce any reports confirming that the Qatari government had a change of mind regarding the transfer of the aircraft.

As of this writing, the website of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (archived here) didn't show any statements demanding the return of the plane. The most recent of statement (archived here), which was released on September 10, 2025, didn't discuss it, either.

In his immediate comments on Truth Social following the September 9, 2025, attack on Doha, U.S. President Donald Trump said (archived here) that he views Qatar "as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S." Trump said he feels "badly about the location of the attack".

In mid-May 2025, the Washington Post (archived here) wrote that the jet had been brought to the San Antonio International Airport in Texas five weeks earlier. It was the last reported location of the aircraft.
Claim:

After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson pledged to financially support Kirk's family.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

In a statement to The Minnesota Star Tribune, the Vikings confirmed the claim was misinformation.

Following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025 during an event at Utah Valley University, a claim spread on social media that Justin Jefferson, star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, had pledged to cover all living and education expenses for Kirk's widow and children. The claim did not provide any concrete evidence to support the allegation.





Immediately after Charlie Kirk passed away, Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson immediately stepped in, pledging to pay all living and educational expenses for Kirk's two children. This action not only eased the burden on Kirk's family during this time of grief, but also caused a stir on social media, as many people expressed their admiration for Justin Jefferson's kindness in this tearful moment

Snopes found that the rumor was false  that is, Jefferson never made a promise to cover expenses for Kirk's family.

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Neither Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings, nor anyone related to Kirk had posted about the claim on social media or released a statement announcing the supposed donation. Additionally, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on Sept. 11 that the Vikings confirmed the claim was false.

In sum, the rumor appeared to be made up for the purpose of gaining views and likes, likely in the hopes of receiving advertising revenue from social media platforms. Often such claims spread thanks to the help of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

For further reading, Snopes also confirmed several statements Kirk made in the past, including calling the passage of the Civil Rights Act a "huge mistake," saying that "Jewish dollars" were ruining U.S. culture and claiming that some prominent Black women did not have "the brain processing power" to be taken seriously.

Sources:

Curtis, Charles. "Did Justin Jefferson Pledge to Pay for Charlie Kirk's Kids' Expenses?" For The Win, https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/09/11/justin-jefferson-charlie-kirk-kids-fact-check/86089157007/. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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Jackson, Zoe. Viral Social Media Post Falsely Claims That Vikings' Justin Jefferson Pledged to Support Charlie Kirk's Family. 11 Sep. 2025, https://www.startribune.com/justin-jefferson-charlie-kirk-vikings-family/601472055.

LaMagdeleine, Izz Scott. "6 Claims We've Fact-Checked about Charlie Kirk Following Assassination." Snopes, 12 Sep. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//collections/charlie-kirk-shooting-collection/.

Loe, Megan. "Charlie Kirk Once Said Passing the Civil Rights Act Was a 'Huge Mistake.'" Snopes, 11 Sep. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/kirk-civil-rights-act-mistake/.

Rascouet-Paz, Anna. "Charlie Kirk Once Said Jewish Money Was Ruining US Culture." Snopes, 11 Sep. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/charlie-kirk-jewish-money-quote/.

. "Charlie Kirk Once Said Prominent Black Women Didn't Have 'brain Processing Power' to Be Taken Seriously." Snopes, 12 Sep. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/charlie-kirk-black-women/.
President Donald Trump has for years told outlandish lies about elections in Democratic-dominated California. Trump made more false claims on the subject in a Fox News interview on Friday, prompting California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, to correctly note on social media that the president had told an outright lie.

Trump delivered the comments after a Fox host prodded him to disavow the idea of people on the political right taking revenge, other than through the peaceful means of voting, for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Hed want revenge at the voter box, Trump said, but unfortunately we dont have so many ballot boxes because they have mail-in voting, which is totally rigged. You know, there are a lot of problems. I like ballot boxes, where you can  they do mail-in voting all over the place, which is rigged.

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Trump continued: Any time  Jimmy Carter, they had a commission; he said, Any time you have mail-in voting, its a crooked election, okay? And theyve gotta stop. But I say  so I cant really say at the ballot box, because in some cases  like California doesnt have ballot boxes. They send out 38 million ballots, nobody knows where the hell theyre going, then they come back, Democrats get more than Republicans. Its so unfair, the system.

Heres a fact check of six of Trumps assertions.

they have mail-in voting, which is totally rigged. It simply isnt. Mail-in voting is a legitimate method used by legitimate voters to cast legitimate ballots. Elections experts say the incidence of fraud tends to be marginally higher with mail-in ballots than with in-person ballots  but also that fraud rates in federal elections are tiny even with mail-in ballots.

Republican-dominated Utah is among the states where voters are automatically sent mail-in ballots (though it is now phasing out that policy); Utahs federal elections, like Californias, have been free of widespread fraud. And its worth noting that Trump himself encouraged supporters to vote by mail in 2024.

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Jimmy Carter, they had a commission; he said, Any time you have mail-in voting, its a crooked election. Thats not what Carter or the commission said. Trump has repeatedly misstated the commissions conclusions.

Its true that the commission Carter co-chaired two decades ago was generally skeptical of voting by mail. Its 2005 report said that absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud and are vulnerable to abuse in several ways.

But the report did not say that any time you have mail-in voting, its a crooked election. In fact, the report highlighted an example of successful mail-only elections, saying that Oregon, a state that has been conducting elections exclusively by mail-in voting since the late 1990s, appears to have avoided significant fraud in its vote-by-mail elections by introducing safeguards to protect ballot integrity, including signature verification. The report also offered some recommendations for making the use of mail-in ballots more secure and called for further research on the pros and cons of voting by mail.

Carter, who died in 2024, said in a 2020 statement: I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years.

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California doesnt have ballot boxes. False. In-person voting is available throughout California, though a mail-in ballot is also sent to every active registered voter to use if they prefer.

Trumps claim is not accurate, the office of California Secretary of State Shirley Weber told CNN in an email on Friday. In-person voting is a preserved option for all voters. Vote centers and ballot drop-off locations are available for those who prefer not to mail their ballots.

About 3.1 million ballots were cast at in-person voting locations in California in the 2024 general election, representing about 19% of the total ballots cast in the state in that election.

They send out 38 million ballots. False; that 38 million figure is not even close to accurate. California had about 22.6 million voters registered as of about two weeks prior to the November 2024 election and about 22.9 million voters registered as of early February 2025. There is no basis for any suggestion that some 15 million excess ballots were distributed in any election. (California had more than 39 million total residents in 2024, but that number includes children, adult citizens not registered to vote, noncitizens, and people in prison.)

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Nobody knows where the hell theyre going. They do. Californias county elections offices send a mail-in ballot to the address on the voters registration file; an online system allows the voter to track when the ballot was sent out by their elections office, received back by that elections office, and counted. There are occasional errors by counties and the postal service, but its certainly not the free-for-all of Trumps portrayal  and there are security measures in place to make sure that each ballot is cast by the voter it was meant for and that each voter only votes once.

Webers office said: Elections officials use protocols to verify the eligibility and identity of the voter prior to sending the vote by mail ballot. When the ballot is returned, elections officials verify the voters identity through signature verification. If the elections official determines that the voters signature does not match, the identification envelope will not be opened, and the ballot will not be counted until the identification of the voter is confirmed.

Then they come back; Democrats get more than Republicans. Its so unfair, the system. Its true that Democrats receive more mail-in votes than Republicans do in many California races, but thats not a sign of corruption or unfairness. California, a liberal bastion where no Republican presidential candidate has won since 1988, has millions more registered Democrats than registered Republicans  and Trumps frequent depiction of mail-in voting as corrupt and insecure has led some of his supporters to avoid that method.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
PROVIDENCE  A federal judge in Rhode Island on Sept. 12 blocked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from requiring applicants for grants to build housing for the homeless to align themselves with President Donald Trump's positions on immigration enforcement, transgender people and other issues.

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy in Providence issued a temporary restraining order barring HUD from dispersing $75 million based on new criteria the administration adopted Sept. 5 and prevented the grant funding from expiring as it was by law set to do on Sept. 30 while the case is pending.

The judge said the agency acted unlawfully when it imposed new criteria to obtain funding and exceeded the authority delegated to it by Congress. McElroy, who has overseen other cases challenging Trump administration policies, lamented that an agency had once again created "chaos" with a rushed policy.

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"I think that it's unfortunate that we're here on these things that are done so last minute by these agencies," she said during a hearing held via Zoom. "But here we are again."

HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed on Thursday by two organizations that provide homeless services, the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Womens Development Corporation, that had urged McElroy to act quickly given a looming deadline for grant applications.

HUD published new grant application criteria on Sept. 5 that the plaintiffs' lawyers said would block funding from flowing to service providers and communities who operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump administration disfavors.

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Those include so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions with laws that limit cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Applicants under the new criteria must also state that they "will not deny the sex binary in humans or promote the notion that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic."

Kristin Bateman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs at the liberal legal group Democracy Forward, said HUD was "blackballing organizations and projects based on the policies of the states and localities that they've adopted at their local level."

The plaintiffs argued HUD lacked authority to impose those new conditions and that the criteria ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution by wrongly encroaching on Congress's power to control federal spending.

Justice Department attorney Joshua Schopf countered that HUD had broad authority to impose funding conditions and "there's nothing contrary to law here."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Judge blocks HUD from tying homeless grant funding to Trump policies
Ella Hibbert has become the first British woman to sail solo through the Northwest Passage.

The 28-year-old yachtmaster has sailed 3,000 miles, braving sea ice, polar bears, and freezing gale-force wind and waves in her 38ft steel yacht Yeva to arrive in Nome, Alaska.

She left the UK in May before crossing the North Sea, skirting Iceland and Greenland to travel through the Northwest Passage and reach Alaska.

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Her expedition  three years in the making  has only become possible because of the opening of the Northwest Passage over the past decade due to the melting ice from climate change.

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She took on the challenge to highlight the impact that fast-melting ice could have on the worlds ecosystem, and had hoped to become the first person to circumnavigate the Arctic, by travelling back to the UK via the Northeast Passage along the coast of Russia.

Because of delays due to mechanical problems with her yacht and the tentative progress she had to make through scattered ice flows, it is now too late and too dangerous to try to complete the circumnavigation.

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Instead, Hibbert will overwinter Yeva in Alaska before completing the 10,000 mile solo journey next Summer.

This has by far been the most challenging, exhilarating and eye-opening voyage I have ever undertaken, she told The Telegraph.

It is disappointing not to have been fast enough to do the Northeast Passage this season, yet I feel accomplished in what I have achieved, and look forward to continuing next year.

I want to thank all of my sponsors, friends and family for their continued, unwavering support. I couldnt have done it without them!

Yeva had to make unscheduled stops in Iceland and Greenland for repairs - Ella Hibbert/Facebook

Hibbert attempted the pioneering solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle to highlight how rapidly sea ice is retreating due to climate change. The challenge was to prove such a voyage could now be completed in a single summer season, something historically impossible.

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However, she discovered climate change is not only melting the ice but creating new and dangerous barriers.

She said unpredictable storms, shifting pack ice, and thousands of loose bergy bits  broken fragments of sea ice  have made navigation increasingly hazardous, particularly in poor visibility.

The voyage was further complicated by gear failures, forcing her to make unscheduled stops in Iceland and Greenland early in the expedition.

During the 3,000 mile journey, she has faced stormy seas, gale-force winds, freezing conditions, shifting currents and constant maintenance challenges.

Hibbert said it had been her most challenging voyage - Ella Hibbert/Facebook

With new ice already forming in Russian waters and the polar night approaching, experts have advised that it would be too dangerous to attempt the Northern Sea Route this season.

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Although supported by a small shore team led by her father, Rupert, a gulf war veteran who has provided remote weather and ice routing advice, Hibbert has been entirely self-reliant on board, carrying out all sailing, repairs and daily tasks alone.

Despite the hardships, the voyage has also brought moments of wonder.

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Her support team said Hibbert had captured striking photography and video of Arctic wildlife including polar bears and bowhead whales, and had been warmly welcomed by communities in Iceland, Greenland, and Canada.

Ive always dreamt of seeing the Arctic, and Ive always wanted to see it before we lose it, she said before she left. This has become a way of raising awareness for it, whilst also being able to see it myself.

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People arent as aware of how intricately linked we are to the survival of the Arctic, for our lives to continue as we want them to. If we lose the ice, that will then increase global warming at faster rates.

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 foreign nationals who were indicted in Milwaukee have escaped house arrest in Europe, according to Serbian and U.K. media.

Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom, and a unidentified U.S. lawful permanent resident were indicted May 30 by federal grand juries in Milwaukee and Los Angeles. The men are accused of organizing the stalking and harassing of a dissenter of the People's Republic of China and trying to organize the exportation of U.S. military technology back to China.

They were detained in late April in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, and extradition proceedings were launched at the U.S. government's request, according to reports.

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But after spending several weeks in detention the men were placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring and in mid-August, the electronic monitoring system triggered an alarm," a Serbian court told a French news agency.

When officials went to their registered addresses, it was established that the individuals whose extradition is sought were not present.  As a result, they are no longer under monitoring and are now fugitives, the court said in a written statement.

The court issued a new warrant for the men. Asked for comment, the Chinese foreign ministry told the French outlet that they "were not aware of the situation."

The men were charged with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking and conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act.

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Beginning in or about November 2023, Miller and Cui obtained U.S. defense weapons and technology, including missiles, air defense radar, drones and cryptographic devices, for the purpose of export to China, according to prosecutors.

A wire transfer for weapons was made from a bank in the Los Angeles area to a Wisconsin bank account of an unidentified person that was provided to Cui for a portion of the deposit, according to the indictment.

According to prosecutors, Cui and Miller also enlisted the help of people inside the U.S. to harass and stalk a victim that was an outspoken dissenter of the Chinese government. Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, the people inside the U.S. offering to help them were actually affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

The U.S. Department of Justice didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Sept. 12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Foreign nationals indicted in Milwaukee escape house arrest in Serbia
Halevi gave a presentation to Israeli residents in the moshav, discussing Israel's strike on Qatar and the aftermath of October 7.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke on Tuesday night to residents of Ein Habesor, a moshav in southern Israel that was heavily impacted by the October 7 massacre, Israeli media reported.

Halevi addressed Israels strike on Doha, Qatar, that took place earlier in the day, which targeted high-ranking Hamas officials.

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While it is yet unclear how successful the strike was against the orchestrators of the October 7 attacks, Halevi regarded it as a very complex decision by political and military leadership, according to Ynet. While he stated that he had no involvement in that decision, he asserted that we must be very determined in this war after what happened on October 7."

Halevi took accountability

Halevi acknowledged defense failures that led to the October 7 attacks. "I was the commander of the IDF that day - the responsibility is mine, he told the residents.

He claimed that the threat of Hamas was underestimated, red flags were ignored, and that the enemy managed to surprise us not only on October 7 but also in the capabilities it had built," clarifying that the comprehensive nature of the assault was as shocking as the timing was.

HOMES ARE severely damaged after the Hamas October 7 massacre in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Since October 7, many of my friends and colleagues here in Israel have wrestled deeply with their Jewish identity, says Orah. (credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/REUTERS)

Regarding his time as the Chief of Staff before his resignation, Halevi shared that the hardest decisions I had to make were about hostage rescue operations, assuring the moshav residents that the top priority in the aftermath of his failures was the hostages' conditions. We are responsible for the fact that they are there, and we need to be responsible for bringing them back."

Halevi wrapped up the meeting with a powerful declaration that he and that the current IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, are determined to learn from the mistakes that led to October 7 and to respect every question and understand every frustration and anger, in pursuit of unity for the people of Ein Habesor and for the State of Israel.
The video is from an interview Mangakahia did with NewsChannel 9 in August 2025.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -Late Thursday night, Tiana Mangakahias family posted on social media that the former SU star had passed away after a long battle with cancer. Tiana was just 30 years old.

Mangakahia came to Syracuse in the fall of 2017 after spending some time at a junior college in Kansas. She immediately made her presence felt by leading the nation in assists her first year at Syracuse. Tiana led the Orange to 22 wins as a sophomore and 25 wins as a junior  guiding SU to the NCAA Tournament in both seasons. Over the summer before her senior season though, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Tiana would have surgery and then endure eight chemo treatments. She was declared  cancer free in November of that year. Mangakahia would return after sitting out a year to play her senior season at Syracuse (2020-2021), averaging better than 11 points and seven assists per game.

After graduating, she played professionally in Russia and Australia before the cancer returned in 2023, forcing her to retire.

Last week, Tiana posted on social media that her cancer had spread and that her health had taken a negative turn.

Tiana is survived by her parents and her five brothers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As part of a deal brokered by the United States, which lifted some sanctions on the Belarusian national airline Belavia, Minsk released 52 prisoners last Thursday. Those included 14 foreign nationals from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. But Mikalai Statkevich, the most prominent opposition figure among the freed prisoners, is missing.

The released Belarusian prisoners, among which political opponents, journalists and independent trade unionists, were hosted in shelters in the Lithuanian capital upon their arrival. Many of them are now staying with relatives, Belarusian activists exiled in Lithuania told Euronews.

As the bus taking the group from Belarus to Lithuania entered the no mans land between the two countries, the 69-year-old veteran dissident reportedly hit an emergency stop button and exited the bus, refusing to be forced into exile from his native country.

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He was identified, dressed in his prison uniform, sitting in the neutral zone between the two State borders in a CCTV image released by the Belarusian opposition newspaper Nasha Niva, one of the rare Belarusian opposition newspapers.

A few hours later, he made his way back to Belarus accompanied by several Belarusian soldiers, though walking on his own, according to Lithuania's State Border Guard Service.

Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that Statkevich chose to stay in Belarus.

I can confirm that there is one person who wants to stay. He is currently in the territory of Belarus, he is not in the territory of Lithuania, a spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Kestutis Budrys confirmed to the ELTA news agency.

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Denis Kuchynski, an adviser to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, also confirmed to independent Russian outlet Dozhd that the man in question was indeed Statkevich.

Mikolai Stakevichs wife Marina declined to comment, but did indicate to sources who spoke to Euronews that her husband had not returned home and there was no information as to his whereabouts.

Statkevich, President of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party, Narodnaya Gramada, ran for Presidency in 2010 against Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

He was repeatedly detained and released in the years that followed, before he was charged for organisation of mass riots and handed a 14-year prison sentence in 2021.

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Mikalai Statkevichs constant struggle for freedom and democracy have earned him unabating popularity amongst parts of the Belarusian society. A former army lieutenant colonel, he allegedly also still has support amongst the military, where he was known as a respected officer.

"He represents a moral authority for many people in Belarus, and could play a decisive role in the future," a Belarusian activist in exile in Vilnius told Euronews.

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Euronews spoke to the dissident and his wife in their home in Minsk back in 2018, only a few days before witnessing one of his many arrests. At the time, Mikalai Statkevich had already spent a total of 8 years in prison, yet was determined to keep up his political fight against the Lukashenka regime.

"This is not a free country. People have no influence on power. There still are political prisoners, and they are tortured. This country suffocates people, it's hard to breathe here. Fear reigns here all the time." he told Euronews at the time.

"If nobody talks about freedom in the country, if no one fights for it, then people forget that freedom exists. Society is disintegrating, and the country becomes an easy prey for any outside force. Now, Lukashenka is supported by Putin, and Putin is much more popular than Lukashenka in Belarus. This makes the potential annexation of Belarus very easy and attractive for Putin."

A press conference with the released prisoners was held this Friday in Vilnius by exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Among them was the Narodnaya Gramada party's Secretary General Sergei Sparysh, who said he had briefly met with Mikolai Statkevich shortly before their release in the "KGB prison" - as it is still called in Belarus - they were held in.

Released Belarus prisoners give a press conference in Vilnius on 12 September 2025. - Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

He described Statkevich as being "in very good moral condition" and inspired by Belarusians, despite having spent 2 years and 7 months in solitary confinement, all while in poor health.

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There cannot be a nation in which there is no leader located on the territory of this country. Nelson Mandela could not be the leader of the (South) African people while being somewhere in exile. Therefore, Nikolai Statkevich stayed in Belarus, said Sparysh.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed to the US administration to clarify Statkevichs situation. We are happy to see people free. But lets be honest - what happened yesterday was not real freedom, it was forced deportation, she said at the opening of the press conference.

We are very worried about the fate of Mikalai Statkevich, who refused to leave Belarus - which was his right - and now his whereabouts are unknown." She added that "everyone who is released must have the right to choose to stay or to leave.

At the time of writing, many more political activists and human rights defenders are still being held in Belarusian prisons. "President Trump has set the goal: all 1,300 must be released. We will continue to work with the US administration and our allies in Europe to make sure the releases continue," concluded Tsikhanouskaya.
CHEYENNE  Cheyenne locals Georgia and Dave Rowswell, the owners of Open Door Arts (formerly Blue Door Arts), leave next week for an artist residency across the state.

This is the first residency they'll be doing together, and Dave's first residency overall. They were selected as the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Artists in Residence (SPCR) for 2025, and will spend about 10 days total traveling to Curt Gowdy State Park, Guernsey State Park, Glendo State Park and Seminoe State Park. They leave for their road trip on Sept. 20 and will finish their residency on Sept. 29.

The SPCR Artist in Residence program is also part of Arts in the Parks, a collaborative initiative supported by the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks, both programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). This program aims to provide opportunities for Wyoming artists while also showcasing various landscapes.

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"We were doing the plein air events here for three or four years now, and when we discovered there was a residency, we thought it'd be fun," said Dave. "We do a lot of camping at Curt Gowdy, too."

They'll be creating works on site at the parks of the landscapes they see, and anyone passing through can stop by and chat, ask questions and see them work on their artwork. The Rowswells will be identified at each location with an SPCR feather flag on display next to their tent.

"I think we're just going to enjoy having that time to focus and be away from it all," said Dave. "I think it's going to be great."

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Dave Rowswell poses with a selection of the Rawhide Studio Collection in Blue Door Arts during the monthly Cheyenne Artwalk in 2021.

Dave, who has a background as a sculptor, was also a teacher at East High School for about 13 years before retiring. He's mostly been working with rawhide, or dried, untanned animal skin, making bolo ties, earrings and other jewelry under the name Rawhide Studio Jewelry. However, for the residency, he'll be drawing rock formations with charcoal, taking a more sculptural approach to the art while being able to easily transport the work.

"I ended up with little pieces of rawhide, and I used them to make a pair of earrings for Georgia," said Dave. "As I was working on it, I went online to check out what other artists and jewelers were doing with rawhide."

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Artist Georgia Rowswell poses for a portrait Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, inside Blue Door Arts in downtown Cheyenne.

For Georgia, during the residency, she'll be working on more pieces for her Riding the Range series, which is a series about "riding the highways and byways of Wyoming." They are textile landscapes paired with a corresponding location on a state map, both placed in antique boxes she finds at thrift stores.

She uses cut-up and old, discarded fabrics and glues them into place to replicate a scene. First, she'll take a photo of the scene she wants to capture, then she'll sketch it out in colored pencil before gluing fabric pieces in their corresponding colors in the box before spraying the finished product with UV-resistant spray. She calls this her "compressed fabric" technique.

"Each residency is different," said Georgia. "But most of them will say that it's all about the gift of time for artists to come away from their everyday life, be in a new and inspiring area, and be able to either work on a project that they're bringing with them, or create something (new) based on their environment."

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She and Dave both love to thrift and upcycle, which is not only how Georgia finds the boxes for her textile series, but also where Dave finds stuffed animals for his series, CRISPR Critters, which will eventually be on display at their new studio, Open Door Arts. For that series, he bases his animals off of the CRISPR gene technology, where he'll take two of the stuffed animals and combine them. For example, he has a croc-lobster he's made, which has a lobster's head on a crocodile's body.

"I've always liked the idea of taking something that somebody else threw away and (repurposing it)," said Dave. "And if you think about it, little kids grow up and toss their stuffed animals out ... and different places will have different things."

The two of them met in New York, when Georgia lived in Buffalo, and Dave lived in Grand Island. Georgia earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Buffalo, and Dave went for a teaching degree at Buffalo State University.

"I've been making art all of my life, really," said Georgia. "My formal education was in painting and drawing, but, as a child, my mom, her sister and (my grandma) all did something (art related). Whether it was knitting, crocheting, making clothes. ... So, I have this long history with fiber, and have done a lot of different things in my life  you know, I got married, had kids, but I always wanted to find a way to keep my fingers in the art world. So, I spent 10 years designing wedding gowns (before moving to Cheyenne).

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"Then, when we moved to Georgia, that was my opportunity to take a look at my artistic life and what I would do next," she continued. "And then I started working with things that spoke about the Southern experience. I worked with bamboo and sweet potatoes and did some painting."

For 35 years, Georgia has worked as a studio artist and workshop teacher, and has shown her work across the United States in various collections and art shows. She has done all of the residencies offered in Wyoming, including Jentel, Teton, Brush Creek and more.

The Rowswells moved to Cheyenne in 2008 from southern Georgia, and have been in the capital city ever since. Before they opened Blue Door Arts 10 years ago, they had a studio in their living room for about three or four years called Artful Hand, where Dave would teach figure drawing. Their living room is also where they started the very first Artwalk in town; it started with about eight to 10 artists and was originally called "Art Design and Dine."

When they moved out of their first place and were able to consolidate money for a studio outside of their home, Georgia found the Hynds Building, which had been boarded up for 20 years at the time before the nonprofit she was a part of helped get windows replaced and lights on.

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Everywhere she's been, she immerses herself in the region and lets it speak to her. Before moving to Wyoming, Georgia hadn't been working with landscapes the way she has for the past 15 years. She knew moving here she wasn't interested in drawing or making anything with cowboys or animals as the subject, and quickly gravitated toward the state's geology and Western stories as her main source of artistic inspiration.

A few months back, they decided to buy the open building at 1609 Central Ave., which is in the same building as Niemann & Sons Music. They partially bought it so they wouldn't have to rent anymore, but also so they'd have more studio space and potentially get more exposure.

Blue Door Arts

Georgia and Dave Rowswell stand inside their new studio, Open Door Arts, on Friday in Cheyenne. The studio will feature monthly artists and is projected to open Oct. 18 or 19.

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Open Door is currently still being set up by Georgia and Dave. They're projected to be open on either Oct. 18 or 19, and the rebranded studio will have a lot of the same artwork that was up at Blue Door before they closed; Georgia will have her textile art, while Dave will have his jewelry on display. They also plan on having featured artists in their gallery, as well as Denise Hawkins, their photographer's work, and potentially even some student work from local high schools and Laramie County Community College.

"We changed the name to Open Door Studio Gallery because we wanted to be a place where you can connect with the community," said Georgia. "I also felt like this was a new start over here, and there's still the 'door' connection, it's just that our (new) door isn't blue. ... Now, with the studio, we have the privilege of helping other artists who maybe don't have space to show their art."

"I like that it's a transition, not a complete rebrand," said Dave. "For me, as a teacher, metaphors have just always been a huge part of communication for me, and with an open door, it can be like opening the door for somebody to start a career in art, or opening a door for someone to sit down and feel welcomed."

Workshops are a possibility, as well, but for now, Dave and Georgia are taking life one a day at a time.
The cold-blooded killing of campaigner Charlie Kirk on a university campus in Utah should have been a moment of shared grief for everyone. A young father who believed in and lived by a code of free speech and debate was gunned down in front of horrified students.

As we know, the reaction of certain sections of the Left in Britain and America was appalling. If they offered sympathy it was heavily caveated and, by applying labels like far-Right, they appeared to suggest he had brought it on himself.

Yet here in Germany, the response of the media class was even more disturbing. They seemed to revel in it.

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Instead of uniting in condemnation, major outlets reached immediately for the smear. Der Tagesspiegel, Berlins leading newspaper, ran the headline Death of an Arsonist, portraying Kirk not as a victim of murder but as some kind of extremist who had perhaps had it coming.

Tagesspiegel headline that reads Death of an Arsonist, Sep 12

State broadcaster ZDF allowed its chief correspondent, Elmar Thewessen, to claim  falsely  that Kirk had called for stoning homosexuals. And then came the digital chorus of mockery: T-Onlines Lars Wienand quipped, Part of Liberty? Maybe this shocking murder will make the US Right rethink its gun laws.

Felix Schulz, spokesman for the Left-wing die Linke partys leader, tossed out a meme reading, Oh no! Anyway. The comedian Sebastian Hotz (El Hotzo), a darling of public service satire, posted a famous TV chimpanzee named Charly with the caption Rest in Peace.

Even when the countrys most decorated presenters attempted solemnity, the mask slipped.

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On ZDF heute journal, the fortress of Germanys mainstream media, presenter Dunja Hayali began: Kirks murder cannot be justified by anything. A decent start. But then, in the same breath, she reminded viewers that Kirk was guilty of abhorrent, racist, sexist and misanthropic statements, branding him a radical-religious conspiracy adherent.

This seems to be the journalistic trick: pose as balanced, then twist the knife. The result? Millions of ordinary Germans, who take prime-time anchors at their word, are invited to conclude that while murder is technically bad, this particular victim was barely human in the first place.

The reality is different. Kirk, whatever one thought of his politics, was a debater. He engaged hostile audiences. He welcomed disagreement. He thrived on argument, often in unfriendly rooms. That, in a democracy, should be valued. Yet Germanys commentariat class chose not to acknowledge this but to vilify him, as if to suggest that the killing of a conservative voice was not a tragedy at all.

This is a sign of how far the political mainstream in Germany has drifted Leftwards. It is no longer enough to oppose your adversaries. They must be delegitimised, dehumanised, treated not as mistaken citizens but as moral outcasts.

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Conservatives are no longer simply wrong; they are wicked, even fascists. And if they are wicked, then what happens to them is of little consequence. A society that cannot even pause to mourn the death of a man who dedicated himself to free speech has lost its moral bearings.

We see the same dynamic in other debates in Germany. In the IsraelPalestine conflict, large sections of Germanys Left have chosen to align themselves with Islamist extremists. What unites them is not love of Palestinians but hatred of Israel and, more broadly, of the West and its moral compass itself. Jewish students in Berlin are now reporting that they feel unsafe on campus. Israeli restaurants are being boycotted. Demonstrations routinely feature calls for the destruction of Israel, while the police are left paralysed by politicians who fear being accused of racism if they intervene too firmly.

Once again, the mainstream shrugs, or worse, finds excuses. And Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, looks like a turned-over tortoise when not finding the right words.

The parallel is obvious. Just as Kirks murder is rationalised by citing his supposed sins, so too is open menace against Jews excused as the unfortunate by-product of oppression. The logic is the same: our values  free speech, the sanctity of life, Israels right to exist  apply only when the right side commits the violence. It is moral relativism dressed up as sophistication, and it is political poison.

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And ordinary Germans see it. They see double standards, indulgence of left-wing thuggery, contempt for common sense. And increasingly, they turn to the one party that at least voices their anger  the AfD. By treating dissent as illegitimate, by excusing violence when it suits, Germanys elites are nurturing precisely the beast they claim to fear most. Every smear instead of debate, every indulgence of extremism instead of confrontation, drives voters further into the AfDs arms.

Charlie Kirks assassination, and the German medias disgraceful applause for it, should serve as a warning. When murder becomes acceptable because the victims views were unfashionable, a society is no longer healthy. When antisemitism can be rebranded as anti-Zionism and nodded through by the Left, a country has lost its compass. And when the public notices  as they surely do  the result is not reconciliation but radicalisation.

Germanys establishment congratulates itself on defending democracy by excluding the AfD. In reality, it is laying the groundwork for that partys advance. The famous Brandmauer, an informal agreement by mainstream parties not to work with or form coaltions with the AfD, is collapsing. Not because of some master strategy by AfD leaders, but because Germanys mainstream has abandoned the basic values that once bound society together.

Charlie Kirk died for his belief that words, not bullets, should settle political disputes. Germanys media elite could not even bring themselves to honour that conviction. Instead, they applauded the silencing of a man who did nothing more dangerous than challenge his opponents. If this is the moral standard of the German mainstream, then its democratic future is far darker than its leaders dare to admit.

Henry Donovan is an Anglo-German journalist and communications adviser based in Berlin. He previously worked on the political desk of BILD and Die WELT

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MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB)  Dogs and their owners will be gathered at the Jackson County Agriculture Center this weekend to participate in an AKC agility trial.

The event is run by volunteers and dog lovers.

Events like these are a great way for dogs and their owners to bond while also getting in a good workout.

This weekend. What were doing is were holding our annual agility trial. And what that does is gets everybody from Montgomery to South Florida and as far west as Louisiana, New Orleans, maybe even Baton Rouge, we have like a little circle of friends. And we do is we run an agility trail three days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. And the goal of this sport is to have your dogs compete against other dogs on the same height, says Linda Prado, President of the Dog Fanciers.

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Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and training levels are invited to participate.

There are a variety of different trials taking place all throughout the weekend, like temperament testing, farm dog certifications, fetch, and agility events.

Even if your dog isnt participating, you can still bring them to meet other dogs and owners.

Organizers say its a great way to network in the dog world, which is really the main goal of the organization.

Prado says, What we do is we do training and practicing. We host community service events, and we just have a lot of camaraderie with our human friends as well as our dog friends.

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The events will be taking place all weekend at the Jackson County Agricultural Center, and it is a dog-friendly gathering.

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ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven man was arrested on Tuesday and charged after allegedly billing Medicaid for services he did not provide while working as an individual day support provider in Connecticut.

Between May 2024 and December 2024, 48-year-old Gordon Skinner allegedly defrauded a company that provides people with disabilities with the funds to hire support staff for assistance with daily activities.

Enfield woman accused of defrauding Medicaid of over $100K

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While he was employed as a private hire individual day support provider, he allegedly submitted time sheets and was paid for services he did not provide to a client.

The program, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Self-Directed Program, was partially federally reimbursed.

Branford lab agrees to pay over $1.2 million for health care fraud

The parent of the client reported this to DDS after becoming aware of the fraudulent billing. According to the Division of Criminal Justice, an investigation found that Skinner was paid for over 200 hours for non-rendered services. Skinner allegedly defrauded $5,584.70 from Medicaid.

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Skinner was charged with one count of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community and one count of health insurance fraud.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Sept. 18.

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Human trafficking has exploded into one of Venezuelas most profitable criminal enterprises, generating an estimated $2.6 billion last year, according to a new report by the Venezuelan unit of Transparency International.

The anti-corruption watchdog group warns that hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are trapped in forced labor, sexual exploitation and even forced marriages, with criminal networks cashing in on the countrys economic collapse and mass migration.

The 124-page report paints a bleak picture: human trafficking in Venezuela thrives on misery, corruption and mass displacement, intertwining with drug trafficking, illegal mining and organized crime. Without systemic reforms, transparency and international cooperation, Venezuelansespecially women, children, migrants, and indigenous communitiesremain vulnerable to exploitation on a massive scale.

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Migrants traveling without documents are easy targets for deception, extortion and coercion. Recruiters often use social media, fake job offers, or even beauty contests to lure victims, while others are abducted or sold through debt-bondage schemes.

Groups like Tren de Aragua, ELN guerrillas, and FARC dissidents, the report says, play central roles, offering travel packages across dangerous routes such as the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, where migrants may be enslaved, forced into sex work or trafficked for organ sales.

The 2024 estimates are grim: 364,500 Venezuelans living in modern slavery, including 188,000 in forced labor and nearly 70,000 exploited sexually for profit. More than 105,000 people were forced into marriage.

Transparency Venezuela stressed that the increase in human trafficking is not an isolated phenomenon.

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It very often operates with the active or inactive participation of corrupt civilian and military officials who work with trafficking networks, the group said. It also noted that there is no coordination between Venezuelan authorities and other nations to curb the rise of this criminal economy that generates millions in profits.

Trafficking spreads with migration

The crisis does not stop at Venezuelas borders. As millions of Venezuelans flee poverty and repression, many fall into the hands of traffickers abroad. A survey carried out by Transparencia Venezuela last year estimated that a significant portion of the more than seven million Venezuelans who left their homes in recent years to escape violence and economic collapse have become victims of traffickers.

Official reports indicate that Venezuelan victims have been exploited around the world, with cases surfacing in Aruba, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Guyana, Haiti, Macau, Iceland, Mexico, Panama, Peru, China, Dominican Republic, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

The bulk of cases are happening in Colombia, with an estimated total of 1.4 million, Peru, 816,000, and the United States, 288,000, the report said.

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The report said that the journey by foot to the United States has proven very dangerous for women.

Venezuelans who make the journey to the United States by land are more likely to be affected by situations of sexual abuse than those who travel to Colombia and Peru, where they are more exposed to labor abuse. It is estimated that 33% of these migrants experienced sexual abuse on their way to the United States, a figure considerably higher than the 4% recorded in Peru and Colombia, the report said.

The more than a quarter million Venezuelans trafficked into the United States have proven to be big business for criminal organizations here. According to the report, those victims there generated $343 million in profits last year.

Migrants who traveled overland to the U.S. reported the highest risk of sexual abuse, with one in three saying they had been assaulted. In Colombia and Peru, labor exploitation was more common, though cases of sexual violence were also reported.

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Criminal profits are staggering. By applying international benchmarks, Transparencia calculated that criminal networks earned $1.45 billion in 2024 from the sexual exploitation of Venezuelan migrants in just three countries  Colombia, Peru and the U.S.

Victims: women, teens, indigenous groups

The majority of victims are women and adolescents, but certain groups are especially vulnerable: indigenous populations, residents of mining and border regions controlled by armed groups, and Venezuelans who have fled abroad.

Recruitment often begins with social media scams, fake job offers, or promises of housing. In other cases, traffickers rely on early marriages, kidnappings or outright force.

These networks are sophisticated. They prey on trust and desperation, the report notes.

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The International Labour Organization calculates that each victim of forced labor generates about $3,600 a year for traffickers, while a victim of sexual exploitation produces an average of $27,000 annually.

With those numbers, Venezuelas trafficking industry now rivals the revenues of other illicit trades such as drug trafficking and illegal mining. Globally, human trafficking profits topped $498 billion in 2024, according to the Financial Action Task Force.

Government looks away

What makes the situation worse, the report says, is the Venezuelan governments failure to act. The country has no official trafficking statistics, no national plan, and weak or complicit institutions.

In 2023, the U.S. State Department ranked Venezuela at the very bottom of its annual Trafficking in Persons Report, saying the Nicolas Maduro government does not meet the minimum standards and is not making significant efforts to combat the crime.

Maduro and his representatives were complicit in trafficking crimes as they maintained a permissive environment for non-state armed groups and other illegal armed groups that forcibly recruited and used children for conflict or forced criminality, and exploited in sex trafficking and forced labor, while operating with impunity, the State Department said in its 2024 report.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio residents will likely spot their last hummingbirds of the year soon, as the birds stop to refuel at feeders before migrating south for the winter.

In August, hummingbirds typically begin traveling south to their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. The birds continue to depart on their journeys throughout September, with the last hummingbirds leaving the state as late as mid-October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The migration is triggered by decreased daylight, lower temperatures and dwindling food sources, such as flowers and insects, the American Bird Conservancy stated.

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People can support the tiny birds on their long journeys by maintaining feeders with hummingbird nectar throughout the fall, according to the National Audubon Society. The environmental nonprofit noted leaving out feeders will not deter the birds from migrating south.

Anyone can create their own hummingbird nectar by adding four parts water to one part table sugar, boiling it and letting it cool. Wildlife experts advise against adding dyes or other additives to the sugar water, and recommend regularly cleaning the feeder to prevent the spread of any diseases.

A hummingbirds journey south from the northern United States typically takes around two to three weeks. Research has found that hummingbirds fly at an average speed of 20-30 mph, and can travel up to 500 miles at once during migration, Audubon reported.

During migration, the birds wings flap 15 to 80 times a second, and their heart can beat up to 1,260 times a minute, according to Hummingbird Central. To support this high level of energy exertion, the birds will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before the trek.

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Those who regularly leave out hummingbird feeders may see some visitors from years past as they prepare for their expedition. The species can recall feeder locations years later, thanks to its excellent memory, according to the ABC.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds, which boast blue and green metallic feathers, are the most common hummingbird species in the U.S. and the one almost exclusively seen in Ohio. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds are characterized by their bright red neck feathers, while females have white or gray feathers in the same spot.

A male ruby-throated hummingbird. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife) A female ruby-throated hummingbird. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Male hummingbirds are typically the first to begin their journey south each year, since they are not involved in raising their offspring. This gives females and young birds enough time to gain weight beforehand, and a staggered departure also ensures less competition for resources, according to the bird feeder company Perky Pet.

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Rufous hummingbirds, identifiable by their orange feathers, are rare in Ohio but have occasionally been spotted in late fall and winter, per the ODNR.

After Ohios hummingbirds travel south for the winter, residents can expect to see the birds again when they return to the state in the spring, likely in mid-April or May.

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More than 300 South Korean workers who were detained by US immigration agents at a Hyundai factory in Georgia last week arrived home on Friday.

The surprise raid shocked Seoul and threatened to upend relations with its chief economic and strategic ally, Washington.

South Korea recently pledged to invest tens of billions of dollars in the US to avoid Donald Trumps tariffs.

The Incheon airport in Seoul witnessed emotional scenes as the workers landed on a chartered plane and were greeted with cheers from family members and government officials, including the presidential chief of staff.

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The workers, wearing white face masks, were embraced by their family members, including children who had been anxiously waiting for their return.

The chartered Korean Air plane had taken off from Atlanta midday local time on Thursday and arrived in Seoul at 3.23pm local time.

A banner displayed at the airport featured a caricature of Mr Trump as an immigration agent, dressed in black tactical gear, holding a bag and raising an arm in a gesture resembling the Nazi salute, along with a caption that read, We re friends! Arent we?

One of the detained Korean workers did not return and instead chose to stay in the US to seek permanent residency, according to local media reports.

A banner showing US president Donald Trump as an immigration agent is displayed at the Incheon airport on 12 September 2025 (AFP via Getty)

The workers were detained by immigration agents during a 4 September raid at a Georgia car factory, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution.

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The raid drew widespread criticism as footage showed the workers shackled at their wrists, ankles, and waist.

A South Korean worker is welcomed by family members after returning from Atlanta at a parking lot in Incheon International Airport (YONHAP/AFP via Getty)

The workers said they were horrified by the raid that saw US law enforcement agents round up 475 workers at the plant.

The detained workers included, in addition to the South Koreans, 10 Chinese nationals, three Japanese and an Indonesian.

It started to look serious because we thought we would be taking the transport vehicle, but then they started putting handcuffs and shackles and thats when we thought, Oh, this is not going to be a simple transport, LG Energy Solution engineer Choi Young Hee said.

A returning South Korean worker hugs a family member at the Incheon airport (Reuters)

Their return was delayed by a day as Mr Trump reportedly tried to convince them to stay and train US workers.

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The South Korean foreign ministry, however, said the exhausted workers would return home first and return to the US later if necessary.

South Koreas foreign minister, Cho Hyun, had urged US secretary of state Marco Rubio during a meeting earlier this week to allow the workers not to be shackled during transport to the airport in Atlanta and let them re-enter the US at a later point.

Asked about this, Jang Young Seol, engineer for an LG Energy Solution subcontractor, said he would need to think long and hard about it. Nobody is going to stay and work when its like this, he said.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon Sik said he had come to the airport to highlight how seriously president Lee Jae Myung was taking the incident that had affected innocent people of Korea.

We are in an age of new normal in dealing with the United States, Mr Kang told reporters. The standard changes every time and constantly there has to be deal-making, not only on tariffs, but itll also be the case with security issues.
NEED TO KNOW

An infrastructure worker died after a collapsed road fell and buried him alive for several minutes on Sept. 10

Praset Praphrom was remembered as a hard worker and for being beloved by his coworkers



The local government will be assisting the man's family following the tragedy

An infrastructure worker died after a collapsed road fell and buried him alive for several minutes.

The man  who was identified as Praset Praphrom by Matichon  died in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Donkaew Town Municipality/Facebook Praset Praphrom. Praset Praphrom.

In video footage of the tragedy obtained by ViralPress, Praphrom could be seen inspecting a collapsed road from a trench opening below, before soil and concrete fell and struck the back of his neck, pinning him to the ground and burying him.

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An excavator was used to scoop away some of the soil and concrete on top of Praphrom, and a rescue crew that was called in dug with their hands to try to get the man out of the ground.

Donkaew Town Municipality/Facebook A photo of the flooded road in Thailand. A photo of the flooded road in Thailand.

It took 20 minutes to finally free the unconscious man. Praphrom was provided medical aid on the scene, before he was transported to the nearby Nakornping Hospital for treatment, according to ViralPress.



Prasert sustained severe injuries from the incident, including severed intestines and broken bones, and his ribs also penetrated his lungs and spleen, Matichon reported.

The man died from his injuries in the hospital at around 2 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 11, per the outlet.

Prasert had worked as the head of the construction department at the Don Kaeo Municipality for over 15 years. He was described as a hard-working employee who was beloved by all of his coworkers, Matichon reported.

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Plakorn Kanthawang, the mayor of Don Kaeo Municipality, told the outlet that Prasert had been part of a team that was sent to inspect the roadways in Huai Tueng Thao, which had been eroded due to recent floods caused by tropical storm Kajiki.

He was also helping to install a new pipe in the area, according to ViralPress.

Donkaew Town Municipality/Facebook A flooded road and an emergency vehicle in Thailand. A flooded road and an emergency vehicle in Thailand.

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Kanthawang told the outlet that relevant organizations would inspect the site and investigate after the incident.

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The mayor added that the Don Kaeo Municipality would provide full assistance to Prasert's family following the tragedy.

Praserts body is set to be released from the Nakornping Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 13. His funeral is expected to be held at his home in the Don Kaeo village in the Chiang Mai Province.



Read the original article on People
The struggle for primacy in this remote, long-fought-over corner of the Middle East is far from completed.

From a distance, the Commonwealth military cemetery in Aden resembles an abandoned construction site.

You have to drive a little way out of the town to find it, and most of the area is empty, dusty ground because the British left before they, or their enemies, could fill it. When you get closer, you see the small cluster of gravestones in the corner. And when youre still closer, you can make out the names.

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Sturdy, Anglo-Saxon surnames, for the most part: Armstrong, Moffatt, Bartley, Bell. And the symbols of their units. Special Air Service, Parachute Regiment, of course. But also the Service Corps and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. All dated from 1965 to 1967.

Those were the years that the British call the Aden Emergency, which ended with London quitting this last outpost of the empire. The Commonwealth Graves Commission doesnt look after the cemetery, but the local authority keeps it in good, if humble, shape.

As we were leaving the area, a lone bearded young man approached us. Why are they still here? he asked our guide in Arabic. The guide, an officer in the Presidential Guard of the local ruling authoritys army, shrugged neutrally. Theyre part of our history, he replied, dismissing the question. The young man said nothing and watched us  besuited foreigners from the US and Israel  as we departed.

A MURAL calling for the restoration of south Yemeni sovereignty, Aden. (credit: Michael Rubin)

THE BRITISH came to Aden in 1839. After they left in 1967, there was a period of confusion; then a Soviet client state, the Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY), was set up. The Soviets, like the previous imperial masters, left their mementos here and there.

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At retooled government ministries, or occasionally at intersections, there are faded murals depicting heroic South Yemeni workers and soldiers, joyful and victorious. Engraved red-star banners are covered with a thick layer of Aden dust. The PDRY lasted until 1990, when Yemen was briefly reunited. Now it is once again divided, with new powers fighting for control.

All this might once have seemed very remote from Israel and the Levant. No longer. Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Ansar Allah (Houthis) movement has been engaged in a missile war with Israel.

Their ability to cause damage is far inferior to their Iranian patrons. Yet they have proved durable. They have remained unwilling, in contrast to both Iran and Hezbollah, to unilaterally conclude a ceasefire with Jerusalem. Even Israels recent killing of the Houthiss prime minister and most of his cabinet has not yet proved sufficient to cause them to abandon the fight.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait: The fight for control

The old imperial powers didnt come to the southern tip of Yemen for reasons of altruism, nor for concern about local political arrangements. They were here because this is prime strategic real estate.

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South Yemens coastline sits along a vital waterway, the Bab el-Mandeb (Gate of Tears) Strait. The strait leads from the Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, then up to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

Thirty kilometers wide at its narrowest point, Bab el-Mandeb transits between 10% to 12% of global maritime trade in a normal year. Control of it brings leverage and power. If your interest is in stability, holding the strait can ensure the safe passage of your trading vessels. If, by contrast, your concern is to use disruption and violence to achieve political objectives, domination of the strait can form a crucial pressure point.

Thats why the old empires came and went, and left their fading remnants here and there. And thats why the new powers are currently engaged in an ongoing fight, conducted partly through proxies, for control of this area.

As of today, the fight for control of the Gulf of Aden-Red Sea route is between the Islamic Republic of Iran on the one hand, with its proxy Houthi militia as its instrument, and a variety of opposing states, including, with various degrees of commitment and a number of local clients, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel.

The rise of the Houthis, and their enemies

How did the situation get to its current point? In 2011, against the background of the Arab Spring, popular action brought down the dictatorship of the military officer Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had ruled since 1978. As elsewhere in the Middle East, the downfall of the dictator didnt lead, alas, to peace and representative government. Rather, local forces clashed, and neighboring powers sought to fill the void.

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The Houthis, an Iran-supported Shiite Islamist organization, swooped down in 2014 from their mountain strongholds in the northern Saadeh province, to take the capital, Sanaa. From there, they tried to push down to Bab el-Mandeb.

They were stopped in 2015 after heavy fighting by a Saudi-led coalition, but not before conquering a large stretch of Yemens Red Sea coastline, including the vital ports of Hodeidah and Salif, and the oil terminal at Ras Issa.

The disaster of de facto Iranian control of Bab el-Mandeb was thus prevented, but Yemen was divided once more. Today, the Houthis are using the stretch of coastline they conquered to conduct their war on international shipping, in line with Iranian desires, and nominally in support of the Palestinians of Gaza.

The ground fighting in Yemen, officially, ended with the 2018 Stockholm Agreement. Nothing, however, has been resolved. Today, the Houthis and their enemies face one another along a series of frontlines from east to west.

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More than 350,000 people have died in the fighting during 10 years of civil war in Yemen. The Houthis, on their side, exercise dictatorial control. Facing them, however, are several different military and political organizations with contradictory aims.

Most significant on the frontlines against the Houthis are forces associated with the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). This body, headed by Aidarus al-Zubeidi and established in 2017, seeks to reestablish a separate southern Yemeni state.

STC-associated forces are the main presence on the frontlines of Abiran/Shabwa, Lehj, and Daleh. These account for the greater part of the lines facing the Houthis. Other areas are covered by a variety of forces, including elements associated with the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islah party, to which the STC is opposed.

The situation is fluid and volatile. As Ali al-Kathiri, president of the STCs National Assembly, put it when we met at his office in Aden, There is a ceasefire, but its not a reality on the ground. On three different fronts, they launched attacks in recent days  on the ground and using drones and mortars. And every day there are Houthi drones over Aden.

FIGHTER of the Southern Giants Brigades on a mountain overlooking frontline positions against the Houthis, Dhale province. (credit: Michael Rubin)

Visiting the frontline

At the frontlines in Daleh province, the tense tactical situation became immediately apparent, as did the steep superiority of the Houthiss equipment. Guided by Gen. Abdallah, the 72-year-old commander of the STC in the area, we made our way to a mountain overlooking the frontlines.

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The general is a veteran of the PDRY armed forces. He has been in military service, he told us, since the age of 16, when he joined the PDRYs Popular Guards in 1968. He moved across the rocky countryside like a man half his age, with our STC security detail struggling to keep up.

The Daleh landscape is unexpectedly green, lush, and beautiful. As we headed for Daleh, I remembered that its located quite close to the Yemeni village from where the parents of one of my friends in Israel hailed. All the people of the village, Gades it was called, left in 1949 and settled in Moshav Givat Yearim, outside of Jerusalem.

I sent my friends husband some pictures of the mountains in Daleh. A few hours later, I received a message saying that the pictures were making the rounds of their family WhatsApp group. In the intervening 70 years, none of them, of course, has been able to visit the village, which had an exclusively Jewish population. Now it is under the control of the Houthis. The STCs frontlines were as close as I could get.

No war and no peace here, the general confirmed as he laid out the situation below, the lines of control of his own STC forces and those of the Houthis.

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Were holding a defensive line here. Sometimes the enemy does raids. But our forces repel them. Skirmishes. Sniper fire. Drones. Mortars, he said.

Abdallah, who, in addition to his military role heads the STC in Daleh, later expanded on the situation. We and the US are in the same boat, against Iran. The Houthis are an arm of Iran. So were hopeful to get support and modern weapons from the US, to break the arc of the Iranian project.

Back in Aden, Maj. Gen. Saleh Salam, commander of the STCs joint forces, gave us a more detailed list of needed military equipment. Light and heavy machine guns, air defenses, drones for reconnaissance, anti-aircraft capacity to target low-flying drones, night-vision equipment. Even this list was not exhaustive.

The track record suggests that the STCs fighters are capable and well organized. The deficit in their equipment, when compared with that of the Houthis, is nevertheless clearly considerable and daunting.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

There is a second, connected but under-reported fight happening in Yemen. This is the battle against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the most powerful franchise of the global jihadi network.

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Until 2022, AQAP controlled territory in Yemens Abyan province, in the largest area of control for the franchise globally. STC fighters reconquered the area. AQAP made its last stand in the mountains of Wadi Omran. Their area of control may have gone, but Abyan remains a center for the organization

Representatives of both the STC and the internationally recognized government of Yemen maintain that there are clear and identifiable links between the Houthis and AQAP, based on common enemies. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds.

Despite the Sunni-Shiite divide, al-Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel has been resident in Tehran for over a decade. According to Yemeni Defense Minister Mohsen Daeri, speaking in his office in Aden, When the Houthis took control of Sanaa, they inherited a load of AQAP prisoners. So they worked with them and convinced them to cooperate.

They had a common enemy, and AQAP are guns for hire. So they came to an agreement. And theyve released them back into government-controlled areas, where they recruited people and began attacks, he said.

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AQAP is based in Marib Province [in the Houthi area of control], and al-Qaeda central is in Tehran, confirmed Abu Nasr, the STCs intelligence chief. Marib currently is the safe haven for AQAP, and the Houthis and AQAP use it as a launch pad for attacks. In the south, though, they have no safe haven.

Both have the same strategic goal of making sure that the STC fails so that they can control the strategic area from al-Mahra in the east to Bab el-Mandeb in the west, [as well as] the Arabian Sea, Socotra, the Perim Islands, and Bab el-Mandeb. So if STC falls, theyll take control.

We traveled through AQAPs heartland in Abyan Province, on the way up to Shabwa, where the STC has another frontline facing the Houthis. Abyan reminded me slightly of Deir al-Zor province in Syria, another tribal heartland of the Sunni jihadis.

In Abyan, though, the poverty was more extreme. Women were absent from public areas; there were just the men riding cheap motorcycles, many armed with old AK-47s. Khat chewing is ubiquitous in Yemen. [The leaves of the khat plant have a stimulating effect.] Sheep wandered around freely, and garbage was piled everywhere. Between the towns, sometimes small groups of Africans made their way eastward, on foot in the blazing sun.

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They come in small boats, our guide told us. Theyre trying to head toward Saudi Arabia.

We watched them walk along the roadside in the shimmering, blinding heat, not saying a word. I silently wished them luck at getting through this lawless, remote province, where AQAP fighters are positioned in the mountains around Wadi Omran.

Shabwa is a desert and tribal area, but not as poor, and is more well ordered than Abyan. The Shabwa Defense Forces there are aligned with STC. The United Arab Emirates is directly investing in a number of projects here. There is oil, though currently there is no way to export it.

The way ahead

With the Houthis now recommencing their campaign against global shipping, the issue of a solution to the crisis in Yemen is no mere local concern. The STC, and the official government, profess a willingness to form the ground element in a campaign to drive the Shiite Islamists back from the Red Sea coast.

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We just need a green light, and well drive back the Houthis, Maj. Gen. Saleh al-Hassan told us in Aden. His forces kept the Houthis out of Aden and cleared AQAP from Abyan.

To stand a chance against the Houthis in Hodeidah Province, however, its clear that they will need a sharp increase in international supply in preparation, and almost certainly external air support in carrying out their offensive. This may well prove the only way, ultimately, to drive Irans proxies back inland. The struggle for primacy in this remote, long-fought-over corner of the Middle East is far from completed. 
Construction on Interstate 80 near the border of Waukee and West Des Moines will result in multiple evening road closures.

When is I-80 closing between Waukee and West Des Moines?

Eastbound I-80 will close two nights in a row for road work between Exit 118 at Grand Prairie Parkway to the southwest mixmaster.

The first overnight closure begins at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 14 until 5 a.m. the next day. The second evening closure begins at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 15 and would remain closed until 5 a.m. Sept. 16.

What is the detour when the Iowa DOT closes I-80 between Waukee and West Des Moines?

When I-80 going eastbound closes for the evening, there will be a marked detour route using the Grand Prairie Parkway Exit. Drivers will take University Avenue to Northwest 100th Street and then head east on Douglas Avenue to rejoin the interstate.

Which Jordan Creek Parkway ramps are closing?

The Iowa DOT will adjust the ramp closures at I-80 and Jordan Creek Parkway on Sept. 14.

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The southbound loop at Jordan Creek Parkway to get onto I-80 eastbound will reopen at this time.

The I-80 eastbound exit ramp to Jordan Creek Parkway will close Sept. 14. It will remain closed for approximately 30 days, according to the Iowa DOT.

When the eastbound ramp is under construction, drivers will take a detour route continuing on I-80 until 60th Street at Exit 122. Drivers should head north on 60th Street and then west on University Avenue and return to Jordan Creek Parkway.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa DOT closing I-80 near mixmaster, changing Jordan Creek ramps
Kelley Wolf has been accused of violating a protective order against her.

Kelley Wolf accused of violating a protective order against her

Last month a new protective order was issued which banned Kelley from having direct or indirect contact with her estranged husband Scott Wolf or their kids Jackson, 16, Miller, 12, and 11-year-old Lucy but Kelley allegedly used a friends phone and attempted to contact her son [Miller] through a friends son.

In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Kelley, 48, was charged with a misdemeanour for her actions and a summons was filed for her to appear in court on November 7.

This comes less than two weeks after Kelly revealed she was going to rehab, telling Judge Janet Elledge that she was "excited" to be seeking treatment.

According to PEOPLE, Kelley told the court: "I have informed everyone that needs to know, I will be attending [treatment] starting on September 12.

"This is what was asked of me by both Bart Johnson and Scott Wolf now for six months  all I wanted to do was leave a marriage.

"I am excited to go to [treatment]. I'm looking forward to it. My brother is taking me. It's fantastic. It's a great place. I recommended it all the time as a mental health professional myself, so September 12, I will be there for a month. I hope that helps."

The star - who was previously charged with one charge of electronic communications harassment and two charges of electronic disclosure of personal identifying information - shared her plans after the judge denied a request from prosecutors for proof of compliance with the pre-trial release conditions of her bail.

These included that she participate in drug testing and inpatient or outpatient medical, behavioural, psychological or psychiatric treatment before the next hearing on 30 September.

The judge didn't rule on a request that Kelley be barred from posting on social media as a condition of her release.

Kelley has been told she cannot "commit, try to commit or threaten to commit any form of violence" against Scott or the kids, including "stalking, harassing, threatening, physically hurting, or causing any other form of abuse that could cause bodily injury."

The "only" time she can have contact with the Party of Five actor is during mediation sessions with a court-qualified mediator regarding their divorce or custody of the children, but otherwise she must stay at least 300 feet away.

In addition, Kelley is only allowed to visit the family home accompanied by a police officer to pick up her belongings, and she must abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Kelley was arrested on 26 August on suspicion of electronic communication harassment and electronic disclosure of personal identifying information, hours after she allegedly posted her estranged husband's personal phone number on her Instagram account.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday they intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, which triggered air raid sirens across multiple areas in Israel during the night.

Residents in Tel Aviv and other cities rushed to shelters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. The alert comes after a series of recent drone and missile attacks from Yemen.

The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack. The militia stated that a missile "with multiple warheads" had been fired towards Tel Aviv.

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Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia has repeatedly launched rockets and drones at Israel, citing solidarity with Hamas.

Houthi attacks have often targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes in Yemen, saying it targets locations linked to Houthi military operations.

In the most recent Israeli airstrike in Yemen on Wednesday, the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry reported at least 35 people killed. In late August, Houthi leaders, including their prime minister and several ministers, were killed in Israeli strikes.
The fighter jets used by the IAF included eight F-15s and four F-35s, with Israeli aircraft avoiding entering the airspace of surrounding Arab countries.

Israeli forces targeted Doha-based Hamas officials using fighter jets they had sent to the Red Sea, according to a Friday report from The Wall Street Journal, citing several US officials.

The fighter jets used by the IAF above Red Sea waters included eight F-15s and four F-35s, according to the report, noting that no Israeli aircraft entered the airspace of surrounding Arab countries.

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A reporter sent by the Journal to the Doha building that was hit saw that the middle floor and the ground floor's right side were largely destroyed.

Missile firing into space?

Israel hit Doha with long-range ballistic missiles, as Qatar is on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula from where the Red Sea is located, with the US officials telling the Journal that Israeli planes launched these missiles into space over Saudi Arabia at the Qatari capital. The report then said, citing the officials, that "space-based US sensors that detect infrared heat signatures picked up the launch and the trajectory of the missiles, confirming Doha as the destination." The missile firing into space was for Israel to avoid accusations by the Saudis that their airspace was violated, the report added.

Riyadh condemned the Qatar strike but made no mention of Israel firing missiles over their territory, with their foreign ministry saying that "Israel's persistence in its criminal transgressions and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms."

Ships are docked at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen, July 31, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH)

The US officials in the Journal report said that the Trump administration was mostly kept in the dark about the planned strikes in Qatar until minutes before, when the US military was informed by Israel about the operation. One American defense official said that there was "no way to reverse or halt the order," according to the report.

The Hamas terrorist organization said on Friday that its acting leader, Khalil al-Hayya, survived the strike, and an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post the day before that concerns had been growing that no senior Hamas officials were killed.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is facing backlash after drawing a startling comparison between the Free Palestine movement and the Ku Klux Klan during an appearance at Duke University on Tuesday.

Arturo Holmes / Getty Images

Per a report from The Duke Chronicle, the universitys student newspaper, Seinfeld made the statement while suggesting that the "Free Palestine" movement was antisemitic.

Free Palestine is, to me, just  youre free to say you dont like Jews. Just say you dont like Jews, Seinfeld said.

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By saying Free Palestine, youre not admitting what you really think, he added. So its actually  compared to the Ku Klux Klan, Im actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, We dont like Blacks, we dont like Jews. OK, thats honest.

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The event was organized by groups, including Chabad at Duke, and was dedicated to drawing attention to the experiences of Israeli hostages who were captured by Hamas during the brutal attacks on October 7. Seinfeld was introducing Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli hostage who was taken by Hamas from a music festival in 2023 and released in February 2025.

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A Seinfeld spokesperson declined to comment, and a Duke University spokesperson said that it doesnt preview or endorse remarks by speakers.

Seinfelds comments have drawn fierce criticism, given his likening of the Free Palestine movement to a notorious white supremacist organization.

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Related: From Florence Pugh To Zoe Kravitz, Here's All The Celebrities Who Rocked Sheer Or Naked Dresses

If the school wants to be a place of diversity and inclusion and equity, they need to speak out and deplore what he said and support all the students, Laila Dames, a Duke public policy student, told ABC 11.

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Seinfeld has been a staunch supporter of Israel, and also ignited controversy earlier this year when he stated that he did not care about Palestine, after an activist approached him on the issue.

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Related: 15 Truly Hilarious Jokes About Anna Wintour Stepping Down As Editor-In-Chief Of Vogue

Israels offensive in Gaza has killed more than 60,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, in addition to fueling a spiraling humanitarian crisis in the region.

Previously, dozens of students walked out of Seinfelds Duke commencement speech in May 2024. Other demonstrators have confronted him at comedy shows in Oregon and Virginia as well.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to grant Venezuelans extra time to re-register for Temporary Protected Status after the government website stopped working the day of the deadline.

U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ordered on Thursday night that the Department of Homeland Security must activate the enrollment portal for at least an extra day so beneficiaries can sign up again for their deportation protections and work permits under TPS.

The agency must do so within the next two business days and also give at least four hours of notice before it activates the portal, ruled Chen, who also ordered DHS to update its website to reflect his recent ruling blocking Trump from ending the program.

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Absent such action, the judgment setting aside the Secretarys action will be meaningless, wrote Chen.

The order came after TPS beneficiaries and their lawyers could not finish the process on the official portal to re-register on Sept. 10 because Venezuela no longer appeared as a designated country. Earlier this month, Chen ruled the Trump administration must follow a Biden-era extension of the program and keep TPS for over half-a-million Venezuelan beneficiaries until Oct. 2026 provided Venezuelans re-register before that deadline.

As of Friday morning, the Homeland Security webpage for Venezuelas TPS had not reflected Chens order. Instead, a prominently displayed banner at the top quoted the Supreme Courts May decision striking down a preliminary order Chen had issued in March keeping the protections in place. Chen gave DHS until 5 p.m. Friday to update the website reflecting that the Biden-era extension remained in effect.

During an emergency hearing about the website problems, the government said a technical glitch was to blame.

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In a separate motion responding to the plaintiffs order asking for compliance with Chens order, the government argued that because Chen had not entered an injunction stating that the order keeping TPS until 2026 was immediately effective, it would not take effect for a month.

Chen has clarified already that his rulings effect took place immediately.

Several South Florida attorneys said they were unable to re-register clients on Wednesday who are existing beneficiaries and that Homeland Securitys actions reflect a failure to comply with Chens orders.

It is clearly illegal and a major concern, Emi MacLean, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union and counsel for the Venezuelan plaintiffs, told the Herald.

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During a press conference on Wednesday, Jessica Bansal, an attorney with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and counsel for the Venezuelan plaintiffs, said that if the federal courts cannot perform the function of protecting individual rights when the government illegally takes them away, then this country is in a serious crisis.

Homeland Security denied the claim, saying in a court motion that it was false that the government was ignoring the courts orders and called the accusations baseless.

The latest developments are part of a fierce legal battle. After the Trump administration moved to end TPS for about 350,000 Venezuelans, seven beneficiaries along with the National TPS Alliance sued the Trump administration. In March, Chen issued a preliminary order blocking the revocation. But the Supreme Court stayed the decision in May pending litigation, although it did not weigh in on the lawsuits merits. In August, an appeals court upheld Chens original order. On Sept. 5, Chen issued his recent ruling maintaining in place the deportation protections, only days after the Trump administration moved to end TPS for a second group of about 252,000 Venezuelans.

Lawyers in South Florida warned that should the case reach the Supreme Court again and the nations top justices side with the Trump administration, Venezuelans who only have TPS protections and no other immigration process ongoing could find themselves undocumented and having accrued unlawful time in the United States  leaving them vulnerable to being banned for years from entering the country and making them ineligible for certain visas.

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The Trump administration has already appealed Judge Chens ruling. They argued that no appeals court has allowed the district courts to block the Homeland Security secretarys TPS powers since the Supreme Court decision in May. They also cited another Supreme Court decision from earlier this year limiting the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions.

However, Chen this week denied the governments motion to stay his order, which claimed that delaying agency action would cause irreparable injury. Chen rejected that argument, stating the government failed to assert or demonstrate such harm, and added that there is no substantiated evidence that their [Venezuelans] continued presence in this country pursuant to TPS poses any threat to this country.
US and Iraqi officials told the Arabic source that the terrorist group was pressured by the two countries to release her.

Kataib Hezbollah, the Iraqi-based terrorist organization that held Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov captive for over 900 days, had convinced itself that Tsurkov was becoming a liability as a hostage, according to a Friday report by Arab language news source Asharq al Awsat.

The arrangements for her release were complex, the report said, with issues such as internal communication problems between several militias and various security elements in Iraq, and the transfer of Tsurkov through several different sites, at one of which she was left alone for four hours until Iraqi security forces arrived to pick her up and to transfer her to the US Embassy, the report noted.

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US and Iraqi officials told the Arabic source that the terrorist group was pressured by the two countries to release her.

Hostage release follows decisive partnership

A US State Department spokesperson told the source that "the release of Princeton University student Elizabeth Tsurkov came after a decisive partnership with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani."

Some reports also said that Tsurkov would be released in exchange for Emad Amhaz, according to the IRGC-backed Tasnim News Agency. However, an Iraqi official told Kataib Hezbollah that she was given back "without any deal." Amhaz, who is a Hezbollah operative, was arrested by Shayetet 13 commandos late last year, according to Al-Hadath.

Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held hostage by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, returns to Israel, September 11, 2025. (credit: YUVAL YOSEF/GPO)

Kataib Hezbollah had moved Tsurkov to various locations during her captivity, including to the home of a former politician.

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US intelligence was able to locate her twice, and an Iraqi government source said there were attempts to rescue her, but neither was successful at breaking her out of captivity until earlier this month.

Tsurkov returned in serious condition and suffering from back pain, photos showed.

During her last few days as a hostage, she was sent to Baghdad's Al-Jadriya neighborhood.
Poland shot down suspected Russian drones in its airspace on Wednesday with the backing of aircraft from its NATO allies, the first time a member of the Western military alliance is known to have fired shots during Russia's war in Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament it was "the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two," though he also said he had "no reason to believe we're on the brink of war."

Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance planes, and NATO mid-air refuelling aircraft scrambled in an operation to shoot down drones entering Polish airspace from Tuesday evening until morning, officials said.

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One drone smashed into pensioner Tomasz Wesolowski's two-storey brick house in the eastern Polish village of Wyryki-Wola at 6:30 a.m. while he was downstairs watching news about the incursion.

The roof was destroyed, and debris was strewn across the bedroom. Wesolowski told Reuters the house "needs to be demolished."

A blackened spot in a field elsewhere in southeastern Poland showed where some other drones had fallen.

Police and army inspect damage to a house destroyed by debris from a shot down Russian drone in the village of Wyryki-Wola, eastern Poland, on September 10, 2025 (AFP/Getty)

During the incident, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces urged residents to stay home, with three eastern regions at particular risk.

Several Polish airports were temporarily closed, including Rzeszow, which has been used as the main access point for Western officials and supplies travelling to Ukraine overland. The suspected incursion was conducted at least in part with Gerbera drones, according to a Polish army official. It is a cheap long-range drone that Ukrainian intelligence says is assembled from kits supplied by Chinese manufacturer Skywalker Technology at Russia's Yelabuga facility.

Here is what we know about the Gerbera drones:

It is a cheap long-range drone which Ukrainian intelligence says is made of materials like plywood and foam and assembled at Russia's vast Yelabuga facility.

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It has a broad wingspan of 2.5 m, maximum weight of 18 kg, maximum speed of 160 kph, maximum range of 600 km, and small engine at the back spinning a wooden propeller, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

Ukraine and Western analysts say Russia uses the Gerbera as a cheap way to saturate Ukraine's air defences.

It can be used as a decoy, drawing the attention of air defences away from much pricier Shahed drones, which carry powerful warheads. However, analysts say that since its introduction, other versions of the Gerbera with light warheads or reconnaissance equipment have emerged.

"Gerberas are usually employed as part of a mix of systems," said Fabian Hinz, research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "It therefore seems possible that the incursion featured other Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems of which we have not yet seen debris."

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According to Ukraine, the Gerbera is assembled in Russia from kits supplied by Chinese manufacturer Skywalker Technology.

The Defence Secretary on Wednesday hosted his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland  the so-called E5 nations (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

Beijing insists it is neutral in the war and denies supplying military assistance to Russia.

Ukraine's intelligence agency also says it found electronic components from U.S. and European manufacturers in the Gerbera, despite restrictions on exports of dual-use technologies to Russia.

Moscow denied responsibility for the incident, with a senior diplomat in Poland saying the drones had come from the direction of Ukraine. Russia's Defence Ministry said its drones had carried out a major attack on military facilities in western Ukraine, but it had not planned to hit any targets in Poland.

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U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a conservative nationalist and political ally whom Trump hosted at the White House last week. "This conversation is part of a series of consultations I've been conducting with our allies," Nawrocki said in a post on X. "Today's talks reaffirmed our unity."

Ahead of the phone call, Trump posted on social media: "Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? Here we go!" He did not elaborate.

The leaders of France, Britain, Germany, and Canada were among the NATO leaders to condemn the suspected Russian incursion.

European leaders, who have been trying to persuade Trump to join them in tightening sanctions on Russia and boosting support for Kyiv, said it justified a collective response.

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Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, France, and Britain have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Friday over what they deemed Russian violations of Polish airspace, diplomats said.

Poland said 19 objects had entered its airspace during a large Russian air attack on Ukraine, and that it had shot down those posing a threat.

Tusk called the incident a "large-scale provocation" and said he had activated Article 4 of NATO's treaty, under which alliance members can demand consultations with their allies.

Neither Poland nor NATO has yet given a full account of what they suspect the drones were doing. One senior military source said at least five of the drones' flight paths indicated they were headed towards Rzeszow airport, NATO's main hub for arms supplies to Ukraine.

A damaged drone lies after falling in the eastern Polish village of Czosnowka, in this picture obtained from social media, in Czosnowka, Poland, September 10, 2025 (Dariusz Stefaniuk)

The Kremlin declined to comment directly on the incident, but spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the EU and NATO "accuse Russia of provocations on a daily basis."

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The Czech Defence Ministry said it was ready in the coming days to send three Mi-171S helicopters to Poland to aid its defence against drones at lower altitudes.

Countries bordering Ukraine have reported occasional Russian missiles or drones entering their airspace during the war, but not on such a large scale, and they are not known to have shot them down. Two people were killed in Poland in 2022 by a Ukrainian air defence missile that went astray.

Since NATOs creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked seven times, most recently in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"This is going to shock the NATO alliance and the border countries, they're all in the same situation," said Riki Ellison, an expert on missile defence close to U.S. and allied military forces.

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"It's not the beginning of World War Three, but it's evolving Russia's understanding of how we fight and our weaknesses."

Russia has long said it has no intention of stoking a war with NATO and that Western European countries suggesting it is a threat were trying to worsen relations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for more sanctions on Russia, and said the EU was preparing sanctions on "shadow fleet" tankers that transport its oil and third countries that buy it.

Trump, who warmly welcomed Putin in Alaska at a summit in August, said over the weekend he was ready to move to a second phase of sanctioning Russia after months of talks about a peace deal.
A South Jersey man has been sentenced to a five-year prison term after he tried to hide his role as a rebel leader in the West African country of Liberia.

Laye Sekou Camara, 47, off Mays Landing did not disclose his violent past in a Liberian civil war when he came to the United States on an immigrant visa in 2010, said the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia.

He was arrested in March 2022 for making false statements on his green card application for permanent residency.

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Romance scam: Camden County man lost $650K to Ghana-based scam

At a court hearing earlier this year, nine Liberian witnesses said Camara killed and mutilated civilians as a military leader for Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, also known as LURD.

The defendant was a notorious LURD commander, brutal even by the standards of the Second Liberian Civil War, and he lied about his past to build a new life in the United States, said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf in Philadelphia.

One witness said Camara, also known as General Dragon Master and General K-1, fatally shot a mother and her 13-year-old son after the woman objected to the recruitment of her child, the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement.

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"Other witnesses described how LURD rebels  and Camara specifically  fired on and killed civilians who were trying to obtain food," the statement said. It alleged Camara directed a mortar attack on Liberia's capital, Monrovia, killing a Liberian guard at the U.S. embassy.

"In one instance, a witness described how Camara tied a mans hands behind his back and 'cut off his right ear,' when the man continued to resist," the statement said.

The crimes occurred during internal fighting in Liberia from 1999 to 2003, a conflict called the Second Liberian Civil War.

Liberia was established in 1847 as Africa's first republic by settlers from a community of freed slaves sent from the United States.

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The country, which also experienced a civil war from 1989 to 1997, has 28 ethnic groups and languages, according to the CIA's World Factbook.

Camara pleaded guilty in January of this year to three counts of using a fraudulently obtained green card and one count of possessing a fraudulently obtained green card.

U.S. District Judge Chad Kenney sentenced him Sept. 11 in Philadelphia federal court.

More: Police: Camden family members charged over death, dismemberment of Deptford man

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Mays Landing man did not disclose role as 'General Dagon Master'
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Lebanon City Council has approved a $3.5 million new animal control facility for the community.

The new facility will be more adoption-friendly for Lebanon residents so they can hopefully leave with a furry friend.

The current facility is located on the LPD campus. The new facility, however, will be off-campus in the 300 block of West Baddour Parkway, near McAteer Animal Hospital.

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Officials said the new facility is going to triple the capacity. At the citys current animal control facility, they only house about 10 runs, or dog cages, in the building. The new facility should be able to hold up to about 40 runs. The facility is looking to house dogs of all ages, along with giving them outdoor space for them to run around and exercise.

It will include a bigger outside area for the dogs to run and play, a garage to load and unload dogs in a secured area, and be more adoption friendly, as well as provide better office space for employees.

According to Lebanon Public Information Officer Zachary Patton, the new facility has been a multi-year process. The department just hired two additional animal control officers to help with the canines in their care. Patton said this is going to be an all-around better experience for the canines that are in their care. He said theyre excited to bring in dogs of all ages to help them find a forever home.

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New gravel parking spaces added at Stones River Greenway trailhead

This new space is going to be purposefully designed, Patton said. It will allow us to continue increasing our care for these animals that come into our custody and for adoption. Itll have its own building, so itll be a lot easier and more inviting for people to come and adopt a dog from our care.

Lebanon officials are expecting to open the new facility in the next year-and-a-half.

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.
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook declared in financial forms that her Atlanta property would be used as a vacation home and not her primary residence, according to documents obtained by NBC News that appear to undercut the Trump administrations allegations of mortgage fraud.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and President Donald Trump, who has moved to fire Cook, have accused the central bank board member of passing off the property as her main residence for financial gain. Cook has repeatedly denied the allegation, and administration officials have not provided definitive evidence supporting their claims.

A loan summary from the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union in May 2021 reads: Property Use: Vacation Home. Additionally, public records in Fulton County, Georgia, reviewed by NBC News show that no tax exemptions available for a primary residence were sought by Cook.

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A second document obtained by NBC News, Cooks questionnaire for national security positions, which was submitted to the Biden administration in late 2021 and later the Senate, contains a question that reads: Please list all of your interests in real property, including additional homes, vacation homes, rental properties, and interests in trusts that may hold property.

Cook responded by writing 2nd home followed by the address of the Atlanta property.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment Friday evening on the documents, which were first reported by Reuters.

A representative for FHFA directed NBC News to a post on social media by Pulte, which reads, "If Dr. Cook solicited estimates as a vacation home and then entered into a mortgage agreement as a primary residence, that is extremely concerning, and in my opinion, evidences further intent to defraud."

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Cooks legal team declined to comment.

In a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi last month, Pulte wrote that it appears an individual, Ms. Lisa DeNell Cook, has falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud under the criminal statue. This has included falsifying residence statuses for an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based residence and an Atlanta, Georgia-based property.

Trump then announced on Truth Social that he was removing Cook from her role at the central bank  the first time a president has attempted to fire a top Fed official.

On Tuesday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Cooks termination. The Trump administration appealed two days later and is seeking a ruling before the Feds interest-rate setting committee begins its next meeting, on Tuesday. Cook has a permanent vote on that committee.

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Pulte has also said in recent interviews and social media posts that Cook made misrepresentations about her mortgages to the Federal Government when she was a Governor.

Cooks national security questionnaire was filed with the Biden administration in December 2021. Cook joined the Fed after being confirmed by the Senate in May 2022.

In a recent court filing, Cooks lawyers wrote that she did not ever commit mortgage fraud.

The Federal Reserve has said it would abide by the outcome of Cooks ongoing legal case.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lithuania is prepared to immediately shut its border with Belarus in the event of a provocation, Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said on Sept. 12.

The minister's statement comes two days after Russia violated Polish airspace with 19 drones overnight on Sept. 10, forcing Poland to shoot down the UAVs. The incident marks NATO's first direct engagement with Russian drones since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.

Following the drone breach, Lithuanian officials joined Poland in condemning Russia for the incursion and Kremlin ally Belarus for allowing Russia to use its airspace.

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Kondratovic told the outlet LRT radio that while Lithuania will keep its border with Belarus open for now, the State Border Guard has the authority to close them indefinitely if provoked in any way.

"At any time, if there is any provocation, border guards have the option of closing the border," Kondratovic said.

"After that, the government would decide on a longer closure period after assessing the whole situation. But if something happens  a drone, a provocation, or suspicious troop movements  we can do it."

Lithuania is keeping the border open at present out of concern for EU citizens still in Belarus, Kondratovic said.

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Poland temporarily closed all of its border crossings with Belarus on Sept. 12 due to the start of the Zapad-2025 military drills, joint exercises between Minsk and Moscow. The decision to close the border was made prior to Russia's drone incursion.

Previously, Poland already closed most border crossings with Belarus, leaving only two in operation.

Read also: Im not gonna defend anybody  Trump says days after Poland shoots down Russian drones

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being found guilty of attempting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

A panel of Brazilian Supreme Court judges handed Bolsonaro the sentence on Thursday in a ruling set to deepen political divisions. US President Donald Trump has previously called Bolsonaros legal proceedings as a witch hunt.

Four of five judges found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a coup aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 presidential election to left-wing rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. One voted to acquit him.

Justice Carmen Lucia attends the verdict and sentencing phase of a trial for an alleged coup plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in office, Brasilia, Sept. 11, 2025 - Eraldo Peres/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved

The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest as per an order from Justice Alexandre de Moraes on 5 August for violating a ban on political messaging.

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Bolsonaros lawyers called the sentence "absurdly excessive" and pledged to file appeals. The former president, who has denied any wrongdoing, has not attended the court hearing in person, instead electing to send his lawyers in his place.

Supreme Court panel meet for the verdict and sentencing phase of a trial for an alleged coup plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in office, Brasilia, Sept. 11, 2025 - Eraldo Peres/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved

The trial has been followed by a divided society, with people backing the process against Bolsonaro, while others still support him. Some have taken to the streets to back the far-right leader and call for his immediate acquittal.

Bolsonaros trial got renewed attention after Trump linked a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his allys legal situation. Observers say Washington might announce new sanctions against Brazil after the trial, further straining their already fragile diplomatic relations.

Justice de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, said on Tuesday that Bolsonaro was the leader of a coup plot and of a criminal organisation, and voted in favour of convicting him.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes attends the verdict and sentencing phase of a trial for an alleged coup plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in office, Brasilia, Sept. 11 - Eraldo Peres/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved

Despite his legal woes, Bolsonaro remains a powerful political player in Brazil.

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The far-right politician had been previously banned from running for office until 2030 in a separate case. He is expected to choose an heir who is likely to challenge incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva next year.

The ruling may push Bolsonaros allied lawmakers, and his three lawmaker sons, to seek some amnesty for him through Congress.
A Massachusetts state commission has chosen three finalists each for the states next official seal, flag and motto.

The Massachusetts Seal, Flag and Motto Advisory Commission was established in 2024 to propose a new state seal, flag and motto of the Commonwealth after the current symbols use of colonial imagery (such as the sword above the Native American) raised controversy.

The commission ultimately chose the nine finalists out of over 1,000 submissions, which included flags depicting a shark wearing a pilgrim hat and a dinosaur holding a Dunkin coffee cup.

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The chosen submissions are still open for public comment: the commission will hold public hearings across the state to gather input before selecting final designs and submitting its recommendations to the governor.

Here are the finalists in each category. Full explanations of each design can be found on mass.gov.

The flag of the U.S. state Massachusetts is seen in this illustration taken, August 21, 2024.

Flags

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state flag.

This flag features the state flower, the mayflower, to symbolize Massachusetts' founding history. The flower also holds significance in Native American traditions, wrote the submitter.

The six points of the flower represent Massachusetts's status as the sixth state admitted in to the Union, the gold represents the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, and the dark blue represents the state's coastal waters.

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state flag.

This design, named "The Blue Hill Banner," references the Massachusetts tribe for which the state was named. The tribe's name translates to "at the great hill," according to the submitter, known today as Great Blue Hill.

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The six blue and white waves represent the state's coastal regions and its status as the sixth state to join the union. The eight-pointed, compass-like star represents Massachusetts's status as a maritime hub and its location at the top of the hill alludes to John Winthrop's famous "city upon a hill" sermon.

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state flag.

The turkey feathers in this seal represent health and well-being, and six of them symbolizes Massachusetts being the sixth state to join the union, wrote the submitter. The circle shape represents harmony and continuity, and the feathers face clockwise to symbolize progress.

The color crimson is significant because it is associated with education in Massachusetts, being the official color for UMass Amherst, Harvard and MIT.

Seals

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state seal.

This design includes the official state bird, the chickadee, the official marine mammal, the right whale, and a white star the submitter said symbolizes peace.

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state seal.

"The star from the current flag has been transformed to a sun shining on a stylized MA landscape with water, hill, and mountain shapes," wrote the submitter.

One of the three finalists for the new Massachusetts state seal.

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This seal is similar to the flag design, but includes a black-capped chickadee, the official state bird of Massachusetts, and 351 dashes formed into a circle for the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts. The diamond shape, often found in indigenous art, symbolizes the balance between humans and nature, wrote the submitter.

Mottos

Multa Voces, una res publica (Many Voices, One Commonwealth)

Many Voices, One Commonwealth encapsulates a vision of diverse participation and collective identity, the submitter wrote. It's a unifying message that reflects modern Massachusetts while honoring its rich, multifaceted past.

We honor all life guided by the First Light

I wanted to incorporate a tribute to the first Massachusett people, the submitter wrote. The Wampanoag and other tribes were known as "People of the First Light". Our task as current Massachusetts residents is to honor the truth of the past and strive to move forward in harmony.

Bono publico laetamur (We Rejoice in the public good)

"It expresses a hopefulness and joy about building things for communal benefit, which I think captures the best of Massachusetts, the submitter wrote, explaining that the motto, written by MA native Benjamin Osgood Peirce, became a bronze seal on the floor of the Beverly Public Library. Ever since I read that on a Beverly Public Library Instagram post, I've thought it was such a perfect motto for any public entity.

Which are your favorites?

We want to know, which one do you like best? Vote below.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Finalists for MA's new state flag, seal, motto: Which is your favorite?
Political pundit Matthew Dowd has spoken out about his abrupt exit from MSNBC following controversial comments he made about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

The 64-year-old consultant says he was let go by the network due to comments he made on live TV the day of Kirk's death on Sept 10. The firing was previously reported by Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. On Sept. 11, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued an apology on behalf of the network where she slammed Dowds comments as "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable."

Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025. Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Gilbert resident Himan Munoz, 35, lays some flowers and a flag at a memorial set up to honor Charlie Kirk outside Hansen Mortuary on Sept. 11, 2025. Mourning the death of Charlie Kirk on Sept, 11, 2025, Edgar and Maria Arias of north Phoenix gather with dozens of people near Hansens Mortuary Chapel. Police watch over the exterior of Hansen Mortuary Chapelin Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. Luis Cadena (right) holds his wife, Lynnelle, as they look over at Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. Luis Cadena (right) prays with his wife, Lynnelle, as they look over at Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. People gather outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. Rebekah Liptai leaves flowers outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in memory of Charlie Kirk in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Liptai said she listened to Kirk daily. Julie Angle (left) and John Dickson hold American flags across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. Julie Angle (left) and John Dickson hold American flags across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. John Dickson holds the American flag as he looks across at the motorcade outside Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. People gather outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Christal Enriquez (L) and her son Mathew hold American flags in memory of Charlie Kirk across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Flowers are placed for Charlie Kirk outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. See the emotional moment when Charlie Kirk's wife passes mourners as his body is moved 1 of 28 Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.

In a Substack piece posted Sept. 12, Dowd addressed his exit and elaborated more on the words that prompted his removal, writing: "Wow, what a few days."

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He said his controversial comment theorizing whether the incident was caused by Kirk supporter was made "before anyone knew Kirk was a target." He also said that he has repeatedly condemned gun violence in the United States across his career including in some of his nearly 1,000 MSNBC interviews.

"Keep in mind when the anchor came to me to comment on the 'national environment' the only thing known at the time was shots were fired and there was no reporting yet that Kirk was the target or had been shot at. I said in the moment that we needed to get the facts because we have no idea what this could be and that it could easily be someone firing a gun in the air to celebrate the event," Dowd wrote. "Remember Kirk is a diehard advocate of the 2nd amendment."

Dowd added that Kirk had been "a very divisive and polarizing figure" during a "toxic time in America, unlike every other democracy in the world, where we have a combination of divisiveness and near unlimited access to guns."

He then attributed his firing later that day to the network reacting to the backlash from the "Right Wing media mob" who he said misconstrued his words.

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"Even though most at MSNBC knew my words were being misconstrued, the timing of my words forgotten (remember I said this before anyone knew Kirk was a target), and that I apologized for any miscommunication on my part, I was terminated by the end of the day," he wrote.

USA TODAY has reached out to MSNBC for comment.

What did Matthew Dowd say about Charlie Kirk shooting?

During the interview with MSNBC correspondent Katy Tur, Dowd theorized about if the incident could have been a Kirk supporter "shooting their gun off in celebration."

"You can't stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place," Dowd said.

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Dowd said Kirk had been "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups."

"And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions," Dowd said. "And I think that is the environment we are in."

Who is Matthew Dowd?

Dowd is a political commentator and former strategist for President George W. Bush's 2004 reelection campaign. He was later a longtime political contributor for ABC News and at MSNBC.

Political commentator Matthew Dowd at the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Xcel Energy Center on Sept. 3, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota

In 2021, he launched a short-lived, unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor of Texas.

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Dowd joined MSNBC as a political contributor and analyst in 2022, Deadline reported.

What's next for Matthew Dowd?

Moving forward, Dowd said he is coping with the "shell shock of the past few days and will turn my gaze on adventures and the journey ahead. And a big part of that will be using my voice on this and other platforms to advocate for finding ways to unite our country around a common-sense vision of ideals and values."

"But reimagining a new America starts with new eyes, leads to a new language, and will involve building new institutions and reforming many that no longer fit us," he added. "Even though I am down and a bit disheartened in this moment, I still have hope and faith in a majority of Americans who want and hunger for the same things I do. We can do this."

Contributing: Melina Khan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matthew Dowd says Kirk comments were 'misconstrued' after MSNBC exit
SCRANTON  The nonprofit Meals on Wheels of NEPA held a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday at what will become its new location at 305 Cherry St. in South Side.

Founded in 1969 and located for over 30 years at 541 Wyoming Ave. in central Scranton, the organization that serves six NEPA counties expects to move in March.

There, developer John Basalyga has begun work on converting the vacant, former casket company building into a modern, 16,000-square-foot headquarters for a growing Meals on Wheels operation. It has experienced an increase in services in the region and the needs are expected to continue to grow, officials said.

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Today, we break ground not just on a building, but on a bold new chapter in our mission to serve, nourish and connect our senior neighbors, Meals on Wheels Executive Director Lindsey Skripka said. Looking ahead, our new facility will feature a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen designed to double our current meal production. Imagine the impact: thousands more meals for seniors and neighbors who count on us every single day, especially those who might otherwise go without.

Lindsey Skripka, executive director of the nonprofit Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA, talks about the groundbreaking of its location a 305 Chery Street in Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

The upcoming move has been in the works for over a year. In May 2024, Meals on Wheels announced its 2024-2025 strategic plan marking a milestone decision to move to a new location to enhance its impact and better serve the expanding community of older adults. In August 2024, the organization completed its sale of the 541 Wyoming Ave. building to Basalygas JBAS Realty, under a plan calling for Meals on Wheels to rent 305 Cherry St. from him.

The groundbreaking actually was a hammer swing, as Skripka smacked a wall stud with a hammer to ceremoniously launch the project.

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Lindsey Skripka, executive director of the nonprofit Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA, wilds a hammer on some old beams as she talks about the groundbreaking of its location a 305 Chery Street in Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

Skripka thanked Basalyga for his dedication to Meals on Wheels and giving it the ability to grow and reach more older adults in need. The organization will give its annual Founders Award for Philanthropy to Basalyga at an annual Mix and Mingle fundraiser Thursday.

I just want to say how honored I am to receive that recognition next week, and being able to be blessed enough to do something great for Meals on Wheels and all the great things you do for our community and our seniors and those in need, Basalyga said.

Developer John Basalyga offers brief remarks about the groundbreaking of a new location at 305 Cherry St. for the nonprofit Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA . (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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The Cherry Street location will feature a high-efficiency commercial kitchen designed to double the organizations meal production. It currently prepares and delivers more than 1,500 meals daily, serving vulnerable populations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. It also provides other services involving pet care and feeding people recently discharged from hospitals.

Every day, the need is growing. Were getting more and more referrals every single day and we need something in place so we can handle the increasing number of older adults, Skripka said. Lackawanna County has a very high proportion of older adults, compared to rest of the nation, so this project is really going to enable us to keep meeting those needs.

Gary Drapek, a former president/CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, and who is a board member of Meals on Wheels, also said, Facilities like this, theyre needed today, but theyre really going to be needed in five, 10 years from now. They needed another place, a bigger place. This facility is going to allow them to literally double the capacity of the meals that they will be giving out in the future. Its a long road ahead, but were really excited about this spot.

The 305 Cherry St. building has John M. Vanston engraved at the top of the facade. A decade or so ago, the structure was a Northeast Casket Sales Inc. warehouse. In 2020, Basalyga bought the casket building and neighboring Astro Apparel warehouse complex around the corner on Cedar Avenue at Brook Street.

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Meanwhile, Basalyga plans to redevelop the 541 Wyoming Ave. building for mixed uses. That spot is not conducive for a growing Meals on Wheels and 305 Cherry St. will better accommodate kitchen and distribution operations, he said.

Well do what we do best (redevelop 541 Wyoming Ave.) and they can do what they do best (at 305 Cherry St.). I think its a great fit, Basalyga said.
NEED TO KNOW

Rhode Island TV meteorologist, Kelly Bates, has been let go from her position by the same company a second time

She explained in her Thursday, Sept. 11, announcement that the station she works for, ABC6, was bought out by another station

In her announcement, she said, "Please feel free to reach out to me, because I could use a job"

A popular Rhode Island TV meteorologist, Kelly Bates, has been let go from her position for a second time.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, Bates posted a Facebook video announcing that the station she works for, ABC6, has been bought out.

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She revealed that ABC6 was bought by the station she previously worked at. And that parent company has decided I'm a redundancy and needed to go, she said in the video.

"So, no tears this time. I know what to expect with this company," Bates said. "But if anyone's looking for an effective communicator, a person who can make great homemade bracelets, and someone who's dedicated and loyal and hardworking, please feel free to reach out to me, because I could use a job."

She also penned a vulnerable caption, writing, Good grief! It happened again!! A number of us ABC6 folks are now looking for work. If a resume crosses your desk from someone at ABC6, do yourself a favor and hire them.

They are the finest humans I have worked with," she continued. "They are resourceful beyond measure and dedicated to excellence. They are magic makers who can make so much happen with so little. It was an honor to work with them. It was a gift and a blessing to be part of the team.

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Throughout her career, Bates has received Emmy nominations. She was inducted into the Rhode Island Monthly Hall of Fame in July 2022 and has been voted best female meteorologist of Rhode Island by the readers of Rhode Island Monthly multiple times.

Bates did not reveal the name of where she previously worked. However, she left her NBC10 job in September 2021 after working for the station for 17 years. (NBC10 is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group.) At the time, she said she was "unable to continue" with the conditions being offered, per The Boston Globe.

"Leaving this job was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, she said at the time. I loved my job at NBC 10 and it makes me profoundly sad to leave it after 17 years."

She then joined ABC6 in June 2022.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

PEOPLE reached out to Bates, Sinclair Broadcasting and ABC6 for further comment on Friday.



Read the original article on People
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A New Mexico teen is facing charges after making violent threats online. Jace Allen, 19, is accused of posting on X under the name Jebron Lames after the death of Charlie Kirk. Authorities said Allen posted about planning to commit mass murder, targeting minorities and Jews, and shooting up unspecified locations. He also threatened an Ohio city council member, telling them, Youre gonna be one of the first to die.

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The X account was traced to Allens phone and home in Jamestown, New Mexico. Authorities said Allen admitted to making the posts, and said he told them he was a Neo-Nazi who hates Jews and minorities, and said he wanted to spark a civil war. He told authorities that he did not own a gun, but videos on his phone showed him firing a rifle and a handgun last month.

Allen was charged with transmitting communications containing a threat to injure another person. He faces up to five 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Sep. 12Politicians across Montana are mourning the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus on Wednesday.

Kirk was best known as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit focused on engaging young people in right-wing political action. He was also an outspoken ally of many of Montana's top Republican politicians.

"I've known Charlie since he was a teenager," said Gov. Greg Gianforte following news of Kirk's death. "He was at my home in Bozeman last summer. He's a friend."

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All four members of Montana's federal delegation dedicated social media posts to Kirk's death, calling him a friend, "a good man and a patriot" and a "tireless defender of our First Amendment rights."

State Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, described Kirk as "not only a friend, but the person who first inspired me to get into politics."

After meeting Kirk at an event in 2018, Mitchell said he was recruited as an ambassador for Turning Point USA, and Kirk later endorsed his bid for a seat in the state House of Representatives.

"There's no other guy who can get a young conservative to get out there," said Mitchell, adding that Kirk was among his favorite name-drops for campaign literature and support lists.

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Beyond political endorsements, Turning Point USA has been known to fund conservative candidates for student government positions. The organization publishes watchlists that identify professors and public school boards that allegedly "discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda in the classroom."

But Kirk's legacy among conservative lawmakers is most closely linked to his regular appearance at political rallies and as the host of an eponymous daily podcast. Kirk often took controversial positions during these appearances. He was known to advocate against vaccine mandates during the Covid-19 pandemic and was openly critical of the Black Lives Matter movement.

His visit to Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 was part of a new speaking series titled "The American Comeback Tour." Kirk was reportedly answering audience questions about mass shooters when he was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from about 200 meters away. President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk's death via social media and ordered that all flags be flown at half-staff in commemoration.

"All Charlie tried to do was advocate for free speech on college campuses, and that's what he died doing," said Mitchell.

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Officials had yet to apprehend the shooter or establish a clear motive as of presstime, but Mitchell was firm in his belief that Kirk was targeted because of his far-right ideologies. He classified the killing as an act of political violence and linked Kirk's death to the assassination attempts against Trump.

"We're seeing pretty clearly which side is doing it ... Whatever side, it's not something that needs to happen," said Mitchell.

But political violence has struck both sides of the aisle this year. A Democratic state lawmaker in Minnesota and her husband were fatally shot earlier in June in what U.S. District Attorney Joe Thompson called a "political assassination." The torching of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence in April has also been linked to political violence.

Kirk was scheduled to speak at Montana State University in Bozeman on Oct. 7 as part of his ongoing speaking tour. The event would have been his fourth known public engagement in the Treasure State.

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Kirk spoke at Montana State University in 2019 and at an event for the Flathead County Republicans in 2020. Last year, Kirk hosted a political rally at the University of Montana in support of Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy's campaign.

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A motorcyclist from Kentucky was killed Friday afternoon after striking a pickup truck on Interstate 75 in Shelby County.

According to the Piqua Post of OSP, a Harley Davidson motorcycle struck the rear of a Ford F-150 at approximately 3:45 p.m. near milemarker 90 on northbound I-75.

The motorcycle veered off the left side of the interstate and hit a sign.

The motorcyclist, later identified as Joshua Braden, 38, Hodgenville, Kentucky, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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He was not wearing a helmet.

The occupants of the F-150 were unharmed.

OSP said that traffic had slowed to a vehicle merging back onto the interstate from the right shoulder.

Police continue to investigate.

Troopers with the Piqua Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred at approximately 3:45 PM on September 12, 2025.

The crash took place on the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 near milepost 90 in Shelby County. Daniel Cross, age 67 of Huber Heights, Ohio, was operating a 2014 Ford F-150 northbound on Interstate 75 in the left lane. Joshua Braden, age 38 of Hodgenville, Kentucky was operating a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Interstate 75 behind the Ford F-150. As traffic slowed due to an unknown vehicle merging onto the Interstate from the right shoulder, the Harley Davidson struck the rear of the Ford. The Harley Davidson then traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a sign. Mr. Braden was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a helmet. There were no injuries reported to the occupants of the Ford.

The Sidney Police Department and the Sidney Fire Department assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Editor's note: This item has been updated to reflect the U.K.'s announcement that it will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to patrol NATO airspace.

NATO has launched its Eastern Sentry mission with French aircraft arriving in Poland after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, Poland's General Staff reported on Sept. 13.



The General Staff accompanied its message on X with footage of a French A-400 aircraft carrying weapons for Rafale fighter jets. The French jets are reportedly already in Poland.



"(Russia's drone incursion) was not an isolated incident  it is part of the escalation of Russias aggressive policy, directed against NATOs entire eastern flank," the General Staff wrote.

"Eastern Sentry is not just a new initiative  it is a clear signal: NATOs borders are inviolable, and the security of our citizens remains a priority."



NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the initiative on Sept. 12, telling reporters that it "will add flexibility and strength to our posture and make clear that, as a defensive alliance, we are always ready to defend."



As part of the mission, Czechia will provide Mi-171S helicopters, Denmark will contribute two F-16s and an anti-air warfare frigate, France will contribute three Rafales, and Germany will contribute four Eurofighters, Rutte said. The U.K. has also deployed Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to patrol the region.



"This is a concrete response that shows the alliances unity translates into the real defense of our borders," the General Staff wrote.



It comes just days after Russia launched at least 19 drones into Polish airspace, resulting in damaged houses. In the first case of a NATO member engaging with Russian military assets, the Polish Air Force downed several drones, but at great expense, with Sidewinder missiles that cost around $400,000 a piece.



European arms companies are looking towards Ukraine to get hold of cheaper anti-drone technology, such as interceptor drones and electronic warfare equipment.



The incursion has put European countries on edge and raised questions about NATOs ability to defend itself against Russian drones. Kyiv has said it is willing to help its allies with defense partnerships, including drone training and technology.



Russia has ramped up its drone attacks against Ukraine this year, with thousands flying into the country every month. Kyiv warns it could soon reach 1,000 per night.



Estonia has temporarily banned flights along its eastern border from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. as both Ukraine and Russia exchange drone attacks not far from the Estonian border, Estonian Public Broadcasting reported on Sept. 12. This will help the Estonian Armed Forces more easily carry out detailed air surveillance and training exercises.



U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the United Nations Security Council on Sept. 12 that it would defend "every inch of NATO territory. The remarks appeared aimed at reassuring allies after U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism for suggesting the incursion "couldve been a mistake."



Shea added that Russia had escalated its bombing campaign in Ukraine since Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.



"These actions, now with the addition of violating the airspace of a U.S. ally  intentionally or otherwise  show immense disrespect for good-faith U.S. efforts to bring an end to this conflict," she said.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Key Russian oil hub suspends operations after Ukrainian drone strike, SBU source says

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Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) upped his critiques of President Trump over his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming he will be judged in the history books over it.

It is Bidens and Zelenskyys war is so morally blind and factually wrong, Bacon said in a Saturday morning post on the social platform X, referencing an earlier post from Trump. Mr President, Putin is the one who is the invader.

And, now this war is on your watch and youll be judged in the history books in the decades to come by your actions or lack thereof, he continued.

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The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

Bacon is not running for reelection and is a frequent critic of Trumps stance on the war in Eastern Europe.

Trump posted Saturday on Truth Social, reiterating his call for NATO members to halt buying Russian oil, adding that he is ready to impose major sanctions on the Kremlin when NATO nations do the same.

As you know, NATOS commitment to WIN has been far less than 100 percent, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia, the president wrote.

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Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when? I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50 percent to 100 percent TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR, Trump added.

Trump signaled Friday morning, while on Fox Newss Fox & Friends, that his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin is wearing thin.

The deadline for a potential huddle between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin has passed, while Russia has continued its aerial attacks on Kyiv and other cities.

On Friday, Russia said negotiations with Ukraine are on pause.

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In July, Bacon praised Trump regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, when the president announced a deal with NATO to provide weapons to Ukraine and threatened to slap sanctions on nations that buy oil and gas from Russia.

Trump on Saturday said China has a firm grip on Russia, arguing that tariffs are a way to weaken its grasp.

This is not TRUMPS WAR (it would never have started if I was President!), it is Bidens and Zelenskyys WAR. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives (7,118 lives lost last week, alone. CRAZY!), the president wrote on social media.

If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! he continued. If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.

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Politics Now host John Langeler talks with Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is running for governor. Hes facing Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in the Democratic primary for a chance to run against incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo in the general election.

Ford answers questions about the economy, tax credits for businesses, suing the Trump administration as AG and education.

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Attorney General Dan Rayfield speaks to the Salem City Club at the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem on Sept. 12, 2025. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

If someone had told then-Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield two years ago that any attorney general had filed 37 lawsuits against the federal government, he would have assumed that attorney general was bonkers.

But Rayfield, now eight months into his term as attorney general, has filed 37 lawsuits against the Trump administration, and nearly all of those cases have resulted in some level of relief for the state and its partners  judges granting injunctions and issuing other rulings that at least temporarily paused efforts to block federal funding, strip automatic citizenship from people born in the U.S. and fire federal workers.

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Oregon has been taking the lead in these cases, and this is something were incredibly proud of, Rayfield said during a Friday speech to the Salem City Club.

He said hes not yet thinking of the U.S. as experiencing a constitutional crisis, but that President Donald Trumps threats against Congress and the courts as coequal branches of government keep him up at night.

I think were at a point where we are stretching the bounds of our democracy, Rayfield said. Currently, I dont believe that we have broken at all, and I do believe that there is hope as we move forward.

Rayfield also took questions from members of the nonprofit civic engagement group that hosts regular events at the Willamette Heritage Center, a former textile factory near the state Capitol.

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He criticized the government of Marion County, which contains most of Salem, for suing the state and saying it needed a federal judge to rule on possible conflicts between federal law and Oregons nearly 40-year-old sanctuary law that prohibits the state and local governments from helping to enforce federal immigration law without a court order.

Our sanctuary status law was passed in 1987, Rayfield said. Thats a long time that they could have come to the Department of Justice and asked us for clarification if they had been confused. Maybe theyve been busy.

Marion Countys case is about administrative subpoenas the county received in August from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that demanded information about people on parole. Administrative subpoenas generally arent signed by judges, and Rayfield said the simple answer for the federal government was to get a judge to sign off on a lawful warrant before Marion County could hand over information.

Rayfield also criticized ongoing efforts in Republican states, and the response in some Democratic states, to redraw congressional maps to benefit one party. Oregon, where Democrats hold five of six congressional seats after Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum defeated a Republican congresswoman last year, has not been part of the current redistricting debate.

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I think were in an incredibly dark period in our history where politicians feel comfortable talking to all of us about how we need to manipulate our maps to gain an unfair political advantage for anybody, he said.

As he often does, Rayfield recounted his experience growing up with a Republican father who was a colonel in the Air Force Reserves and a mother who was a Green Party member. His father would tell him about how the U.S. needed nuclear weapons to keep the world safe, while his mother took the elementary-aged Rayfield to anti-nuclear protests and counted how many times she could be arrested for civil disobedience without it escalating to a felony.

Growing up with parents with diametrically opposed worldviews meant Rayfield has spent his political career, including his three-year tenure as speaker of the Oregon House, focused on establishing a culture of mutual respect.

Oftentimes  right now more so than ever  we have politicians, and Ive done it too, where weve said things or done things that divide folks in our community, he said. We have to say, What is our collective responsibility? and How do we act as leaders? just like a parent. Because I know if I act like a jerk, my sons going to act like a jerk, right?

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The 37 lawsuits the Justice Department has filed against the Trump administration dominate headlines, but Rayfield said hes also focused on expanding the departments consumer protection work. It was his main focus in 18 years in private practice, at times picking up cases that he said a 10-person team at the Justice Department couldnt handle.

Since Rayfield took office at the end of December, the Justice Department has doubled its consumer protection team to 20 attorneys. Hes focused also on prevention, with the idea that by the time attorneys file civil lawsuits or pursue criminal charges, scammers have already taken advantage of Oregonians.

What we need to do is have a robust education program on the front end, outreach, partnering with a lot of different organizations, he said, and I think that this is a partnership that can act on the national level with Republican attorneys general and Democratic attorneys general being more proactive.

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As climate change intensifies competition over water resources, the River Nile has become a symbol of both development and dispute. RFI speaks to a climate diplomacy expert to understand whats at stake.

This week, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the River Nile  Africas largest hydroelectric project, with an eventual capacity of 5,000 megawatts.

The GERD project promises to transform access to electricity in Ethiopia, and generate export revenues by selling power to neighbouring countries.

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But downstream, Sudan and Egypt view the dam as an existential threat.

Both rely heavily on the Niles waters, and fear the project could jeopardise their supply.

As climate change takes hold, disputes over shared rivers and lakes are expected to multiply. To unpack the issues, RFI spoke with Benjamin Pohl, director of Climate Diplomacy and Security at Adelphi, an international research centre based in Berlin.

Ethiopia inaugurates Africa's biggest dam, despite concerns in Egypt and Sudan

RFI: Who owns the water? Its a question we hear more and more often, especially when rivers cross borders.

Benjamin Pohl (BP): Thats usually the most controversial point because of competing interests. When a river flows across borders, every country wants to use as much of the water as possible. While cooperation would often mean greater benefits for all, states tend to plan primarily for their own water use  and that often clashes with their neighbours plans.

RFI: Is there such a thing as a right to water?

BP: International law does cover the use of shared rivers and lakes  notably through the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention and the Helsinki Convention. Neither Ethiopia nor Egypt, though, has signed them.

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In essence, international law recognises the right of sovereign states to use shared waters, but only within certain limits.

Usage must be equitable and reasonable, it must not cause significant harm to neighbouring countries, and it should be guided by a general obligation to cooperate.

The problem, however, lies in enforcement. Unlike national legal systems, there is no global authority to police compliance. Instead, everything rests on mutual trust between states or, in extreme cases, intervention by the UN Security Council  a route that is both politically fraught and costly.

Egypt brands Ethiopia's move to fill Nile mega-dam as 'illegal'

'Historic rights'

RFI: Negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have dragged on for decades. What exactly is at stake?

BP: Talks revolve around two things: big-picture rights and very specific risks.

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Egypt insists on its historic rights, rooted in the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement with Sudan  but that treaty excluded upstream states like Ethiopia. Cairo argues that its entire civilisation has depended on the Nile for millennia, so it has customary rights.

Ethiopia counters that it has sovereign rights to develop and use the water too, pointing out that Egypt has monopolised the Nile for centuries. Addis Ababa stresses that the GERD is for electricity, not irrigation, so water will continue flowing downstream.

Egypt, however, worries about drought scenarios... What if Ethiopia withholds water to maximise power generation? What if the dam were to fail? Or worse, what if water became a political weapon?

Two negotiation tracks are ongoing. One covers the Nile Basin as a whole, though Egypt temporarily walked away before recently returning. The other is a trilateral process between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the Blue Nile  where the GERD is located.

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In 2015, they signed a declaration of principles, pledging to cooperate. Since then, technical talks have continued, but a final deal remains elusive.

RFI: What role does climate change play?

BP: Climate change disrupts rainfall patterns and the water cycle. Meanwhile, demand for water is rising fast due to population growth and economic development. In many regions, every drop is already allocated.

Now add climate change: drier conditions mean more irrigation, and hotter temperatures mean more energy use for cooling  which itself requires more water. In short, the pressure is intensifying.

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Water crisis driven by climate change threatens global food production

Water diplomacy

RFI: Are there global hotspots where water-sharing tensions are particularly acute?

BP: Absolutely. Over half the worlds rivers cross borders. Conflicts are most likely where political tensions are already high  think North Africa, the Middle East or Central and South Asia.

But heres the silver lining: most disputes dont escalate. Political leaders usually find ways to manage them, provided theres at least some trust and a willingness to cooperate.

RFI: Can shared water management actually improve diplomatic relations?

BP: Thats the dream of every water diplomat! And sometimes, it works.

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Take the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan  its survived three wars. Or the cooperation between Brazil and Paraguay over hydropower, and the Senegal River basin initiative in West Africa.

These examples show that shared water can act as a bridge, even between rivals. Still, global water pressure is rising, which makes cooperation ever more essential.

RFI: Looking ahead, what worries you most?

BP: I fear tensions will get worse. But awareness is growing too  theres nothing inevitable about water scarcity leading to conflict.

What does complicate things is that its now easier for countries to build big dams without consulting neighbours. The World Bank used to act as a gatekeeper, ensuring regional consensus. But today, with new sources of finance, even relatively poor countries can push ahead with mega-projects.

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That means well see more unilateral infrastructure  and with it, greater potential for clashes. The challenge is to strengthen cooperation so that shared rivers become a source of partnership, not rivalry.

(This interview has been adapted from the original French version and edited for clarity)
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WMBB)  A Panama City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the sex trafficking of a minor.

According to a media release sent Friday, Terrance Vertrone Alwayne Lowder III, 29, of Panama City, Florida, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking a minor, and receiving benefits from sex trafficking a minor.

Thanks to the quick action of our deputies and the strong partnership we share with the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office, this young victim was rescued, and the offender will never again have the opportunity to harm another child. The Bay County Sheriffs Office remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us and to bring to justice those who would prey upon them, said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.

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Court documents showed between Jan. 2, 2024, and Jan. 3, 2024, Lowder recruited and directed a 16-year-old to engage in commercial sex acts with adults at a local motel; Lowder conspired with others to transport the minor to the motel and to provide the minor with drugs and alcohol; and he offered the minor for sex to multiple adults via text messaging and social media.

The motel reportedly alerted the Bay County Sheriffs Office to unregistered guests in the motel room, which led to the minors recovery and Lowders arrest.

The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. His imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release and a requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

I deeply appreciate not only the excellent investigative work by the Bay County Sheriffs Office that helped bring this offender to justice, but also the vigilance of the private citizen who reported the suspicious activity that led to his arrest. This offender exploited and victimized a vulnerable minor for his own financial gain, and now a prison cell awaits him for his heinous crimes, said U.S. Attorney Heekin.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Panama City Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in locating a missing endangered woman.

According to a PCPD Facebook post made Friday, authorities are looking for Sherika Atmore, last seen around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025.

They say she may have boarded an unknown bus headed toward the beach.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100, or report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.

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FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly criticized subordinates in a tense Thursday morning meeting over their handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirks killer.

More than 200 agents joined the online call, which was first reported by The New York Times. An official attending the meeting told the Times that Patel criticized the agencys Mickey Mouse operations, saying it was one of the few times in the call that he wasnt cursing.

During the call, Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino emphasized the need to catch Kirks killer. Patel also criticized Salt Lake City agents for not providing him with a photo of the suspected killer until 12 hours later, the Times reported.

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Both Patel and Bongino flew to Utah on Thursday to personally oversee the investigation.

The FBI arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in Kirks shooting, on Friday. According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), Robinson was apprehended after a family friend reached out to the Washington County Sheriffs Office, stating Robinson confessed to his family or implied that he had committed the incident.

Kirk was shot Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University. Patel said in a Wednesday evening post on social platform X that the FBI had taken a subject for the horrific shooting into custody, only to later announce the subject had been released after being interrogated by law enforcement.

The Wednesday blunder has cost Patel. Several MAGA allies criticized the director over his leadership, casting doubt on whether he was the right person to head the FBI.

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He performed terribly in the last few days, and its not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movementsof whatever ideologythat threaten the peace in the United States, conservative activist Chris Rufo wrote on X.

Patel joined the FBI after a career as a federal prosecutor and Defense Department chief of staff. His lack of law enforcement experience led to some former GOP officials reservations against him stepping into the position.

Steve Bannon, a former Trump administration adviser, said he didnt see the shooters apprehension as great law enforcement work speaking on his Bannons War Room show directly after the conference.

I dont know why Kash flew out there, you know, thousands of miles, to give us, Hey, working partnerships and our great partnership in Utah  OK, got that, Bannon said.

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Politicians across the political spectrum are reacting to the shooting death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.

Kirk, 31, was shot during a question-and-answer session with students. The university confirmed the shooting, and President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death in a post on Truth Social.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared on X that he was briefed by law enforcement after the shooting and that "Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act."

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After several hours of questions about the shooter, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on social media that "the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody." He later said the "subject in custody" had been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.

Live updates: Charlie Kirk fatally shot during Utah campus event; 'person of interest' released

Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk appears at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during the event, President Donald Trump confirmed. Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd shortly before he was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. People run after a shot was fired at right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk during a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. A man prays near the site where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Police and first responders' vehicles appear at the scene where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. The scene after Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. The scene after right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. A law enforcement officer holds a handgun after right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Law enforcement officers work at Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. People leave the Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Law enforcement officers work at Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot during an event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Law enforcement officer works at Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Law enforcement officers work at Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was shot during an event, in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Chaos at Utah Valley campus after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot 1 of 13 Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk appears at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during the event, President Donald Trump confirmed.

Trump, Vance react to Charlie Kirk shooting

In a video message posted to Truth Social late Sept. 10, Trump called the shooting an "assassination" and said he was "filled with grief and anger."

"He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people," Trump said in a pre-recorded message from the Oval Office. "He's a martyr for truth and freedom and there's never been anyone who was so respected by youth."

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Trump blamed "radical left political violence" on Kirks assassination, citing his own assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania and other violence targeting Republicans.

However, he omitted the targeting of two Democratic Minnesota state legislative leaders that left one dead in June  a shooting that acting U.S. attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson called a "political assassination"  and other attacks against figures on the left.

Vice President JD Vance posted on X before the announcement of Kirk's death, first asking for prayers for Kirk, then adding, "Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour."

After the death announcement, Vance wrote, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."

Congressional Republicans speak after fatal shooting

Before leading the House chamber in a moment of silence, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters, "We ask everyone to pray for him and his family.  This is detestable what's happened."

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"Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are," Johnson said. "It must stop. We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out, and it has to stop."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on X before the announcement of Kirk's death, "There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop."

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who survived a shooting by a political critic, called Kirks killing heartbreaking. He called himself "sad and disgusted."

"Charlie built a movement by traveling across the country and encouraging young people to engage in thoughtful, peaceful political discourse," said Scalise. "He never shied from disagreement; instead, he shared with students the value of having civil conversations with people who hold different opinions  something we need more of today."

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, speaks during a Unite and Win rally held by Turning Point Action at the Arizona Financial Theatre on Aug. 14, 2022.

Democrats condemn the shooting

Democratic leadership condemned the shooting, saying political violence is not acceptable.

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"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."

Fellow Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker wrote on the same platform that political violence, "should never become the norm."

Congressional Democrats echoed that message on social media.

"Political violence has no place in America," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. "This shooting is horrifying, and Im praying for Charlie Kirk and his family." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added that his "thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York, wrote before the announcement of Kirk's death: "The scourge of gun violence and political violence must end. The shooting of Charlie Kirk is the latest incident of this chaos and it must stop. We cannot go down this road."

"The American people are looking to us to do something about this," Ocasio-Cortez told reporters on the steps of the Capitol after Kirk's death. "Every single day people are dying due to gun violence in America and every single day there are people in this building who vote against doing anything."

Former presidents react

The four living former presidents each condemned the shooting in separate statements.

Joe Biden said on X, "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now."

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"We dont yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy," Barack Obama said in a statement posted to X.

George W. Bush issued a statement through his presidential center, reading in part: "Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens."

"I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully," Bill Clinton said in a social media post.

This story has been updated to add new information and video.

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Josh Meyer, Bart Jansen and Joey Garrison  USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, former presidents, politicians condemn Kirk assassination
Israels president presents the award in order to foster volunteerism for the benefit of individuals, communities, and the whole of Israeli society.

At a time when sadness and psychological trauma have seeped into Israels spirit, there is no more effective emotional balm than being surrounded by hundreds of volunteers representing a multitude of other volunteers giving of themselves to others.

The ceremony at the Presidents Residence in Jerusalem earlier this month bestowing the Presidential Award for Volunteerism (formerly the Presidents Volunteer Prize) was such an occasion. The prize was established by Israels fourth president, Ephraim Katzir, and has been awarded to 12 people each year since 1974. This time, the number of recipients  individuals and nonprofit organizations  was expanded to 19 because of the outpouring of assistance provided by ordinary citizens to others when the government froze after Oct. 7.

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Israels president presents the award in order to foster volunteerism for the benefit of individuals, communities, and the whole of Israeli society, and thus to contribute to Israels societal fabric and its social cohesion on humane and personal grounds. It is granted in cooperation with the National Council for Volunteerism in Israel, saluting young and old people, secular and religious citizens, and Jews, Muslims, Druze, Christians, and others in Israel.

It has served as an example for foreign presidents wanting to encourage volunteerism in their own countries. Assistants of US president George H.W. Bush who learned about the Presidential Award for Volunteerism from the office of the President of Israel established a similar award in America.

OPENING THE recent ceremony, President Isaac Herzog said: In a time of war, when we are so often confronted with distressing news, it is both a privilege and a joy for Michal and me to host this extraordinary group of volunteers  individuals and organizations  who bring us pride and are responsible for so much good news.

SOS Animals saves stray dogs and cats from being put down due to lack of space in animal shelters, finding loving homes for them. (credit: JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH)

Yet even at this moving moment, we cannot ignore our broken hearts, our longing, our worry, and our yearning for our brothers and sisters who remain in captivity at the hands of ruthless murderers. Their voices cry out from beneath the ground, reminding us of our supreme human, Jewish, and Israeli duty: to bring them home. We must repay this sacred debt to the hostages, to their families, and to ourselves. We pray for their swift return.

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The president, who hosted the ceremony along with first lady Michal Herzog, stressed that while the ceremony takes place at the Presidents Residence, it is first and foremost the peoples house, just as the Presidents Volunteer Medal is truly the people of Israels volunteer medal. Behind the salute we give you today stands an entire nation, so proud of your work, your spirit, and the extraordinary Israeli diversity you represent, he said.

Now is not a time for incitement, extremism, or conflict. This is the critical moment for moderation, compromise, and unity. Now is the time for healing.

Nurit Dabush, chair of the Presidents Advisory Committee, said: We in the committee met the beautiful face of Israel in all its diversity. These are people who didnt wait for a call but rolled up their sleeves and took immediate action. Even today, as my own family mourns the loss of Idan Shtivi, my cousins grandson, I stand here grateful for the spirit of giving, knowing that the eternal nation will never be broken.

On a table were 19 awards, each comprised of gold-colored disks. On each side, the Hebrew alphabet perforates the material, making it possible for light to shine symbolically through the shapes. The gleam flowing through the letters runs like the divine declaration. And there was light is etched on the medal.

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The verdant President Residence grounds where the ceremony was held was punctuated by 12 Golden Retrievers that are the emissaries of a volunteer individual and group who were among those who were granted awards.

Those honored

The honorees were divided into two categories  organizations and individuals.

Organization honorees:

Belev Echad (One Heart) was cited for connecting volunteers with farmers across the country after they abruptly lost foreign workers and Israeli farmers who were called up for reserve duty. They also helped families of reservists who were left to cope with daily problems and maintain their routines.

Ofakim LaAtid (Horizons for the Future), a non-political organization established by Assad Subeh, a former commander of the IDFs Herev Battalion, is devoted to promoting the well-being of Israels Druze community while preserving its traditions and values.

SOS Animals saves stray dogs and cats from being put down due to the lack of space in animal shelters. It finds loving foster and forever homes for them.

Beit Al HaYam (Home on the Sea) is a nonprofit organization that empowers at-risk youth, people with special needs, and people suffering from psychotrauma and their families, using the sea. Through accessible surfing and sailing, it provides life-changing experiences for its participants.

Haahim Shelanu (Our Brothers Foundation) was founded to give bereaved Israeli siblings who lost a brother or sister from the War of Independence through today a sense of belonging. Support groups have been established throughout the country with workshops and commemoration activities, enabling them to tell the story of the fallen  the person who they were, the moments shared, and daily life without them, all through their brothers and sisters eyes.

Haogen Lemishpahot Hamiluim (Anchor for Reservists Families) assists families where one of the parents has been drafted into reserve duty. It was founded on Oct. 7, 2023, with the deep understanding that when soldiers go out to defend the country, this is also a challenge for their nuclear family. Its 20,000 volunteers support about 30,000 reservist families in 800 communities across the country.

Mehandesim Lelo Gvulot (Engineers Without Borders) makes the homes of hundreds of wounded soldiers appropriate to their disabilities, enabling them to move freely inside.

Ayelet HaShachar (Morning Star) is a nonprofit organization working toward creating a united society of Israeli religious and non-religious Jews and works together to bridge the social gap dividing Israel and break the stereotypes at both ends of the spectrum.

Individual honorees:

Maj. Meitar Sela organizes owners of service dogs and other well-trained Golden Retrievers to visit thousands of wounded people in hospitals and traumatized people, helping to relieve their pain, loneliness, and PTSD.

Shamai Keinan, who has been the volunteer board chairman of Jerusalems Herzog Medical Center for 25 years, worked to cope with national crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic, and raised funds to greatly expand the hospitals psychiatric, rehabilitation, and nursing services.

Janet Asido encourages the elderly to volunteer throughout the country, helping them to contribute to others in emergencies, such as making blankets and scarves for soldiers, and supporting bereaved families.

Halabi Boutaynah is a Druze volunteer who promotes awareness and appreciation of the Holocaust among Druze, Arab, and Jewish youth  stressing that suffering during the Nazi era has a universal message and that everyone has the responsibility to remember it.

Dan Blorian, a retired police officer, has volunteered for many years in oncology and psychiatric wards in hospitals.

Louisa Bergman, a 91-year-old retired teacher, has organized workshops for cancer patients, road accident victims, and the disabled, and trained yoga teachers.

Amir Rahal Al-Heib has empowered Bedouin IDF soldiers, officers, and veterans and lectured on the importance of them serving in the military.

Meir Marciano, a former longtime employee in the Kiryat Shmona Municipality, strengthened families who had to leave their homes due to attacks on the city.

Tamar Richter-Haimovitz established a unique organization that supports non-married partners of fallen soldiers.

Eden Shalev, who was wounded early in her IDF service, provides support to others wounded like herself, giving hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Amir Khodorov, a former Israel Air Force pilot, artist, and photographer, created a memorial for victims of the Hamas massacre at the Supernova music festival on Oct. 7. Chosen to speak on behalf of all 19 honorees, Khodorov said, I wondered what unites all of us who are standing here today. The answer is clear: the shared purpose of leading the people of Israel toward a future of hope.

After Oct. 7, we stepped out of our comfort zones and took action, day and night, without pause, in projects of meaning and importance. Our common goal is nothing less than to build a future of renewal and hope. 
The prime suspect in a 23-year-old cold case has been arrested after being caught at a traffic stop in Ohio.

Juan Carlos Munoz, 52, was on the run for more than two decades after failing to appear on kidnapping and gross sexual imposition charges, according to the U.S Marshals Service.

The Ashtabula County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant in January 2002 as they searched for their fugitive but they never managed to capture him.

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This past year, a U.S. Marshals task force in northern Ohio took over the search for Munoz, and on Tuesday, they helped apprehend him.

The prime suspect in a 23-year-old cold case has been arrested after being caught at a traffic stop in Ohio and arrested by U.S. Marshals (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Federal officers positively identified Munoz getting into a vehicle and driving away from a location where they had been surveilling him, according to officials.

Later, the Lake County Sheriffs Office pulled over Munoz for a traffic violation, which is when Munoz gave a fake Ohio ID and claimed to be another man, the U.S. Marshals said.

After a swift investigation and a collection of fingerprints, federal officers confirmed the driver was indeed Munoz.

Munoz was arrested and booked at the Lake County Jail to await extradition to Ashtabula County.

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After 23 years of evading arrest, our task force arrested this deceptive and dangerous fugitive, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement.

This fugitive went to extreme lengths to avoid being arrested, including assuming another identity over twenty years ago and has been living under that alias all this time.
A Tarrant County jury has sentenced a pro-Palestinian activist to five years of probation for vandalizing a North Texas church.

Judge Brian Bolton in the Tarrant County Criminal Court 9 added 180 days of jail time as a condition of probation after the jurys verdict of a two-year suspended sentence.

The punishment verdict comes one day after jurors found Raunaq Alam guilty of criminal mischief but not a hate crime for spray-painting anti-Israel graffiti on a wall at the Uncommon Church in Euless.

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Alam will also be required to do 180 hours of community service, get tested for drugs and alcohol, wear an ankle monitor, and pay $1,700 in restitution to Uncommon Church as well as a hand written letter apologizing for the vandalism.

Alams family and supporters in the courtroom let out an initial gasp at relief when the jury returned a verdict without immediate jail time.

However, that relief turned to anger after Boltons addition of the 180 days of jail time  the maximum a judge can add for felony cases.

This is why the defense moved to recuse Judge Bolton at the beginning of the trial, defense attorney Adwoa Asante said in a press conference following the verdict.

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She accused Bolton of having a bias and not allowing the jury to consider a lesser misdemeanor charge for the vandilism.

Despite the odds, the jury stood with Alam, Asante said, giving him community supervision instead of jail time.

Asante argued in her closing statement that community supervision would give Alam a chance at reform.

Raunaq Alam has been sentenced to probation and 180 days in jail for spray-painting (Expletive) Israel on a church in Euless, Texas.

He had a bright future, but he messed it up, Asante said in her closing argument.

She acknowledged spray-painting and some of his other activities could be construed as a nuisances, but argued Alam should be treated like any other young person who makes a mistake.

Do we send them further into darkness or give them a chance at redemption? Asante asked.

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Assistant District Attorney Lloyd Whelchel took issue with framing Alam as a kid who made a mistake.

Hes not young. Hes 32, Whelchel said.

Whelchel described Alam as a punk who justified his actions by, clothing them in righeousness.

Whelchel pointed to a series of text exchanges between Alam and his friends that appeared to paint Alam as a frequent user of illicit drugs like mushrooms and extacy.

Whelchel argued these exchanges undercut Alams assertion he had followed all pre-trial requirements to stay away from drugs.

Whelchel asked the jury for the full two year prison sentence saying it would send a message that Alams form of protest was not acceptable in Tarrant County.

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The text messages about drug use were an unrelated distraction tactic used by the prosecution to assasinate Alams character, said Alams sister Najwa Alam Armstrong at the post trial press conference.

The state harassed my brother over and over adding additional charges and financial damages to elevate a misdimeanor charge to a felony, Alam Armstrong said arguing it was done to punish her brother for his pro-Palestinian activism.

She noted her brothers prosecution has taken a mental and emotional toll on her parents, which she said was a goal of the prosecution all along.

Luckily the jury chose mercy at every opportunity, and for that we are extremely grateful, she said pointing to the rejection of the hate crime charge and probation sentence.

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She accused Judge Bolton of putting his finger on the scales of justice by sentancing Alam to jail time.

Alam will spend at least the weekend in the Tarrant County jail while his attorneys try to get him out on bond for an appeal.

Alam was one of three people charged in the case. Defendant Julia Venzor plans to plead guilty and testified against Alam during his trial. The third defendant, Afsheen Khan, has her trial is scheduled to start later this month.
Scaffolding covers the facade of the federal courthouse for the District of Rhode Island, as seen from Kennedy Plaza in Providence, on Sept. 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

A Rhode Island federal judge Friday granted a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from awarding grants to applicants responding by a one-week deadline to a drastically revised notice for funding to build housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

HUDs new notice issued Sept. 5 superseded a funding notice issued in May and served as yet another example of chaos unleashed by the Trump administration on the courts, U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy said at the Zoom hearing. The deadline for applications was 3 p.m. Friday, a half hour before the hearing began.

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Its unfortunate that we are here on these things that are done so last minute by these agencies, but here we are, McElroy told attorneys representing the plaintiffs in a case filed Thursday by attorneys for National Alliance to End Homelessness and Providence based Womens Development Corporation (WDC).

The plaintiffs are suing HUD and HUD Secretary Scott Turner over new eligibility criteria for applications for $75 million in Continuum of Care Build grants. They claim the new rules are unconstitutional and unlawful because applicants are prohibited from being so-called sanctuary jurisdictions for immigrants, providing harm reduction services for drug users and having inclusive policies for transgender people. The revised grant funding notice indicated that grants would be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The case, National Alliance to End Homelessness v. Turner, et al., asks the court to block HUDs unlawful funding restrictions and restore fair access to federal housing funds for providers nationwide. The lawsuit claims projects in 36 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia are now ineligible for Continuum of Care Build grants under the Trump administrations criteria.

Kristin Bateman, senior counsel with Democracy Forward, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, argued that the abrupt reissue of the funding notice violated the HUD Reform Act, which requires new funding opportunities to be issued with 30 days notice.

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Here there was a seven-day turnaround with no justification, Bateman said.

Joshua Schopf, a trial attorney for the Department of Justices civil division, argued that the HUD secretary had 30 days to publish his reasons for waiving the standard notice with a federal register.

This happened Sept. 5 he has until Oct. 6 to publish his reasons, he said. We havent violated procedure because its still ongoing.

Bateman also took aim at the revised eligibility criteria that prohibit applicants from having policies supporting transgender people, which she said conflicts with existing federal law barring discrimination against non-cisgendered people.

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Theres no way someone could comply with those federal laws and this eligibility criteria treating sex as a binary thing, she said.

Were not going to defend that particular condition, Schopf told McElroy.

WDC had been informed in August by the office of U.S. Sen. Jack Reed that it would receive a $7 million Continuum of Care Build grant for a project to build 14 units for individuals escaping domestic violence in five new buildings in Providences West End. It had applied for the funding in May. But the nonprofit developer said it would be ineligible to apply for the new notice issued Sept. 5 since it has no control over the city or states stance on immigration and other policies nor could it reapply with only a one-week turnaround.

The new conditions, if theyre precedent, you could argue that nobody in Rhode Island would be eligible if this applies to other grants, WDC Executive Director Frank Shea told Rhode Island Current Friday afternoon.

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Shea said he was pleased the court issued the restraining order and that the grant fund wont go elsewhere for the time being.

That was the fear, it would be hard to undo, he said.

During the hearing, McElroy said she was convinced that HUDs new grant eligibility criteria caused irreparable harm.

The irreparable harm is that these funds would be lost forever by anybody that intends to apply, McElroy said.

The courts decision provides significant relief for communities in vulnerable circumstances and for the principle that federal housing funds exist to serve people in need, not to advance partisan goals, said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, in a statement issued Friday just as the 54-minute hearing concluded. The administration cannot unlawfully weaponize essential housing resources. We are proud to fight alongside our clients and partners as the case continues.

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The Trump administration now has 14 days to ask for a preliminary injunction. McElroy also tasked the DOJ with a briefing schedule and suggested hearings could be held in person in Providence instead of virtually if Shopf would like.

Rhode Islands lovely in the fall, not so much in February when it rains constantly, she said.

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When Ernest Hemingway was writing The Old Man and the Sea, he probably never imagined that maybe one day his book would become a way for a prisoner to shave three days off their jail time.

But now, an inmate in an Uzbek prison can reducing their sentence, after proving to a special committee that they have read the world famous book.

The country's senate has approved a law that allows detainees to shorten their sentences by reading. But there are certain rules: For every approved book completed, a prisoner may reduce his sentence by three days, up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

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The measure does not apply to those serving life sentences, but according to officials, more than 13,500 inmates across the country could be affected.

File: An inmate takes a book from a prison library - AP Photo 2021

We studied Brazil and Italy

Shakhrizod Shokirov, an official at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, told Euronews that the country looked at international practices before adopting the reform.

In Brazil, since 2012 inmates can reduce their sentence by four days for each book read  up to 48 days per year. Similar measures exist in Italy and Bolivia. Uzbekistan studied these outcomes and decided to adapt this practice to our legal system, he said.

The system will be overseen by a special commission. After reading a book, inmates will take an exam to demonstrate they understood the content. The commission will include representatives of local councils, civil society, self-governing bodies and prison administrations. Only those who pass the exam will be eligible for a sentence reduction.

File: Jack London, photographed in 1916, is required reading for Uzbek prisoners. The American writer was the most highly paid and widely read author of his time - AP Photo

What's on the required reading list?

Begmat Ochilov, a specialist at the Republican Center for Spirituality and Education, told Euronews that the book list was designed to cover a wide range of fields.

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Reading allows inmates to reflect on themselves and understand others. This has a direct effect on their moral education and helps prevent future crimes, he said.

The official list includes both Uzbek works and international literary classics:

Ernest Hemingway  The Old Man and the Sea

Karl von Clausewitz  On War

Theodore Dreiser  An American Tragedy

Erich Maria Remarque  Three Comrades

Ray Bradbury  Fahrenheit 451

Franz Kafka  The Trial

Jack London  Martin Eden

Abdulla Qodiriy  Otkan kunlar

The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan

The Book of Leaders

Reactions in Uzbekistan

Lawyers and education experts in Uzbekistan have broadly welcomed the measure. Begmat Ochilov told Euronews the law could motivate prisoners to spend their time learning instead of idleness.

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Officials say the law reflects a shift in Uzbekistans justice system towards rehabilitation and education. But they also underline that consistent implementation will be key to its success.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved an 8.9% UGI rate hike for natural gas distribution that equates to about $7 more a month for an average customer, and that is smaller than the increase the company sought.

The PUC announced Thursday it voted 5-0 to approve a joint settlement that also calls for consumer protection and safety enhancements.

UGI Gas serves 690,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 46 counties across Pennsylvania.

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The settlement allows UGI to increase base rate revenues by $69.5 million, or 8.9%, which is $40.9 million less than the companys initial request of $110.4 million, or 14.1%.

Additionally, the settlement reduced an adjustment to the monthly residential customer charge, from $4.95 sought by UGI to $1.25.

Under the settlement, the average bill for a residential customer using 72.9 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $103.57 to $110.51 per month (6.7%) as opposed to UGIs 10.8% proposed increase.

The rate hikes take effect after Oct. 28.

The joint settlement also directs numerous improvements to the companys customer assistance programs, either already underway or that UGI has agreed to undertake. Some include:

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Implement the PUCs Common Application Form for enrollment in UGIs Customer Assistance Program. In 2024, the PUC directed a statewide form among all energy, water and wastewater utilities to break down barriers to essential public assistance programs for eligible families.

Continue a low-income customer assessment and outreach pilot program aimed at identifying and assisting low-income customers who may be eligible for energy efficiency services but have not yet enrolled.

Not assess reconnection fees for any confirmed income-qualified customers that provide verification of household income.

Develop additional training materials for its field representatives by April 1, 2026, regarding making personal contact with customers prior to termination, and incorporate these materials into the training of its field representatives.
More than 70 reproductive groups are asking the Trump administration to call off the planned destruction of roughly $10 million of usable birth control products.

Planned Parenthood is leading the most recent charge to save the contraceptives and sent a letter Friday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio with 77 co-signers.

In the letter, the groups write that they strongly oppose the administrations cruel and wasteful decision to incinerate the commodities.

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These supplies are safe, effective, and wanted, the letter reads.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) purchased $9.7 million worth of birth control pills, hormonal implants, shots and intrauterine devices to distribute in low-income countries before the Trump administration dismantled the agency earlier this year.

The stockpile has sat in a warehouse in Belgium for months since the Trump administration cut all support for international family planning programs.

Since then, some health organizations have tried to purchase the supplies since they are still usable and not set to expire until at least 2027. But the Trump administration has refused multiple offers and committed to spending $167,000 to incinerate the products at a medical waste facility in France.

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Trump officials said over the summer the supplies were scheduled to be destroyed in July, but it was unclear at the time if this happened.

The Department of State did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

A spokesperson for the State Department told The Hill in August the agency made a preliminary decision to destroy abortifacients in the supplies, even though multiple nonprofits and sources with knowledge of the supplies say there is nothing that can induce an abortion in the stockpile.

The New York Times reported Thursday that the supplies had been destroyed, but USAID retracted its statement after Belgian officials reported that the supplies had yet to be incinerated.

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The letter notes that most of the birth control supplies were meant to go to women and girls in five African countries, including those fleeing conflict or unable to afford care.

Right now, women and girls around the world are desperately seeking out contraception and facing empty shelves, the letter reads. Meanwhile, this administration is choosing to spend taxpayer dollars to destroy effective health and medical supplies that are wanted and needed and that could save and transform lives.

Some nonprofits estimate that incinerating the products could leave 1.4 million women and girls across Africa without access to lifesaving care.

It is not too late to do the right thing, the letter adds. The administration must immediately halt plans to destroy these contraceptive supplies. We urge you to do everything you can to ensure lifesaving commodities, including contraception, reach people in need.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
'The paintings of Lavie, Gershuni, Aroch, and others give a wider, sometimes political context to Rubin. The key was tension between the figurative works of Rubin abstract work from our collection.'

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is hosting a unique exhibition of Reuven Rubins art, titled Reuven Rubin: Be My Guest. The exhibition features works from the Rubin Museum and Tel Aviv Museum of Art (TAMA) collections.

The show is complemented by works of Israeli artists, some of whom were active during Rubins time, and others later: Arie Aroch, Joshua (Shuki) Borkovsky, Moshe Gershuni, Pinchas Cohen Gan, Hagit Lalo, Raffi Lavie, and Moshe Mokady.

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The exhibition, which opened in August, was created in the wake of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, when the Rubin Museum, former home of Reuven Rubin, was damaged by the shock wave of a ballistic missile explosion on a nearby street. Rubins paintings were taken to TAMA for safekeeping.

Their hurried arrival at TAMA introduced a rare institutional moment: a selection of Rubins works from the Museums collection was reunited with those usually housed in the citys historic center, states TAMAs website. The result is an exhibition that adorns the Israeli art scene.

Tel Aviv seashore, 1923-1924, by Reuven Rubin. (credit: Collection of Rubin Museum, Tel Aviv)

Founder of Eretz Yisrael style

Reuven Rubin (1893-1974), whose name is derived from his bilingual signature  Reuven in Hebrew and Rubin in English  was born Reuven Zelicovici in Galati, Romania, into a poor hassidic family with no artistic connections.

He became one of the founders of the Eretz Yisrael style, and his works are included in the collections of major international art institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He was also Israels first diplomatic representative in Romania (1948-50). In 1974, he received the Israel Prize.

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As for the exhibitions title, curator Dalit Matatyahu said, The idea of hospitality came from the fact that the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is the host of Rubins paintings, but then it evolved to the notion of hospitality in the way [Emmanuel] Levinas and [Jacques] Derrida wrote about it.

Because Reuven [Rubin] is both a guest and the host of other artists, hospitality in this context is envisioned as a response to the most essential and urgent imperative of our time  a call for sensitivity and profound responsibility toward the Other.

The curator also explained why she expanded the exhibition to include paintings by other artists: We are always looking at art of the past through contemporary eyes. In these terrible days, I felt I couldnt present the Zionist dream [just] the way Reuven Rubin portrayed it.

"The paintings of Lavie, Gershuni, Aroch, and others give a wider, sometimes a political, context to Reuven [Rubin]. The key [to the selection] was the tension between the figurative works of Rubin and the abstract work from our collection.

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Nevertheless, the most important and dominant artwork in the show is Rubins. For fans of Rubins art, this exhibition is an opportunity to revisit his work. For those who have never encountered it, it is a must-see.

Rubins art is a guide

In my opinion, Rubins art is like a guide to the complexities of Israel: subjective, artistic, and somewhat dreamy, but still guiding. His paintings, like essays or novels, tell stories.

I must add that writing about Reuven Rubin, whom I of course never had the opportunity to meet, is in a way much more personal to me than in the case of any other artist I have met and written about in the Magazine.

When I first moved to Israel, discovering Rubins artworks directly  seeing his original paintings, not just their images in art albums  became part of my aliyah experience, and his museum at 14 Bialik Street in Tel Aviv became one of my favorite museums in Israel.

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Nearly a decade ago, after my first visit to the Rubin Museum, I made a note: The tastes of Gauguin in his earlier work and Chagall in later, plus the spices of Israel! I love it! These were my personal associations.

I was captivated by Rubins way of combining European artistic traditions and techniques with local themes, nature, the Israeli light, as well as Jewish traditions, folklore, and biblical motifs.

His works depict Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, as a spiritual and cultural home for people of diverse backgrounds. Rubin painted Jews and Arabs, pioneers and shepherds, farmers and merchants, poets and artists, devout members of the old Yishuv, Yemenis, Bukharans, and new immigrants, living in harmony.

His landscapes, as well as the images of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Galilee, and Tiberias, and the small villages, managed to capture the tranquility of these places.

Jaffa Port, 1922, by Reuven Rubin. (credit: Collection of Rubin Museum, Tel Aviv)

Dreamlike, poetic images

Perhaps it was a dreamlike story, poetic images that combined his imagination with the real-life images he saw in the 1920s and beyond. Perhaps, however, his eyes captured what others missed.

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Rubins self-portraits and images of his family brought viewers closer together, as if they were his acquaintances  at least thats how I felt when visiting his museum.

His life story is special in itself. Rubin showed artistic talent from early childhood. Although his religious parents did not encourage him to develop his talents, he continued to paint and eventually gained recognition. In 1912, at the age of 19, he received a scholarship to study at the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem.

When I recently met with Carmela Rubin, the curator and artistic director of the Rubin Museum, who is Reuven Rubins daughter-in-law, she told me that studying at Bezalel was his way of getting to Eretz Israel.

He had this Zionist dream of coming to the Land of Israel and studying in Jerusalem; the scholarship enabled it. He wanted to be a Jewish painter here, she said.

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The school, however, disappointed him. The story goes that he disliked the way art was taught at Bezalel at the time. It was crafts-oriented; they taught him to carve wood or ivory. He wanted art and painting, she said.

An artist in Paris

Within a year he left for Paris, where he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. The outbreak of World War I forced him to leave France. He returned to Romania, and in 1921 he traveled to New York, where he had an exhibition sponsored by Alfred Stieglitz. This helped him establish himself as an artist before returning to Mandatory Palestine in 1922, where he settled permanently.

At first, he lived in Jerusalem. [Avraham] Melnikov, the sculptor, allowed him to use his studio in the Old City, but after a few months he moved to Tel Aviv. He loved the sea, the sandy dunes, and he really felt that Tel Aviv was like a clean page, that he could forge himself. Jerusalem is Jerusalem, the tradition and the orthodoxy; Tel Aviv was a new beginning that fitted his needs and his desires, she said.

Asked about her favorite paintings of her father-in-law, she couldnt choose just one. Many paintings, mostly from the 1920s, his early encounter with the land and with the people and with the climate, and, of course, the Zionist ideology that brought him here in the first place. His enthusiasm, his irresistible attraction to the Orient, to the freedom that he felt here.

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Asked if there was any specific painting that came to mind while she was telling me the above, she replied: In the exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum [of Art], theres a little painting of the seashore near Geula Street [in Tel Aviv, five minutes away from Rubins former residence, now the Rubin Museum]. There is an electrical lamp in it; its really an encapsulation of everything of this new beginning.

Reuven Rubin started living on Bialik Street at the end of the WW II. In 1939, he traveled to the US with his wife, who was American, and they (luckily for them) got stuck there for the duration of the war.

First ship to Palestine

In 1945, at the end of the war, with their baby son, David, they took the first ship to Palestine, and they rented the second floor of this building. The first floor was rented out to the offices of the Jewish Agency. A few years later, they had inhabited both floors, and later on they bought the house from its landlord.

They lived there until he died in 1974. A month before he passed away, he bequeathed the house and the paintings to the Tel Aviv Municipality for the museum, Carmela Rubin recounted.

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She recalls her father-in-law as a very warm person. She said she regrets that she didnt ask him the questions that later, after he was gone, she wished she would have asked. She met him only in the last decade of his life, but she has dedicated more than 40 years to keeping his legacy alive.

The Rubin Museum was opened in 1983. Now undergoing renovation, it is slated to reopen early this winter. When Rubins paintings were evacuated to TAMA during the Iran missile attack, TAMA director Tania Coen-Uzzielli not only gave shelter to the artwork but also came up with the idea of a joint exhibition.

Carmela Rubin said it was interesting for her to see her father-in-laws paintings, so well known to her, on walls other than those of the Rubin Museum, in TAMAs larger space, in an exhibition curated by someone else, not by her.

In my eyes, Reuven Rubin: Be My Guest is a fulfillment of the collective Zionist dream, when amid sirens and missiles, during the ongoing nearly two years of war, in which we have experienced sorrow, art wins.

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The art of the Jewish artist who, more than 100 years ago, had a dream of becoming a Jewish artist in Israel. Rubin not only succeeded but did more, becoming one of the founders of Israeli art and creating his unique artistic style, a palette of colors and light, and the local stories, on canvas.

At the opening of the exhibition in August, Coen-Uzzielli enthusiastically said: Dont read the descriptions near the paintings; just go and see! 

More about the exhibition: www.tamuseum.org.il/en/exhibition/reuven-rubin-be-my-guest/.

More about the Rubin Museum: www.rubinmuseum.org.il/he/home/a/main/.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island is joining Massachusetts in taking steps to make sure the COVID vaccine is available to anyone who wants it.

With new recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration, there are concerns that the latest vaccine wont be available everywhere and insurers wont cover the cost.

On Friday, Gov. Dan McKee announced that the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin to order insurers to cover the vaccine in accordance with recommendations from major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

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We are taking action in Rhode Island to ensure that the public health turmoil at the national level does not affect the ability of Rhode Islanders to access vaccines that keep us healthy and safe, McKee said in a press release. Its crucial that people who want to get the COVID-19 vaccine have the ability to do so in Rhode Island.

The move comes as levels of COVID are starting to rise in Rhode Island.

RELATED: Expert urges getting vaccinated as COVID ticks up in RI

Dr. Jerome Larkin, the director of the states health department, joined 12 News at 4 on Friday. He noted that both the major medical organizations and the health department disagree with the FDAs new recommendation that people between the ages of 6 months and 65 years old should only get a COVID vaccine for certain conditions.

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We feel everyone should get a COVID vaccine booster, Larkin said, adding that insurance providers have been very collaborative and will cover vaccines as they have in the past.

The health department also issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine to anyone who is three years or older.

McKees office noted that pharmacies may have their own vaccination criteria and may ask people to attest to being over the age of 65 or having a condition that puts them at higher risk for COVID.

That [condition] could be being over the age of 65 or a bunch of different medical conditions, almost 20 of them. Almost every Rhode Islander would qualify, Larkin explained. They include things such as inactivity  one of the conditions is at risk for having severe COVID or being hospitalized. Well, anyone who is unimmunized is actually at risk for severe disease or being hospitalized.

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Last week, Gov. Maura Healeys office took a similar series of steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts, also including a requirement for insurers to cover COVID vaccines and issuing a standing order to allow pharmacies in the state to provide them.

Anyone looking for guidance on the COVID vaccine should reach out to their doctor or check their state health departments website.

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LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Rock Hill man accused of killing another man at a South Carolina speedway in 2022 was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison Friday.

The S.C. Sixth Circuit Solicitors Office announced the sentencing for 40-year Bryan Terell Mitchell following a four-day trial this week. The court gave the jury the option of a conviction for murder or voluntary manslaughter. Shortly after 2 p.m., they returned a guilty verdict on charges of murder and possession of firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

E. coli found in York County water sample, boil water advisory issued

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On Aug. 27, 2022, officers with the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office responded to the Lancaster Motor Speedway in reference to a shooting. Court documents show the victim, 53-year-old Rodney Cunningham, suffered two gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased after being transported to a local hospital. He was an employee at the track.

Early the next morning, court officials say the suspect visited a local convenience store, and his suspicious behavior alerted the clerk, who called law enforcement.

After calling in additional resources after daybreak, Mitchell was apprehended around 10:15 a.m. Deputies say he gave a statement to law enforcement in which he admitted shooting the victim. He was charged that day with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

On Friday, Sixth Circuit Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis asked the court to sentence Mitchell to Life in prison. After hearing from the families of the victim and the defendant, Judge Vernon Dunbar sentenced Mitchell to 30 years on the murder charge, and five on the weapon charge. The sentences will run consecutive

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Our prayers are with Mr. Cunninghams family, and we thank them for their grace and patience throughout this entire process, McGinnis stated. We hope that the closure of the criminal case allows them to move forward in their healing process.

Rock Hill man wins $200K lottery prize on his birthday

Solicitor Randy Newman praised law enforcements investigation.

Im proud of our team today, he said. We refused to reduce the charge to Manslaughter because we felt we could prove Murder and the jury agreed.  I pray that the Cunningham family finds some closure as this case comes to an end.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with comments from the Romanian foreign minister.

Romania and Poland took urgent military measures on Sept. 13 in response to escalating threats from Russian drone activity near their borders with Ukraine.

The incidents come just days after Poland confirmed it had shot down Russian drones in its airspace during a mass aerial attack on Ukraine overnight on Sept. 10  marking the first known case of a NATO member engaging Moscows military assets over its own territory since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

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Russia denied targeting Polish territory.

Romanias Defense Ministry confirmed it scrambled two F-16 fighter jets after detecting a drone breaching the country's airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border. Authorities issued warnings to residents in Tulcea County, near the Danube Delta, to take cover.

The jets tracked the drone until it "dropped off the radar 20 km southwest of the village of Chilia Veche," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the "drone did not fly over inhabited areas and did not pose an immediate danger to the population."

Romania, a NATO and EU member, shares a 650-kilometer (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has repeatedly reported Russian drone fragments landing on its territory since the start of the full-scale invasion.

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"Russian military personnel know exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can stay in the air," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, commenting on the attacks. "The routes are always calculated. This cannot be an accident, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. It is a deliberate expansion of the war by Russia. This is how they operate  small steps at first, and in the end, great losses."

Romanian Foreign Minister Toiu Oana called Russia's actions "unacceptable and reckless."

"Romania condemns Russia's behavior and takes the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security," Oana wrote on X.

Oana pledged to raise Russia's latest provocation at the United Nations General Assembly and urge strict compliance with international sanctions.

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The foreign minister also called on the EU to swiftly adopt its 19th package of sanctions against Russia and the "full spectrum of measures" under the NATO mission Eastern Sentry, launched on Sept. 13 in response to the violation of Polish airspace.

Meanwhile, Polish and allied NATO aircraft were also deployed to protect Polish airspace on the same day due to a renewed threat of drone strikes in Ukraine. As a precaution, authorities temporarily closed Lublin Airport in eastern Poland.

The planes took part in an operation near the border with Ukraine "to ensure the security of our airspace," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said.

"These actions are preventative in nature and aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened area." The statement made no mention of a direct airspace violation.

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The Polish Air Navigation Agency confirmed that flight operations were suspended at Lublin Airport and within its controlled airspace zone on Sept. 13 as a precaution.

Romania has passed legislation allowing its military to shoot down unauthorized drones breaching national airspace during peacetime, but enforcement rules for that law have not yet been finalized.

NATO has pledged to bolster defenses along the alliances eastern flank in response to recent airspace violations and Russias increasingly aggressive use of drones in the region.

Read also: Boris Johnson calls for European troops on Ukrainian soil, tells Russia to bog off

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  For decades, South Carolina officials have been working to shut down contraband cell phones inside the states prisons.

U.S. District of Attorney for South Carolina Bryan Stirling has said inmates are using illegal phones to commit crimes, traffic drugs, even communicate with cartels.

Now, the Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump appointed Chairman Brendan Carr, announced last week that they will vote later this month to let states jam cell phone signals.

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I was very excited when he was appointed, in January of 2025, because he knew this issue and I knew he was passionate about it. I didnt know that he was going to do this. I was frankly stunned and happily, so, said Stirling, who is one of the faces who has been pushing for this for over a decade.

Joel Anderson, the director of South Carolina Department of Corrections, said cell phones behind bars arent just illegal, theyre dangerous for the prisoners and for you at home.

Its not a joke. This is not a game that we play, Anderson added.

The state Department of Corrections reported approximately 2,600 contraband phones were found last year, and 300 just last month in state prisons across South Carolina. Some prisoners are receiving phones through Corrections officers, and even drones that are being flown over 60-foot-high nets to drop the cell phones for the inmates.

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State prison should be able to interfere and jam cell phones. Its a matter of public safety and safety for the prisons, Stirling said.

Anderson added inmates with these phones are coordinating drug crimes, claiming that 100% of drug dealing cases in South Carolina have a connection to inside state prisons.

We found enough fentanyl in one of our prisons to kill the entire prison system. I mean in Lexington County, they found enough, they told us, to kill millions of people, Anderson said.

Authorities are reporting there have been several cases where inmates have used illegal techonolgy to even order hits.

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Look no further than Captain Robert Johnson. He was a Contraband Captain from Lee Correctional. He was shot five or six times, point blank in his home because he was doing his job at Lee Correctional. That man has had so many surgeries, Ive lost count. Hes lucky to be alive. He is a true miracle, said Stirling.

But some people say that State Prisoners will still need to connect with their families, but Stirling said they will still have the ability to contact their families or 911 if there is an emergency through their tablets or the prison wall phones. Stirling said the Communications Act of 1934 said state prisons cannot interfere with radio frequency.

It says you cannot, the Feds can, but states cannot interfere with an authorized signal. My argument is that this is not an authorized signal, that this is an illegal signal, because its in the hands of an inmate behind bars, at Departments of Corrections or Detention Centers across the country, said Stirling.

If the FCC approves, they could jam signals in state prisons making illegal phones useless.

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I believe that when it goes to vote, theres, theres not going to be much opposition. This is nationwide and its everywhere,  Anderson added.

Stirling said the people who oppose this are big cellular companies like AT&T, Verizon, etc.

Stirling said he tested the jamming technology back in 2017 and has systems ready to expand. He said the General Assembly gave them the money, and with FCC approval, they could act fast, and basically just flip a switch.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The search continues for a missing James Island fire engineer, who was last seen in Bali, Indonesia.

Wesley Fairey was vacationing with friends last month. According to his friends, he checked out of his hotel on August 25 and was last heard from around August 29. Faireys mother said he was set to return on September 8, but missed his flight home and is still unaccounted for. One of his friends said he was shocked when he heard Fairey was missing.

Nobody really got word from him as to where he was going last or where he might be going someplace to do a dive trip or surfing trip on a remote island  or anything like that, Wes Covington, a long-time friend of Fairey, said. It was very out of character to not gotten any warning or last-minute send-off out of him.

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It has been over a week since he has last contacted his family or friends, which Covington said is out of character for him.

Weve just been trying to get to bottom of what happened, where he might be, and where he might have been. Its become frustrating because its not a local law enforcement matter per say. Its not something that we can go and reach out to the other side of the world to ask questions or get updates, said Covington.

Lowcountry agencies, state lawmakers, and his friends and family continue to work with federal and international authorities to locate him but there has been no signs. Covington told News 2, Fairey has a 30-day visa which expires on September. However, Indonesian authorities do not have any record of him leaving the country. They are still searching, even looking in areas where a missing person may go to.

If you have any information that could lead to further eliminating the investigation as to what happened, where is he, where has he been type of thing, Covington said. If you frequent Bali, or know people who live in Bali, we could definitely use some help here.

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Faireys family and friends ask anyone who may know any information about his whereabouts to contact U.S. Homeland Security. They also ask for any advice that anyone may have to help locate Fairey.

News 2 reached out the FBI and officials said they are aware of the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Its been less than a year since the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena, with many families still healing and coming to terms with devastating losses.

Amid this long, difficult process, it was recently announced that a sitcom set in post-Eaton Fire Altadena was in the works. The show is being spearheaded by Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and is set to star Mike Epps.

According to Deadline, the comedy is created and written by Barris and comes from BET Studios  where Barris is a principal  and is co-produced by CBS Studios.

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In the untitled half-hour, after wildfires sweep through Altadena, two estranged Black brothers  one played by Epps  reunite to sell their late grandmothers house to private developers, Deadline said of the shows premise in a report published last month. But when they learn her caretaker now owns part of the home and refuses to sell, theyre forced to live together and confront their differences  and what community, legacy, and family really mean.

Kenya Barris (left) and Mike Epps (right). Photos: AP

While the shows premise is fairly light and taps into comedic elements, people affected by the fire dont see much to laugh about when it comes to turning the deadly disaster into a sitcom.

One woman with that mindset is Anjelika Perry, a New Orleans-based artist and community strategist who grew up in Altadena. Speaking to LAist, Perry  whose family lost their homes in the fire  wondered why a sitcom was chosen and not something that shares real stories.

Why are we sharing a story that is not real about our community when theres so many real stories to share? she asked. And then also the trigger[ing] thing for me was, why a comedy when no one that we know of in the community is a part of this project?

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Man who allegedly pointed gun at federal agents during immigration raid still unknown; reward for info increased

Perry posted on Instagram shortly after the shows concept was announced to vocalize her disappointment, and other social media users expressed the same sentiments.

Knowing the pitch process timeline for major studios, the fact that its already announced as greenlit before the end of August means that it was pitched way less than six months after the fires began, and very likely conceptualized while ashes were still falling and the smoke was still clearing, user @flavorkit commented. Watching old friends in Altadena continue to pick up the pieces from afar has been heartbreaking enough. This is just super gross and predatory behavior.

It wouldve been better to create a show that honors Altadena. Being originally from the East Coast, I had no idea about the rich history until the fires, said another user, @telergenet. Maybe a show about all the profound Black creators and geniuses that just happen to be neighbors.

Robert Lara, left, looks for belongings along with his stepfather after the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury) The Johnson family, whose home is one of the few that survived the Eaton Fire in their neighborhood in Altadena, Calif., prays with pastors outside their home Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) FILE  Louise Hamlin visits her home ravaged by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) FILE  Chris Wilson walks through the remains of his home, consumed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File ) In an aerial view, a proclamation reads Altadena Strong  We Will Rebuild! on the Altadena Grocery Outlet, which survived the Eaton Fire and is surrounded by the rubble of thousands of homes that did not on Feb. 20, 2025, near Altadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images) A lone home stands among residences levelled by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Debris from a destroyed home is seen as a newly built ADU (accessory dwelling unit) stands behind after surviving the Eaton Fire, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) An aerial view shows homes burned in the Eaton Fire on Feb. 05, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

There are some, however, who arent inherently opposed to the idea. LAist spoke to Nashon Dion, who identifies herself as a fourth generation Altadenan and whose extended family lost all their homes in the fire. She told the outlet that she hopes the production company will hire consultants from the area to help with the show.

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I presume that the production company will likely employ a consultant or consultants from our beloved Altadena, Dion said. I presume and surely hope so because that would be the right thing to do.

Dion also hopes that proceeds from a show about Altadena will go back to Altadena.

Altadena needs a lot of laughter. We are all grieving, Dion said. And at the same time, this is community healing and Altadena needs a tremendous amount of laughter, and if Kenya Barris and Mike Epps are the two individuals to bring it, lets see it.

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) Friday announced that its annual review of Vermont hospital budgets is complete, and prices will increase for some, but not at Vermonts largest hospital.

GMCB had aimed for commercial prices to increase by 3% or less, and such small price hikes were approved at all but two of Vermonts 14 general hospitals. Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend did not request an increase. UVM Medical Center did  but rather than approving the request, GMCB required a 6.4% decrease in the hospitals commercial rates.

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital to close one office, cut costs

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UVMMC had written to the board, saying that its requested budget was the best they could do while remaining sustainable, and said that decreases in spending would be felt by providers and patients across the state.

ABC22/FOX44s Lauren Maloney interviewed UVM Health CEO Dr. Sunny Eappen earlier this month, before GMCBs final decision was announced.

The hospital had argued that it was not requesting a commercial rate increase, since a chargemaster increase, which is the hospitals official list of rates kept on record, is not necessarily reflected in actual charges. However, GMCB did not agree.

GMCB Chair Owen Foster said that the boards decisions reflect its commitments to affordable health care. GMCBs decisions hold the UVM Health Network administration accountable for having transferred critical dollars out of Vermont to cover for the Networks inability to sustainably operate its New York hospitals. We will not allow the Health Network administration to use Vermonts limited healthcare dollars to subsidize its inability to obtain adequate reimbursement for its critical New York hospitals.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP Health rate increases approved

In addition to the lost revenue from the rate decrease, GMCB also took out more than $400,000 from UVMMCs proposed budget for what it called unjustified executive compensation.

Since UVMMC is by far the largest hospital in Vermont, rates overall will decrease by 2% in the state in the upcoming fiscal year.

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University of South Dakota art professor Michael Hook has been placed on administrative leave and was immediately relieved of all duties after posting on social media calling Charlie Kirk a hate-spreading Nazi after the well-known conservative activist was fatally shot earlier this week.

The South Dakota Board of Regents confirmed they've issued an intent to terminate Hook on Sept. 12. Hook also called Kirk part of the idiotic right fringe.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and House Speaker Jon Hansen, who is also running for governor, had called for Hook to be fired over the post, and shared his post on social media.

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More: South Dakota political leaders offer prayers for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk

SDBOR spokesperson Shuree Mortenson said as employees of the state's university system, "it is essential for our universities and employees to promote constructive dialogue based on mutual respect."

Mortenson said that while public employees enjoy the freedoms protected by the First Amendment, "these freedoms have limits and come with significant responsibilities."

"When faculty and staff discuss or write about issues of public concern, they must recognize their roles as educators and their standing in their communities, which brings added obligations," she added.

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"It is the responsibility of the Board of Regents to ensure that both freedoms and duties are upheld, so that our students are prepared to engage with civility and respect," Mortenson said. "When this balance is disrupted, action will follow."

Hook hasn't yet responded to the Argus Leader's inquiries about the incident.

Lawmakers react

Rhoden said when he read the post, he was shaking mad, and said the SDBOR intends to fire the USD professor.

This individual stands in front of South Dakota students to educate them, Rhoden said. We must not send the message to our kids that this is acceptable public discourse.

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He added, We need more Charlie Kirks on campus, and less hatred like this.

More: Gov. Larry Rhoden: 'We could sure use a lot more Charlie Kirks in the world today' | Opinion

Hansen called the social media post hateful and vile, and said after he saw the post, he reached out to USD President Sheila Gestring and called on the professor to be fired, adding, I understand that the professor is likely to be terminated from his position.

I am disgusted by his remarks, and think they are unbecoming of someone who works for and represents our University, Hansen said. That kind of disgusting rhetoric from an employee and representative of our university directed toward a good mans family who was recently assassinated will not be tolerated.

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It's not the first time a South Dakota educator has been fired for comments made on social media in recent history.

In a similar incident from last year, a middle school behavior facilitator in Sioux Falls was fired after making comments on social media regarding the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump while on the campaign trail.

Hook had been making $87,955.32 annually, according to open.sd.gov. Hed moved to South Dakota in 2006, according to his bio on the USD website. Its unclear how long he was employed at USD.

Similar firings have taken place since the Kirk incident across the U.S., including teachers in Iowa, Wisconsin, and South Carolina. Florida officials are watching for vile, sanctionable behavior from teachers across the state.

This story is developing. Check back for more.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: USD professor faces removal over social media posts about Charlie Kirk
INCHEON, South Korea (AP)  More than 300 South Korean workers detained during an immigration raid in the United States returned home on a charter plane on Friday to be reunited with their loved ones.

They were among the 475 people detained during the Sept. 4 immigration raid at a battery factory under construction on the campus of Hyundais sprawling auto plant west of Savannah, Georgia.

Their roundup and the U.S. release of video showing some Korean workers shackled with chains around their hands, ankles and waists have caused public outrage and a sense of betrayal in South Korea, a key U.S. ally.

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After the Boeing 747-8i Korean Air plane landed at Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, the workers appeared in an arrivals hall, with senior officials including presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik clapping hands.

Hundreds of journalists gathered at the airport to cover their arrival, while many ordinary citizens shouted Welcome back! One worker, apparently responding to the greeting, called out Im back! Im free! as he hurried toward the airport gate.

One protester unfurled a huge banner with a photo of U.S. President Donald Trump and a sarcastic message criticizing U.S. immigration crackdowns, before security officials forced him to stop.

South Koreas Foreign Ministry asked the waiting media to blur the workers faces in videos and photos, citing requests by the workers who worried about their privacy.

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The few workers who spoke to reporters described the shock of the unexpected raid, being handcuffed and chained, and the allegedly harsh conditions of their detention.

No one would have really wanted to stay, said Jang Yeong-seon, one of the released workers, when asked about Trumps supposed last-minute offer to allow the workers to remain at the factory site if they wished.

I dont know how the visa situation will turn out, and while there may be things that could require me to go back, for now I will think carefully about it, he told reporters.

Another worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was hardest to share a room with another detainee with the toilet right next to where we ate and slept.

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Relatives relieved

Friday's flight was carrying 330 people who were detained in the Georgia raid  316 of them were South Koreans, including a pregnant woman, and the rest are Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian workers. They had been held at an immigration detention center in Folkston, 285 miles (460 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta.

Families waited anxiously in a multi-level parking lot near the airport terminal. As the elevator doors opened, each group of workers stepped out to hurried embraces from their relatives.

Hwang In-song, the brother of one worker, told The Associated Press he had been unable to reach his sibling until midnight Thursday, when he finally received a text message from his brother saying he was safe. He said the past week was the hardest time for their family.

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We asked him if he was okay health-wise, and he said he was in good health. We didnt get to talk much because he was about to board the plane, Hwang said.

Choi Yeon-ju, the 64-year-old mother of another worker, said her sons detention was incredibly shocking and stunning. But she said her son also finally made a short phone call to their family after midnight Thursday.

He didnt say much about how he was, just saying he was okay and telling us not to worry too much, she said, waiting with her daughter-in-law and a grandchild.

Trump halted departure process

South Korea said Sunday it had reached an agreement with the U.S. for the Korean workers releases.

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The South Korean government originally sought to bring them back home on Thursday, but said the plan was shelved due to a reason involving the U.S. side. South Koreas Foreign Ministry later said Trump had halted the departure process to hear from South Korea on whether the Koreans should be allowed to stay to continue their work and help train U.S. workers or should be sent back to South Korea.

South Korean officials said that one South Korean national who has relatives in the U.S. eventually chose to stay in the U.S.

The battery plant, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, is one of more than 20 major industrial sites that South Korean companies are currently building in the United States.

Speaking at the airport, Kim Dong Myung, the chief executive officer of LG Energy Solution, downplayed concerns that the raid would cause major delays to the launch of the Georgia factory, saying disruptions would be within a level we can manage.

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Calls for change in US visa system

U.S. authorities said some of the detained Korean workers had illegally crossed the U.S. border, while others entered legally but had expired visas or entered on visa waivers that prohibited them from working.

But South Korean officials say the U.S. has yet to adequately respond to their long-standing request to improve the visa system for skilled Korean workers, even as Washington urges Seoul to expand U.S. industrial investments.

South Korean companies have been mostly relying on short-term visitor visas or Electronic System for Travel Authorization to send workers who are needed to launch manufacturing sites and handle other setup tasks, a practice that had been largely tolerated for years.

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South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who traveled to Washington to negotiate the workers release, said U.S. officials had agreed to let them return later to finish their work. The two countries also agreed to establish a working group to explore ways to make it easier for South Korean companies to send employees to the U.S.

We will discuss all measures, including creating a new visa category, establishing a new quota, and various steps to make obtaining a visa easier, Cho told reporters as he returned home Friday. He said most of the detained workers had ESTAs, while others had short-term B-1 or B-2 visas and L-1 visas.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday warned that South Korean companies will likely hesitate to make further investments in the U.S. unless it improves its visa system.

The raid was the latest in a series of workplace raids conducted as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. Many South Koreans were surprised by the timing of the raid, which took place about two weeks after a summit between Lee and Trump, and a little more than a month after South Koreas announcement of a $350 billion investment plan in the U.S. in return for a lowered U.S. tariff rate.

___

Hyung-jin Kim reported from Seoul.
Nepals young anti-corruption protestors reportedly used the platform Discord to hold an impromptu vote to pick their first interim woman prime minister days after toppling the KP Sharma Oli government through deadly protests that spread like wildfire across the country.

The country is set to hold elections on 5 March 2026 to determine its next full-time prime minister. Till elections are held, 73-year-old Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, would be the first woman to lead the country.

The protests, fanned by dissatisfaction over the governments ban on several popular social media platforms, soon snowballed into a wider discourse on corruption and unemployment as the Generation Z  people in their teens and 20s  took to the streets with banners and slogans. At least 51 people were killed and more than 1,300 were injured in the nationwide protests that erupted after the government tried to shut down social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, causing deep anger to boil over.

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The protests turned violent as security forces used live bullets, tear gas, and batons while demonstrators toppled barricades, looted businesses, and set fire to government offices and politicians residences.

Fire rages through the Singha Durbar, the main administrative building for the Nepal government, in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

The protesters also burned the Singha Durbar palace, the seat of the Nepali government, and damaged airports and a TV news station building.

The prime minister and four of his ministers resigned last week, and the military took over the capital, immediately enforcing a nationwide curfew. The military relaxed the curfew for a few hours to allow people to buy supplies.

What is Discord?

After Mr Olis resignation and the exodus of senior political figures left a power vacuum in Nepal, activists took to the US group-chat app platform to plan their next steps, according to NDTV.

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The outlet reported that one server with more than 145,000 members hosted a debate about who could be an interim leader. Over the week, multiple polls were held by representatives of the protest movement on the social media platform Discord to nominate possible leaders. Ms Karki emerged as a favourite, widely praised for her integrity.

Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki (C) is congratulated by her supporters (AFP via Getty Images)

The former chief justice is also well known for her staunch position against corruption.

The parliament of Nepal right now is Discord, the New York Times quoted 23-year-old content creator Sid Ghimiri as saying. The channels organisers are members of the civic organization Hami Nepal, with participants among those who took part in the protests, the outlet reported.

Who is Sushila Karki?

The consensus to swear in Ms Karki as the interim PM was reached between President Ramchandra Paudel, the chief of the Nepal Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and representatives of Nepal's Gen-Z protest movement.

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During her time as chief justice, she oversaw several landmark cases, including the conviction of a sitting Information and Communications Minister, Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta, for corruption.

She also presided over a ruling overturning the government's appointment of a police chief.

Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki attends her swearing-in-ceremony at the President House in Kathmandu on September 12, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Within a year after Ms Karki was confirmed as a permanent judge in the Nepal Supreme Court in 2016, lawmakers from the then-ruling Nepali Congress and CPN filed an impeachment motion against her, alleging bias, including over police chief appointment decisions.

The motion led to her suspension and disqualified the powerful chief of the anti-corruption watchdog, but immediately sparked public protests in favour of judicial independence.

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This led to the Supreme Court halting proceedings and the withdrawal of the impeachment motion.

As one of her first acts as the interim PM, Ms Karki dissolved Nepals parliament and scheduled new general elections for March 2026.

Both Ms Karki and her husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, participated in Nepals 1990s peoples movement that brought an end to absolute monarchy in the country and eliminated the panchayat system.

She was imprisoned during the time and wrote the novel Kara based on the events.

Newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (front R) arrives at the National Trauma Center hospital to visit victims injured in clashes with security personnel, in Kathmandu on September 13, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Her husband, who was a youth leader of the Nepali Congress at the time, was also imprisoned over his alleged role in a Royal Nepal Airlines hijacking to fund the armed struggle against Nepal's monarchy, according to several media reports.

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Ms Karkis appointment as interim PM follows a widespread anti-corruption movement across Nepal that led to the resignation of Mr Oli.

The country is gradually returning to normalcy, with police force resuming operations in Kathmandu Valley and the Supreme Court and banks in the capital to reopen in phases after suffering damage during the protests.
Syria's interim president has confirmed negotiations to reach a security deal between his country and Israel which has repeatedly attacked its war-shattered neighbour since the overthrow of long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

Israel and Syria, who have been officially at war since 1948, reached a disengagement pact in 1974.

The accord, originally brokered after the 1973 war, established a buffer zone on the Golan Heights under UN supervision to separate Israeli and Syrian forces.

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"Israel considered with the fall of the regime, Syria has pulled out from the 1974 agreement although Syria from the first moment demonstrated its commitment to it," al-Sharaa said in a TV interview aired on Friday night.

"Negotiations are currently under way on a security agreement so that Israel would return to its pre-December 8 position," he told Syrian state television al-Ekhbariya, referring to the day when al-Assad was ousted.

"Negotiating has not concluded yet," added al-Sharaa, who assumed power after al-Assad's ouster.

Last month, Israel and Syria held direct talks in Paris under US mediation.

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The Golan Heights, occupied by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981, are a central point of contention. The annexation is not recognized internationally.

Israel deployed additional troops to the area after al-Assad's fall and has since stepped up airstrikes in Syria, saying they aimed to prevent Syria's weapons from falling into the hands of extremists.

Israel also bombed areas in Syria's south and in the capital Damascus with the stated aim of protecting the Druze, after deadly violence had erupted in the Syrian province of Sweida, a stronghold of the religious minority community.

The Druze, who emerged from Shiite Islam, live mainly in Syria, but also in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.
A London march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people and became unruly on Saturday as a small group of his supporters clashed with police officers who were separating them from counterprotesters.

Several officers were punched, kicked and struck by bottles tossed by people at the fringes of the "Unite the Kingdom" rally, Metropolitan Police said. Reinforcements with helmets and riot shields were deployed to support the 1,000-plus officers on duty.

Twenty six police officers were injured  four who were seriously hurt, including broken teeth and a concussion, a possible broken nose and a spinal injury. At least 25 people were arrested for offenses including violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage, and the investigation continues, police said.

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"There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence," Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said. "They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe."

The rally drew an estimated crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000 people, far surpassing expectations, police said. The rival "March Against Fascism" protest organized by Stand Up To Racism had about 5,000 marchers.

At one point, the larger crowd stretched from Big Ben across the River Thames and around the corner beyond Waterloo train station, a distance of three-quarters of a mile (around a kilometer).

A demonstrator stands on the head of one of the lions of Westminster Bridge during a Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally in London, Saturday Sept. 13, 2025. / Credit: Joanna Chan / AP

While the crowd was large, it fell far short of one of the biggest recent marches when a pro-Palestinian rally drew an estimated 300,000 people in November 2023.

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Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and is known for his nationalist and anti-migrant views, billed the march as a demonstration for free speech, and also said it was in defense of British heritage and culture.

The marches come at a time when the U.K. has been riven by debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in overcrowded inflatable boats to arrive on shore without authorization.

Numerous anti-migrant protests were held this summer outside hotels housing asylum-seekers following the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a London suburb. Some of those protests became violent and led to arrests.

Participants in the "Unite the Kingdom" march carried the St. George's red-and-white flag of England and the Union Jack, the state flag of the United Kingdom, and chanted, "We want our country back." U.K. flags have proliferated this summer across the U.K.  at events and on village lampposts  in what some have said is a show of national pride and others said reflects a tilt toward nationalism.

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Some Robinson supporters held signs saying "stop the boats," "send them home," and "enough is enough, save our children."

At the counterprotest, the crowd held signs saying "refugees welcome" and "smash the far right," and shouted "stand up, fight back."

Robinson supporters chanted crude refrains about U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also shouted messages of support for slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University as he addressed a large crowd at an outdoor debate. Officials described it as a "targeted attack," and it drew condemnation from both sides of the political aisle as authorities launched a massive search for the suspect.

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Officials announced they have a person in custody for the fatal shooting and identified him as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who resides in southern Utah. Robinson was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, according to an inmate booking sheet from the Utah County Sheriff's Office.

One demonstrator held a sign saying: "Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk."

Robinson had planned a "Unite the Kingdom" rally last October, but couldn't attend after being jailed for contempt of court for violating a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating libelous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him. He previously served jail time for assault and mortgage fraud.

Robinson founded the nationalist and anti-Islamist English Defence League and is one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain. He urged followers not to wear masks, drink booze or get violent.

People demonstrate during the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally, in London / Credit: Joanna Chan / AP

Officials say Charlie Kirk shooting suspect arrested after he confessed to dad | Special Report

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect identified as Tyler Robinson, now in custody, officials say

Why a leading breast cancer surgeon sings to her patients
The Trump administration has reportedly drafted plans to activate roughly 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops and send them to the states urban centers like New Orleans, the latest potential expansion of the unprecedented White House effort to use military troops in law enforcement in Democratic-led cities around the country.

In an undated memo obtained by The Washington Post, the Department of Defense described a potential plan, lasting through September 2026, to activate such troops if the Republican governor of Louisiana requests them.

The documents described the plan as having a unique advantage of working with the states Republican Governor Jeff Landry, whose support could allow the federal government to invoke Title 32 of the U.S. Code, allowing the National Guard to operate under state control with federal funds, avoiding running afoul of a bedrock federal law stopping the military from being involved in domestic law enforcement.

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Leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy, the Pentagon said in a statement to the paper, affirming the documents authenticity. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise.

The Independent has requested comment from Landrys office.

An undated Trump plan reportedly calls for 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to deploy across cities in operation lasting until late 2026 (AFP/Getty)

The president has been floating sending troops to New Orleans, a Democratic-led city in a Republican state, since earlier this month, following deployments of troops in Washington and Los Angeles, as well as so-far-unrealized threats to send the military into Chicago.

Landry recently wrote on X that Louisiana wanted Trumps help from New Orleans to Shreveport!

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Trump claimed this week that New Orleans is in really bad shape, though the police department there in May reported a 20 percent decrease in violent crime so far this year compared with the same period last year.

The president has also said troops will be sent to Memphis, another blue city in a red state. Murder in the city is currently at a six-year low.

We're gonna fix that just like we did Washington, Trump told Fox and Friends on Friday of Memphis. I would've preferred going to Chicago."

Trump administration has pointed to Memphis as next city to experience federal National Guard anti-crime operation, following controversial deployment in Washington, D.C. (AP)

The mayor of Memphis, Paul Young, has said he opposes a federal military action in the city to fight crime.

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I did not ask for the National Guard and I dont think it is the way to drive down crime, he said at a news conference. However, that decision has been made.

Last week, the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over sending the Guard into the capital, arguing the operation was an illegal military occupation which violated federal prohibitions on using troops for law enforcement.

A federal judge ruled in early September that the administration willfully broke the law by sending National Guard troops into Los Angeles over the objection of state officials to respond to anti-immigration raid protests, writing that the operation raised the specter of creating a national police force with the President as its chief.

The administration has appealed the ruling.
The United States has suspended some funding for its flagship AIDS relief program, according to international organizations and members of Congress who warn the cuts are already hurting patients and halting critical projects globally.

The full extent of the budget cuts related to US-funded HIV/AIDS relief work is highly unclear, and Congress is still battling the White Houses proposed budget clawbacks and withholding of billions of dollars in funding.

PEPFAR, formally called the US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, is credited with saving more than 26 million lives over the past two decades and preventing millions of HIV infections, particularly in Africa.

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Last year alone, government figures show that PEPFAR provided 20.6 million people with life-saving HIV medicines, called antiretroviral therapy. It also supported more than 342,000 health workers to deliver HIV treatments, prevention care and support services, bolstering healthcare systems in more than 50 countries.

Funding for the landmark program  established in 2003 by the Bush administration  was primarily implemented by USAID, which US President Donald Trump dismantled earlier this year after a freeze on foreign aid. The US State Department later issued a waiver to exempt life-saving services from that freeze, including those of PEPFAR, and moved operations to the State Departments remit.

But nonprofits are sounding the alarm that HIV/AIDS projects have been terminated regardless. And without USAID, implementation of many planned initiatives has also stalled. Such cuts are severely disrupting patients medical care across Africa, Asia and Latin America, threatening the global fight against the disease, they say.

An aerial view of Migosi Sub-county Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya, where the continuity of services for thousands of HIV patients has been threatened. - Michel Lunanga/Getty Images

How is HIV/AIDS relief work being impacted?

UNAIDS, the United Nations agency working to end AIDS, has cited examples around the world of medicine stockouts, staffing cuts at HIV/AIDS clinics, suspended community outreach services and rising levels of stigma, discrimination and mortality rates in the wake of the US funding cuts.

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The suspensions have caused major disruptions to HIV responses in dozens of countries, including Uganda, the Philippines and Tanzania, the UN agency said.

People living with HIV are skipping and rationing doses of antiretroviral medications, creating conditions for drug-resistant HIV strains to emerge, according to the nonprofit Physicians for Human Rights, which compiled testimonies of healthcare disruptions from people in Tanzania and Uganda.

Doctors Without Borders has warned that PEPFAR faces an uncertain future and that project cancellations following the dismantling of USAID have already impacted humanitarian work.

PEPFARs scope of work has already been dramatically reduced since January when the State Department restricted its work on key areas of HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, the Doctors Without Borders statement said, contradicting the US governments repeated claims that lifesaving aid work is being preserved.

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Cuts are not just hitting program activities and medical stocks; they are crippling the logistical backbone of HIV care. Transport for distributing supplies has all but vanished, said the organizations representative in Zimbabwe, Zahra Zeggani-Bec.

Children play on a trampoline at the Nyumbani Children's Home in Kenya, which cares for more than 100 children with HIV, whose parents died of the disease, while providing them with US-funded supplies of antiretroviral medicines. - Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

World Vision, an international Christian organization focusing on poverty and development, told CNN it had a large PEPFAR program in Kenya that had been terminated.

That (program) had focused primarily on orphans and vulnerable children and prevention activities, said Margaret Schuler, World Visions chief impact officer. Shuler said it was surprising that what would have been considered lifesaving programs were terminated, including other World Vision programs related to health care and disease control.

Full extent of impact is unknown

PEPFAR reporting data has been publicly unavailable for months, meaning theres little clarity on the programs ongoing activities. A message on the government website says it is undergoing updates. The release dates for 2025 PEPFAR data reports are all listed as TBD.

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A State Department spokesperson told CNN that data collection is ongoing to capture recent updates to programming.

UNAIDS said in a report in April that, among 70 of its country offices, 28 (40%) had witnessed an end to community-led services due to the US funding cuts. Meanwhile, 21 (30%) reported that services by international NGOs had been stopped.

Some of that work may have resumed, but its impossible to determine how much, given the lack of data on the budget, contracted services and what has actually been delivered, said Charles Kenny, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, a think tank based in the US and UK.

He wrote in an analysis of the status of US aid operations that right now, Congress and taxpayers have no visibility on what the foreign assistance system is trying to accomplish, let alone if that is happening.

Antiretroviral medication is dispensed at TASO Mulago service center in Kampala, Uganda, on February 17, 2025. - Hajarah Nalwadda/Getty Images

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated PEPFAR is an important and life-saving program that will continue, a State Department spokesperson told CNN, adding that Rubio has also said that PEPFAR, like all assistance programs, should be reduced over time as they are impactful in achieving their mission.

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Last week, the State Department announced a joint commitment with the Global Fund to purchase the drug lenacapavir, an HIV prevention injection that only has to be taken twice a year, from the American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. PEPFAR will distribute the drug in eight to 12 high-burden HIV countries in 2026, with a focus on reducing the number of new HIV infections in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, according to a State Department statement.

What is happening with the Congressional budget battle?

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released only about half ($2.9 billion) of the $6 billion appropriated by Congress for PEPFARs 2025 funding, according to budget documents on a nonprofit website that tracks the OMB.

A congressional aide raised concerns that the budget document listed billions of dollars of this years funds as part of fiscal year 2026, which the aide described as atypical.

A budget expert told CNN that the 2025 PEPFAR apportionment looks weird compared to previous years documents, which typically specify how much money is going to each government department involved in PEPFAR. For this year, the released funds are listed as unallocated and conditional on a spending plan that has to be agreed upon by OMB and the State Department. Those spending plans are not publicly available.

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The source also said that placing the funds into fiscal year 2026 is at least an indication that OMB is not willing to spend the PEPFAR money now, and it could be an attempt to slow walk the funding.

Another congressional aide told CNN that Congress doesnt have a clear picture because of a lag time in the information the White House must report to the public. Its possible that 2025 funding could still be released in the coming weeks and months.

The picture of funding flows remains fuzzy, and it comes after the Trump administration already tried to claw back $400 million for PEPFAR. That proposal was canceled after bipartisan opposition in the Senate. Yet not all of those funds had been released, top Senate appropriator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, told CNN in a statement last week.

OMB is blocking funding for PEPFAR, one of the most successful global health programs in history, Collins said. PEPFAR funds are simply not reaching those in need, as confirmed by those in the field.

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The ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, has called out OMB Director Russell Vought directly, saying that even after promising Republican lawmakers that the program would be protected, hes choked off a huge chunk of funding provided by Congress for PEPFAR.

The law is clear as day: the full funding Congress provided must be used for the work PEPFAR does day in and out. The more these funds are obstructed and delayed, the more people will die needlessly, Murray told CNN in a statement.

CNN has reached out to OMB for comment but has not received a response.

Another fight brewing over foreign aid

Separately, last week, Trump notified Congress he was moving to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid already approved for this year, drawing criticism from lawmakers from both parties who questioned the legality of the move. The US Government Accountability Office says rescissions so late in the fiscal year are illegal.

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Last Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that without congressional approval, the administration cant decide to withhold federally budgeted foreign aid money that will expire at the end of this month.

But the White House is mounting a multi-front effort to do so both in the courts and on Capitol Hill, with Trump asking the Supreme Court on Monday to step back into the fight.

CNNs Sarah Ferris, Jennifer Hansler and Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.

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The sign at the entrance to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus welcomes students on Sept. 20, 2023. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

The U.S. Department of Education has terminated grant funding for universities Alaska Native and Native-Hawaiian-serving programs and support services, an act that University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Mike Sfraga said will have a substantial and negative impact on a large number of Alaskans, including our Alaska Native students.

Sfraga announced the federal decision in a campus-wide email on Thursday.

Mike Sfraga spoke at an Alaska Senate hearing in April 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Sfraga said the funding cut for UAF is estimated at $2.9 million, and the full effects are still under review. More than 20%, or an estimated 1,450 students at UAF are Indigenous, Sfraga noted.

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The full extent of the grant funding freeze across the University of Alaska system is still being analyzed, said Jonathon Taylor, UA director of public affairs, by email on Friday.

UA President Pat Pitney said in an emailed statement on Friday that the university will continue to create a welcoming environment for all students.

We are evaluating the impact these changes will have on our services to Alaska Native students, and are communicating directly with students, staff, and faculty who may be affected, Pitney said. A significant part of UAs identity is our commitment to Alaska Native culture, language, art, heritage, business, and tribal management and governance; that remains unchanged. We proudly embrace our global leadership in Alaska Native and Indigenous studies, and will continue to sustain a welcoming environment where all  including our Alaska Native and Indigenous students  can thrive and succeed.

Taylor said the University of Alaska Southeast has at least one grant-funded program on the Sitka campus aimed at improving student services, and university officials are waiting to hear whether it will be eliminated.

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Taylor said on Monday the University of Alaska Anchorage has at least one program funded by the grant, but it is based on different eligibility requirements, and the university does not expect it to be affected.

As of fall 2024, there were 3,254 students enrolled at the University of Alaska that identified as Alaska Native or American Indian, and 266 that identified as Hawaiian Native or Pacific Islander, according to the university, and 19,629 students total across the UA system.

The University of Alaska announcements came after the Trump administration said Wednesday it will withhold an estimated $350 million of congressionally-approved funding for minority serving colleges and universities, saying the money will be allocated elsewhere. The measure continues President Donald Trumps initiative to eliminate programs that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sfraga said the federal government is allowing up to a year to close out the programs. UAF has multiple grants which fall under the program, Sfraga said, and most are under the College of Indigenous Studies and the UAF Community and Technical College.

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Sfraga said the grant program does not fund student aid, but it does support degree programs and support services like student advising and recruiting, workforce development and student success initiatives across campuses.

University officials report that to date, the Trump administration has cancelled $6.6 million in research grants and almost $45 million has been frozen.

Each year, the university receives an estimated $250 million in federal research funds, Taylor said, adding that 95% of the universitys broad research portfolio remains intact. UA has experienced only minor disruptions as a result of the rapidly shifting policy picture in Washington, D.C., and we are closely monitoring developments as they evolve.

Correction: A previous version of this story said that University of Alaska Anchorage does not have any programs funded by this federal grant. Taylor clarified that UAA does have a grant funded program, the SAGE Success program, but it is awarded based on different eligibility, and so it is not expected to be affected by the funding elimination announcement.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - AUGUST 15: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Credit - Andrew Harnik2025 Getty Images

President Donald Trump appeared to back off a promise to sanction Russia for its refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine on Saturday, announcing stringent new conditions on his own allies before he will take action.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to punish Russia with new sanctions if it refuses to reach an agreement with Ukraine, but has failed to follow through as Moscow has ignored several deadlines.

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Now, Trump says he will only sanction Russia when all NATO countries stop buying oil from Russia and place sweeping tariffs on Chinameasures that are unlikely to be met

Read More: Trump Says He Will Sanction Russia After Putin Launches Largest Air Attack of the War

I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA, Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday morning in what he said was a letter to the international alliance and the world. As you know, NATOS commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking.

NATO member Turkey is Russias third largest importer of oilbehind China and India according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. In Trumps post, he called on NATO to follow his aggressive tariff agenda and place 50% to 100% tariffs on China for its purchasing of Russian oil, which he says would be lifted at the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

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China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip, the letter reads, stating tariffs on China would be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR.

As he has in the past, Trump blamed former President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"This is not TRUMPS WAR (it would never have started if I was President!), it is Bidens and Zelenskyys WAR. I am only here to help stop it," he wrote.

The letter comes after Russia last week launched its largest air assault of the war since the country invaded Ukraine in 2022an assault that included over 800 strike drones and resulted in multiple casualties.

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Soon after the assault, Trump was asked outside the White House by reporters if he was ready to impose a second round of sanctions against Russia following the attack, to which Trump said: Yeah, I am.

Moscow responded swiftly after Trumps threats of sanctions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov telling reporters Monday that Western sanctions have no effect and that sanctions are the agenda supported by the Kyiv regime and European countries.

Trump has consistently threatened sanctions against Russia throughout his first nine months in office in order to get President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table. Trumps Alaska meeting with his Russian counterpart last month resulted in no formal agreement or any discernible progress towards one.

Since then, Trump says he has been trying to negotiate a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which would be the first since the war began.

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The European Union is currently drafting and set to roll out its 19th round of sanctions against Russia in the coming days, and has announced its plans to phase out Russian oil by 2028. Still, members Hungary and Slovakia are importers of Russian oil.

The call to NATO comes a few days after 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, a sharp escalation by Russia that NATO countries had described as a dangerous violation.

Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? Here we go! Trump had reacted on Wednesday morning on Truth Social, although he later told reporters that the incursion might have been a mistake.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined a virtual G-7 economics meeting on Friday with the worlds top finance ministers, who are looking to increase economic pressure on Russia. In the meeting, Bessent reiterated Trumps call for allies to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Donald Trumps border czar has admitted that ICE is running out of space to house migrants arrested as part of the ramping up of the presidents deportation sweeps.

Were almost at capacity, Tom Homan told reporters at the White House earlier this week, but added that we got beds coming online every day.

It comes as Trumps push to implement his aggressive immigration agenda continues apace, with ICE agents being deployed to major metropolitan cities, including Chicago and Boston. In the Windy City, the newly launched operation Midway Blitz aims to crack down on those taking advantage of so-called sanctuary cities.

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Officials of such states and cities, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as well as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, have hit back against what they perceive as government overreach.

Donald Trumps border czar has admitted that ICE is running out of space to house migrants arrested as part of the ramping up of the presidents deportation sweeps. It comes as Trumps push to implement his aggressive immigration agenda continues apace, with ICE agents being deployed to major metropolitan cities including Chicago and Boston. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Shame on Governor Healey and Mayor Wu, Homan said Tuesday. Shame on both of them. They should be calling the White House thanking Trump, thanking ICE for making the community safer.

Under the direction of White House special advisor Stephen Miller, ICE agents were tasked with making 3,000 immigration arrests per day, with reports that officials were asked if that number could go even higher.

Its interesting timing because we dont have the bed space to support all the arrests, an anonymous administration official told Politico, echoing Homans remarks to reporters.

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Figures from late August showed that the Trump administration is holding more than 61,000 people in detention, often giving rise to instances of medical neglect and other poor conditions. The government has fewer than 65,000 beds to house immigrants, the official told Politico.

Tom Homan told reporters at the White House earlier this week that the administration was close to capacity, but added that we got beds coming online every day (Getty Images)

Despite the number of people being held having almost doubled  some 39,000 were held by ICE during the final days of the Biden administration  capacity has not increased in any significant way.

In Florida, the expansion of the now-infamous Alligator Alcatraz has been halted by a federal judge on environmental grounds. The facility has capacity for about 2,000 detainees, though state officials initially said they hoped to hold as many as twice that level to make up for overcrowded detention facilities elsewhere.

The prison held about 900 people in mid-July, according to members of Congress who visited. The population dwindled to around 300 by the end of August, according to a Florida congressman.

In Florida, the expansion of the now-infamous Alligator Alcatraz has been halted by a federal judge on environmental grounds (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The facility has capacity for about 2,000 detainees, though state officials initially said they hoped to hold as many as twice that level to make up for overcrowded detention facilities elsewhere (REUTERS)

The lack of space comes even despite Congress approving $45 billion in new funding for ICE detention centers. Altogether, Trumps Big, Beautiful domestic policy bill set aside more than $170 billion for immigration enforcement over the next decade.

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In a statement shared with Politico, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the funding bill would help ensure an average daily population of 100,000 immigrants and provide 80,000 new ICE beds.

In mere weeks ICE had greatly expanded detention space by working with our state partners McLaughlins statement said, pointing to Alligator Alcatraz and the Deportation Depot in Florida, as well as the Louisiana Lockup in Louisiana.
Donald Trump said he will impose major sanctions on Russia once all Nato members stop buying oil from Moscow.

The US president made the comments in a letter which he said had been sent to all members of the military alliance.

Mr Trump also called on Nato members to impose tariffs of 50 per cent to 100 per cent on China, which would be withdrawn after the war. He posted on Truth Social: China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip. This is not Trumps war, it is Bidens and Zelenskys war.

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Tensions are heightened between Russia and the West after 19 drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday, provoking the first direct engagement between Nato and Moscow.

Polish and Nato aircraft were scrambled again on Saturday because of a threat of drone strikes in Ukraine, while the airport in the eastern Polish city of Lublin was closed. The Polish military said the action was preventative in nature and made no mention of any airspace violations.

The US has been pressuring the European Union and G7 countries to hit India and China with major tariffs for buying Russian oil in an attempt to force Moscow into peace talks with Ukraine.

But European countries have resisted the move, fearing a trade war with China, and have argued that tariffs would lead to higher costs for consumers, rather than Beijing.

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Jonathan Powell, Sir Keir Starmers national security adviser, told the Financial Times that the Prime Minister would attempt to convince Mr Trump during his state visit next week to back targeted sanctions on Chinese and Indian companies, rather than tariffs that could start a trade war.

But Mr Trumps letter  which was posted on his social media platform on Saturday  appears to suggest that the president is unwilling to compromise in calling on European nations to impose tariffs on India and China.

Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to say he will impose major sanctions on Russia - Truth Social

I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA, Mr Trump wrote.

As you know, NATOs commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.

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Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?

France and Belgium, two of Ukraines biggest supporters, have continued to import Russian fossil fuels, though the EU plans to outlaw sales by the end of 2027.

The EU also banned most Russian oil imports in 2022 but created an exemption for landlocked countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, to continue receiving access via pipelines.

Turkey, which is not in the EU but is a member of Nato, also purchases Russian crude oil.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump also called on Nato members to back him in imposing tariffs on China and India.

I believe that [sanctions], plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR, the president said.

The fighting on the front line in Ukraine has continued - Diego Herrera Carcedo/Getty

The US had already imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil, which Mr Trump admitted caused a rift with New Delhi.

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Look, India was their biggest customer. I put a 50 per cent tariff on India because theyre buying oil from Russia. Thats not an easy thing to do. Thats a big deal and it causes a rift with India, he told Fox News on Friday.

The president also told the news outlet that his patience with Vladimir Putin was also running out fast after the Kremlin said peace talks had reached a pause.

The Russian president visited Alaska last month for talks with Mr Trump, leading to hopes of a breakthrough to end the war.

Since then, Russia has continued with its relentless assaults along the front line, and has launched a number of large-scale drone attacks against Ukraine  including one which damaged the offices of the British Council and the EUs delegation in Kyiv.

We cant rely on anything

On Wednesday, Nato fighter jets were forced to shoot down Russian drones over Poland for the first time after 19 unmanned aerial vehicles crossed into Polish airspace during a raid on neighbouring Ukraine.

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The incursion means more Nato countries will move troops and fighter jets eastwards in a bid to bolster the alliances eastern flank.

Denmark, France, and Germany have already joined the mission, with more expected to take part in the near future.

The newly formed mission was put to the test on Saturday, with the Polish militarys operational command confirming that ground-based air defence and reconnaissance systems had been placed on high alert.

It stressed that these actions are preventive in nature and were aimed at securing Polands airspace and protecting the countrys citizens. It cited a threat of drone strikes in regions of Ukraine bordering Poland, but did not immediately give further details.

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Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, also posted online that preventive air operations had begun in Polish airspace because of the threat posed by Russian drones operating in nearby Ukraine.

Polands Centre for Security issued a threat of air attack alert, telling residents in six countries to exercise extreme caution.

Follow the instructions of the services, it said, adding: Wait for further announcements.

In Romania, which borders Ukraine to the west, there were reports of falling debris. Authorities there also issued an emergency warning, telling citizens that there is a possibility of objects falling from the airspace and urging them to adopt protective measures.

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Russia said it did not target Poland on Wednesday and Belarus, its ally, said the drones went astray because they were jammed.

European leaders have expressed certainty that the incursions were a deliberate provocation by Russia to test Natos willingness to defend itself.

Kyivs allies have also been concerned by Mr Trumps response to the drone incursion after he suggested the weapons may have entered Polish airspace by mistake.

With this US administration, we cant rely on anything. But we have to pretend that we could, a senior German official told Reuters.

No one in Nato has been particularly reassured by the US at this point. Washingtons silence has been almost deafening, said another Eastern European diplomat.

Turkey, which is not in the EU but is a member of Nato, still purchases Russian crude oil - Yoruk Isik/Reuters

While fighting on the front lines has continued, the Russian advance slowed by around 18 per cent in August, according to analysis released this month.

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It is true that August pretty much manifested in a way how little Russia actually achieved during the summer, Emil Kastehelmi, an analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group, told the Kyiv Independent.

(Russian forces) did not really achieve any larger operational goals. All that they took was mainly smaller villages and a lot of farmland. After a tactical victory, they could not expand and exploit their success into anything more significant, he added.

The fighting has focused heavily around Pokrovsk, a strategically important city which Putin identified as a major target during its summer offensive. Russian forces have been battling for the city for over a year but have failed to make any meaningful breakthrough.

Unverified reports on social media claimed that dozens of Russian troops had been encircled by Ukrainian soldiers, as Moscow-affiliated military bloggers continued to claim new advances in the Donetsk region.

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During talks with Mr Trump last month, Putin said he would be willing to freeze the rest of the front line if Ukraine withdrew from the remainder of the Donetsk region.

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What part of Leave our public lands alone dont Idahos congressmen understand?

U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher  all Idaho Republicans  sent out a press release applauding the Trump administrations reversal of a Bureau of Land Management rule that was created to help safeguard the health of public lands for future generations.

The Conservation and Landscape Health Rule recognized conservation as an essential component of public lands management and put it on equal footing with other multiple uses of these lands, such as drilling, mining, logging, grazing and recreation.

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In other words, whenever considering how to best use our vast amounts of public land, conservation had to be weighed as a possible best use of the land, competing with other possible uses.

The rule could help protect clean water and wildlife habitat, and restore lands and waters that needed it.

The rule also created a new leasing tool that would have allowed the BLM to issue leases to third parties for conservation activities (such as restoration or habitat protection) on public lands.

But now, The repeal paves the way for increased corporate exploitation of public lands and resources, ignoring both ecological science and significant community input, according to Defenders of Wildlife, which supports the rule and opposes Trumps rescinding of it.

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The rule didnt mean that such activities as mining, drilling, logging or grazing would be banned or forever prohibited; it just meant that conserving the land had to be considered equally as a possible outcome.

If its determined that other uses  such as logging to help thin forests and prevent wildfires, or mining for rare earth minerals  were of higher use and need than conservation, those still would have been permitted.

The rule does not prioritize conservation above other uses; instead, it provides for considering and, where appropriate, implementing or authorizing conservation as one of the many uses managed under (the Federal Land Policy and Management Act), consistent with the statutes plain language, according to the wording of the rule. Many uses are compatible with different types of conservation use, such as sustainable recreation, grazing, and habitat management. The rule also does not enable conservation use to occur in places where an existing, authorized, and incompatible use is occurring.

Repeal of the rule puts the thumb on the scale in favor of those other uses and completely shuts out conservation from the conversation.

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And once you open that door to such uses as mining and drilling, its difficult to close it. Often, theres just no going back, and once its gone, its gone forever.

How many times do we need to tell Republican lawmakers that we want to protect our public lands? When will they finally get the message?

It should have been loud and clear when U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, proposed selling off millions of acres of public land, including, potentially, in Idaho.

Fortunately, Crapo and Risch eventually came around and opposed Lees scheme. But it was only after tremendous public pressure, not just from environmentalists but from everyday citizens, both Republicans and Democrats, who enjoy the many benefits of public lands.

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But the attack on public lands continues.

In addition to the conservation rule change, Trump is also seeking to overturn the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 58 million acres of National Forest lands. Fortunately, the rescission would not apply to Colorado and Idaho, which underwent separate rulemaking processes to create state-specific roadless rules, according to the Los Angeles Times. But the intent and threat to public lands from Republicans are clear.

We understand Crapo, Risch, Simpson and Fulcher must be under tremendous pressure from oil and gas companies, and mining interests, to do their bidding.

But its up to Idahoans  once again  to put even more pressure on our lawmakers and send them a clear message. And maybe a message they will register, once and for all:

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Protect our public lands.

Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
NEW YORK (AP)  President Donald Trump said Friday hell send the National Guard to Memphis to address crime concerns there with the support of the mayor and the governor.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Trump, a Republican, said on Fox News the mayor is happy and the governor is happy about the pending deployment. The mayor is a Democrat, and the governor is a Republican.

Fox News / Via x.com

Related: These Historical Pictures Of The White House Rose Garden Before It Was Paved Over Are Absolutely Mind-Blowing

He said the city is deeply troubled and were going to fix that just like we did Washington, where hes sent National Guard and surged federal law enforcement.

Fox News / Via x.com

Since sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, Trump has openly mused about sending troops to some of the nations most Democratic cities  including Chicago and Baltimore  claiming they are needed to crack down on crime.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

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Related: Gavin Newsom Had The Perfect 4-Word Response After This Fox News Host Accused Him Of "Stealing Trump's Style"

Trump said he would have preferred going to Chicago, where local politicians have fiercely resisted his plans, but he suggested it was a hostile place with professional agitators.

Ucg / Getty Images

Trump first deployed troops to Los Angeles in early June over Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsoms objections by putting the California National Guard under federal jurisdiction, known as Title 10, to protect federal property from protests over immigration raids.

Apu Gomes / Getty Images

Related: The Internet's Response To Trump Renaming The Department Of Defense Is A+++++++

Besides 4,000 guard members, Trump later sent 700 active duty Marines, and California sued over the intervention. The guard went on to help protect officers during immigration arrests.

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Meanwhile, the unique status of the District of Columbia National Guard  Trump is its commander in chief  means he has been able to use it for everything from armed patrols to trash cleanup without any legal issues. Because it is on state and not federal orders, legal restrictions on law enforcement dont come into effect.

Nurphoto / Getty Images

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Related: Gavin Newsom Brought The Receipts After Trump Claimed He "Never Wrote A Picture" In Response To The Epstein Files, And It's Sooo Good

Watch Trump on Fox News below:

Trump: "Maybe I'll be the first to say it right now again -- we're going to Memphis. Memphis is deeply troubled. The mayor is happy. He's a Democrat. And the governor is happy. We're gonna fix that just like we did Washington. I would've preferred going to Chicago ... we'll bring pic.twitter.com/nvprA2bi69  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 12, 2025

FOX News / Via Twitter: @atrupar

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Also in In the News: The Internet Is Calling Out Karoline Leavitt In The Most Hilarious Way After She Claimed Trump Coined A 2000-Year-Old Phrase

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: This 28-Year-Old Nurse's Solution To Gun Violence Has Gone Viral, And People Are Calling It "Brilliant"

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  President Donald Trump said Friday hell send the National Guard to address crime concerns in Memphis, Tennessee, his latest test of the limits of presidential power by using military force in American cities.

Speaking on Fox News, Donald Trump said the mayor is happy and the governor is happy about the pending deployment. Calling the city deeply troubled, he said were going to fix that just like we did Washington, where hes sent the National Guard and surged federal law enforcement.

Tennessee's Republican governor embraced the troop deployment as part of a broader law enforcement surge in Memphis, however Trumps assertion drew pushback from the Democratic leader of Memphis, which is majority Black.

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I did not ask for the National Guard and I dont think its the way to drive down crime, Mayor Paul Young told a news conference Friday, while acknowledging the city remained high on too many bad lists.

Several Memphis leaders said they welcome federal help but don't think it needs to involve the military. Young committed to trying to help the deployment strengthen the community without distracting from ongoing law enforcement efforts. He said federal officials should aim at the root source of violent crime and mentioned rehabilitation and mental health services, jobs and housing needs.

Gov. Bill Lee said he planned to speak with the president on Friday to work out details of the mission. He said he's still ironing out the best role for the National Guard alongside the FBI, state Highway Patrol, city police and other law enforcement agencies.

Im grateful for the Presidents unwavering support and commitment to providing every resource necessary to serve Memphians," Lee said in a statement. Memphis remains on a path to greatness, and we are not going to let anything hold them back.

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The governors consent to the National Guard stands in sharp contrast to Democratic leaders in states like California and Illinois, who argue similar deployments undermine local authority and inflame tensions. The president has also suggested he could send soldiers to New Orleans, another majority-Black city led by Democrats in a Republican-leaning state.

Crime is down, but troops are coming

Since deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Trump has openly mused about sending troops to some of the nations most Democratic cities  including Chicago and Portland, Oregon  even as data shows most violent crime in those places and around the country has declined in recent years.

Trump said Friday he decided to send troops into Memphis after Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena  who regularly visited the city while on the board of FedEx  urged him earlier this week to address crime there.

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The presidents announcement came just days after Memphis police reported decreases across every major crime category in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in previous years. Overall crime hit a 25-year low, while murder hit a six-year low, police said.

Memphis gun violence and high-profile killings

Despite the overall decrease, Memphis has dealt with stubborn gun violence problems for years. In 2023, the city set a record with more than 390 homicides.

Memphis has also seen several high-profile killings in recent years. Rapper and independent music label owner Young Dolph was fatally shot at a cookie shop in November 2021.

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In September 2022, schoolteacher Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped during an early morning run, and her body was later found near a vacant duplex. Days later, a man went on a daylong shooting rampage as he drove through the city, leading to a citywide shelter-in-place order. Three people were killed and three others wounded.

Some Republicans want the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to audit the Memphis Police Departments crime reporting.

Officials in Tennessee appear divided

Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor, who backs the Memphis troop deployment, said Friday the National Guard could provide administrative and logistical support" to law enforcement and allow local officers to focus on policework. The states two Republican U.S. senators support the intervention.

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The governor said Friday the deployment would add momentum to an ongoing FBI operation in Memphis alongside state and local law enforcement which has already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders.

Steve Mulroy, the district attorney for Shelby County, which includes the city of Memphis, said he hoped the governor would tell Trump that a better strategy would be sending more FBI and other federal law enforcement agents, people with actual training in civilian law enforcement, unlike military troops.

These high-profile, short-term military deployments risk seeming performative and leaving no lasting impact, Mulroy, a Democrat, said Friday.

The legal details

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Asked Friday if city and state officials had requested a National Guard deployment  or had formally signed off on it  the White House didnt answer. It also didnt offer a possible timeline or say whether federal law enforcement would be surged in connection with a guard deployment, as happened when troops were deployed to Washington.

Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLUs National Security Project, said in a news conference Friday that she could not speak directly to the legality of sending National Guard troops to Memphis because she doesn't know whether the troops would be deployed under state or federal authority and what the legal justification would be.

There quite simply is no factual emergency to legitimate calling out troops to perform any kind of policing function, she said.

Using soldiers for civil law enforcement, she said, leaves our Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights  searches, seizures, due process safeguards  in the hands of people who are not trained to uphold them, and it can chill the exercise of our First Amendment rights.

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Illinois governor celebrates as Trump turns focus south

Trump said Friday he would have preferred going to Chicago, where local politicians have fiercely resisted his plans, but suggested the city was too hostile with professional agitators.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, wasted no time congratulating himself on social media, adding, Its disturbing that the president is hellbent on sending troops onto Americas streets. Using those who serve in uniform as political props is insulting. None of this is normal.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi this week accused the state's leaders of being uncooperative. However, even without National Guard troops, residents in Chicago are expecting more federal immigration enforcement.

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Trump's broader National Guard strategy

Trump first deployed troops to Los Angeles in early June over Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsoms objections by putting the California National Guard under federal jurisdiction, known as Title 10, to protect federal property from protests over immigration raids. The guard later helped protect officers during immigration arrests.

Alongside 4,000 guard members, 700 active duty Marines were also sent. California sued over the intervention.

In Washington, D.C., where the president directly commands the guard, Trump has used troops for everything from armed patrols to trash cleanup without any legal issues.

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___

This story has been corrected to show that Lee's statement about the deployment adding momentum was made on Friday, not Thursday.

___

Associated Press writers Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller in Nashville, Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, Will Weissert in Washington, and Katie Foody in Chicago contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said he's deploying the National Guard to Memphis, choosing a city in a Republican-controlled state where the governor welcomes the intervention as the next target in his crime crackdown.

"We're going to Memphis," Trump said Sept. 12 on Fox News' "Fox & Friends," calling Memphis "deeply troubled" and adding that Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican ally of Trump, and the city's Democratic Mayor Paul Young are both "happy" about the plans. "We're going to fix that, just like we fixed Washington."

Memphis, which has long struggled with crime, had the highest rates of murder and other violent crime of any large city in the country in 2024, according to a USA TODAY analysis of FBI data from 30 cities with more than 500,000 residents. Memphis had 40.6 homicides per 100,000 people compared to a rate of 25.5 per 100,000 in the nation's capital, which ranked fifth.

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Young said he did not request the National Guard, but he had been in communication with federal officials seeking additional aid to supplement local crime-fighting efforts.

"I do not think its the way to drive down crime. However, that decision has been made," Young said during a news conference.

A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Members of the Louisiana National Guard patrol the perimeter of Union Station in Washington, DC, as President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal takeover of Metro Police Department continues on Aug. 26, 2025. Members of the National Guard stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the National Guard to the District and also placed the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. District of Columbia National Guard members positioned along with United States Capitol Police at Union Station in Washington, DC on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A person yells in protest at members of the National Guard as they stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. A cyclist passes a National Guard vehicle near the Lincoln Memorial on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard members patrol Washington, DC, on Aug. 14, 2025. National Guard troops patrol the National Mall on Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. U.S. Army National Guard Humvees park near the Washington Monument after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act to assist with crime prevention in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025. Members of the Washington DC National Guard pose for photos with a tourist near the Washington Monument on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops are deployed to the Washington Monument as part of President Trump's mobilization of law enforcement on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops walk along the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers carrying boxers of MREOs (Meals Read to Eat) at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as itOs reached a 30-year low. Trump in a social media post on Aug. 10 said that the homeless in D.C. "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," but he did not elaborate on how that will be accomplished. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive on Aug. 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. A District of Columbia National Guard soldier arrives at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets 1 of 22 A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C.

'Not the way to drive down crime': Memphis mayor does 'not support' National Guard deployment but hopes to work with them

Memphis Mayor: No 'authority to stop' troops

For weeks, Trump has discussed plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, but the proposal has drawn fierce resistance from the state's Democratic governor, J.B. Pritzker. Citing a desire for cooperation from local and state leaders, Trump last week floated New Orleans  which, like Memphis, is in a Republican-led state  as a potential target before landing on Memphis.

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"I would have preferred going to Chicago," Trump said.

When asked if he was happy about troops coming to Memphis, Young said it was an "overstatement." He added that he was focused on additional resources, including getting FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) officers to Memphis.

"Those are the things that I believe will truly help us be able to support law enforcement and reduce violent crime. I do not support the National Guard," Young said. "However, they are (the governor's) call. It's not the mayor's call. The mayor doesn't have...an authority to stop them.

"And so my goal is to make sure that as they come that I have an opportunity to work with them, to strategize on how they engage in this community," Young said.

Memphis Police and other law enforcement agencies investigate the scene of a shooting resulting in the deaths of two people near Booker T. Washington High School on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.

Tennessee governor 'grateful' for Trump's focus on Memphis

Trump did not say how many National Guard troops he plans to deploy to Memphis, the second-largest city in Tennessee behind Nashville. "We'll bring in the military, too, if we need it," he said.

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Lee, in a statement, welcomed the Guard's deployment, saying he's been in "constant communication" with the Trump administration for months about a plan to combat crime in Memphis.

He said the operation will include the Tennessee National Guard, FBI and other law enforcement agencies working with state and local agencies. The goal is to complement an FBI initiative called "Operation Viper," which is aimed at reducing crime in Memphis.

Im grateful for the Presidents unwavering support and commitment to providing every resource necessary to serve Memphians, and I look forward to working with local officials and law enforcement to continue delivering results," Lee said. "As one of Americas world-class cities, Memphis remains on a path to greatness, and we are not going to let anything hold them back," he said.

Lee's consent will ease the deployments and will likely permit other states to send National Guard troops in state-controlled status, permitting them to directly assist in law enforcement.

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Young recognized Lee's comments and said some of the fear he has is also the fear of the community.

Young said there are many unknowns.

"My team and I will be discussing those questions with the governor and the federal government. When will they come? How many people are going to come? How long will they be here? What are they going to wear? Where are they going to be, geographically in the city, what assignments will they have?" Young said. "Those are all questions that we have and that we are going to work through together as a community."

Standing behind Young was Congressman Steve Cohen, Tennessee's lone Democratic congressman who represents Memphis, along with Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis, Memphis Tourism President and CEO Kevin Kane, and newly elected Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Shante K Avant. They all took exception with Trump's characterization of Memphis.

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Memphis is not a troubled city, as President Trump has said," Cohen said in a statement. "We have a crime problem." He blamed the city's crime rate on the effects of slavery, segregation and under-investment.

In the short run, the Guard can help the police in a supportive role," Cohen added. "In the long run, Memphis needs federal dollars invested in proven programs."

More: Trump's 30-day takeover of the DC police is ending. What happens next?

Trump is one month into his crime crackdown in Washington, DC, which has involved deploying more than 2,200 National Guard troops to patrol the streets. But unlike other American cities, DC's status as a federal enclave gives Trump special authority to deploy National Guard troops. In the states, governors traditionally oversee mobilizations.

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Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 11 directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "coordinate with state governors" to determine whether National Guard troops are needed in their communities.

Beale Street sits empty Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in downtown Memphis.

More: DC sues Trump administration to halt National Guard deployment

Trump recounts hearing from FedEx board member

Trump recounted hearing from a board member of FedEx, which is based in Memphis, about the city's crime problem.

"He said, 'When I walk one block from my hotel  they won't allow me to do it. They put me in an armored vehicle with bulletproof glass to take me one block.' He said it's so terrible," Trump said, without identifying the individual.

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More: President Trump says he may send National Guard to New Orleans next instead of Chicago

Trump calls DC crime crackdown successful

Trump has hailed his crime crackdown in Washington, DC, as a wild success, and even DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has agreed to an increased federal presence that has helped reduce the number of homicides, carjackings and gun crimes.

Yet, Bowser has also said the federal intervention has led to a "break in trust" between the community and law enforcement.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C., on September 11, 2025.

Trump, meanwhile, has exaggerated the scale of the turnaround, saying that the district now has "literally no crime" and describing a city where people were too scared to eat at restaurants before his takeover. When Trump announced his takeover, violent crime was already down in DC by 26% from 2024, according to the Metropolitan Police Department..

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The Trump administration has faced lawsuits over the National Guard deployment in Washington as well as from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, after the president ordered Guard troops to Los Angeles to combat protests.

Contributing: Terry Collins, Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump announces National Guard deploying to Memphis
US President Donald Trump has linked further US sanctions against Russia to all NATO countries imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports and stopping buying Russian oil.

"I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA," Trump wrote on his Truth Social online platform.

This would help end what Trump called a "deadly, but ridiculous war"  along with NATO states imposing tariffs of 50% to 100% on imports from China, he added.

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These would then be lifted when the war between Russia and Ukraine ended, Trump continued. China has great power over Russia, and these tariffs would break that control, according to the president.

Trump is said to have repeatedly criticized European countries for their oil deals with Russia.

According to several media outlets, he called for an end to oil deals in a phone call about two weeks ago, arguing that Russia was using them to finance its war against Ukraine.

He is also said to have called on countries to put pressure on China.

Although the European Union has largely banned imports of Russian oil, it allows exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.

Macron for coordinated sanctions

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Trump was right to be outraged that the two EU member states continue to buy Russian oil.

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In his opinion, it is good that the US and Europe want to coordinate their sanctions against Russia even more closely in future, not least to put an end to this practice.

During consultations with the US, Europeans had also agreed to consider sanctions against countries that support the Russian economy or help it circumvent sanctions, Macron said.

China was also mentioned in this context.

According to EU data, Europe's oil trade with Russia has declined sharply in recent years, but has not been completely discontinued.

Following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU imposed extensive import bans on Russian energy sources such as coal and oil.

However, these do not extend to crude oil transported via pipelines. The Russian Druzhba oil pipeline continues to transport oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
President Donald Trump made an alarming, albeit incredibly far-fetched, assertion on Friday that would represent a complete overhaul of the U.S. justice system where a violent crime is caught on tape.

The president said that the justice system should work very quickly  more like the authoritarian system used in China  when authorities apprehend a suspect who closely resembles the individual seen committing a crime on film.

Politics: Bill Maher Checks Ben Shapiro For Stating Kirk Shooter Was Leftist: 'We Don't Know S**t'

One thing I say is we have to have quick trials. I call it quick trials. Because in China, they do have quick trials, you know? Trump said on Fox & Friends.

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They dont wait six years, and claim all sorts of reasons 

Co-host Brian Kilmeade then tried to interject with criticism of the U.S. adversary, saying, You start off guilty and you end up guilty in China.

Trump continued without addressing Kilmeades point.

Politics: Eric Trump Fuels Rhetoric Blaming The Left For Charlie Kirk's Murder

What happens here, he went on, is you go through seven, eight years. And by the time it ends, and then they say, Well, he had a reason to do it because he wasnt treated right in grade school, and its his teachers fault, and its the governments fault. They should have a trial the following day, as far as Im concerned.

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It is worth noting that the president is exaggerating, although complex trials may take months from start to finish, and potentially several years to exhaust the appeals process.

(Watch below.)

The comments came after Trump announced that authorities had captured the man suspected of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, later named by authorities as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Trump went on to talk about violence more generally across the country, boasting about his efforts to militarize Washington, D.C., even though statistics show crime had already been on a downturn there for months.

It was after touching on an incident in North Carolina that he floated his suggestion to emulate China.

Politics: If You're Wondering What Charlie Kirk Believed In, Here Are 14 Real Quotes

That incident, from late August, was amplified this week with the release of security camera video that showed Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska stabbed to death aboard a train in a seemingly random and unprompted attack. Trump and his allies  including, until Wednesday, Kirk  have been using the young womans death to argue for heavier police presence in cities and harsher penalties.

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When you have somebody on tape. Heres a guy on tape getting ready to  and then he did his thing  the whole thing is on tape, Trump said of the train car incident.

A 34-year-old man named Decarlos Brown has been charged in Zarutskas death.

This trial, it will start in two, three, four years. We have to have, in certain places that do it differently, they have what is called quick trial. They have a fast trial, a fast verdict.

Politics: 'Just Kill 'Em': Fox Host Makes Shocking Comment On Homeless People

Trump then voiced his support for the death penalty for the accused killers in both the Kirk and Zarutska murders.

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It is not the first time Trump has suggested he wants to redesign parts of the justice system to hold swift trials and executions. In years past, he repeatedly floated the idea that drug dealers should face summary execution in the U.S., falsely claiming that is how things work in China and the result is an absence of drug abuse.

Republican lawmakers asked to comment on Trumps idea back in 2022 appeared skeptical.

Trump is also famous for denigrating the U.S. justice system when it goes against his own interests.

The Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial but also protects the rights of those accused of crimes in the name of justice, which is not served if the wrong individual is punished for a crime.

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Donald Trump is planning to send 1,000 troops into Louisiana as he rolls out his crime crackdown across the country, documents show.

The Pentagon has drafted a proposal for the Louisiana National Guard troops to deploy to cities including New Orleans and Baton Rouge to support local law enforcement, according to The Washington Post.

Among the documents, sent by Pete Hegseth, defence secretary, to Pam Bondi, the attorney general, and Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, is an unsigned, undated memo boasting of the unique advantage of the Pentagons proposal.

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The memo added that the deployment could take effect so long as Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana who has expressed support for the idea, asks the federal government for assistance.

It comes after Mr Trump on Friday announced plans to mobilise the National Guard in Memphis, warning that crime is out of control.

Calling the city deeply troubled, he told Fox News the mayor and Tennessee governor were happy with the action, which could include the National Guard and anybody else we need.

As with New Orleans, Memphis is a city in a Republican state led by a Democratic mayor.

Paul Young, Memphis mayor, discusses Donald Trumps announcement that he will be sending National Guard troops to the city

Responding to the presidents comments on Friday, Paul Young, Memphis mayor, denied giving his permission.

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I want to be clear I did not ask for the National Guard and I dont think it is the way to drive down crime, he said.

According to Pentagon documents, the Louisiana deployment could last until Sept 30 2026.

Under the plan, the National Guard personnel would supplement local law enforcement in high-crime neighbourhoods, helping with stopping drug use and providing logistical and communications support.

There would also be clear rules of engagement and community outreach protocols to ensure transparency and public trust, the document states.

The Pentagon did not deny the existence of the proposal, but said that leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise, it said when approached by The Telegraph.

Fierce opposition

The plan is the latest sign of Mr Trumps plan to roll out his law-and-order plan to Republican states, whose governors are supportive of the presidents plans to mobilise troops.

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Mr Trump has faced fierce opposition for his decision to deploy the National Guard in Democrat-run cities  first in Los Angeles and then Washington DC  and plans to expand to Chicago.

In recent weeks, the president has repeatedly goaded JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor, with threats to send in troops to his state,

Critics of Mr Trump have dismissed the move as both an authoritarian power grab and a thinly veiled effort to ramp up his deportation agenda.

Announcing the impending action in Tennessee, Mr Trump said he would have preferred going to Chicago.

However, he was dissuaded after advisers allegedly warned that doing so could present legal headaches, according to CNN.

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Mr Trump is limited in mobilising troops to Illinois without Mr Pritzkers permission.

The administrations plans for Memphis will be modelled on the crackdown in Washington DC, sources told CNN, where Mr Trump deployed 2,300 members of the National Guard to set up a task force with local law enforcement.

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.
US President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to impose serious sanctions on Russia, but only if all NATO countries follow suit and stop buying Russian oil.

Source: European Pravda, citing Trump on his social media platform Truth Social

Quote: "I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA. If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly."

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Details: If NATO does not act as Trump suggests, the Alliance is simply wasting his time, the US president said.

"NATOS commitment [for Ukraine] to win has been far less than 100%," he added.

Trump reiterated his narrative that this is a war of former president Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He made no mention of Russian leader Vladimir Putin who launched the full-scale invasion over three and a half years ago.

Background:

Trump had earlier warned that his patience with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is "running out".

US officials earlier urged European countries to stop buying Russian oil and gas if they want Washington to intensify sanctions against Moscow.

On 7 September, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is ready to increase pressure on Russia, contingent on similar moves by Europe.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- North Korean leaders have ordered the executions of their citizens for watching foreign films and television shows, according to a U.N. Human Rights Office report.

The U.N. report released on Friday says the North Korean government has increased its control of "all aspects of citizens' lives" and subjects its citizens to forced labor, the BBC reported.

"No other population is under such restrictions in today's world," the U.N. report says, as reported by The Telegraph.

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The report also says North Koreans are "subjected to unremitting propaganda by the state for their entire lives," according to Euro News.

If the situation continues, North Korea's population "will be subjected to more of the suffering, brutal repression and fear that they have endured for so long," said Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, The Telegraph reported.

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, second from left, has tightened restrictions on North Koreans, who are being executed for watching foreign films and television shows, the United Nations reported on Friday. Photo by KCNA/EPA

The U.N. report is based on interviews with more than 300 North Koreans who managed to escape the nation over the past decade.

Many of those interviewed said the North Korean government is executing citizens more frequently after enacting six enabling laws in 2015.

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The laws include the death penalty for watching and sharing content made in other nations, including movies and television shows.

Technology makes it easier for the North Korean government to more effectively monitor and control the nation's population, according to the BBC.

Many of those interviewed by U.N. officials said public firing squads regularly execute citizens, with the frequency increasing since 2020.

One woman who had escaped North Korea in 2023, Kang Gyuri, said three of her friends were executed after they were caught with content that was produced in South Korea, the BBC reported.

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One was a 23-year-old male who was tried alongside those accused of drug offenses, she said.

Many of those interviewed by U.N. officials said they had hoped conditions would improve after North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un succeeded his father in 2011.

Instead, Kim undertook a weapons-development program in 2019 after he rebuked diplomatic efforts by U.S. officials and other Western nations.

Since then, many North Koreans have died from hunger -- especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, they told U.N. officials.
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 32 individuals and entities on September 12 in its largest action targeting Iran-backed Houthis, disrupting networks that fund and arm the Yemen-based terrorist groups Red Sea attacks.

The move represents a significant escalation in economic warfare against the Houthis, who have killed civilians and threatened global shipping lanes while coordinating with Iran to destabilize the Middle East.

The Houthis continue to threaten U.S. personnel and assets in the Red Sea, attack our allies in the region, and undermine international maritime security in coordination with the Iranian regime, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley said in a press release. We will continue applying maximum pressure against those who threaten the security of the United States and the region.

Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted smuggling operations spanning Yemen, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the Marshall Islands. The sanctioned networks procure ballistic missile components, cruise missiles, and drone parts used against U.S. forces and commercial vessels.

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The Houthis generate massive revenue through the corrupt seizure of private companies and state assets. They appointed Salih Dubaysh as Judicial Custodian to confiscate property under false pretenses of treason against the terrorist group.

Dubaysh replaced Saleh Mesfer Alshaer, sanctioned in 2021 for overseeing violent expropriation exceeding $100 million. Alshaer distributed stolen assets to family members, including his brother Abdullah Mesfer Al-Shaer, who now chairs two seized companies generating military financing.

The Houthis control General Holding Corporation for Real Estate and Investment, valued at $500 million. The company launders money through real estate, exchange, and communications investments.

Khaled Muhammad Khalil, head of the Houthi Security and Intelligence Services Economic Department, manages acquisitions and money laundering through the holding company, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He allegedly extorts merchants and money changers who refuse to launder funds.

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Petroleum smuggling provides another revenue stream. Mohammad Abdulsalam, sanctioned in March, allegedly oversees hundreds of businesses importing Iranian oil worth one billion dollars collectively.

Zaid Ali Yahya Al Sharafi and Saddam Ahmad Mohammad Al Faqih operate within Abdulsalams network. Al Sharafi manages petroleum companies owned by Houthi leaders while personally owning firms that smuggle oil into Yemen.

Maritime front companies help evade scrutiny. Tyba Ship Management DMCC, owned by previously sanctioned Muhammad Al-Sunaydar, operates four oil tankers that discharged cargo at Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port in May.

Chinese suppliers provide critical weapons components. Hubei Chica Industrial Co., Ltd. supplied chemical precursors for ballistic missiles and explosives, falsifying shipping documents to circumvent export controls.

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Shenzhen Shengnan Trading Co., Ltd shipped dual-use electronics for drone manufacturing, mislabeling contents destined for Houthi territory. Shanxi Shutong Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd., under the ownership of Ying Li, shipped hundreds of thousands of tons of chemicals for missile motors.

Front companies facilitate procurement operations. China-based Yiwu Wan Shun Trading Company Limited has coordinated large-scale UAV component shipments since 2021, working with U.S.-designated procurement operative Ibrahim Al-Nashiri.

Yemens Irtiqa for Development and Qualification Technical Institute procures dual-use components and manufactures UAVs. The institute has improved Houthi one-way attack drone capabilities over the past two years.

Shipping facilitators transport military components globally. Guangzhou Yakai International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. arranges dual-use goods shipments from China to Houthi front companies in Yemen and neighboring countries.

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The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets of designated persons and entities. Americans cannot conduct transactions with them, and foreign financial institutions risk secondary sanctions for significant dealings.

The Treasury emphasized that sanctions aim to change behavior, not punish. The department outlined procedures for removal from sanctions lists for those demonstrating positive behavioral changes.

These latest actions follow previous sanctions from June, July, October, and December 2024, as well as March, April, June, and July 2025, targeting Houthi leaders, smugglers, and suppliers. The State Department designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March.
This story originally appeared in Politico Magazine and appears on Business Insider through the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network.

When the Pentagon announced a "joint interagency task force" in July to bring the US military up to speed on drone warfare, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James Mingus compared drones to the threat of improvised explosive devices two decades earlier in Iraq.

The drone, said Mingus, "is our IED of today"  a war-transforming technology that smaller powers could use to put big powers at a disadvantage. Ukraine has demonstrated this brilliantly over the last few years through its innovative use of drones to stymie the invading Russians. And 20-odd years ago, another nation that once saw itself as all-powerful on the battlefield  the United States  found itself flummoxed in the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan as insurgents deployed IEDs to kill or maim thousands of young Americans in a new kind of "asymmetric" warfare.

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"We cannot move fast enough in this space," Mingus said last month. What he neglected to say, however, was that the Pentagon took tragically long to combat the IED. Many within the military and Congress  among them, notably, then-Sen. Joe Biden  were outraged over nearly two years of delays in deploying the MRAP, or "Mine Resistant Ambush Protected" vehicle, to address the IED threat. The issue wasn't resolved until a new defense secretary, Robert Gates, took over for Donald Rumsfeld in 2006. Appalled by what he called daily "funeral pyres for our troops," Gates imposed his will over bureaucratic resistance from the Pentagon  "Hurry up! Troops are dying," he'd tell reluctant officials over and over  and launched a crash program to send thousands of MRAPS to Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Ukrainian soldier loads ammunition onto a drone at a training in September. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images

Critics say the Defense Department is having similar problems now with drones. In that earlier era, as Gates wrote in his 2014 memoir, "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War," the long delays in deploying the MRAP occurred because "no one at a senior level wanted to spend the money to buy them" and officials in the Pentagon's "hidebound and unresponsive bureaucratic structure  were wed to their old plans, programs and thinking."

We are really, really behind Stacie Pettyjohn, director of the defense program of the Center for a New American Security

Today, some military experts say that, for many of the same bureaucratic reasons, the Pentagon has been far too slow to adapt to the latest evolution in asymmetric warfare: drones. Indeed, much of the catch-up has occurred only in the last month or so. Shortly after the task force was announced in July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a major initiative called "Unleashing US Military Drone Dominance," and declared at a news conference that "drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation." However, Hegseth noted offhandedly, to date "US units are not outfitted with the lethal small drones the modern battlefield requires." He mostly blamed the Biden administration for the delays, saying it only "deployed red tape" while "our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year." (The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.)

Most significantly, after watching Ukrainians destroy Russian tanks and strategic aircraft with armed drones, Hegseth said drones should now be treated like munitions  cheap, expendable, and mass producible  and not like a new, expensive aircraft, development of which can take years longer to get through Pentagon red tape. The DoD's new drone policy also seeks to expedite drone use by giving lower-level commanders  basically colonels in the US Army, US Marine Corps, and the US Air Force, and captains in the US Navy  authority to purchase and deploy so-called Group 1 and 2 drones, or smaller vehicles like tiny FPV (for "first person view") quadcopters that can be used at the unit level and have been so effective on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a Dronebuster jammer in February. Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander C. Kubitza/Defense Department

All of that amounts to a good start, critics say. But that is also the problem: The Defense Department is just getting started, as even Mingus has admitted. By the accounts of many experts, the US military is not close to developing, much less deploying, the dizzying array of sophisticated drones mastered by the Ukrainians and Russians  including "kamikaze" drones used to destroy enemy tanks and vehicles; ground drones that can lay mines and deliver ammunition and medicine; larger drones that can ferry smaller ones behind enemy lines, among others.

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"There's a lot of talky-talky and not a lot of showy-showy," says Benjamin Jensen, a reserve US Army officer and professor of strategic studies at the Marine Corps University School of Advanced Warfighting. "How many memos does it take before we just start firing people who are standing in the way?" Jensen is among those who worry that what's happening now resembles the "horribly inefficient" way the Pentagon went about combating IEDs.

"I'm nervous that we have leaders who are trying to do the right thing," he said, "but we haven't sufficiently reformed the bureaucracy to let them enact their vision."

"We are really, really behind," says Stacie Pettyjohn, director of the defense program of the Center for a New American Security. "The problem with the fielding of drones here is that we do not have options that are really very cheap or good. Every single drone here is inferior in quality and costs more than DJI drones [made by China's Shenzhen-based Da-Jiang Innovations Co and deployed by Ukraine].  We don't have the industrial base that can produce those right now."

Drone operators tested uncrewed aerial vehicles during a November 2024 Defense Innovation Unit event. Devon Bistarkey/Defense Department

Trent Emeneker, a Defense Department contractor who has run one of the Pentagon's few drone research programs over the last five years at the Defense Innovation Unit  called the Blue UAS [unmanned aerial systems] program  mostly agrees with this assessment. The problem is so acute, he says, that the US is still largely dependent on Chinese-made components.

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"Blue was an attempt to create a way to say, 'Here are options that are not Chinese,'" Emeneker says, but with almost no money allocated it "really hasn't worked," yielding only a "minuscule" number of US-made drones. "The biggest gaps are things like batteries, motors, and magnets," he adds, the market for which remains nearly 100 percent Chinese-controlled.

Why is the US military  long considered the global gold standard in defense innovation  so far behind in this new and dangerous trend? According to a former senior adviser to Hegseth, Marine Corps veteran Dan Caldwell, the main reason harks back to an age-old problem: Generals and commanders are always fighting the last war.

"They're not just fighting the last war, they're fighting the last two or three wars," says Caldwell, who was fired in April along with others in Hegseth's inner circle. "I think you still have a class of officers and career civilians in the DoD whose formative experience was in Desert Storm or Iraq and Afghanistan, and they still look at those conflicts as the framework for analysis going forward." That, in addition to traditional wargaming in the Pacific, means that most of the Pentagon's attention and resources is still on "major prestige acquisition programs" like the F-35 jet, the Sentinel missile program, more Navy ships and expensive precision munitions, he said.

The DIU's Emeneker also says the problem has been given too little attention, and even with additional money allocated for drone development  the Pentagon's new budget includes a record $179 billion for R&D, tens of billions of dollars of which is for drone and autonomous weapons research  the DoD has not made the way forward clear. "How that is going to be allocated we don't know. Who is responsible for it we don't know. What specific things are targeted, we don't know yet.

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"We have leaders at various levels saying the right things," Emeneker says. "There may be money. But what are we doing?"

A US soldier prepared to launch a small reconnaissance drone during a September exercise in Germany. Capt. Shenicquia Fulton/US Army

It's not just a question of technology. By many accounts, progress has also been painfully slow in altering war-fighting doctrine in every service  in particular the Army, Marines, and Navy.

When the US Army in July released footage described as "the first live-grenade drop from an unmanned aircraft system in the US Army," the response on social media was withering. "I'm just laughing at the fact that they're unironically calling this new when the Ukrainians have been showing footage of this since 2022, and may even have been doing this earlier. Someone's high as hell in the US Military," wrote one commenter. "LOL Ukraine and Russia have been doing this for 3 years now," wrote another. Experts have pointed out that grenade-bearing drones were first used by ISIS in Iraq nearly a decade ago, in 2017.

"The incident highlighted what many experts see as a dangerous, 'pre-drone age mindset' within the US military," wrote David Hambling in a National Security Journal article titled "The US Army Looks Lost in the Drone Age."

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"In Ukraine, almost every soldier knows how to use drones, how to operate drones, and how to avoid them. This has not even started in the US," says Kateryna Bondar, a Ukrainian-born military specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and author of the recent report, "Unleashing US Military Drone Dominance: What the United States Can Learn from Ukraine."

I still think we haven't been willing to radically experiment enough with force design and force structure." Benjamin Jensen, a professor of strategic studies at the Marine Corps University School of Advanced Warfighting

Some experts like Jensen and Bondar worry that even with a huge amount of new money allocated, the drone revolution isn't changing enough thinking about fundamental ways of conducting warfare.

In particular, Jensen says, the military seems reluctant to make substantial changes to personnel policies to develop drone specialists (although the Army is beginning to experiment with drone training for reconnaissance).

"The Army has decided it wants to put small [unmanned aircraft systems] and drones in existing formations, but it does not want to see new formations and a proliferation of new [Military Occupational Specialties]," says Jensen. "Basically you're still, say, a machine gunner and you also have a drone. I still think we haven't been willing to radically experiment enough with force design and force structure."

US soldiers dropped a live grenade from a drone in June  a first for the US Army. Sgt. Collin Mackall/US Army

Bondar says she has not been able to speak yet directly to the Pentagon about her exhaustive report on Ukraine's success  Hegseth has banned all contact with Washington think tanks  and she has seen no evidence that the DoD is bringing in Ukrainian expertise in drone warfare at a significant scale. Moreover, in meetings with the Senate Armed Services and Appropriations committees she has found mostly confusion about how to spend the new money.

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"Yes, they're ready to allocate big funding, but the question is: What's the right way to do that? There's a lot of fear about how to do it. The technology changes so fast. Do you need to stockpile now, buy millions of drones, but then in half a year they become obsolete? Then it is wasted money. So who should get this money?"

Such second-guessing about the way forward seems to be occurring across all the services. The Marine Corps also is "woefully behind when it comes to fielding robots and drones," Maj. Gen. Farrell Sullivan, director of the Capabilities Development Directorate, said at the Modern Day Marine conference in April.

Marine Col. Scott Cuomo, commander of the branch's Weapons Training Battalion, said at the same conference that the service must alter its current doctrine to cover the high-volume deployment of "attritable"  that is, expendable  drones. He noted that a Marine rifleman who previously had a maximum effective range of no more than 800 yards could expand that to 12 miles by flying the FPVs, which are controlled by an operator wearing virtual-reality goggles who can see the target from the drone's camera. These are the drones that have been deployed so lethally by Ukrainians on the front lines.

Such changes are only beginning to take place. In a statement to POLITICO, Cuomo said his command at Quantico, Va.  where the Marine Corps develops its combat strategy  has been "laser-focused" over the last two months on producing a training pamphlet that will teach "high-volume, attritable drone employment." He said those training "concepts" will "go into effect across the Service beginning in September."

A Marine with the Corps' Attack Drone Team controlled an aerial vehicle during an August demonstration in Quantico, Va. Connor Taggart/US Marine Corps

The Navy, meanwhile, is working on long-term plans to use swarms of drones to turn the Taiwan Strait into an "unmanned hellscape," as Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the military's Indo-Pacific command, described it in an interview last year. The idea is to use massive numbers of drones in the air, on land, and underwater  including such systems as High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs and attack Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), as well as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)  to slow down a Chinese invasion force and cause it maximum damage. According to Paparo, that might allow US and allied forces adequate time to set up necessary logistics and more conventional forward-based forces in the Pacific.

US troops retrieved an uncrewed surface vessel after a May exercise in Poland. Spc. Jennifer Posy/US Army

And yet the Pentagon's pilot Replicator program, which has been developing these drone swarms, has barely gotten off the ground. In fact, it is hardly mentioned any longer by the Trump administration, in large part because it was started under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, many experts believe.

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But even the Biden administration slow-walked that program. The Pentagon spends tens of billions of dollars annually sustaining and upgrading aircraft carriers, F-35 jets and tanks, but it budgeted only $500 million for low-cost drones  just 0.05% of the Pentagon budget  through the first round of its signature Replicator Initiative in 2023, says Michael Horowitz, who as deputy assistant secretary of defense for force development in the Biden administration was one of the originators of Replicator.

"The Russia-Ukraine war demonstrated in practice what a lot of people, including myself, had been saying in theory about the way that robotics and AI would shape the future character of war," Horowitz says. "These kinds of strike capabilities are becoming a ubiquitous part of warfare, an essential capability that every military needs to deploy."

The moment of impact as seen from Ukraine's Vampire heavy bomber drone. Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

No one, of course, is going to win a war with drones alone. "The Ukrainians are not going to be able to take back Crimea or parts of the Donbas with drones or autonomous attritable vehicles," says Nadia Schadlow, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute who served as deputy national security adviser for strategy in the first Trump administration. "The key will be which militaries can adapt to combining autonomy with other platforms and operational concepts."

"Drones aren't really all that technologically advanced," adds retired Col. Anthony Pfaff, director of the Strategic Studies Institute at the US Army War College. "However, they have an attribute that nothing else on the battlefield does. They're really cheap, so weaker actors can buy them by the millions. It allows the weaker actor to lessen the risk to his own forces while increasing it to the enemy."

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And as security specialist Joyce Hakmeh put it in a recent Chatham House report: "Ukraine's advantage has not been in the individual technologies it has deployed, but in its ability to regularly outpace Russia in the innovation cycle. It is a model that other countries must study if they hope to maintain military readiness in the 21st century."

Yet the Pentagon hasn't quite figured out who is in charge of this major transformation in asymmetric warfare, what some call the new age of "mass precision," meaning the necessity of launching large swarms of weapons all at once with precise targeting.

"We may have produced a few thousand drones under the Replicator initiative  it is actually hard to find a definitive figure  but that's a far cry from the tens of thousands produced by Ukraine and quickly producing drones in real time, fast enough, for example, to counter what an adversary might come up with," says Schadlow. "The tactical and operational speed and adaptability I think are what is most remarkable about what Ukraine has done."

Defense Secretary Robert Gates got a tour of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle on a 2008 visit to Iraq. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison/Defense Department

She notes that, during the IED crisis two decades ago, the decision by then-Defense Sec. Gates to assume control of developing the MRAP himself "in some ways proved the department couldn't adapt its acquisitions systems unless forced to by strong leadership. He created the MRAP vehicle program over bureaucratic resistance even though American soldiers were dying."

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The US is looking at other ways to draw on the lessons from Ukraine, particularly the way the Ukrainians have stymied Russians on land with swarms of drones, as well as at sea by using naval drones to attack Russian ships in the Black Sea.

But according to a report released August 4 by the conservative Heritage Foundation, "Given its current capabilities, the United States in all probability would not be able to win a drone war with China: Its 20 models and hundreds of copies would be at a severe disadvantage against the People's Republic of China's millions."

And for now, a lot of the new Pentagon money is going into defense against drones, rather than offense, especially following operations like Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web, which knocked out Russian strategic bombers with drones launched from inside Russia, and Israel's use of drones in June to destroy Iran's air defenses. The US is delivering small contracts to new contractors such as Epirus, which produces high-powered microwaves to destroy large swarms of incoming drones at once.

Yet even here, says Pettyjohn, "the problem is they're starting at such a low point because the Army walked away from the short-range air defense mission in the '90s and 2000s. It just wasn't a problem because it could count on the Air Force to have air superiority. So there's been this big gap in terms of even mounting a cruise missile defense. And now you layer these small drones on top of that."

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She added: "The problem with drones is they're not a one-dimensional threat. There are many different types, so you have to put in a layered defense.  You need the high-powered microwaves that Epirus is providing as a last layer but they're really short-range. The thing you haven't seen any of the services embrace are gun-based defenses, which the Ukrainians have used."

Ukraine manufactures a wide range of drones, from small reconnaissance quadcopters to long-range weapons like these Peklo missile drones. Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

One of the biggest issues going forward for the Pentagon, perhaps, will be whether Hegseth's new mobilization order on drones can cut through the DoD's antiquated "planning, programming, budgeting and execution" (PPBE) system, which was designed for the much slower defense buildup of the Cold War and can take years to secure approvals for contractors.

"One of the most important things about what Ukraine has taught us is adaptability and the value of being able to scale quickly. The fact the Ukrainian military was able to develop drones in real time to respond to Russian countermeasures is amazing," says Schadlow, who thinks the Pentagon needs to streamline its red-tape-clogged contracting process, to use existing commercial manufacturing facilities to produce weapon systems, and to buy more commercial off-the-shelf parts.

Christian Brose, president of Anduril Industries, a tech company providing drone and other unmanned capabilities to the Pentagon, says the real solution will come "upstream" of the contracting process  in the secretary of defense's office, just as it did in Gates' day when he rushed through the MRAP. Gates' effort amounted to what one study called "the largest rapid military industrial mobilization since World War II."

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"He has to send the demand signal  this is what we want  and follow through to make sure it gets done, just as Gates did," says Brose, who watched that earlier drama up close as a policy adviser to then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Adds Schadlow: "What Sec. Hegseth can do is to say: 'Here are some obstacles, I'm going to get rid of them, and I'm going to do it within a year.'"

Michael Hirsh is the former foreign editor and chief diplomatic correspondent for Newsweek, and the former national editor for POLITICO Magazine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Dozens gathered outside the Rhode Island State House Friday evening for a vigil in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed earlier this week.

Kirk was shot Wednesday afternoon while visiting Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was speaking at a debate hosted by his conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.

The suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody following a frantic day-and-a-half search.

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The candlelit vigil at the State House was hosted by Rhode Island Turning Point USA.

RELATED: Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination expressed opposition to his views

Charlie Kirk was more than just a leader he was a hero who inspired countless young conservatives to live boldly, stand for freedom, and believe in America, Rhode Island Turning Point USA chairman Anthony DEllena said.

DEllena described the vigil as being an an opportunity for us to reflect, pray, and show love for a life that touched so many.

Rhode Island GOP chairman Joe Powers told 12 News the vigil is just one example of the movement Kirk created.

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When you see all these people in such a blue state showing up to honor a guy who started a conversation  I think its super encouraging, Powers said.

Timothy Sellers attended the vigil to honor everything that Kirk stood for.

He taught us about discourse again and brought it back to the forefront  a lot of people didnt know how to have a discussion with opposing opinions without getting violent. He showed people not only can you do that, but you can do that and be respectful, Sellers said.

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After calling upon the European Union earlier this week to consider imposing steep duties of up to 100 percent on perceived Russia allies, Washington is making another appeal to the Group of Seven.

On Friday, the United States Treasury Department reportedly pushed G7 membersincluding Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdomto levy meaningful tariffs on China and India as recourse for their purchases of Russian oil. The discussion took place at a planned meeting about stepping up the pressure on Russia to end its assault on Ukraine.

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In the administrations estimation, the sourcing of oil by the worlds two most populated nations has funded Russian aggression, providing a financial lifeline amid continued efforts by the Western world to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin and the countrys economy.

Chinese and Indian purchases of Russian oil are funding Putins war machine and prolonging the senseless killing of the Ukrainian people, a U.S. Treasury spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.

The agency confirmed that the administration had made it clear to the EU earlier this week that they need to step up and join the U.S. in imposing impactful duties in order to end the war. The Treasury spokesperson confirmed that the tariffs would be rescinded the day the war ends.

The promise provides an incentive for China and Indiaboth of which face steep tariffs already. As of the end of August, India faces 50 percent tariffs (among the highest of any U.S. trade partner), while Chinas 30 percent duties were deferred until Nov. 10 while Beijing and Washington work toward a deal.

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Speaking on Fox & Friends Friday, Trump said, Look, India was [Russias] biggest customer. I put a 50 percent tariff on India because theyre buying oil from Russia. Thats not an easy thing to do. Thats a big deal and it causes a rift with India.

Meanwhile, Indias government is rushing to the table for negotiations with the EU as Trump applies his pressure campaign.

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said the two countries are working with sincerity and commitment to finalize a free trade agreement before the end of the year.

The new FTA will open new avenues for Indian manufacturers to partner with their European counterparts and with companies from other parts of the world, thereby encouraging joint ventures, technology partnerships, and collaborative innovation, he said at a meeting of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association in New Delhi.

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EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security H.E. Maros Sefcovic, who attended the meeting, expressed confidence that a deal could be brokered before the end of December, in line with commitments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He told attendees that negotiations were proceeding with unprecedented momentum.

Also on Friday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took off on a weeklong sojourn across the pond where he aims to meet with trade partners, including the very target of the G7 meeting.

His plans include a trip to Madrid wherein he will meet with senior Chinese trade representatives including Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss key national security, economic, and trade issues of mutual interest, including TikTok and cooperating on money laundering networks that threaten both the United States and China.

He will also speak with Spanish officials about the bilateral U.S.-Spain trade relationship, and before returning to Washington, Bessent plans to travel to London to meet with British government counterparts and the private sector.
Drought continues to worsen in several parts of the country, meteorologists warned in early September as dry conditions are forecast for many areas later in the month, sparking additional fears about wildfires in the fire-prone West.

"The top story is the drought in the Western U.S. has gotten considerably worse from late June to early September," James Aman, senior meteorologist at environmental firm AEM, told USA TODAY.

How much worse? In June, 51% of the West was in a drought. Now it's ballooned to 64%, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Additionally, 100% of the giant Colorado River basin is now in a drought.

Northwest drought deepens

Specifically, the U.S. Drought Monitor now shows much deeper levels of drought in Washington State, northern Oregon, Idaho, and the western end of Montana.

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In Washington, the state has been forced to issue a drought declaration for an unprecedented third year in a row due to the ongoing dryness, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The report said that water storage in Washingtons five reservoirs in the Yakima River Basin has dropped sharply, bringing levels, at times, to some of the lowest measured since record-keeping started in 1971.

Elsewhere in the Northwest, northern Idaho and western Montana have been dealing with drought conditions for nearly three years.

Colorado River basin faces 100% drought

"Drought is also much worse in the central Rockies (west and southwest Wyoming, the west half of Colorado and all of Utah)," Aman said.

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Additionally, 100% of the Colorado River Basin is now in a drought, according to the Drought Monitor. The Colorado River Basin includes all of Arizona and parts of Colorado, California, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Nevada.

The parts of the basin in drought include large areas of "extreme" or "exceptional" drought in the Upper Basin, where most of the water supply comes from.

Downstream, ongoing worries about the giant reservoirs of the West, such as Lakes Mead and Powell, continue. In fact, water levels at Lake Powell, one of the main water storage reservoirs for the Colorado River Basin, could fall low enough to stop hydropower generation at the reservoir by December 2026, according to the NOAA report.

The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse. The river also serves Mexico and more than two dozen Native American tribes, produces hydropower, and supplies water to farms that grow most of the nations winter vegetables.

The sun rises over Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on July 10, 2025 in Page, Arizona. Lake Powell, a critical Colorado River reservoir, is only at a third of its capacity as drought conditions in the Southwest worsen.

Wildfire worries

With the worsening drought comes worries over wildfires. Currently there is "high fire danger" across many areas of the western U.S., especially in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and western and northern California, Aman said Sept. 11.

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"A dry weather pattern is likely to return for the middle of September in the Northwest U.S.," he said. "For September, this means above normal potential for wildfires in western Washington State, northwest Oregon, and much of California."

The U.S. Drought Monitor released Sept. 11, 2025, shows ongoing and worsening drought in the Western U.S., along with portions of the Midwest and New England.

Could this be a particularly bad fall for fires in California?

Wildfire danger shifts specifically to California over the next few months, Aman said. "For October, the above-normal fire risk shifts to western and Southern California. In November and December, the above normal fire risk is mainly confined to southern California.

"Remember that later autumn is a favored time for dry Santa Ana winds in southern California, that can enhance the fire risk."

Santa Ana winds are notorious for fires in Southern California. These winds, most common from September to May, pose a significant wildfire risk by drying out vegetation, the National Weather Service said.

Wildfire concerns are highest in parts of California, most of Hawaii and western North Carolina in October.

Drought concerns in the Midwest and Northeast

Widespread moderate drought has developed recently in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, where precipitation during August was well below normal (rainfall deficits of 3 to 5 inches).

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Declining soil moisture and low streamflow are leading to stress on crops and livestock in the Midwest, according to an online report from DTN Weather. "Low water levels in the Ohio River are also affecting river transportation on the Ohio and the Lower Mississippi waterways," the report said.

A NOAA drought report said "due to the potential for continued dry conditions and the return of above-normal temperatures by mid-September, drought is expected to persist through September across southeastern Missouri, far western Kentucky, southern and central Illinois, and Michigan. Further drought development is expected across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, northwest Kentucky, and southern Michigan."

In New England, "an area of severe drought is noted in Vermont, New Hampshire, and central and southern Maine. A return to below-normal rainfall is seen for mid-September in these areas, which could lead to some expansion or deepening of drought into mid-autumn," Aman said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drought spurs wildfire worries in parched West
WASHINGTON  Not long after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed by an assassin, President Donald Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles convened the White House staff to address a team in agony.

She faced a room full of red eyes, as if each had just lost a family member.

Kirk was more than just another MAGA ally. The 31-year-old star conservative influencer was a close friend to many White House aides, someone they knew personally, talked to regularly, admired enormously and so central to Trump's movement that he sometimes felt like a colleague or a brother.

Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025. Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Supporters gather to watch as a motorcade escorts the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. Gilbert resident Himan Munoz, 35, lays some flowers and a flag at a memorial set up to honor Charlie Kirk outside Hansen Mortuary on Sept. 11, 2025. Mourning the death of Charlie Kirk on Sept, 11, 2025, Edgar and Maria Arias of north Phoenix gather with dozens of people near Hansens Mortuary Chapel. Police watch over the exterior of Hansen Mortuary Chapelin Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. Luis Cadena (right) holds his wife, Lynnelle, as they look over at Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. Luis Cadena (right) prays with his wife, Lynnelle, as they look over at Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. People gather outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was escorted on Sept. 11, 2025. Rebekah Liptai leaves flowers outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in memory of Charlie Kirk in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Liptai said she listened to Kirk daily. Julie Angle (left) and John Dickson hold American flags across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. Julie Angle (left) and John Dickson hold American flags across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. John Dickson holds the American flag as he looks across at the motorcade outside Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix where Charlie Kirk's body was brought on Sept. 11, 2025. People gather outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Christal Enriquez (L) and her son Mathew hold American flags in memory of Charlie Kirk across the street from Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 11, 2025. Flowers are placed for Charlie Kirk outside of Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. See the emotional moment when Charlie Kirk's wife passes mourners as his body is moved 1 of 28 Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.

"Go home. Hug your children. Hug your spouse. Be careful. Take precautions. And don't let your voice get softer," Wiles said she told the White House staff, recounting the meeting on The Scott Jennings Radio Show. "Charlie would want everybody to speak as they had been and more."

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On Sept. 10, news spread quickly in the White House that Kirk was shot. Some saw the alerts on televisions in the West Wing, others on social media, according to White House staffers who discussed the events on the condition of anonymity. Staffers frantically searched for updates on his condition. They hoped and prayed for the best. Nearly two hours later their worst fears were confirmed. Some cried when they learned Kirk had died.

It was Trump who broke the news to the public in a post on his Truth Social account.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump wrote. "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."

More: How Charlie Kirk became a key ally, advisor, and activist for Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump greets Charlie Kirk before participating in a forum called Generation Next at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, U.S., March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis

More: Charlie Kirk was a symbol for many young people. Now what?

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The president recalled in a Sept. 12 appearance on "Fox & Friends" his shock and disbelief as aides interrupted a meeting he was having with architects overseeing the construction of the White House ballroom to tell him that Kirk had been shot and was presumed to be deceased.

"And they came in, and they said, 'Charlie Kirk is dead.' I didn't know what they meant," Trump said.

Trump said he'd be attending Kirk's funeral services next week, which are expected to take place in Phoenix, where Turning Point USA, the youth activist organization Kirk co-founded, has its headquarters.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, flew Kirk's widow, Erika, and casket from Salt Lake City to Phoenix in Air Force Two on Sept. 11. The Kirks have two young children.

Some White House staffers came from Kirk's youth pipeline

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk (C) stands in the back of the room as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has announced Pirro, a former Fox News personality, judge, prosecutor, and politician, after losing support in the Senate for his first choice, Ed Martin, over his views on the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Wiles was tapped as the first female White House chief of staff because of her political acumen, having helped lead Trump to victory in the 2024 election as his co-campaign manager. But on this day  the worst one of of Trump's second term  Wiles was there to console, not strategize.

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"He was very close to many of us. And even those who were not his good friends, we knew him. He was so much help on the campaign," Wiles said. "No question, there's a sadness here."

The White House has treated Kirk's death as a death in the MAGA family. Not only did Trump announce his passing, two days later, on Sept. 12, Trump broke the news that the suspect was in custody.

Vance canceled a scheduled appearance at Ground Zero on 9/11 to fly to Utah to pay his respects to Kirk's family. A close personal friend of Kirk's, Vance said in a 963-word tribute on X that Kirk was a good man and true friend, who was there for him when he ran for the U.S. Senate and when he was tapped to be Trump's running mate.

Charlie Kirk (L), Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle listen as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. December 21, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis

"Charlie was constantly calling and texting, checking on our family and offering guidance and prayers," Vance said. "He wasn't just a thinker, he was a doer, turning big ideas into bigger events with thousands of activists."

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Kirk was the inspiration of some of the youngest White House aides to get involved in the MAGA movement. Multiple White House officials arrived in their current jobs after working at Turning Point USA, the conservative outreach group that Kirk led and co-founded to energize Republicans on college campuses.

The mood at the White House was sullen and somber in the days after Kirk's death, with some aides wearing black as they mourned the youth leader. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and said he'd posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Devastation and grief coursed through the building, where the president and his aides were in a state of shock.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, laughs after U.S. President Donald Trump said that if he could go back in time and give himself advice at age 25 it would be to not run for president, during a youth forum titled Generation Next, at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Trump made a previously planned trip to New York City to attend a Yankees game on 9/11  the team held a moment of silence for Kirk the evening before  and remained overnight at his private home. He said the next morning on Fox that couldn't bring himself to watch the horrific video of Kirk's slaying.

"I didn't want to watch it," Trump said. "I didn't want to remember Charlie that way."

Kirk was 'like a little brother,' says Trump son

For the past decade, Kirk had been a force recruiting young conservatives to run for office and and join the MAGA movement.

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After his election victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in 2024, Trump credited Kirk with helping him make major inroads among young voters, particularly young male voters, a demographic that has long been a strength for Democrats.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Charlie Kirk introduces U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance on stage during the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball at the Salamander Hotel on January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

"Charlie had a magic over the kids, and large numbers of them, " Trump said on Fox News. "I've never seen anything like it."

Trump said his youngest son, Barron, 19, was a fan of Kirk's. "He was very hurt when he saw this."

The president's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., said in an emotional X post that Kirk wasnt just a close friend  "he was like a little brother to me - and to millions of people around the world - he was a true inspiration."

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"This is an unimaginable loss. For me, for his family, for everyone who loved him, and for America. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed more than words can ever say  but your legacy will never be forgotten and we will keep fighting the good fight," Trump Jr. wrote.

FBI Director Kash Patel struggled to hold back tears Friday as he paid tribute to Kirk at a news conference in Utah on the arrest of the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

"To my friend Charlie Kirk, rest now, brother," Patel said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White House in agony as Trump, aides mourn Charlie Kirk
In Malawi, millions of residents are being displaced as worsening droughts linked to rising global temperatures force families to abandon their homes and farmland, according to The Guardian.

People are constantly on the move in search of water, reshaping entire communities as access to this vital resource disappears.

What's happening?

In this agriculture-based southeastern African nation, 80% of locals use rain-fed irrigation, according to the nonprofit Tiyeni. With temperatures increasing globally, and this bringing drought and amplified El Nino effects in the region, farming has become increasingly unsustainable.

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Farmers like Julius Chibonda say "it hurts" to see drought-stricken land lose the capacity to grow crops. "It's a distressing sight because water is life  Without water, nothing can exist," he told The Guardian through an interpreter.

In January 2025, his fortune took a turn when  like many Malawians  he moved north, his second transfer in about 16 months, according to the news outlet.

This time, his new home has access to irrigation pumped from Lake Malawi. The regular water supply allowed him to successfully grow sugarcane, bananas, and cabbage.

Why is drought displacement concerning?

Drought-induced migration is not confined to Africa. Due to extreme weather that is amplified by the planet's overheating, people worldwide relocate in search of more stable incomes and food sources.

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Countries across Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and the Caribbean are also facing internal migration. Similar to Malawi, most resettlement occurred among agricultural households, according to papers in the npj Climate Action and Global Environmental Change Journal.

A recent report by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis said this movement pressures host communities  typically urban areas  to provide infrastructure, health services, and social support for people displaced by drought and water scarcity.

What's being done about drought in Malawi?

ReliefWeb noted in a release that the Malawi government has been working with the World Bank to fund smart agriculture, research, and policy-making to enhance climate resilience.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Meanwhile, nonprofit organizations like DanChurchAid helped build cost-effective irrigation, including irrigation systems that ease Malawi struggles, France 24 reported.

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Broader resilience work is also underway. In 2023, the International Organization for Migration in Malawi said the country and other African states signed an agreement urging other nations to work together on climate-related migration and related issues.

Individuals can support charities aiding drought-hit communities, advocate for stronger local water conservation policies, and reduce water use at home through efficient appliances and water-saving practices.

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.
In the seven months he campaigned for mayor of Boston, Josh Kraft criss-crossed the city, spending days meeting business leaders in West Roxbury, community members in Mattapan, new restaurateurs in Roxbury and everywhere in between.

Mayor Michelle Wu did much of the same and more, her jam-packed schedule taking her far and wide across Boston for visits to the citys full slate of neighborhoods.

Yet some neighborhoods drew more attention than others from the two leading candidates.

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The public schedules of the two Democrats, who were set to face off in the Nov. 4 general election before Kraft dropped out of the race Thursday, begin to tell the story of this years contentious mayoral race.

Paired with results from Tuesdays preliminary election, the schedules show where the candidates spent time and sought out voters, and where the voters they courted delivered.

To determine where the candidates campaigned, MassLive reviewed public schedules for both Kraft and Wu dating back to when Kraft, the former head of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and son of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, declared his candidacy in early February.

He did so in Dorchester, the citys largest neighborhood with 123,000 residents and one of its most diverse. There, and throughout the campaign, Kraft accused Wu of tuning out the concerns of residents and business owners and acting as if she alone has all the answers on the citys housing crisis, schools, bike lanes and other issues.

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In the weeks that followed, the campaign took Kraft across Boston: to a social services center in South Boston, to a Chinese New Years party in Chinatown, to a middle school debate tournament in Roxbury and many more stops along the way.

Kraft made frequent campaign visits to Roxbury  the heart of Bostons Black community, where he established his campaign headquarters in March  and devoted many other days to events in Dorchester, South Boston and Downtown.

The mayors schedule over the same period, meanwhile, also shows numerous events in Dorchester, Roxbury and Downtown, where City Hall is located, along with more frequent stops than Kraft in the Back Bay, Fenway, Mattapan and a wide array of other neighborhoods.

Across the board, those neighborhoods delivered for Wu on Tuesday.

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After winning 19 of 22 city election wards in her first mayoral campaign four years ago, Wu swept them this time around. She earned a whopping 72% of the vote and cleared Krafts vote tally by nearly 50 percentage points.

For the most complete picture of where the mayor has visited this year, MassLive reviewed both Wus campaign schedule and her mayoral schedule since Kraft entered the race.

The mayor scheduled fewer campaign stops than Kraft this election cycle, though her days have been filled with far more overall speeches, ceremonies, meetings and other events tied to the official duties of running a city.

Wu formally launched her first reelection bid in the South End two months after Kraft entered the race.

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Now is not the time for a mayor who needs on-the-job training, she said then, alluding to the escalating scrutiny of the city by the Trump administration and its allies, particularly over immigration policy.

In her official capacity, the mayor has spread her time across Boston.

Along with numerous events in Dorchester and Roxbury, Wus schedule shows her visiting Fenway and the Back Bay a combined 30 times, far more often than Krafts three public trips to the neighborhoods during his campaign.

She hit Mattapan, Charlestown and Jamaica Plain each at least a dozen times, swung through the North End and South Boston each 11 times, and visited every Boston neighborhood at least once after Kraft entered the race, the schedules show.

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Both candidates public schedules show only a snapshot of their campaigns and where they have spent time.

Many events and meetings in which a candidate or mayor participates go unannounced. But the schedule reflects the portions of a public figures day that they and their staff want to broadcast to voters through the media, offering some glimpse of the issues and constituencies they value.

Where were Wus voters in 2021?

When Wu won the mayors office in 2021 over her fellow city councilor Annissa Essaibi George, she dominated across much of the city, winning with 64% of the vote.

Wu performed strongly in Bostons voter-heavy 18th and 19th wards, which draw from the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Wus home in Roslindale. Of the roughly 25,000 votes cast there, Wu took nearly 18,000, or about 72%.

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She also won handily in other parts of Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, Allston-Brighton, the South End, Roxbury, Fenway, the Back Bay and northern sections of Dorchester on her way to a commanding city-wide victory.

Where Wu faltered, however, was in South Boston and the southern sections of Dorchester, which went for Essaibi George. Charlestown was close. So was the vast, populous 20th ward, encompassing West Roxbury and parts of Roslindale, where Wu took a narrow majority of votes.

2025 results show where voters delivered

Wu dominated on Tuesday across much of the city, winning all but three wards with 60% or more of the vote.

Across the 10 wards that include various pieces of Roxbury and Dorchester, neighborhoods where Wu had a combined 75 events on her public schedule over the last seven months, she won 70% of the vote. Four years ago, she won 64% in those areas.

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In the two wards covering Fenway and Back Bay, also among the most common neighborhoods on Wus public schedule, she won with 73% and 71% of the vote. In both cases, she improved her margin by two percentage points from four years ago.

In the 18th and 19th wards, Wu cleaned up again with Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale and Mattapan voters. She held more than a dozen events in J.P. and Mattapan each since Kraft entered the race in February, plus seven in Roslindale and six in Hyde Park, and together won the two vote-heavy wards by a combined margin of 81% to 15% over Kraft.

Wu held five public events in West Roxbury in recent months, fewer than many other neighborhoods. But she prevailed Tuesday in the 20th ward, winning 65% of the vote after taking 52% four years ago.

Krafts schedule showed three visits to Charlestown, to Wus 12. She won the neighborhoods ward with 62% of the vote, about 10 percentage points better than in 2021.

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Krafts 16 visits to Dorchester made the neighborhood the most frequent stop on his public schedule. On Tuesday, he lost the 16th ward  the largest in Dorchester  40.7% to 54.5%. In 2021, Essaibi George won the ward with roughly 60% of the vote.

Only in two neighborhoods  South Boston and Hyde Park  did Krafts schedule show more events than Wus or the same number.

In Hyde Park, he lost the citys 18th ward 18.6% to 76.1%.

South Boston was one of his most-visited neighborhoods, according to the public schedule. The neighborhood was the closest of any in the city for Kraft, but he still lost its two wards by a combined 43% to 51%.

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It was in Southie, at the Iron Workers Local 7 Hall, that Kraft addressed supporters after polls closed Tuesday night.

Wus margin was pushing close to 50 percentage points, but Kraft pledged to continue competing.

Listen, I believe in life theres always a path, he said Tuesday night. Its just hard work and sweat equity.

Two days later, he suspended the campaign, effectively handing Wu a second term.

More on Boston's 2025 race for mayor

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After several months of fierce fighting, Ukraine says it has stopped a Russian advance in north-east Ukraine.

"As of today, we can state that the Russian offensive operation in (the Sumy region) has been completely foiled by our forces," President Volodymyr Zelenskyi wrote in a post on Telegram following a consultation with the army leadership, including army commander-in-chief Olexander Syrskyi.

The fighting in the border areas was continuing, but the Russian group was no longer in a position to attack, Zelensky asserted.

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In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again declared that the Russian army should conquer a buffer zone of around 10 kilometres in the Ukrainian border region of Sumy.

This was intended to prevent Ukrainian advances, including into the western Russian region of Kursk, as was the case last year.

According to Ukrainian military observers, Russian troops continue to control more than 200 square kilometres in the Sumy region.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than three and a half years with Western help.

Including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, almost a fifth of Ukraine's territory is now under Russian control.
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
Tomas J. Philipson is an economist at the University of Chicago and served as a member and acting chairman of the presidents Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2020.
Lenny Kravitz approves of his daughters new romance with Harry Styles.

Lenny Kravitz approves of Zoe Kravitz / Harry Styles romance

The 61-year-old musician recently met his daughter Zoe Kravitz and her new boyfriend Harry for lunch in New York and friends revealed he gave popstar Harry his seal of approval.

A source told PEOPLE: Friends of Lenny say he is very protective of Zoe, but it really seemed like he enjoyed meeting Harry. From what people could tell, he thought Harry was polite, down to earth and genuinely interested in getting to know the family.

"Lenny has always wanted Zoe to be with someone who respects her, and it looked like he felt Harry does. They were laughing a lot at lunch, and it came across that Lenny appreciated Harrys sense of humour. He likes when someone can keep things light."

Lenny, Harry, 31 and Zoe, 36, enjoyed a lunch outing at Sant Ambroeus in Manhattan's SoHo and Lenny is all for the new romance.

The insider added: Lenny's not the type to rave, but the vibe was that he was comfortable with Harry and for Lenny, that says a lot.

"At the end of the day, what matters most to him is seeing Zoe with someone who really appreciates her. Hes not the type to meddle, and from the way friends saw it, if Harry keeps treating Zoe this way, Lennys all for it.

Zoe and Harry were first linked when they were spotted on a romantic stroll together in Rome last month and they have since enjoyed a trip to New York together.

Harrys last serious relationship was with actress Taylor Russell, who he split from in May 2024.

Zoe divorced actor Karl Glusman in August 2021, while she and actor Channing Tatum called time on their year-long engagement in October 2024.

She was most recently linked to Caught Stealing co-star Austin Butler.
Countdown to the 15th National Games: Follow the little seal and experience Guangzhou up close

On Guangzhou Bridge, small groups of tourists hold up their phones, searching for the perfect angle to take photos with "Le Rongrong" and the Canton Tower.

2025-09-12 20:52:54
The government has allowed companies that released stock before September 22 to neither recall it nor put new labels on it. However, it must be ensured that consumers are charged only the revised prices at the retail level.
Sushila Karki has once again made history in Nepal. From becoming the countrys first female Chief Justice in 2016 to being appointed interim Prime Minister on September 12, 2025. Known for her honest and fearless decisions, Sushila has always stood against corruption and political pressure. Being independent from party politics, she is seen as a fair leader in Nepal who represents change. Her journey makes her not just a leader, but also an inspiration for women across Nepal.
During a speech addressing Israels bombing in Qatar, Neuer was interrupted by Pakistans representative. In just four seconds, the human rights lawyer shot back and termed Pakistan as another state sponsor of terror.
The Supreme Court has asked the central government to clear its stand on controlling parties that promise to distribute free items during elections. The court said that this is a very serious matter. After all, why is the government hesitant to clarify its stand on this. The Supreme Court has asked the Central Government to ask the Finance Commission for its opinion on this matter and inform the court.
Liam Hemsworths family has been urging him to propose to Gabriella Brooks for years.

Liam Hemsworths family thrilled by Gabriella Brooks engagement

The 35-year-old actor started dating model Gabriella, 29, in 2019, just months after splitting from first wife Miley Cyrus, and his family are over the moon about their recent engagement.

A source told PEOPLE: "His family loved her right away. She's very sweet and genuine. Their relationship is relaxed and incredibly special. His family has been telling him for a while that he should propose.

"Liam was coming out the marriage with Miley when he met Gabriella. They both grew up in Australia and were introduced by friends. He really liked her right away, but he was also hesitant to be in a relationship so soon after his separation."

Meanwhile, Gabriella previously described her relationship with Liam as "sacred" and said it was important to them both to keep things as private as possible.

Speaking to Australia's Daily Telegraph's Stellar magazine, she shared: My personal relationship is very, very important and very sacred to me.

I completely understand [the interest in her relationship]. But at the end of the day, I guess I just like having that for me.

My personal relationship is very, very important and very sacred to me, she added, also expressing her love for Hemsworths family.

But hes great. They [the Hemsworths] are great.

They are the most beautiful people and Im very lucky to know them.

Miley, 32, and Liam first started dating after meeting on the set of 2010 movie The Last Song and she previously recalled the "undeniable" chemistry she had with her future husband.

She said in a series of TikTok videos: "In 2008, I needed to do another feature film for Disney, and I didnt want it to be a part of Hannah Montana.

"Once we had written the screenplay, it was time to audition all the guys who would play Will, my boyfriend in the movie. We had gotten it down from thousands to the final three, and Liam was a part of that final three.

"I think one of the elements that made that movie feel so special was it was watching two very young people fall in love with each other, which was happening in real time and in real life, so the chemistry was undeniable. And that was the beginning of a long, 10-year relationship."
Prince Harry has urged veterans to "open up" to their loved ones.

Prince Harry urged veterans to open up

The Duke of Sussex made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Friday (12.09.25) in his role as founder and patron of the Invictus Games Foundation and during a panel discussion, he noted how "lost" wounded service personnel can feel when their military days are over and urged them to reach out to those who want to offer support.

According to People magazine, he said: "You will feel lost at times, like you lack purpose, but however dark those days are, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

You just need to look for it, because there will always be someone  a mother, father, sibling, friend, or comrade  there to pick you up.

"Don't stay silent. Silence will hold you in the dark. Open up to your friends and family, because in doing so, you give them permission to do the same."

Harry - who served in the British Army for a decade and undertook two tours of Afghanistan - also paid tribute to the families of service personnel for the sacrifices they make too.

He said: The wives and mothers who keep their loved ones on the straight and narrow  they deserve as much respect as anyone who serves.

Harry's day in Kyiv also included a private meeting with Ukraines Minister for Veterans Affairs, Natalia Kalmykova, where Harry discussed how the Invictus Games Foundation could continue to support wounded veterans, and he reiterated his personal commitment to the community during a separate private meeting with the country's Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko.

Harry was joined on the panel by Invictus Team Ukraines Captain Olexiy Tiunin, Invictus Games Foundation Chief Programmes + Strategy Officer David Wiseman, and Superhumans Center leaders Rudneva and Andriy Stavnitser.

Earlier in the day, he had attended a fundraising lunch to help Superhumans - which helps support the recovery and rehabilitation of seriously wounded Ukrainian service personnel - expand their network with up to five new centres.

The 40-year-old royal ended his visit by laying a wreath in honour of the Ukrainians who have lost their lives during the ongoing war with Russia.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A fisherman walks to his boat in Santa Rosa, Peru, an island on the Amazon River on Aug. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ivan Valencia, File

Every time humans cut into the Amazon rainforest or burn or destroy parts of it, they're making people sick.

It's an idea Indigenous people have lived by for thousands of years. Now a new study in the journal Communications Earth & Environment adds to the scientific evidence supporting it, by finding that instances of several diseases were lowered in areas where forest was set aside for Indigenous peoples who maintained it well.

With the United Nations climate summit set for Brazil in November, the study authors and outside experts said the work highlights the stakes for people around the world as negotiators try to address climate change. Belem, the city hosting the conference, is known as the gateway to the Amazon, and many who will be attending, from activists to delegates, think the role of Indigenous communities in climate action and conservation will be highlighted in a distinct way.

"The 'forest man' or 'man forest,' according to the Indigenous perspective, has always been linked to the reciprocity between human health and the natural environment where one lives," said Francisco Hernandez Cayetano, president of the Federation of Ticuna and Yagua Communities of the Lower Amazon, or FECOTYBA, in the Peruvian Amazon. "If each state does not guarantee the rights and territories of Indigenous peoples, we would inevitably be harming their health, their lives, and the ecosystem itself."

That harm can look like respiratory diseases such as asthma caused by toxic air pollution after fires, or illnesses that spread from animals to humans such as malaria, said Paula Prist, a senior program coordinator for the Forest and Grasslands Unit at the International Union for Conservation of Nature and one of the study authors.

The researchers compiled and analyzed data on forest quality, legal recognition of Indigenous territory and disease incidence in the countries that border and include the Amazon.

Outside experts weigh in

The work was "impressive" to University of Washington health and climate scientist Kristie Ebi. She said it highlighted the complexity of factors that affect human health, and the importance of understanding the role Indigenous communities play in shaping it. "Using these methods, others could study other parts of the world," she said.

Firefighters work to put out a blaze in the Amazon forest during a drought and high temperatures in the rural municipality of Careiro Castanho, Amazonas state, Brazil, Oct. 21, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File

The researchers found creative ways to account for other variables that can affect the spread of diseases, like access to health care in a given area, said Magdalena Hurtado, an anthropology and global health professor at Arizona State University and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences who was not involved with the study. But she expressed concern that the findings were presented with a precision that may not be warranted, given that they were based on correlation and use data on observations that can be difficult to measure.

"They claim that Indigenous territories only protect health when forest cover is above 40%. And so that that feels like, why 40%? Why not 35? Or why not a range?" she asked. "It doesn't mean that the study is wrong, but it means that we need to be cautious because the patterns could change if different, more precise methods were used."

Still, she thinks this is a starting point that could open the door to future research. "They are actually doing something quite beautiful," empirically connecting the legal recognition of Indigenous lands to human health outcomes, she said.

Hernandez, of FECOTYBA, said that's important for the global policymakers who are coming to Brazil.

"From my Indigenous perspective, I think that this type of study would make our ancestral knowledge more visible and precise," he said.

There's a strong body of evidence showing that Indigenous land tenure helps maintain intact forests, but the paper shows it's important to maintain forest outside of Indigenous-stewarded areas as well, said James MacCarthy, a wildfire research manager with the Global Forest Watch team at the World Resources Institute who worked on a new report on extreme wildfires and the role of Indigenous communities in addressing them, and who was not involved with the study.

Landscapes that produce benefits, and don't harm human health

Prist said the goal of the study was to understand how landscapes can be healthy for people, but that it would be naive to suggest that all forest landscapes stay exactly as they are, especially with the land needs of farming and livestock production.

Ashaninka's territory sits along the winding Amonia River in Acre state, Brazil, June 22, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File

The world needs landscapes that provide economic services, but also services that protect people's health, she said.

For Julia Barreto, an ecologist and data scientist who also worked on the study, it stood out to be part of a team of scientists from different nations working to make information publicly accessible and to bring attention to the Amazon.

"It is not only one country, and the whole world is depending on it somehow," she said.

More information Indigenous Territories can safeguard human health depending on the landscape structure and legal status, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02620-7 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment

Key medical concepts Asthma Malaria Zoonoses

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

US states with reported wild, domestic, or captive animals exposed to Trypanosoma cruzi locally; states with reported autochthonous human Chagas disease; and all states with reported triatomines in assessment of Chagas disease as endemic to the United States. Credit: Emerging Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.3201/eid3109.241700

Kissing bugs may sound charming, but with one bite, these insects can spread a dangerous parasitic infection: Chagas disease. Affecting more than 7 million people worldwide, mostly in Latin America, the disease should now be considered endemic or regularly occurring in the United States, according to a new report.

In the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, the report's authors note Chagas disease is already endemic in 21 countries across the Americasand point to mounting evidence of the disease-causing parasite being found among triatomines (aka "kissing bugs"), other wildlife, captive animals and pets in the U.S.

U.S.-acquired cases have been reported in eight states, "most notably in Texas," the report said, adding that calling the U.S. a non-endemic country "perpetuates low awareness and underreporting."

Texas has documented cases of Chagas disease, also known as kissing bug disease, since the 1930s. The first case known to have been acquired in the U.S. happened in Corpus Christi in 1955. From 2013 to 2023, Texas health officials recorded 273 cases of Chagas disease in the state, 51 locally acquired. North Texas counties, including Dallas, have reported cases, but all infections were contracted elsewhere.

Chagas disease shouldn't be a big concern for Dallas-Fort Worth residents, said Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease specialist at UT Southwestern, and Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County's Health and Human Services. But awareness matters.

Here's what to know:

What causes Chagas disease?

Chagas is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a comma-shaped blood parasite found across the Americas; in the U.S., it appears mostly in the South. According to the World Health Organization, the infection leads to more than 10,000 deaths every year.

How it spreads is a bit gross: After a kissing bug sucks an infected animal's blood, the parasite enters the bug's guts and turns into an infective form that's shed in the bug's feces.

"The parasite eats so much blood that its size increases tenfold," said Igor Almeida, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, who has spent decades studying Chagas disease. "This causes pressure on the intestine of the bugs, forcing not only feces but also urine to come out together."

If infected feces from a kissing bug are rubbed into a biteor get into an eye or the mouththe parasite can enter the body of its new host. (The kissing bug gets its name from the belief that it mostly bites around the mouth or eyes, like a kiss.)

Other routes of infection include contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and swallowing food or drink tainted with infected bugs or their feces, said Rosa Maldonado, another professor of biological sciences at UTEP who has spent decades studying Chagas disease.

Where is Chagas disease found in Texas?

Chagas cases turn up across Texas. But locally acquired infectionscaught here rather than during travel elsewherecluster in south-central and south Texas, said Bonny Mayes, an epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

A wide range of Texas wildlife carries the disease-causing parasite, including about half of the kissing bugs tested in the state, said Gabriel Hamer, an entomology professor at Texas A&M University and co-author of the new report. In North Texas, however, the most common species of kissing bug is less efficient than other species at passing the parasite to people.

That species, called the eastern bloodsucking conenose, "might wait a bit longer to poop," Hamer said, "and that just means humans are a little bit less likely to get exposed."

Kissing bugs are nocturnal. By day they wedge into cracks and crevicesin walls, roofs and other hideouts. At night they emerge to feed, homing in on sleeping hosts.

"Most exposure of animals would be outside," Hamer said. "But the adult kissing bug can flythey're attracted to light. They do end up indoors fairly regularly. So it's definitely possible for dogs or humans to get exposed inside."

Warming temperatures are pushing some disease-carrying insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, into new territory. Whether that's happening with kissing bugs is unclear, Hamer said. They favor tropical and subtropical climates, and the data is too limited to show a shift in distribution due to a lack of standardized monitoring, Hamer said.

How is Chagas disease diagnosed and treated?

Once infected with Chagas, the disease unfolds in two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase occurs in the first weeks to months after infection and often has no symptoms. When the acute phase does have symptoms, they're usually mild and can include fever, fatigue and body aches; sometimes, there can be eyelid swelling, called the Romana sign.

About 20% to 30% of asymptomatic people can develop complications, Kuppalli said, the most common being problems with the heart or the digestive system. These issues stem from the fact that the parasite tends to hide in the heart and digestive muscles, according to the WHO.

When an acute infection goes untreated or isn't successfully treated, chronic Chagas can develop and last for several years, even a lifetime.

Babies born with Chagas disease typically show mild or no symptoms, but if left untreated, the infection will last a lifetime, according to the CDC.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important because antiparasitic drugs work best in this window.

Tests for acute disease include a blood smear and genetic testing for the parasite's DNA, the latter of which is far more specific and sensitive, Mayes said.

Two federally approved antiparasitic treatmentsbenznidazole and nifurtimox work best in the acute phase, although side effects can limit how well people tolerate treatment, Mayes said. Once infection becomes chronic, these drugs generally don't cure Chagas; they may, however, reduce parasite levels and help slow disease progression.

More information Norman L. Beatty et al, Chagas Disease, an Endemic Disease in the United States, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.3201/eid3109.241700. Journal information: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Key medical concepts Trypanosoma cruzi

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The characteristics of type 2 diabetes vary from patient to patient and it has been proposed that the condition is made up of four subtypes. Now, new research presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna, Austria (1519 September) shows that smoking increases the risk of the condition, regardless of subtype.

The researchers in Sweden, Norway and Finland also found that people with a genetic susceptibility to develop diabetes seem more vulnerable to the adverse effects of smoking.

It has previously been suggested that type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be divided into the following subtypes: SIRD (severe insulin-resistant diabetes), characterized by insulin resistance (where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin and can't easily take up glucose from the blood); SIDD (severe insulin-deficient diabetes), characterized by a lack of insulin; MOD (mild obesity-related diabetes), associated with obesity and younger age of onset; and MARD (mild age-related diabetes) which develops later in life.

Severity, prognosis and risk of complications differ across the subtypes but it is not clear if they have different risk factors.

To find out more, Emmy Keysendal, a Ph.D. student at Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues examined the link between smoking, which is already known to be a potent risk factor for T2D in general, and other forms of tobacco use, and the various subtypes of T2D.

The researchers used data on 3,325 individuals with T2D (495 SIDD, 477 SIRD, 693 MOD and 1660 MARD) and 3,897 controls from a long-running diabetes study in Norway (average follow-up time of 17 years) and a case-control study in Sweden.

They found that ever smokers (current and past smokers) were at higher risk of all four sub-types of T2D than those who had never smoked. The link between smoking and SIRD was particularly strong.

Ever smokers were more than twice as likely (2.15 times) as never smokers to develop SIRD. This compares with increases in risk of 20% for SIDD, 29% for MOD and 27% for MARD.

Smoking was estimated to be responsible for more than a third of SIRD cases, but less than 15% of the other diabetes subtypes (SIDD, MOD and MARD).

Smoking heavily (15 pack-years/20 cigarettes a day for 15 years or equivalent) further increased the risk of all four subtypes. Heavy smokers were 2.35 times more likely to develop SIRD than never smokers and 52%, 57% and 45% more likely develop SIDD, MOD and MARD, respectively.

Interestingly, the data on men in Sweden suggested that heavy use of snus, a smokeless tobacco product popular in Scandinavian countries, was linked to increased risk of the severe subtypes SIDD (19% higher risk) and SIRD (13% higher risk) compared to never users of snus.

The study also explored whether smoking further increased the risk in individuals with a genetic predisposition to T2D, insulin resistance or reduced insulin secretion.

This showed that heavy smokers with genetic predisposition to T2D or reduced insulin secretion were particularly vulnerable.

For example, those who smoked heavily and had a high genetic risk for impaired insulin secretion had more than three times the risk (3.52-fold) of developing SIRD compared to those without these risk factors.

The researchers concluded that smoking increases the risk of T2D, whatever the subtype.

Ms Keysendal adds, "It is clear that smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, whatever the subtype. That is regardless of whether the diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, lack of insulin, obesity or old age.

"The strongest association was seen for the subtype characterized by severe insulin resistance (SIRD), which suggests that smoking may contribute to diabetes by impairing the body's ability to respond to insulin.

"Our findings emphasize the importance of smoking cessation in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. They also indicate that genetic information may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from extra support in stopping smoking."

Key medical concepts Diabetes Type 2

Provided by European Association for the Study of Diabetes
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Although Black men die of prostate cancer at twice the rate of the rest of U.S. males, this fact often is not known or considered during appointments with their primary-care clinicians to discuss a common screening test.

The new qualitative study published this week in JAMA Network Open showed that Black men often view their primary-care providers as the gatekeepers to receiving a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which is the first step to screening for prostate cancer.

"There is an often-used phrase, 'Prostate cancer is a cancer one dies with; it's not a disease you die from,'" said the study's lead author, Jenney Lee, a senior research scientist in urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

"And to a point that is true in that, in many cases, prostate cancer is slow growing."

But the 29 Black men interviewed for this study related that, in many instances, their providers dismissed the PSA test as unnecessary and did not have the background knowledge that Black men are highly at risk for this type of cancer.

Black men also tend to be diagnosed at an earlier age, and at a later stage of disease than other men.

"Which is why we are focused on PSA screening to catch the disease earlier, when it is more treatable," Lee said.

"This is why these conversations (about PSA testing) really need to be happening," she said. "If we can get Black men screened in their 40s rather than in their 50s, the mortality rate due to prostate cancer drops by up to 30%."

The incidence of prostate cancer among Black men in the United States is 60% to 80% higher than in men of other races. Their mortality rate is twice that of non-Black men.

Interview participants, all in the Puget Sound region of Washington state, reported a lack of trusted relationships with their primary-care clinician to support shared decision-making.

While both urologists and primary-care professionals were highly aware of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, those in primary-care were much less likely than urologists to believe in the value of PSA testing or the role of early detection to prevent prostate-cancer related mortality, the study authors noted.

In fact, only 6% of the primary-care clinicians said in their surveys that they considered PSA testing as playing a significant role in reducing prostate cancer mortality, authors noted.

"That lower percentage surprised us," Lee said.

Aside from patient interviews, the study authors sent online surveys to 63 physicians and urologists in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The study was conducted between Sept. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2023.

To be fair, primary-care professionals have received mixed messages about prostate cancer and the value of PSA tests, Lee said. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) ranks the test as a "C," or recommended in some cases. And it has no rating that specifically focuses on high-risk groups, such as Black men, according to its website.

In contrast, the American Urological Association recommends a 2- to 4-year screening interval for men ages 50 to 69 with average risk. Screening may be offered to high-risk men, which includes Black men, beginning at ages 40 to 50, according to the association's website.

The American Cancer Society recommends that Black men start conversations about prostate cancer screening, including PSA testing, at age 45, or 40 if there's a family history of cancer.

Dr. Yaw Nyame, UW Medicine urologist and senior author of the study, hopes that the USPSTF might upgrade its recommendation or make a specific recommendation for underserved communities such as Black men. Nyame is also a physician at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

The site acknowledges that an update to the guidance is pending.

"This paper shows that we are not applying this lens to Black patients as much as we should," Nyame said. "Healthy Black males should have a screening if they wish.

In our study, we found that this request was often met with resistance, that the primary- care providers didn't believe in PSA testing," he added. "In bigger picture, we need to revisit how we view prostate-cancer screening in these communities."

Lee suggested that primary-care providers might shy away from recommending a PSA test for fear of a false positive result, which might lead to more expensive and invasive testing. But given the highly at-risk nature of Black patients, this caution may need to be set aside, she said

"We know this is a hot button issue in many medical communities. But this is a discussion that needs to be had."

More information Jenney R. Lee et al, Patient and Physician Perceptions of Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Among Black Individuals, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.30946 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

Key medical concepts Prostatic Neoplasms
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:

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a news conference, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File

Federal health officials intend to award a contract to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to investigate whether there is a link between vaccinations and autism, according to a government procurement notice.

The Troy, New York, engineering school is getting the no-bid contract because of its "unique ability" to link data on children and mothers, according to the notice posted this week.

Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to questions about the notice, including how much the contract is for or what exactly the researchers intend to do.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading voice in the antivaccine movement before President Donald Trump selected him to oversee federal health agencies, announced in April a "massive testing and research effort" to determine the cause of autism by this month. He has repeatedly tried to link vaccines to the condition.

An RPI biotech engineering professor, Juergen Hahn, has used artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to look for patterns in blood samples of children with autism. Hahn "is renowned for the quality and rigor of his research," RPI officials said in a statement acknowledging the intended grant.

"If this project is awarded, he intends to publish the results of his work at the conclusion of the project," the statement added.

The Associated Press left messages seeking comment from Hahn.

The notice raises many questions, said Alycia Halladay, who oversees research activities and grants for the Autism Science Foundation.

RPI is not known in the field as having any special access to data on this kind of question and "wouldn't be the obvious choice," Halladay said.

It's also not clear how the contract fits into other autism research that the government may be planning, she said.

But perhaps the biggest question is why money is being spent on such a study at all, she added.

Scientists have ruled out a link between vaccines and autism, finding no evidence of increased rates of autism among those who are vaccinated compared with those who are not.

"The question has been studied for 20 years, multiple times by researchers around the world using millions of people, and there has never been a credible association found between vaccines and autism," Halladay said.

Those who have spent decades researching autism have found no single cause. Genetics play a role, and other factors include the age of a child's father, the mother's weight, and whether she had diabetes or was exposed to certain chemicals.

Whatever amount is being spent on the project could instead be going to "other important research questions," including studies of genetics and environmental factors, Halladay said.

"I think that's the most frustrating part," she said.

For months, HHS officials have been trying to use vaccine safety data compiled by the CDC to look for harms that might be tied to shots. Kennedy has accused CDC leaders of stonewalling those efforts, but the actual obstacle has been something else, said one former federal health official familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

About a dozen medical research organizations collect the vaccine safety data and report it to the CDC. Contracts that stretch back nearly two decades give those entitiesnot the CDCcontrol over the data, and HHS has not yet been able to get it, the official said.

Key medical concepts Vaccines Autism Spectrum Disorder

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Anna Friel has ruled out a return for the Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover.

Anna Friel won't be returning to Brookside

The 49-year-old actress - who shot to fame playing Beth Jordache in Brookside between 1993 and 1995 - "can't wait" to watch the upcoming special episode, which will air next month as part of Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary celebrations, but confirmed she isn't involved because she has filming commitments overseas.

Anna told RadioTimes.com: "Well, I'm about to fly to Australia for work and I've just finished a new production called The Dream Lands which comes to the BBC in January. It's a dystopian drama set in 2038 and I'm really proud of it!

"So I'm happy to be doing that, but I wish [the Brookside team] luck and I can't wait to watch what they do and see all the old faces."

The news may not surprise many fans because Anna's alter ego was killed off on Brookside, however, her death was off screen and in recent years, Hollyoaks has brought back characters believed to be dead, with Gemma Bissix most recently returning as Clare Devine.

Meanwhile, Anna praised Brookside for being a "great launch pad" and offering her great training in her early career because of the challenging way the soap was filmed.

She said: "It was the best training for a 16-year-old entering the world of television I could ever have had.

"What was different then is that it was a real location and it was a single camera, and very tight scripts.

"Real location and long, long hours, many pages to learn every single night and five-day weeks... if you can do that at 16, well, you're set up for the rest. Here I am, 30 years later.

"It was the best training in the world, and what a great launch pad."

It was recently revealed that Sue Johnston will be reprising her Brookside role as Sheila Grant, with Ricky Tomlinson back as her first husband Bobby Grant and John McArdle to play her second husband Billy Corkhill again.

And it has been revealed that Billy will later appear in more episodes of Hollyoaks as the character heads to the village, but the reasons why have been kept under wraps.

In addition, Paul Usher will be playing Bobby and Sheila's bad-boy son Barry Grant, and Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins will be back as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary and Nikki Shadwick respectively.
The BMC has decided to repair Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan School in Andheri East nearly three months after Mumbai Mirror published a report stating that falling ceiling slabs and crumbling plaster were endangering the lives of students at the institution. The civic body has now sanctioned a Rs 4.66 crore repair package covering both civil and electrical works at the school, with completion expected in 18 months. The project promises a structural overhaul that will restore safety and integrity to the decades-old building. On July 2, Mirror had reported that chunks of the ceiling had collapsed in multiple classrooms, prompting panic among parents. The BMC immediately carried out stopgap plastering work, but barred students from using those rooms. We removed the loose parts of the slab and plastered them, which made it safe, a civic official said. However, we are not allowing students in the classrooms where we conducted minor repairs. With the tender process now underway, the repairs will be far more extensive. What the tender covers The two buildings  one ground-plus-two floors, the other ground-plus-four floors  will undergo a comprehensive revamp. According to the tender, the structural repair will cover: RCC beams, lintels and slabs with polymer-modified mortar and micro-concrete; recasting of slabs; new water supply and drainage lines; a revamped compound wall with mild steel grills; and installation of modern paver blocks in the premises. This repair will significantly strengthen the school building, the BMC official said, adding that the work will be carried out in phases so that classes can continue. Political follow-up Former deputy mayor Rajesh Sharma, who has been pressing the issue with civic officials, welcomed the move but said safety must remain top priority. I have been continuously following up on this issue. I hope the repairs will commence soon. The BMC should prioritise the safety of students and staff. I will personally keep a watch on the progress of the work, Sharma told Mirror. According to civic records, the school has 26 classrooms spread across Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati medium sections. Of these, 10 classrooms have been declared damaged. At present, 901 students are enrolled, many of whom were shifted to alternate rooms after the slab collapsed. The renovation project is expected to provide them a safer, more conducive learning environment.
Back-to-back talks between the United States and China's top diplomats and defence chiefs could mark "a small step" towards a meeting between the leaders of the two countries, analysts said, but cautioned against expecting an imminent summit.

The last time US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met was in 2019 so all eyes would be on any discussions of flashpoint issues like Taiwan, the South China Sea and US tariffs.

Tensions between the world's two biggest economies simmered this year, but have significantly cooled since April, when both countries slapped escalating tariffs on each others' exports.

Trump and Xi last spoke in June over the phone.

The US leader said in August that he expects to visit China this year or shortly afterwards, noting that economic ties between the two countries have improved.

While Xi has not publicly commented on a potential Trump visit, Wednesday's talks between the countries' defence and foreign affairs heads have raised hopes of a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a telephone call on Wednesday that he wanted constructive and open dialogue with China.

Wang described the call with Rubio as fruitful but warned that "recent negative words and deeds from the US side have undermined China's legitimate rights and interests", according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

The talks were "a continuance of previous conversations and gestures made by both leaders and negotiations on the trade deal", said Dylan Loh, an associate professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

"It is, to me, a positive small step but there are many more steps to make," Loh told AFP.

In a separate video call the same day, China's defence minister warned Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth that "containing, deterring, or interfering with China will be futile", state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The two conversations could "pave the way for a Trump-Xi meeting", said Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore.

"But none of that is clear at this point," Chong told AFP.

"The president is known to make and change decisions quickly, so it may be premature to predict that some leaders' meeting is imminent," he cautioned, referring to Trump.

The calls came days after Xi presided over a major parade to mark the end of World War II, bringing together leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Trump accused the three leaders of conspiring against the United States.

Xi is unlikely to confirm the date and possibility of a meet with Trump until there is an "agreed scripted list of items to talk about" with his counterpart, said Lim Tai Wei, a professor and East Asia expert at Japan's Soka University.

"China's unique political system does not allow any surprises to spring up during any summit with Trump," Lim told AFP.

NTU's Loh said that there was always an expectation that the two leaders may meet during an upcoming APEC summit between late October and early November, which is being held in Korea's southern city of Gyeongju.

"However, given the rapid changes internally and externally, you never really quite know," Loh added.
Authorities investigating the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk say the suspect had etched several provocative and politically charged messages on bullet casings, including one that read, "Hey fascist! Catch!"

Kirk, founder of the right-wing student organization Turning Point USA, was killed on stage during a speaking event at Utah Valley University earlier this month. The attack prompted a multi-state manhunt that ended with the arrest of 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, who now faces charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Disturbing Inscriptions on Casings

According to investigators, several unfired and spent bullet casings were recovered at and around the scene. Forensic teams reported that the suspect had engraved them with a mixture of anti-fascist slogans, internet memes, and mocking taunts.

One unused casing bore the words "Hey fascist! Catch!" while another featured the line "O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, ciao ciao," a lyric from an Italian World War II-era partisan song widely associated with anti-fascist resistance. Another casing read "If you read this you are gay lmao."

The casing believed to have fired the shot that killed Kirk reportedly carried a bizarre internet meme phrase: "Notices bulges OWO what's this?"

These details were first reported by People, citing law enforcement records and sources familiar with the investigation.

How Police Tracked Down the Suspect

Robinson was taken into custody about 33 hours after the shooting, according to Business Insider. Investigators said they were tipped off when a family member, disturbed by comments Robinson had made that seemed to reference the attack, confided in a church minister, who in turn notified police.

Authorities also recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon  a scoped Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle  hidden in a wooded area near the campus, wrapped in a towel to conceal it.

Motive Still Under Investigation

While officials have not yet established a clear motive, the inscriptions on the bullets and statements attributed to Robinson suggest the attack may have been politically motivated. People reported that Robinson had privately expressed contempt for Kirk's views in the days before the shooting.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the killing as an "act of political violence" and said the disturbing inscriptions underscored the "toxic extremism that threatens democratic debate."

What's Next

Robinson remains in custody without bail and is expected to make his first court appearance later this month. Prosecutors have said they are considering additional charges related to terrorism or hate-motivated violence, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Originally published on IBTimes
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has drawn renewed attention to the rise in politically motivated violence across the United States, with experts warning it could serve as a flashpoint for further unrest.

Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed while speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The FBI announced on Friday that it had detained 22-year old Tyler Robinson as the prime suspect in the murder.

A Reuters report published on Friday revealed that Kirk's assassination comes amid a broader surge in political violence as the news agency identified more than 300 cases of politically motivated violent acts in the United States between the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the 2024 presidential election, marking the most significant wave of such incidents since the 1970s.

Reuters noted at least 21 people have been killed in political violence this year alone, 14 of them in an attack in New Orleans by a jihadist claiming loyalty to the Islamic State early on New Year's Day.

Mike Jensen, the researcher at the University of Maryland behind the study, said the country recorded about 150 politically motivated attacks in the first half of this year, nearly double the same period last year. "I think we are in a very, very dangerous spot right now that could quite easily escalate into more widespread civil unrest if we don't get a hold of it," Jensen told Reuters. "This could absolutely serve as a kind of flashpoint that inspires more of it."

Jon Lewis, a research fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism, said the Kirk shooting highlights a broader pattern:

"Extreme political violence is increasingly becoming the norm in our country, and the shooting of Charlie Kirk is indicative of a far greater and more pervasive issue: acts of violence are becoming more common, even without any clear ideology or motive. There's really a concern about what the blowback to something like this will look like"

Johns Hopkins political scientist Lilliana Mason told Reuters that retaliation could be a particular danger since "people are reluctant to engage in violence first, but they're much more willing to engage in violence as retaliation.

Jensen warned that without restraint from all sides, the U.S. could be entering what he called a "vicious spiral" of political violence:

"This is an administration that, whether you agree with it or not, has made profound changes to this country in the eight months it's been in office. Some people love it, some people hate it. The people that hate it are starting to act out. People who love it are going to act out against those people that hate it, and it becomes a vicious spiral that could lead us into something really, really bad."

Originally published on Latin Times
A United Nations human rights expert on Friday urged Botswana's government to grant constitutional recognition and stronger protections to indigenous communities, citing longstanding discrimination against the San people.

The San are hunter-gatherers who were evicted from their ancestral land in the Kalahari, where there are diamond deposits.

They have lived in southern Africa for tens of thousands of years but are today mostly poor, marginalised and excluded from government welfare services.

"While the government has demonstrated openness and a willingness to engage, constitutional and legal recognition of indigenous peoples remains absent," the UN's special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Albert Barume told journalists.

"Without such recognition, many communities continue to face systematic obstacles that undermine their cultural survival and participation in national life," he added.

Barume was speaking after a 12-day visit to Botswana.

Indigenous people in the diamond-rich southern African country reported suffering from "discrimination", the UN expert said.

They "emphasized that they are the only traditional communities in Botswana whose customary land rights have not been acknowledged, respected, or protected", he added.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Botswana evicted San communities -- also known as 'Bushmen', a term considered by some as derogatory -- from their ancestral lands in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, after diamonds were discovered there in the 1980s.

In 2006, a court overturned the evictions and in 2011 the tribe's right to access water in the reserve was restored, leading some people to return.

But "only a limited number" were allowed back, said Barume.

They "have not yet been provided with the essential resources and services to make such return sustainable and attractive", he added.

A move last year by President Duma Boko to allow the burial of a San elder on his ancestral land in the national park ended a three-year legal battle and raised fresh hopes of change of attitudes towards indigenous groups.
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 13: We don't even have to note it: the importance of English classes for kids grows each year. It provides all the important skills that they will be able to benefit from in their adult lives, and it is incredibly popular thanks to online accessibility. However, what makes Novakid school stand out from the crowd, and why do so many parents choose it over other platforms? Here's our guide on the matter. Trusted by parents worldwide Novakid is an online English learning platform that is present in many countries with a large and diverse student base. It relies on a reputation built on thousands of parent recommendations and positive reviews, and provides consistently high-quality classes across different regions, ensuring that they are adjusted to the local cultural and linguistic nuances. Native and certified teachers It is crucial that children get to learn English directly from fluent English speakers, so that they can learn correct pronunciation and other important linguistic aspects. Not only does Novakid work with expert-level educators who are professionally qualified and experienced in working with young learners, but it also uses multiple different methods to engage children better than traditional learning. Interactive learning method Novakid focuses on making lessons fun and achieves great success through games, storytelling, and engaging visuals that are adapted to children's attention span and learning pace. Interactive learning encourages not just passive listening and memorizing, but active speaking, which is immensely helpful and builds the confidence required to achieve fluency. Flexible scheduling Parents are able to choose class times that fit around school, hobbies, or family schedules. No matter the timezone, Novakid can always provide an expert who will be available at the required times, which is extremely helpful for busy families who want to ensure their kids get a proper education. Structured curriculum with proven results Novakid uses clear lesson plans aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and provides parents with all the necessary progress tracking tools. Improved communication skills and confidence in kids will be evident after just a few study sessions, and the trend will only continue with every new lesson. Novakid understands kids' learning requirements and relies on multiple motivation techniques like rewards and positive reinforcement to ensure a welcoming atmosphere and reduce any associated anxiety. Learning English is an easy and fun activity, not associated with stress or fear of failure. Affordable options for families Flexible subscription plans offered by Novakid are designed to fit different budgets, meaning that every family can find a suitable option. The platform also offers high-quality teaching, comparable to private tutors, which means that it enables long-term savings thanks to effective learning programs. Gamification Novakid isn't just a platform that connects educators with young learners -- it is an environment that offers gamified experiences to motivate kids to study further. Colorful visuals and real-time feedback make lessons feel like play, while an easy-to-use interface helps children quickly navigate the website to find exactly what they need. Personalization The team behind Novakid understands how important it is to provide kids with individualized options for learning -- lessons are always adjusted to each child's level, pace, and interests. Novakid teachers adapt methods based on your kid's strengths and weaknesses, and can easily work with both beginners and more advanced learners. Consistent support for parents Tracking your kids' progress is important -- after all, parents should support their kids in studying. Novakid offers progress reports after each lesson as well as parental dashboards to monitor learning outcomes and see how well their child is tackling various new topics. If a parent has any questions about the process, they can easily contact the teacher as well as customer support, which works in multiple languages. Novakid as the best option for kids Global reach, certified teachers, engaging lessons, flexibility, structured curriculum, safe learning environment, and affordability make Novakid one of the leading English learning platforms in the world, and its experienced teachers help kids overcome their anxiety and learn important skills quickly and reliably. The company's goal is to make English learning enjoyable and accessible for children everywhere -- it is still one of the most important professional and social skills any kid can obtain to secure a better future for themselves and their families. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 13: In the aftermath of the Yamuna floods that have engulfed large parts of Vrindavan, leaving homes destroyed and families stranded, the True Hope Foundation has emerged as the first crowdfunding platform to not only raise funds digitally, but to physically reach the disaster zone with critical, life-saving aid. Since 6th September, the foundation's volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly on the ground every single day. With 18 fully equipped rescue boats, each carrying emergency supplies worth 1.5 lakh, the foundation has been able to extend immediate relief to hundreds of families affected by the devastating floods. These boats are not just transporting stranded residents to safer areas they are carrying survival. Each relief kit is carefully curated to address both urgent and ongoing needs in a crisis situation. Items include sanitary pads, mosquito nets, Odomos, essential medicines, ration kits, ready-to-eat meals, bottled water, Frootis, and hygiene essentials like shampoo. Every element is chosen with the intention of ensuring health, dignity, and survival for families who, within hours, lost everything to rising floodwaters. Floods in Vrindavan have worsened over the past week, submerging homes, cutting off access to food and drinking water, and creating immediate public health risks due to stagnant water and mosquito breeding. Women, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable, with no access to sanitary products, clean drinking water, or emergency medical care. Recognising these urgent needs, True Hope Foundation moved swiftly turning from a digital crowdfunding platform into a first responder relief organisation on the ground. "Crowdfunding is often seen only as digital fundraising, but today it has become a lifeline on the ground. True Hope Foundation is proving that a crowdfunding platform like ours can be the first responders in emergencies reaching people directly when they need us the most." said Kuldeep Khatri, Director, True Hope Foundation The floods have disrupted daily life, but they have also revealed the importance of community-driven initiatives. Unlike traditional aid mechanisms, which often takes time to mobilise, the True Hope Foundation leveraged its existing community of supporters and donors to deploy funds rapidly. This agility allowed the organisation to purchase supplies in bulk, deploy them onto boats, and reach affected communities without delay. Each day since the disaster struck, the foundation's team has launched rescue and relief missions. Not only have they been delivering essentials but they have also been evacuating stranded residents, providing first-aid treatment, and ensuring families can access at least two meals a day. In disaster-hit zones where larger organisations are still planning logistics, True Hope Foundation has already established itself as a frontline responder. The scale of work being carried out is immense. True Hope Foundation is walking through flooded streets, entering water-logged homes, and extending the lifeline of humanity. Despite the challenges, going through waist-deep water, navigating blocked roads, and battling the threat of disease, they are reaching families who have been completely cut off. Now, the foundation is calling on individuals, organisations, and institutions to continue supporting this relief work. Every contribution made to the crowdfunding platform is directly translated into aid that reaches a family in Vrindavan: a ration kit, a mosquito net, a pack of sanitary pads, or even a rescue boat that can carry dozens of people to safety. For residents of Vrindavan, the sight of a True Hope Foundation boat arriving in their flooded lane is more than just a delivery of essentials; it is the arrival of hope itself. Families waiting on rooftops or trapped in submerged homes are greeted not by helplessness, but by people who have chosen to act, who have chosen compassion over delay. As the crisis unfolds, True Hope Foundation remains committed to staying on the ground, increasing their relief efforts, and ensuring that no family is left behind. The organisation believes that crowdfunding has evolved from being a financial tool to becoming a humanitarian force: one capable of transforming donations into immediate, life-saving action. With boats deployed, medical aid distributed, and volunteers working day and night, the foundation has set a precedent for how digital platforms can move beyond raising money to delivering relief directly to disaster-hit areas. The Yamuna floods have tested the resilience of Vrindavan, but with efforts like these, they are also highlighting the power of collective action. For more information or to contribute to True Hope Foundation's ongoing flood relief work, please visit https://truehopefoundation.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.
PNN New Delhi [India], September 13: This November, the century-old Savoy in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, a heritage landmark that has stood for over a hundred years in the Garhwal Himalayas, will open its doors to some of India's most influential technology leaders. Against this backdrop of history and Himalayan grandeur, CIO Horizon 2025, hosted by Tech Disruptor Media (a brand of Bharat Network Group), will take place from November 7-9, 2025, as an invitation-only residential leadership retreat. The gathering will bring together more than 75+ CIOs, CTOs, and Chief Digital Officers from sectors including BFSI, manufacturing, retail, pharma, IT/ITES, and the public sector. Unlike conventional conferences, CIO Horizon 2025 is crafted as a reflective retreat, balancing vision keynotes, thought-leadership panels, peer-led roundtables, and a unique CIO Debate session with immersive treks, wellness activities, and starlit networking evenings. The retreat will also feature inspirational perspectives beyond technology, with Chunky Panday on reinvention and perseverance, Ruskin Bond on storytelling and simplicity, and Ashneer Grover on candid leadership in disruptive times. By choosing Mussoorie, the summit not only elevates leadership dialogue but also highlights Uttarakhand's emergence as a knowledge-driven destination where natural inspiration and forward-looking conversations converge. For more details, visit ciohorizon.techdisruptormedia.com About Tech Disruptor Media: Tech Disruptor Media is a content-driven B2B media brand of Bharat Network Group (BNG), dedicated to shaping technology-driven conversations that matter. With a focus on innovation and impact, the brand curates platforms that bring together decision-makers, industry experts, and innovators to exchange ideas, share insights, and chart the future of enterprise technology. Through conferences, leadership retreats, publications, and digital storytelling, Tech Disruptor Media redefines how technology narratives are told and experienced in today's fast-evolving digital era. Its mission is to bridge the gap between technology and its audience, enabling purposeful discussions that inspire transformation and drive business growth. Media Related Queries: Ashish Srivastava Founder & Director +91-8882002378 ashish@thefoundermedia.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution Gurugram (Haryana) [India], September 13: Truefitt & Hill, the World's Oldest Barbershop as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, proudly announces the launch of its newest corporate-owned store at Ameya One, one of Gurugram's most prestigious retail and lifestyle destinations. This marks the brand's third outlet in Gurugram, further cementing its presence in the city's luxury grooming landscape. Carrying forward a legacy that spans over two centuries, Truefitt & Hill has redefined men's grooming for modern gentlemen while staying true to its British heritage of sophistication and style. With a footprint across 14 cities and 34 locations in India, the brand continues to be a pioneer in offering men an unparalleled grooming experience that blends tradition with contemporary elegance. Mr. Krishna Gupta, Chairman, Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., said: "The launch of our corporate store at Ameya One is a testament to Gurugram's evolving lifestyle culture and its appreciation for refined experiences. Grooming today is more than a routine--it is a statement of self-expression, and Truefitt & Hill is proud to be the preferred choice for discerning gentlemen." Mr. Prannay Dokkania, Managing Director & COO, Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., shared: "Over the years, we have seen a remarkable shift in how Indian men value grooming. With our expansion in Gurugram, we are not only growing our footprint but also setting new benchmarks in luxury grooming that combine exclusivity, comfort, and timeless style." With signature services like the Royal Shave, Royal Haircut and bespoke annual grooming memberships, the new store is poised to be a haven for the city's elite. ABOUT TRUEFITT & HILL Having groomed the Monarchs of Great Britain through nine consecutive reigns, Truefitt & Hill continues the legacy of being the bastion of style. Truefitt & Hill has been recognized as the World's Oldest Barbershop by the Guinness Book of World Records. For over two centuries, Truefitt & Hill has been offering a wide range of services designed to groom gentlemen to perfection with the world-renowned personal grooming services and extensive product range for men. Known as a purveyor of the finest quality of traditional English fragrances, shaving requisites, and men's grooming kit, Truefitt & Hill offers its exclusive patrons a new level of luxury service unrivalled anywhere in the world. ENDS For Truefitt & Hill Media Enquiries, please contact: - BUZZ CommunicationsAchal PaulMob: +91 98101 62377Email: achal@buzzcomm.in Truefitt & HillAmogh KateMob: +91 96191 81767Email: amogh@lloydsluxuries.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, organised PSB Manthan 2025, a two-day programme that concluded on Saturday in Gurugram. The event, chaired by the Secretary of DFS, brought together the senior leadership of Public Sector Banks, along with regulators, industry experts, academicians, technologists, and banking practitioners. Eminent speakers included, Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India; V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India; M Damodaran, Former Chairman, SEBI; Debasish Panda, Former Chairman, IRDAI; former Deputy Governors of RBI--R Gandhi, NS Vishwanathan, and MK Jain; and former Chairmen of SBI Rajnish Kumar and Dinesh Kumar Khara, along with several other distinguished leaders from the financial sector, industry, academia, and technology. In the opening remarks, the Secretary, Financial Services, underlined that Public Sector Banks have moved beyond the phase of survival and stability and are now positioned to play a larger role as champions of growth, innovation, and leadership in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The Secretary also highlighted the need for PSBs to aspire to global competitiveness, strengthen governance and operational resilience, and expand their role as sectoral champions across both traditional and emerging industries. The programme featured seven panel discussions, three expert sessions, a fireside chat, and open house sessions, covering themes such as customer experience, governance, purposeful innovation, credit growth, risk management, workforce readiness, technology modernisation, and national priorities. Deliberations focused on reimagining customer journeys in a digital era, embedding governance and operational excellence, fostering purposeful innovation, ensuring sustainable credit growth, strengthening risk management frameworks, and developing an inclusive and future-ready workforce. The discussions also emphasised the need for process simplification, the timely resolution of customer dissatisfaction, and the delivery of seamless services. Suggestions were made for PSBs to adopt next-generation technologies, build common infrastructure or shared utilities, and design hyper-personalised products tailored to diverse customer needs. The discussions emphasised the importance of modernising PSB technology by transitioning beyond legacy systems to agile and interoperable platforms that can deliver seamless digital services, enhance cyber resilience, and integrate effectively with India's digital public infrastructure. It was further suggested that Public Sector Banks put in place robust governance frameworks for Artificial Intelligence (AI), aimed at strengthening model risk management, nurturing responsible AI adoption, and instituting appropriate safeguards against emerging risks. The deliberations also underscored the importance of engaging with technology partners who ensure openness and interoperability, thereby avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling long-term flexibility and innovation. Speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration with fintechs, academia, global institutions, and entrepreneurs to enhance the capabilities of PSBs and accelerate innovation. They also reaffirmed that PSBs are not only central to financial inclusion but also to national priorities. While their traditional strengths in agriculture, MSMEs, housing, and infrastructure must be deepened further, PSBs must also emerge as key enablers of sunrise sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, green hydrogen, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and digital industries. It was further emphasised that PSBs should aspire to evolve into globally competitive banks, with the scale, presence, and capabilities to support Indian enterprises overseas and stand alongside leading financial institutions worldwide. The deliberations also underlined the importance of customer centricity, technology-enabled process optimisation, and continuous HR training to empower employees for a rapidly changing banking environment. It was emphasised that technology adoption must move beyond digitising existing processes towards re-imagining service delivery, with the objectives of enhancing efficiency, fostering inclusiveness, and deepening customer trust. During open house sessions on key themes, leaders of PSBs shared their experiences, offered forward-looking suggestions, and raised future concerns around governance, technology adoption, and customer trust. These interactive sessions helped in shaping actionable pathways for the banking sector. A key outcome of PSB Manthan 2025 was the emergence of a shared sense of direction over the two days of deliberations. The discussions set near-term priorities around governance, customer service, technology, and credit delivery, while also outlining a long-term pathway for Public Sector Banks to align with sustainable growth and evolve into globally competitive institutions to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. PSB Manthan 2025 reaffirmed that the future of Indian banking will be shaped by bold ambitions and transformative purpose, with Public Sector Banks playing a central role in advancing national priorities and aspiring to emerge as institutions of global standing. (ANI)
Popular comedian and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has been accused of causing a car accident in California before moving to England. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, a woman claimed that DeGeneres hit her Tesla in October 2023 after allegedly running a stop sign in Santa Barbara County. The complainant said she stopped at the intersection, checked for traffic, and then proceeded, but was suddenly struck by DeGeneres' car. The woman alleged the collision left her injured and is now suing DeGeneres for negligence, seeking damages. A representative for DeGeneres has not yet responded to the claims. The news comes just weeks after a former cameraman from The Ellen DeGeneres Show repeated allegations about the show's toxic workplace culture. He claimed DeGeneres often treated male employees poorly and could be strict about interactions with her wife, actress Portia de Rossi. He also alleged she once clashed with chef Gordon Ramsay and refused to have him back on her show, according to Page Six. According to the publication, in 2020, when similar accusations surfaced, DeGeneres addressed the allegations on the now-defunct show, saying, "I learned that things happened here that never should've happened. I take that very seriously, and I want to say I'm so sorry to the people who were affected." Actor-comedian Margaret Cho had also accused DeGeneres of treating her poorly throughout most of her career, despite their long history in the comedy world. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cho, in an episode of The Kelly Mantle Show, said, "Ellen was really weird and not nice to me for most of my career...I opened for her in the 1980s, when she was a headliner in comedy clubs, way before her big fame. Later, when I would do her talk show in the 2000s, she acted like we had just met." The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022 after 19 seasons. (ANI)
After shots were fired at their Bareilly residence in the early hours of Friday, Jagdish Patani, father of Bollywood actor Disha Patani, described the terrifying incident on Saturday. Speaking to ANI, Jagdish Patani, a retired police officer, said that the assailants fired 8-10 rounds at his Civil Lines home. He added that the gunshots were foreign-made. "...Two unidentified assailants fired at my residence...Police are making all possible efforts...Bareilly Police, SSP, and ADG are all working on it...The gunshots are not indigenous; they are foreign-made...I think 8-10 rounds were fired...I came to know through social media that Goldy Brar has taken its responsibility, but it is not clear yet..." he said. According to police, two motorbike-borne assailants fired at the residence around 3:30 am. "We received information about the firing at retired CO Jagdish Patani's residence by two unidentified motorbike-borne assailants. Police teams were immediately sent to the site. An FIR has been registered at the Kotwali police station under various sections. Armed police personnel have been deployed for the protection of the family members," SSP Bareilly, Anurag Arya, said. He added that five teams have been formed under SP City and SP Crime for further investigation. "We will take strict action against the involved accused. I personally met with the family and have assured them of their safety," he said. More details are awaited. (ANI)
Costa Rica police said Friday they had arrested four suspects in the killing on its soil of a fierce critic of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in June.

Retired Nicaraguan army major Roberto Samcam, 66, was gunned down at his apartment building in San Jose on June 19 in an attack rights groups and exiled dissidents blamed on the government of Ortega and his wife and co-president Rosario Murillo.

Costa Rican police carried out several raids Thursday and Friday in an area of San Jose where many Nicaraguan migrants live, as well as a town northwest of the capital, and arrested four people in all.

A fifth suspect -- a 20-year-old named Carvajal who is believed to have pulled the trigger -- is still on the run, Randall Zuniga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, said in a video sent to journalists.

Police will now seek to determine "whether we are indeed dealing with a political incursion from another government," added Zuniga.

Zuniga said the crime was committed by "inexperienced individuals" hired from poor communities.

Samcam had spoken out frequently against the government in Managua, which he fled in 2018 to live with his wife in Costa Rica.

That year, protests against Ortega's government were violently repressed, resulting in more than 300 deaths, according to the UN.

In January last year, another Nicaraguan opposition activist living in Costa Rica, Joao Maldonado, was shot while driving with his girlfriend in San Jose. Both were seriously wounded.

Maldonado had also survived an attempt on his life in Costa Rica in 2021.

After Samcam's killing, a UN expert group urged countries hosting Nicaraguan exiles to offer them stronger protection, saying "nowhere in the world seems to be safe for Nicaraguans opposed to the government."

For Nicaraguan exiles, the arrests were a step towards justice for a crime that amounted to "an attempt to silence critical voices," Santos Mendez, a representative of Nicaraguans in Guatemala, told AFP.

Ortega, who turns 80 in November, is increasingly delegating tasks to his septuagenarian wife, Murillo, who has a reputation for ruthlessness.

Observers have said that a recent wave of arrests and deaths of jailed opposition figures signal a new era of repression in Nicaragua as Murillo prepares to take over.

Thousands of Nicaraguans have fled into exile as the government has become increasingly authoritarian, jailing hundreds of opponents, real and perceived.

Managua is under US and EU sanctions.
The critically acclaimed film 'Homebound', which stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in the lead roles, is finally set to release in theatres in India. After garnering fame at international film festivals like Cannes 2025 and the Toronto International Film Festival, the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial is set to hit the theatres in India on September 26, 2025. Produced under the banner of Dharma Productions, 'Homebound' also stars Janhvi Kapoor in the lead role. Taking to their Instagram handle, Dharma Productions shared the release date of the movie on Saturday. "No feeling is final. #Homebound is releasing in cinemas on 26th September, worldwide," wrote Dharma Productions. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOiE22KAZUP/? As per Variety, 'Homebound' revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together. Director Neeraj Ghaywan described 'Homebound' as "a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival." "It's about people who are often unseen, and the quiet strength they carry in a world that rarely pauses for them," said the director, adding that he hopes the film "helps us look closer--with empathy--and see what we've been conditioned to ignore." Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as an executive producer on the film. In an official note shared by the film's team, Martin Scorsese praised 'Homebound' prior to its screening in Cannes 2025 earlier this year. "I have seen Neeraj's first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Melita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture, and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that's a significant contribution to Indian Cinema. I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year," Scorsese said. The film recently received a 9-minute-long standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, reported Variety. (ANI)
Dressed in a blue shirt and a denim jeans, Salman Khan had a pleasant meeting with the Ladakh's LG as they were seen smiling during a conversation.

Salman also recieved a Thangka Canvas painting from the Ladakh's LG, which featured a view of Buddha's life in a traditional Buddhist art style. The duo posed with the painting, signifying the pleasant meeting at the Raj Niwas in Leh.

The Office of the Lt. Governor of Ladakh shared the news of Salman Khan's courtesy visit on their X handle on Saturday. They wrote, "Bollywood icon Salman Khan paid a courtesy visit to the Hon'ble Lt. Governor Shri @KavinderGupta at the Raj Niwas, #Leh."

https://x.com/lg_ladakh/status/1966809490759528522

The courtesy visit of Salman Khan came amid his shooting schedule in Leh for his upcoming film 'Battle of Galwan'. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has begun shooting for his much-anticipated film 'Battle of Galwan'.

Earlier this month, the actor dropped the picture on his Instagram handle in which Salman is seen in a military uniform. His rugged moustache and commanding gaze reflected fierce patriotism.

Salman will be seen donning the Indian Army uniform in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial 'Battle of Galwan', which is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020.

Twenty Indian soldiers had died during the Galwan Valley clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties.

Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose, with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, and undertaking a range of activities such as surveying border areas to stop a "possible" Chinese aggression.

Since the clashes, India and China have disengaged from various border areas steadily and have also created a buffer zone in various regions. Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film.

The announcement video showcased Salman with bloodstains on his face and sheer patriotism in his eyes. It further elaborates on the film's theme. (ANI)
Ahead of his historic visit to Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Central government is committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. PM Modi will attend programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal on Saturday. In a post on X, PM Modi shared, "I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow, 13th September. We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid. The projects being inaugurated include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building and the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, a unique all-women's market in various districts." PM Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, according to the Prime Minister's Office on Friday. PM Modi further shared, "Over the next few days, on 13th, 14th and 15th September, I will be attending programmes in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar which are aimed at boosting 'Ease of Living.' These projects will have a very positive impact on people's lives, especially towards boosting connectivity, job creation and more." In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others. Prime Minister will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, unique all women's market, in 4 districts. The eruption of ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023, along with the persistent discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. (ANI)
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma on Friday slammed the Congress party over an AI-generated video posted by the Bihar Congress, which allegedly depicted two characters resembling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. Sharma accused the Congress of "losing its mental balance" and resorting to derogatory tactics to tarnish PM Modi's image. "Congress has lost its mental balance. To spoil the image of PM Modi, Congress leaders are hurling derogatory words at him. It has become Rahul Gandhi's job to insult the constitutional bodies. He did not attend the V-P oath ceremony today, even when he is the LoP...," he said. In an Al-generated video posted by the Bihar Congress that has gone viral, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who is lambasting him over his politics. The party had come under fire once before, while an unknown person had gone up to the stage of Congress-led' Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Darbhanga and hurled abuses at PM Modi and his mother. In reponse, the BJP launched a massive attack against the opposition parties, especially Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav over the alleged abuses. Earlier, PM Modi also hit out at the RJD and Congress over the alleged remarks against her mother. Speaking at an event, he said that the abusive comments were not just an insult to his mother, but to all mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. "Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused by the RJD-Congress in Bihar. These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister stated that he was separated from his mother so that he could serve the country's other women. He stated that his mother, who passed away after completing 100 years and had nothing to do with politics, was abused by the state of RJD and Congress. (ANI)
Recognising Tripura as one of the most promising states in the country's potato industry, the delegation praised the remarkable innovations and research that strengthened potato cultivation in the region.

"We are more than satisfied and very impressed with the dedication of officials and researchers in making potato a successful crop in Tripura," the delegation stated.

The CIP team, highlighting the role of improved technologies such as new seed innovations and epical rooted cuttings with seed links, said that it enabled farmers to achieve higher yields.

They also stressed the potential of introducing new high-value potato varieties that could fetch better market prices and increase profitability for farmers.

The delegation expressed eagerness to meet the state's Honourable Minister to discuss future collaborations, noting that the government has already shown strong interest in working with CIP scientists. They further underlined the importance of involving experts from across India to strengthen potato research and innovation.

"We want to ensure that potato production in Tripura continues to evolve, become more efficient, and deliver greater benefits to farmers. We pledge to continue our support from the international scientific community to strengthen potato breeding," the delegation affirmed.

The Director General of the International Potato Centre, Simon Heck--who has also been serving as Senior Director of CGIAR since March 2023--is leading global efforts to expand potato research and innovation, further underscoring the significance of CIP's collaboration with Tripura.

A day earlier, the Tripura CM Manik Saha met Kathy Giles Diaz, U.S. Consul General, Kolkata at the State Secretariat in Agartala, on Thursday.

In a post on X, CM Saha said, "Had an insightful meeting with Ms. Kathy Giles Diaz, U.S. Consul General, Kolkata today at the Secretariat, Agartala." (ANI)
On the occasion of the 17th death anniversary of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Haryacharya Ji Maharaj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid heartfelt tributes during a commemorative event held in the sacred city of Ayodhya Dham. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the revered saint's contributions to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the spiritual legacy of Sanatan Dharma. "It is a great privilege to come to the holy land of Ayodhya Dham and pay my respects to this sacred soil," said Yogi Adityanath. He stated that the recent visit of Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Chandra Ram Gulam and a high-level delegation to Ayodhya, noting their darshan of Shri Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. "They sought information about how many years it took to rebuild the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. I informed them that it took approximately 500 years. For 500 years, a community of believers struggled continuously under challenging circumstances for their faith and ultimately achieved victory," he stated. The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the grand Ram Temple and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla's idol, describing it as a "monumental achievement." He added, "The resolve was to build the Ram Temple, and there were revered saints whose every word echoed a single mantra: 'Ram Lalla, we will come, and we will build the temple there.' The penance and struggle of those revered saints have culminated in the form of the magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which we all have the privilege to witness today." Reflecting on his personal association with Swami Haryacharya Ji Maharaj, Yogi Adityanath said, "In that tradition of revered saints, I had the opportunity to be associated with the programs of Gorakshapeeth for a long time, receiving the guidance of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, the revered Swami Haryacharya Ji Maharaj. His guidance was available to me every year in every program associated with Gorakshapeeth. He possessed wisdom, the strength to inspire values and ideals, and a burning passion for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi." The Chief Minister praised the revered saint's humility despite his esteemed position, stating, "Yet, with utmost simplicity and humility, despite occupying the prestigious position of Jagadguru, whenever the question of unity for Sanatan Dharma arose, he ensured his participation in those programs with complete humility." He further remarked, "On the occasion of the seventeenth anniversary of such a revered Gurudev, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, the revered Swami Haryacharya Ji Maharaj, we have the privilege today to remember him and pay our respects, and with deep humility, I offer my heartfelt tributes to him on this new platform." Yogi Adityanath also expressed that the realization of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya brings solace to the souls of saints like Swami Haryacharya Ji Maharaj. "Today, the souls of all those revered saints must be experiencing ultimate peace as they witness Shri Ram Lalla enshrined in Ayodhya. This resolve belonged to millions of Sanatan Dharma followers, but it has been fulfilled as the fruition of the penance and struggles of those saints. Seeing the Ram Temple take concrete form today must bring them supreme peace," he said. (ANI)
The Trinamool Chhatra Parishad on Friday held a protest in Kolkata after the body of a student was found near the lake of Jadavpur University Campus. Trinamool Congress MLA Debabrata Majumdar on Friday said that a student of Jadavpur University died in a suspicious manner on Thursday. Majumdar noted that his party has protested against the environment at Jadavpur University and requested the installation of CCTV cameras in the college premises. "One of the brilliant students of Jadavpur University died in a suspicious manner yesterday. We have raised our voice together against the environment of Jadavpur University... We don't know if she died due to being pushed or natural, but the campus is not safe for students... We are requesting the installation of CCTV cameras on the campus," Debabrata Majumdar told ANI. Earlier this year, Jadavpur University came under the headlines when students on campus were not granted permission to celebrate Ram Navami. According to the students, the reason behind the denial of permission was the vice chancellor's absence. Somsurya Banerjee, a student at Jadavpur University, told ANI that a group of students submitted a formal request on March 28 seeking permission to organise Ram Navami celebrations. He claimed they received a written response from the university denying the request, stating that it could not be approved in the absence of the Vice Chancellor. "On 28th March, we submitted a letter to the university on behalf of General students of JU seeking permission (for Ram Navami Celebrations); today, we received a signed copy from the university stating that they cannot grant the permission as the VC is absent", he said. Banerjee further alleged inconsistency in the university's approach, pointing out that a political programme by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) was permitted on April 3 and 4, also during the VC's absence. "Similarly, on April 3 and 4 - SFI held a political programme, and that too in the absence of the VC, but they had permission. Every religious activity like 'iftaar' was organised here on the university campus, but none of us objected to it. We have given intimation to the university and also written an e-mail to the police that we will celebrate Ram Navami peacefully... We expect that all the student unions and the administration will respect and cooperate in our celebrations...", he added. (ANI)
At least nine people have died after a tanker lorry crashed into a procession heading for the immersion of the Ganpati idol at Karnataka's Hassan district, stated an official. "Yesterday, between 8 pm and 8:45 pm, a tanker lorry was found to have driven recklessly into a Ganpati immersion procession in Mosale Hosalli. 9 people died in this incident, and the driver was also injured. 6 villagers and 3 engineering students have died," IGP Boralingaiah told reporters here. Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the bereaved, and provided a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the families. "It is deeply saddening to learn news of several people losing their lives and over 20 others seriously injured when a lorry collided with a procession heading for Ganesh immersion in Hassan. I pray that the souls of the deceased find peace and that the injured recover as quickly as possible. On behalf of the government, a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased. The government will also bear the medical expenses for the treatment of those injured in the incident. This is a profoundly painful moment. Let us all stand with the families affected by this tragedy." Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed his grief on the incident. "I am deeply shocked to hear the news of a horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan Taluk, where several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured. It is extremely saddening that devotees lost their lives after being run over by a truck during the Ganapati procession. This is a most unfortunate incident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the grieving families to bear the pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The State Government must take steps to provide the best free treatment to the injured," the post read. (ANI)
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has urged people to watch the film "The Bengal Files', emphasising that it portrays the "bitter truth" about the Partition and the politics of appeasement. Speaking after viewing the movie, Mishra stated, "The movie shows the bitter truth about Partition and appeasement politics. It is the cinema's responsibility to show the truth. All citizens should watch this film...Only those who have something to hide try to stop people from expressing themselves. Every Bengali should watch this film as it shows the bitter truth which some people want to hide." Earlier, actor-producer Pallavi Joshi wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking help for the peaceful release of 'The Bengal Files' in West Bengal and alleged and "unofficial ban" on the film's release in the state. Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files' explores the communal violence that took place in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including the events of the Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946. 'The Bengal Files' is directed by Vivek Agnihotri, who came to fame with his directorial debut 'The Kashmir Files' in 2022. The film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar and Pallavi Joshi in the lead roles. (ANI)
BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of maintaining a "conspiratorial silence" over the spate of defections of BRS legislators into the Congress fold, BRS said in a press release. KTR said while Rahul Gandhi frequently raises the issue of "vote chori" in national politics, he has failed to utter a word against what he described as "brazen MLA chori" in Telangana. "Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed of this undemocratic and unconstitutional practice. This is a crime worse than the so-called vote chori he keeps talking about," KTR charged. The BRS leader demanded that Rahul Gandhi respond to the statements of defected MLAs, who, despite winning on BRS tickets and later joining the Congress, are now claiming they had not switched parties. "The Congress party's role in this shameless chori proves its double standards. Rahul Gandhi must answer," he asserted. KTR recalled that several of these MLAs were seen draped in Congress scarves and even posed for photographs with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, images which were proudly circulated on social media by Congress leaders. "You draped them in the Congress scarf, and now you say they never joined? Do you still stand by this denial?" he asked. Posing a barrage of questions to Rahul Gandhi, KTR said, "If this is not MLA chori, then what is it? How is this any less serious than vote chori? Are you not ashamed of your complicity in such political hypocrisy?" The BRS leader also warned that such defections undermine democracy and erode public trust. He said the Congress government, instead of addressing people's issues, was indulging in unconstitutional tactics to weaken the opposition. Earlier, KT Rama Rao on August 24 lashed out at the 10 defected MLAs who joined Congress, daring them to resign from their post and recontest the elections. "Doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani (let truth be separated from lies)," KTR said while addressing the gathering in Serilingampally. Criticising the claims of the Revanth Reddy government, KTR argued that if the Congress government in Telangana has performed better than the BRS government, it must be put to the test. "If the Congress government truly performs better than the BRS government, if your six guarantees are genuinely implemented, if Hyderabad becomes prosperous and if all the poor live happily, then let's put it to the test. Let ten of us resign and see the people's verdict. Then the people themselves will decide between Revanth Reddy and KCR," he said. (ANI)
Venezuelan nationals who were unable to re-register for Temporary Protected Status received an additional 24 hours to complete the process after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to extend the deadline. The extension followed reports that the government website had crashed on the final day of the re-registration period due to a technical issue.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end legal protections for more than 1 million immigrants from Venezuela and Haiti. The ruling allows those affected to continue living and working in the United States under protected status.

According to the Miami Herald, Chen ordered the federal government to reopen the enrollment portal for at least one more day to give individuals the opportunity to apply for deportation protection and work permits. The judge also directed the Department of Homeland Security to activate the site within two business days and provide at least four hours' notice before going live.

The decision came after TPS holders and their attorneys reported being unable to complete re-registration before the Sept. 10 deadline because Venezuela was no longer listed as an eligible country on the portal.

Ganamos OTRA VEZ!

TPS para los venezolanos

11 de Septiembre de 2025



VER VIDEO COMPLETO Y COMPARTIR pic.twitter.com/YQsJ0G6jtL  Ade Ferro   (@adeferr) September 11, 2025

As of Friday morning, the Herald reported that the DHS website still did not reflect the judge's order. Instead, a prominent banner cited a Supreme Court decision from May that overturned a preliminary injunction Judge Chen had issued in March to preserve the protections. Chen gave DHS until 5 p.m. Friday to update the website to reflect that the Biden-era extension remains in effect.

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a federal program that allows nationals from certain countries to live and work in the U.S. when returning to their home country would be unsafe due to conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions. TPS for Venezuelans was first granted in 2021 by the Biden administration in response to the country's deepening humanitarian crisis, characterized by political instability, severe shortages of food and medicine, and unsafe living conditions.

Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have moved to roll back these protections. According to court filings cited by the Associated Press, the administration has revoked TPS and humanitarian parole designations for about 1.5 million people. These actions have prompted a wave of lawsuits from immigrant rights organizations across the country.

The original re-registration deadline was Sept. 10. However, multiple immigration attorneys in South Florida told the Herald that they were unable to re-register clients, and argued that DHS had failed to comply with Chen's order.

"It is clearly illegal and a major concern," said Emi MacLean, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union and legal counsel for the Venezuelan plaintiffs.

In addition to ordering the portal to reopen, Judge Chen directed the Trump administration to update its immigration services website to clearly state that roughly 600,000 Venezuelans with Temporary Protected Status are legally authorized to live and work in the United States.

According to the Associated Press, attorneys representing the plaintiffs said some TPS holders remain in detention centers or unable to return to their jobs until their legal status is properly reflected online.

Originally published on Latin Times
Indian Overseas Congress USA President Mahinder Singh Gilzian on Friday expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump would work together to ease the 50 per cent tariff imposed by Washington and build a "long-term relationship" between the two countries. "There's a tariff war going on between India and America. I hope both countries work friendly to bring this issue down. Both America and India need each other as both countries are top democratic countries and look for a democratic way to sort out how to work together," Gilzian told ANI. He added, "So I think, very soon, our Prime Minister Mr. Modi and our USA President, Mr. Trump, will work out which is good for both countries, not only for India, but also for the USA, as we want to build a long-term relationship, but not a short-term one. Both countries need each other. So this is our goal. We are living in the USA, and our Karma Bhoomi is India." Gilzian, who is visiting India, travelled to Palwancha in Telangana to meet Shyamala Gopalan Educational Foundation chairman Nalla Suresh Reddy, who recently performed a 41-day homam wishing for former US Vice President Kamala Harris to become the presidential nominee. "I travelled from New York to Delhi and reached yesterday morning in Bangalore, as one of our senior leaders, Arti Krishna, was a secretary in charge of the Indian Overseas Congress globally, and she was promoted from secretary to MLC Karnataka. So, I was invited to the oath ceremony yesterday, and my friend, Suresh Reddy Naala, also invited me to this town, Palwancha, so I came here to meet him. At the same time, I wanted to see my Congress leaders in this district and in the whole Telangana state," he said. His remarks came after the US imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which were later increased to 50 per cent, citing India's purchase of Russian oil. Meanwhile, former Indian Ambassador to the US, Arun Singh, noted signs of a thaw in trade tensions. He referred to PM Modi's recent description of the US as India's "natural partner" and Trump's statement calling the bilateral ties "a special relationship." "On Friday, he (Trump) commented publicly and in social media that the US-India relationship is a special relationship and there are moments that the two countries have on occasion but it will all work out all right and the Prime Minister had responded very positively and then this morning he has come out with another comment saying that he's happy to announce that trade negotiations have resumed and he's confident that soon some outcome will be there and the Prime Minister has responded. So I would say that I think from both sides, there is a recognition that the relationship is important to both and a renewed effort is now being made to stabilise the relationship...," Singh told ANI. (ANI)
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda criticised the staet government for lack of flood relief measures and said that the government is not taking concrete steps to help and provide relief to the flood victims. He made the remarks in a press conference on Friday. He noted that people are very angry at the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government for not taking flood relief measures and how there has been huge devastation in Haryana due to the floods. "18 lakh acres of standing crops of farmers have been destroyed by the flood. About six thousand villages, 11 cities and 72 towns have been affected by the flood. Four lakh farmers have uploaded information about crop damage on the portal, while the number of victims is much more than this", Hooda said during a press conference. He underscored that the government should immediately give compensation to the farmers at the rate of Rs 70 thousand per acre. The former Chief Minister, who returned to Chandigarh after visiting various districts of the state, while talking to the media said that this time the situation is worse than the flood of 1995. He visited many areas, including Yamunanagar to Rohtak, and heard the problems of the people. "Fields, crops and poplars adjacent to Yamuna were washed away. Sugarcane crops have been uprooted from the roots and large amounts of sand has accumulated in the fields, making it impossible to sow the crop of the next season. Illegal mining in the area is responsible for making the flood more horrific," he said. Bhupendra Hooda also said that the Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister should have taken stock of the damage caused in Haryana, like they did in Punjab. "Haryana should have received a special package. The Prime Minister not coming to Haryana shows the big failure of the state government. On top of that, the state government is playing a dirty joke with the people in the name of compensation. The announcement of giving compensation at the rate of only seven to 15 thousand rupees per acre is like rubbing salt on the wounds of the farmers. When the initial cost of the farmers is 30 to 35 thousand rupees per acre, the annual lease is about 70 thousand per acre, in such a situation, compensation of only seven thousand rupees per acre cannot provide relief to the farmers", he said. The former Chief Minister demanded compensation of 60 to 70 thousand rupees per acre to the farmers and said that the loss of houses, shops, buildings and other establishments of thousands of people should be compensated immediately. "When the government has to register cases of stubble burning, it takes a decision on the basis of satellite. Can't the government see the floods in the fields through satellite now?", Hooda said that when a similar flood had occurred in 1995, the Congress government had given cash compensation to the farmers for every loss including the crops, farm sheds, tube wells, all houses and shops. (ANI)
Delhi Police registered an FIR over the bomb threat received via email by the Delhi High Court on Saturday. Currently, the Police have started an investigation into this matter and are looking into the source of the email. On September 12, the Delhi High Court received an email threat warning of a bomb in and around the court premises, which led to panic and disruption of the court proceedings. Following the threat, all benches of the High Court rose immediately, and lawyers, litigants, and staff were evacuated from the premises. Later. the security forces, including Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads, swiftly cordoned off the area. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, firefighter vehicles and ambulances were also deployed in the area. The teams with sniffer dogs also searched the premises. This threat email was addressed to the staff of the High Court, claiming that Pakistan and Tamil Nadu will collude for holy blasts. "Pakistan Tamil Nadu collude for Holy Friday blasts. 3 bombs were planted in the judge's room/court premises. Evacuate by 2pm." said threat's subject line. The letter further added that the bomb will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers. "The assets within the Police have been sown since 2017, for this Holy Friday. As a sample, today's blast in your Delhi High Court will clear the doubt of previous bluffs. Judge Chamber will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers," claimed the letter. However, following the inspection of the court premises, New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Devesh Kumar Mahla claimed that the bomb threat seems to be a hoax till now. As per the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), bomb detection teams and the dog squad are inside. We have checked it and found it hoax till now," DCP Mahla told ANI. (ANI)
Mrityunjay Jha, Director (Coordination and Official Language) in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, expressed "deep satisfaction" over the use of Hindi and compliance with official language norms at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla. Jha conducted an inspection of the implementation of the official language at DPA on Friday. "Today, Mrityunjay Jha, Director (Coordination and Official Language), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, New Delhi, conducted an inspection of the implementation and compliance of the official language at the Deendayal Port Authority. During the inspection, the Director (Coordination and Official Language) expressed deep satisfaction with the Hindi-related work being carried out at DPA and encouraged everyone to undertake more work in Hindi," the port authority said in a post on X. "Following the inspection, the Director (Coordination and Official Language) presented the inspection report to the DPA Chairman, Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME," it added. Earlier on Friday, the DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, also inaugurated a Hindi workshop conducted by Mrityunjay Jha. The Director of Coordination and Official Language in the Ministry discussed the implementation and compliance of the Official Language Policy during the workshop. "Today, Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME), Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, inaugurated the Hindi workshop. Thereafter, Mrityunjay Jha, Director (Coordination and Official Language), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, New Delhi, conducted the workshop on implementation and compliance of the Official Language Policy. The subject was discussed in detail in the workshop, and the Hindi Nodal Officer, Heads of Departments, officers and employees of DPA were present on the occasion," Deendayal Port Authority wrote on X. Meanwhile, Consul General of the Netherlands, Nabil Taouati, met the DPA chairman to discuss opportunities to deepen the greening and digitalisation of ports and shipping, reiterating India and the Netherlands' strategic partnership in maritime. "Consul General Nabil Taouati visited Kandla in Gujarat, and discussed with Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, opportunities to deepen and broaden greening & digitalisation of ports & shipping. NL & India are Strategic Partners in Maritime. #ZeroEmissionShipping," Consulate General of the Netherlands posted on X. (ANI)
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the engineering challenges overcome to complete the Bairabi-Sairang line, ahead of the inauguration of Mizoram's first railway connectivity by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Calling the project a "crucial initiative" to link the state with the rest of India, Vaishnaw said engineers had to tackle loose sand and difficult Himalayan geology. "It is a matter of great joy that railway connectivity to Mizoram will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister tomorrow morning. The Bairabi-Sairang project is a crucial initiative for connecting Mizoram to the railway network," Vaishnaw said on Friday. To overcome the challenges of loose sand, a new tunnelling method was used, according to the union minister. "This project has been constructed under great challenges. The terrain and Himalayan geology are very complex; the construction work gives us a totally new challenge. We have to first solidify the sand into a rock-like formation, and then only can we construct. A new tunnelling method has been developed. In this project, there are 45 tunnels spanning 51 km and 45 bridges, making it very complex. One of the bridges is actually taller than the Qutub Minar," he said. The minister added that freight services would begin immediately, followed by three passenger trains from Sunday. "We will begin transporting goods (On Sunday), we will start three trains. One is the Rajdhani Express to Delhi, connecting the Kolkata Tri-Weekly Express, and the Mizoram Express to Guwahati as a daily service... Over time, we will increase the services," he said. In line with his commitment to world-class infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line, worth over Rs 8,070 crore, connecting the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time on September 13. "The direct rail connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country will offer the people of the region safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. It will also ensure the timely and reliable supply of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities, thereby enhancing overall logistical efficiency and regional accessibility," according to a release from the Prime Minister's office. PM Modi will also flag off the express trains of Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion. Apart from the railway line, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of multiple road projects. It includes Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road. PM Modi is on a five-state visit, going to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary in-Charge Communications Jairam Ramesh on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Manipur, saying it would be a "farce" rather than a "force for peace and harmony." He said that it has been confirmed that PM Modi would spend less than three hours in the state. "So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit instead of providing a force for peace and harmony is actually going to be a farce," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. Earlier on September 7, the Congress MP had shared a newspaper clipping about preparations for PM Modi's visit. "The proposed visit of the Prime Minister to Manipur on Sept 13 is being hailed by his cheerleaders. But it appears that he will be spending just about 3 hours--yes just 3 hours--in the state. What does he hope to accomplish by such a rushed trip?" Jairam Ramesh wrote in a post on X. He further said, "This is actually an insult to the people of the state who have waited for him for 29 long and agonising months," the Rajya Sabha MP's post read earlier, talking about the violence in the state which was going on for over 2 years. Sept 13th will actually be a non-visit by the PM, who has once again revealed his callousness and insensitivity towards the people of Manipur." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the Central government's commitment to furthering the inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. In a post on X, PM Modi shared, "I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow, 13th September. We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid. The projects being inaugurated include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building and the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, a unique all-women's market in various districts." The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others. He will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, a unique all-women's market, in 4 districts. PM Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore. (ANI)
The two-day event, themed "Empowering Women to Face Challenges of Emerging Technologies", will bring together over 100 delegates from across the country to discuss strategies for equipping women to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, according to the press release.

The conference agenda will focus on India's digital transformation and the implications of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, and Cybersecurity, for women. Discussions will emphasise bridging the gender digital divide, enhancing women's representation in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), ensuring digital safety, and strengthening women's roles in entrepreneurship and innovation.

The event will also delve into "Women-Led Development for Viksit Bharat" and feature two sub-themes: 'Gender Responsive Budgeting' and 'Empowering Women to Face Challenges of Emerging Technologies'. These discussions align with India's vision of achieving a Developed Bharat by 2047.

As per the official statement, the inaugural session will see addresses by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women D. Purandeswari, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker C. Ayyannapatrudu, and Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will also inaugurate an exhibition on women's empowerment and release a commemorative souvenir during the event.

The valedictory session on September 15, 2025, will feature speeches by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Speaker Om Birla, Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Chairperson D. Purandeswari. The Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly will deliver the Vote of Thanks.

This conference marks a significant step in fostering a national dialogue on empowering women to lead in the age of technological advancements, with a focus on innovation, inclusion, and skill development to build a progressive and equitable India. (ANI)
BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Saturday slammed Congress and RJD over the AI-generated video by Bihar Congress allegedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Pune, Anurag Thakur accused Congress and RJD of "stooping low" in politics. He said, "The mother's place is the highest in everyone's life, but Congress and RJD have stooped so low that they abuse the Prime Minister's late mother and post a bad video, which shows Congress' mindset. Is it necessary to stoop this low in politics and abuse someone's mother?" Further, he hit out at the Congress for not apologising and repeating the mistake after the alleged "abuses" hurled at PM Modi and his mother during the Opposition's rally in Bihar. "Congress did not apologise, but rather repeated the mistake. Bihar's public will never forgive them and slam them hard in the upcoming elections," the BJP MP said. Thakur's remarks came during a media interaction during the "Pune on Pedal" Cycle Rally and "Pune Walkathon 2025" organised by BJP leader Medha Kulkarni to mark PM Modi's 75th birthday. The viral Al-generated video posted by the Bihar Congress allegedly showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who is lambasting him over his politics. The party had come under fire earlier too, when a video of an unknown person at the stage of Congress-led' Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Darbhanga, hurling abuses at PM Modi and his mother, surfaced on the internet. The AI-generated video sparked a political row as the BJP leaders slammed Congress. Earlier, MP Dinesh Sharma accused the Congress of "losing its mental balance" and resorting to derogatory tactics to tarnish PM Modi's image. "Congress has lost its mental balance. To spoil the image of PM Modi, Congress leaders are hurling derogatory words at him. It has become Rahul Gandhi's job to insult the constitutional bodies. He did not attend the V-P oath ceremony today, even when he is the LoP (Leader of Opposition)," he said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera said there was no disrespect shown and accused the BJP of trying to create fake sympathy by making an issue out of everything. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "Where is the disrespect shown to his late mother? Show me one word, one gesture, anywhere where you see disrespect. It is the duty of the parents to educate their children. She is only educating her child, and if the child thinks that it is disrespectful towards him, it is his headache, not mine, not yours. Why does the BJP try to make an issue out of everything and try to generate fake sympathy?" "There is no fake sympathy for these things anymore. Mr Modi cannot do a 'touch me not' politics, he is in politics and he needs to take everything, even a sense of humour of the opposition properly, and actually there is no humour in it, there is 'naseehat' in this," he said. (ANI)
The Mangaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) has busted a fake document racket linked to bail proceedings and arrested several accused, officials said on Saturday. According to officials, the accused were found using forged Aadhar cards and pahani documents as sureties in court to secure bail for individuals arrested in criminal cases. Acting on a tip-off received on September 9, the CCB launched an investigation and unearthed the racket. "Several individuals have been arrested for their involvement in a fake document racket. The individuals are accused of using fake Aadhar cards and Pahani documents to act as sureties in court for bail proceedings. The operation began on September 9, 2025, when the CCB received a tip about individuals creating and using fake documents to obtain bail for those arrested in criminal cases," Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy told reporters. Reddy said that the police have apprehended two accused, Abdul Rahman and Nishant Kumar. The city crime branch's investigation revealed that Rahman had assisted in obtaining court bail for individuals using fake documents, while Kumar was responsible for creating those counterfeit documents. "The police arrested Abdul Rahman from the Urva police station jurisdiction based on the information received. During interrogation, it was confirmed that he had assisted in obtaining court bail for accused individuals using fake documents. A case was filed against him at the Urva police station. Further investigation and interrogation of Abdul Rahman led to the arrest of Nishant Kumar, who worked at a computer centre in Kodialbail and helped create the fake documents," added Reddy. Both Abdul Rahman and Nishant Kumar have allegedly cheated the court in two cases to obtain bail for those who are in judicial custody. "Both suspects, Abdul Rahman and Nishant Kumar, revealed during the investigation that they had put their own photos on fake Aadhar cards to impersonate real people in court and had cheated the court in two cases to obtain bail for those in judicial custody. Two cases were registered at the Mangaluru North Police Station regarding this", added Reddy. Following the subsequent investigation, Mangaluru North Police Station found that another accused, Nitin Kumar, had obtained bail for an accused person in the Mangaluru South Police Station under the fake name of Ganesh K. Salyan. Additionally, another accused, Hasan Riyaz, has also utilised the fake name A.M. Hameed to get bail for an accused person at the same station. Moreover, the police have also arrested Mohammed Hanif, who assisted in providing fake documents for the accused. "The subsequent investigation into the two cases at the Mangaluru North Police Station found that an individual named Nitin Kumar had obtained bail for an accused person in the Mangaluru South Police Station case number 24/22 by using the fake name Ganesh K. Salyan. He has been arrested. Similarly, another individual, Hasan Riyaz, had used the fake name A.M. Hameed to get bail for an accused person in case number 46/22 at the same station. He was also arrested. The police also arrested Mohammed Hanif, a broker who assisted in providing fake documents to obtain bail for the accused," added Reddy. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh on Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state and called it a moment that will lead to "peace and lasting progress". Sharing an X post, Biren Singh wrote, "A heartfelt welcome to Manipur Adarniya Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi Ji. The people of Manipur hold a sincere hope that this moment will lead us to peace and lasting progress. Together we look ahead with trust that tomorrow will be safer, stronger and more prosperous." Ahead of his visit, PM Modi stated that the Central government is committed to furthering the inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. In an X post, PM Modi shared, "I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow, 13th September. We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur." "The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid. The projects being inaugurated include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building and the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, a unique all-women's market in various districts," the X post read. According to the PMO, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. This includes the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, a unique all-women's market, in four districts. The eruption of ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023, along with the persistent discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. (ANI)
SBS's new crime thriller 'Queen Mantis' is breaking with critics and audiences, and much of the attention is centered on the riveting chemistry between lead actors Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon.

The show, which aired on September 5, has already crossed over 10% viewership rates in its first two episodes.

The drama is about the tense and complicated relationship between Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer who is played by Go Hyun-jung, and her estranged son Cha Soo-yeol, a detective who is played by Jang Dong-yoon.

The coupling has ignited a buzz online, with many fans praising the intensity of their performances and unusual chemistry.

"They play a mother and son, but their chemistry is so legendary, you forget it's fiction," one fan commented on social media.

To continue showcasing their on-screen relationship, a pictorial for Dazed Korea of the two stars has come out.

READ MORE: Jang Dong Yoon and Go Hyun Jung's 'Queen Mantis' Locks In Premiere DateHere's What to Expect

Go Hyun-jung, in the editorial, is dressed in simple ensemblesjeans and T-shirt, or a sharp shirt and tieexecuted with understated assurance.

Jang Dong-yoon returns the compliment, and collectively, their similar proportions convey a look of ease and familiarity.

The production team says the mood that has been captured in the pictorial is the result of the close collaboration established on the set.

The two actors performed scenes that required a great deal of emotional exhaustion every time they met in the drama," a representative explained.

"But they completed high-quality scenes through their consideration for each other, strong chemistry, and extraordinary affection for the drama and their characters."

The melodrama weaves together themes of family treachery, justice, and redemption against a setting of strained investigations and secrets buried deep.

Heavy as the subject matter is, the working relationship between Go and Jang has rendered the emotional scenes all the more credible.

READ MORE: Go Hyun-jung Proves She's Still a Queen in Jaw-Dropping Swimsuit Shoot [PHOTO]
The police have registered an FIR at Azad Maidan Police Station under section 353(1), 353(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which aims to address acts of public mischief by criminalising the publication of false information or alarming news through electronic means, or intends to create feelings of ill-will between different groups, or pushes soldiers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force to disregard their duty.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court received a bomb threat on Friday. Following the threat, lawyers and other staff members vacated the court premises.

Reacting to this, Advocate Mangala Waghe told ANI, "Bombay High Court received a bomb threat today. So, the court has been vacated. Police are investigating it."

According to the authorities, an investigation was initiated over this matter.

On September 12, the Delhi High Court received an email threat warning of a bomb in and around the court premises, which led to panic and disruption of the court proceedings.

Hence, due to the threat, all benches of the High Court, lawyers, litigants and staff were evacuated from the premises. Later. the security forces, including Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads, swiftly cordoned off the area.

However, following the inspection of the court premises, New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Devesh Kumar Mahla claimed that the bomb threat seems to be a hoax till now.

Currently, the Delhi Police has registered an FIR over this matter today, and the Police have initiated an investigation into this matter and are looking into the source of the email. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated Mizoram's first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang express to the nation, highlighting how the line will be a "lifeline of transformation" by helping people avail better services and local businesses will get access to the rest of the country. "This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation," PM Modi said. PM Modi who addressed the gathering in Aizwal from the Lengpui airport due to adverse weather apologised for being present at the inauguration venue. He began his address saying, "I bow to the Supreme God Pathian, who watches over this beautiful land of the Blue Mountains. "I am here at Mizoram's Lengpui airport, due to bad weather. I am sorry I cannot join you in Aizwal. But I can feel your love and affection from this medium. Friends, whether it is the freedom movement or the task of nation building, the people of Mizoram have always come forward with courage and dedication. The ideals of great personalities like Lalnu Ropuiliani and Pasaltha Khuangchera continue to inspire not only Mizoram, but the entire nation," PM Modi said. Calling the inauguration of the railway line a "historic day," PM Modi said, "This is a historic day, particularly for the people of Mizoram. From today, Aizwal will be on India's railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Aizwal railway line. Today we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation." He further praised the engineers and the spirit of the workers which braved the challenging Himalayan terrain to construct multiple bridges and tunnels which ultimately connected Mizoram to Delhi with rail. "The skill of our engineers and the spirit of our workers made this possible. Friends, our hearts have aleways been directly connected with each other, now for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be connected directly with Delhi by the Rajdhani express," he said. "People will be able to access more options for education and healthcare. This will also create opportunities in tourism, transport and hospitality sectors," he added. Further, the Prime Minister said that Mizoram is playing an important role in India's development journey. "This is a historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram," he said. Prime Minister Modi said the state will play a major role in India's 'Act East' policy, highlighting the Kaladan multimodal transit project and new railway lines that will connect Mizoram with Southeast Asia. He added that the Northeast is fast becoming a major hub for entrepreneurship, with 4,500 startups and 25 incubators already operating in the region. Taking aim at "certain political parties" for doing vote bank politics and only focusing on places which will have more seats in the Lok Sabha, which led to the northeast states being ignored. "For a long time, some political parties in the country practised vote bank politics. Their focus was always on places which had more votes and seats. The entire northeast including states like Mizoram suffered greatly because of this attitude. But our approach is very different. Those who were earlier neglected are at the forefront now. Those who were marginalised are the mainstream now," he said. "From this day forward, Aizawl will proudly find its place on India's railway map...Despite numerous challenges, including the difficult terrain, the Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line has now become a reality, a testament to perseverance, determination, and the collective will to progress,"PM Modi said. The Bairabi-Sairang has 45 tunnels spanning 51 km and 45 bridges, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. During the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted how under PM Modi's leadership, the budget for railways in northeast has increased five-fold. "Before 2014, the budget for railway for northeast was only 2000 crore, Modi ji increased in five times to 10,000 crore. That is the act east policy of Modi ji. Today railway projects of 77,000 crore are undergoing now," Vaishnaw told during the inauguration program. Apart from the railway line, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of multiple road projects. It includes Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road. PM Modi will be visiting five states, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September, to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore. (ANI)
Authorities in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district have begun relocating families from Kalaban village after continuous landslides and land subsidence rendered the area unsafe. Around 700 people have been affected, while nearly 95 residential structures developed cracks following days of heavy rainfall. Officials said the administration has declared the village unsafe, and residents have been advised to evacuate temporarily. Those affected have been shifted to designated shelters, where relief measures are being coordinated. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Friday visited the Gadhgaram area of Rajgarh Tehsil in Ramban district, where five people lost their lives in a recent cloudburst. Sharma met the bereaved families, offered condolences, and assured them of full support from the Centre and the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He said the government is committed to providing relief and rehabilitation to those impacted by the cloudburst and subsequent flash floods. Sharma also emphasised that his visit aimed to personally assess the ground situation, review the damage caused, and identify areas requiring immediate intervention. Rescue and relief operations are continuing across the district, with efforts underway to trace missing persons and extend timely assistance. Officials have been deployed to coordinate with affected residents and provide essential supplies. In Ramban, local authorities, including MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Deputy Commissioner and District Development Council members, have also inspected the affected sites. They assured residents of relocation to safer zones and compensation for damages. Speaking to ANI, Raju said, "There is an atmosphere of panic here. At night, we received phone calls that the ground was sinking. By morning, land subsidence of nearly 1 to 1.5 feet was reported. Cracks have developed in 20-25 houses. We have inspected the situation. Residents should not worry as the government will make the necessary arrangements and relocate them to safer locations." Notably, Ramban and several other parts of Jammu and Kashmir have been battered by continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days, swelling rivers and creating flash flood-like conditions. The Kashmir Valley also falls in Seismic Zone 5, a very high-risk zone prone to strong earthquakes. (ANI)
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday lauded the Centre for the Bairabi-Sairang railway line and called it a "powerful symbol" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the development of North-East India. PM Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang rail line worth over Rs 8,070 crore, along with the Sairang railway station. Addressing a public meeting in Aizawl, the Chief Minister said, "Today is a historic day for our state. We are deeply honoured to welcome the Prime Minister to Mizoram for the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway and Sairang railway station, a landmark achievement that marks a new chapter in our journey towards connectivity and progress." He called PM Modi's visit to the state a "powerful symbol" of the Centre's commitment to North-East India. "The Prime Minister's presence here today is a powerful symbol of your unwavering commitment to the development of the North-East and to the vision of an inclusive, connected India," he said. Lauding the railway line as an engineering marvel, CM Lalduhoma said, "This railway line is more than a feat of engineering. It is a symbol of inclusion, national integration, and the shared aspirations of our people. It brings Mizoram closer to the rest of India and India closer to Mizoram." PM Modi also flagged off the express trains of Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion. Meanwhile, loco pilots of the trains expressed joy and said "Ab Dilli door nahi" (Now, Delhi is not far away). A loco pilot told ANI, "This is a matter of joy that a new train is being flagged off...It feels good that I will run the train on a new route. The train will go to Delhi." Akshay Kumar, Senior Assistant Loco Pilot, said, "I am overjoyed. I think this is really good for Aizawl that it will now have direct connectivity with Delhi. Yahan se Dilli ab door nahi hai." Welcoming the move, a Train Manager said that the express trains should have started much earlier. He said, "We are very excited. This should have been done much earlier, but it is happening now. Everything will be closer gradually. Ab Dilli zyada door nahi hai." (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for only planning to visit Manipur for 3 hours, calling it a "farce, tokenism and a grave insult to a wounded people." Kharge said that the planned road show in Imphal and Churachandpur is "nothing but a cowardly escape" to not hear the plight of people in relief camps. "Your 3-hour PIT STOP in Manipur is not compassion -- it is a farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to a wounded people. Your so-called ROADSHOW in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!", Kharge said in a post on X. He further criticised the PM for taking multiple foreign trips, while claiming that around 300 lives have been lost in the state, tens of thousands displaced. 864 days of violence: ~300 lives lost, 67,000 displaced, 1,500+ injured. You made 46 foreign trips since, but not a single visit to share two words of sympathy with your own citizens. Your last visit to Manipur? January 2022 -- for elections! Your "Double Engine" has bulldozed the innocent lives of Manipur," Kharge said. The Congress president further trained his guns at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying that both the union minister's and PM's "gross incompetence and complicity" was shielded from scrutiny after President's rule was imposed. "You and HM Amit Shah's gross incompetence and complicity in betraying all communities was shielded from scrutiny, by imposing President's Rule in the state. Violence still continues. It is the BJP which was responsible for maintaining Law & Order in the state and it is now the Union Govt which is again dithering. Not to forget, that is your government which is responsible for National Security and border patrol," he said. Meanwhile in Imphal, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Manipur's Imphal ahead of Prime Minister's visit, with the city being decked up to welcome him. Visuals from across the state capital showed extensive deployment of police and security personnel. PM Modi is on a three-day tour of five states -- Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar -- from September 13 to 15. In Manipur, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur at 12:30 pm. These include the Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management project worth Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project; and working women's hostels at nine locations. Later in the day, Modi will inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal and address a public gathering. (ANI)
People in Churanchandpur have expressed their happiness.

"It feels great. I am fortunate that I will be able to see the PM for the first time in my life. I am excited," a woman named Nancy told ANI at the event venue.

Imphal has been experienced rain from morning.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Manipur, with the Imphal city being all decked up to welcome him. Visuals from accross the state capital showed extensive deployment of police and security personnel.

This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the state since the violence broke out in 2023.

PM Modi is on a three-day tour of five states -- Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar -- from September 13 to 15. During the visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore.

While in Manipur, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur at 12:30 pm. These include the Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management project worth Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project; and working women's hostels at nine locations.

In Imphal, he will inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal today. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, unique all women's market, in 4 districts.

Earlier today, PM Modi inaugurated the Mizoram's first railway line, Bairabi-Sairang line through live video conferencing. (ANI)
As the Election Commission of India prepares for a Bihar-like Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list across the country, Kerala Chief Election Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar said that a meeting is scheduled with the state political parties on September 20. The Kerala CEO told ANI on Friday that they will hold a meeting with political parties to brief them regarding the SIR exercise. "So we have taken all the steps to ensure that we are ready, and we are looking forward to the schedule. And as part of this, we are also having a meeting with the political parties on the 20th of this month, where we will explain the steps and processes involved," he said. He added that the SIR exercise in the state will be announced soon, and the State Election Commission has digitised the records and uploaded them in a searchable format on their website. He said, "In the last meeting of the Election Commission of India, we had a meeting on the preparedness of SIR across the country in all the states. From Kerala, we had presented our preparedness, and we expect that the SIR will be announced any time soon. And as part of this SIR, we had already undertaken some preparedness activities in Kerala. We had our SIR, which was done in the year 2002." "So we have digitised all the records. We have put it in a searchable format on our website. We have trained our election machinery. We have ensured that all the requirements for undertaking an SIR in Kerala are already prepared," he added. Lauding 100 per cent digital literacy in the state, CEO Kelkar said that the exercise will be "easy" and will be conducted with the support of the stakeholders, including the public, the media and the political parties. He said, "As part of document provisioning, Kerala is already digitising 100 per cent of its documents. 100 per cent of digital literacy is also there in Kerala. Fortunately, we have 100 per cent 4G coverage. We have a very informed society, we have good support from the people, the media, and the political parties. We feel it will be a very good coordinated effort from all the stakeholders to ensure that this entire exercise is done in a very easy and a very useful way." Earlier on Wednesday, the ECI held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in the nationla capital of all States and Union Territories, and assessed the preparedness for the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This was the third Conference of Chief Electoral Officers this year. A presentation on the strategies, constraints and best practices adopted was made by the CEO of Bihar so that the CEOs of the rest of the country learn from their experiences, said EC in a press note. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with locals during his visit to Churachandpur in Manipur. Locals also presented him with the traditional Zomie shawl and Thadou Kuki shawl. A girl child also gifted the PM a portrait of him. PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, PM Modi will lay the foundation for the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore. He will also lay the foundations for the five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and the Working Women Hostels at nine locations. Later in the day, he will visit Manipur's capital Imphal, where he will inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore. These projects include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, a unique all-women's market, in four districts. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated Mizoram's first railway line, the Bairabi-Sairang express to the nation, highlighting how the line will be a "lifeline of transformation" by helping people avail better services and local businesses will get access to the rest of the country. "This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation," PM Modi said. PM Modi addressed the gathering in Aizawl from the Lengpui airport due to adverse weather. (ANI)
Nepalese workers, considered the backbone of development activities in Himachal Pradesh, say they are deeply concerned about the current turmoil in their homeland and are pinning hopes on the formation of a corruption-free government that will generate jobs at home and curb migration abroad. In conversations with ANI, several Nepalese migrants working in Shimla across different trades and labour jobs voiced frustration with years of corruption and lack of development in Nepal, while also appealing to youths back home not to damage public property during protests in the future. Gurkha Sikarmi, a native of Nepal's remote Jumla district who has been working in Shimla for over a decade, said he has no personal fear of the unrest but stressed that Nepalese leaders have repeatedly failed their people. "There is no fear for us. This is the people's fight, led by students. Leaders have always looked after themselves, never the people. Prime ministers keep changing quickly, but development does not happen. The government should be good," Sikarmi told ANI. "We come to India for employment. I have been coming here for 10-12 years, staying a few months at home and then returning. In our remote areas, there is no road, no development. Leaders become more corrupt when they get more power. People have spread dictatorship and vandalism. We only want a government that serves the people, not themselves," he added. Bir Bahadur Thakur, also from Jumla, who sells shilajit and rudraksha malas in India, said corruption has hollowed Nepal. "All the leaders ate corruption; they only looted. Work was not happening, and people finally raised their voices. Even social media like Facebook and YouTube were blocked. Leaders like KP Oli went into hiding. Ordinary people now want good, honest people in power," Thakur said. "There is so much unemployment in Nepal. No companies, no factories. That's why we come to India. We only want a good government. People damaged public buildings in Kathmandu, which was wrong. Public property should not have been burnt -- that is the nation's asset, not a personal one. That has hurt us deeply," he added. The Nepalese workers said they see India as a lifeline, where they can find jobs in apple orchards, construction sites, and small trades. But their overwhelming hope is that their homeland stabilises. As Thakur put it: "People are waiting for a good government. If an honest leader like Ginrendra or Balen comes, it will be good for us. This struggle is right, but vandalism was wrong. Nepal must rise again." Nirmal Sikarmi, from Kanika village in Jumla, who trades shilajit between Nepal and India, said that internet shutdowns and police action have worsened the situation. "The government shut down the internet. The police beat students on the home minister's orders, and things turned worse. Corruption is very high. My home in Jumla still lacks electricity, with only dirt roads. There is no employment. If there were jobs at home, we wouldn't need to come here," Nirmal told ANI. "Leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba, K.P. Oli and Prachanda have ruined Nepal. That is why people are angry. But burning national property like the Singha Durbar and other public offices was wrong. That is the people's property. We don't want our children to be uneducated like us. There must be change, there must be development," he added. Nirmal said he would return home for Dashain (Dussehra) but only "with chest open and courage," adding: "The army has now said it will serve the people, not leaders. For six months, the army should run the country until a good government comes." Youbak Chalaune, from Nepal's Surkhet district, told ANI that while the protests had legitimate grievances, the vandalism was unfortunate. He expressed hope from leaders like former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. "Through the internet, we saw the destruction in Nepal; it should not have happened. Public property was burnt. Now, a new government must come quickly to take control and stop further damage. All Nepalese abroad want peace," Chalaune said. "We want a government that creates jobs, ensures good health facilities, and stops migration abroad. Corruption must be uprooted. We do not want to leave our country for work, but until then, India provides us with employment. Nearly 40-45 lakh Nepalese find work in India," he added. The migrant workers reiterated their faith that Nepal would rise again -- but only through honest leadership, peace, and development. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, during his first visit to Manipur post the violence in 2023, appealed to various ethnic groups in Manipur to shun violence and work towards restoring peace in the State. He stated that a new dawn of "hope and confidence" is emerging in the northeastern State Addressing a public meeting in Churachanpur, he assured the public of support from the Centre. "I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur," PM Modi said. Arriving in Imphal airport earlier today, PM Modi decided to travel by road to Churachandpur, about 60 kilometres away, as it was not conducive to reach the venue in a helicopter. In Churachandpur, the Prime Minister met and interacted with people displaced in the ethnic violence. The weather was not conducive for him to head to Churachandpur in a helicopter. Despite the heavy rain, PM decided to reach the venue by road so that he could interact with the people, even though it was 1.5 hours away by road. The Prime Minister said, "Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it went through a difficult phase of violence. I met with the affected people who are living in camps. After an interaction with them, I can say "ummeed aur vishwas ki nayi subah Manipur mein dastak de rahi hai" (A new dawn of hope and confidence is knocking on the doors of Manipur)." PM Modi has expressed satisfaction over recent peace agreements with several ethnic groups in the state. "Peace is important for development in any region. In the last 11 years, several conflicts in the North-East have ended. People have chosen the path of peace, giving priority to development. I am satisfied as agreement talks have begun with several groups in the hills and valleys. This is a part of the government's initiative to establish peace with communication, respect and mutual understanding," he said. The Prime Minister said, "For those rendered homeless, we are giving aid to build 7,000 homes. A special package of Rs 3000 crore has also been announced." This is PM Modi's first visit after an ethnic conflict erupted in the State in May 2023, and the discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities persisted for a couple of years. The conflict has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. Taking a note of cultural diversity and development projects in Manipur, PM Modi said "The cultural diversity and vibrancy of the region is a big strength for India. There is 'Mani' (pearl) in the name of Manipur itself. This is the 'Mani' which will make India shine. The Indian government has always tried to take Manipur forward on the path of development. A little while ago, foundations were laid for projects worth about Rs 7000. These projects will improve the lives of the public and the tribal communities living in the hills. These projects will create new health and education facilities. I congratulate the public on the projects." "Manipur is adjacent to the borders, and connectivity has been a challenge here. I understand the problems you faced due to bad roads, which is why, after 2014, I stressed the importance of connectivity in Manipur. The Government has worked for this at two levels. Firstly, for Manipur, we raised the rail and road budgets exponentially, and secondly, stressed on roads in villages along with the cities. In the past few years, Rs 3,700 crore have been spent on National Highways in Manipur, while work for highways worth Rs 8,700 is underway," he added. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur in Manipur. In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, PM Modi laid the foundation for the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore. He also laid the foundations for the five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and the Working Women Hostels at nine locations. (ANI)
South Korean YouTuber Gu Jae-yeok (real name Lee Jun-hee) has been convicted of defamation by the country's Supreme Court for exposing another content creator's sexual crime history on his YouTube channel.

The country's highest court recently confirmed a $2,159 fine against the YouTuber for violating the Information and Communications Network Act.

The case stems from videos Gu Jae-yeok posted between August and October 2020, in which he discussed a fellow martial arts YouTuber's past sexual crimes and revealed the victim's real name.

The videos disclosed personal details, including the victim's physical characteristics and residence, and even included court rulings or links to download them. The content featured an interview with a third party who claimed to have dated the victim and made allegations of rape, confinement, and assault.

Prosecutors initially issued a summary indictment with a $2,159 fine, but Gu Jae-yeok objected and requested a formal trial. During proceedings, his defense argued that the broadcasts served the public interest since all content was truthful and he did not profit from them. However, the first trial court rejected this claim, ruling that the videos contained falsehoods and were motivated by both personal revenge and financial gain.

The court noted that around the time he uploaded the videos, Gu Jae-yeok had stated in live chats that "defamation for stating facts carries light penalties" and that he had "never seen anyone imprisoned for defamation." Judges also pointed out that he was profiting financially from his YouTube activities.

The court emphasized that while the victim had been convicted of sexual crimes, they were not subject to employment restrictions and were not working in the related field at the time, making the indiscriminate disclosure of court rulings inappropriate.

The appellate court upheld the original ruling despite Gu Jae-yeok's continued claims that his actions were in the public interest. The court acknowledged that the videos may have contributed somewhat to public sentiment in removing sex offenders from the martial arts community, but stated that the damage caused by disclosing the victim's personal information was far greater. The court further noted that he had republished an expired criminal ruling in its entirety and continued uploading similar videos even after a court ordered their removal.

The Supreme Court concluded that the lower court's decision did not violate logic or the principles of evidence evaluation, and found no misapplication of law concerning defamation or infringement on freedom of expression. As a result, Gu Jae-yeok's appeal was dismissed, and the $2,159 fine was finalized.

This defamation conviction is separate from Gu Jae-yeok's involvement in another high-profile case where he was sentenced to three years in prison for blackmailing popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang.

In that case, he was found guilty of extorting 55 million won from Tzuyang by threatening to expose allegations about her tax evasion and personal life. The court in that matter stated that he had exploited Tzuyang's vulnerability to extort money in exchange for not revealing her private life to the public.
Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, on Saturday visited a jawan injured in an IED explosion in Dantewada's Satdhar forest area. The blast occurred during a demining operation led by the 195 Battalion alongside police forces on September 11, injuring two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. According to the Chhattisgarh Dy CM, the officer's name was Mukesh, and he got injured during a routine operation in the state. After his visit, the state's Dy CM gave an update on the injured officer's health. Speaking to ANI, Sharma revealed that the officer has suffered an injury in his left leg in the IED blast and following a medical operation, the officer is now out of danger. "This is Mukesh of 195 Battalion of CRPF Dantwada. The incident occurred the day before yesterday...He has suffered injuries in his left leg in the IED blast. I met the doctor, the jawan's family and him. He is out of danger. All foreign particles have been removed from the body. The operation was successful; there is nothing life-threatening...I have left a number with them; they can tell me if they face any issues. All help is being provided." Sharma told ANI. Later, talking about the issue of IED blasts, Deputy CM Sharma admitted that IED continues to be a big problem in the state. He also stated that the government is working on all possible IED detection technologies. "IED is a big problem. We are working on all possible IED detection technologies across the world. If anyone has it, they can share it with us. We will undertake procurement procedures..." added Sharma. Additionally, Sharma also provided an update on Naxalite operations in Chhattisgarh, stating that very few Naxalite members remain in the state. He also noted that in Telangana, a member of the central committee named Sujata has surrendered. Meanwhile, two Naxalites, each carrying a bounty of Rs 8 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Friday morning. According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav, the encounter was the result of a targeted operation based on reliable inputs about Maoist cadre activity in the region. The killed Maoists were identified as Hidma Podiyam (34) and Munna Madkam (25). Earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday lauded the efforts of agencies and security forces towards fighting Naxalism in the state. Speaking to reporters, CM Sai stated that under his government, the Central security forces and Chhattisgarh Police have been fighting bravely against Naxalism. He praised the courage of the troops involved in the recent encounter in Gariaband on Thursday, where 10 Naxalites were killed. But in a related development, Central Committee members (CCM) Pothula Padmavathi, Kalpana, Mynakka Sujatha, Central Committee Member, who have left CPI (Maoist), have joined the mainstream before Telangana Police after 43 years in the presence of the state's Director General of Police on Saturday. (ANI)
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir hid himself in a bunker during Operation Sindoor, and elevated himself to the position of a field marshal to avoid public scrutiny, Lieutenant General KJS (Tiny) Dhillon (retd) said on Saturday. "The only Army chief who went into a bunker during the operations and the only Army chief who elevated himself to a field marshal just to avoid the public scrutiny. Also the only army chief to be accompanying the head of state to the SCO meeting," the retired army official said in an exclusive interview with ANI. "Only army chief to be called by American president for lunch. So much for democracy, so much for sporting the democratic structure. Pakistan Army is the only Army in the world which has never won a war, only war in the world after WWII had 93,000 surrenders," he added. Lt Gen Dhillon, who served as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) under the Chief of Defence Staff from March 2020 to January 2022, is currently the chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. Pakistani army chief Munir was elevated to the rank of a field Marshal on May 20, 13 days after India struck terror bases in Pakistan and 10 days after an agreement on cessation of hostilities was reached. Munir is the second person to be elevated to this rank, with former president Ayub Khan, and first Army chief of independent Pakistan. Lt Gen Dhillon further highlighted how with a "new India" other countries did not question the operation. "Now, when we go and hit nine terror targets as a response to Pahalgam, no one questions us. Because now we are a new India. So, it is important to tell your point but the other person understands your point better if you have a gun in hand," the retired Army official said. He further said that "new India" is a military might and soon to be the third largest economy. "Response was required every time and response was apt this time, but more importantly, this time we are the fourth largest economy, going to be third. We are a military might, when we do something now people won't question. People didn't question America when they came into Abbottabad and picked Osama bin Laden because America was America," he said. Lt Gen (retd) Dhillon has recently authored a new book titled 'Operation Sindoor, The Untold Story of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan,' which details how India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. At least 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, following which India launched Operation Sindoor. India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), and also repelled Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. Earlier, on August 10, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed that India had taken down at least five Pakistani fighter jets during Operation Sindoor and destroyed one large aircraft at a distance of about 300 kilometres. He said the aircraft brought down was "the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about." (ANI)
BJP leader CT Ravi on Saturday visited HIMES Hospital in Hassan to meet those injured during a Ganesh procession. A truck rammed into a crowd during a Ganesh immersion procession in Hassan, Karnataka, yesterday, killing nine and injuring 22. CT Ravi interacted with the injured individuals, enquired about their condition, and assured them of support from the authorities for their treatment and recovery. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said the compensation announced for the victims of the Ganesha procession accident in Hassan district was inadequate and urged the Karnataka government to raise the amount to 50 lakh. Ravi said, "The government has announced the compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs. However, I believe that in such an incident, this amount of compensation is little. I request the government to increase the compensation amount to Rs. 50 lakhs." The former minister said doctors and police had worked through the night to manage the aftermath. "Last night, the celebration was ongoing for the Ganesha procession in the Hassan district. During that celebration, this accident happened, in which nine people lost their lives. Doctors and police worked tirelessly through the night... 13 people are admitted in the general ward, and three people are in the ICU," Ravi said. Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister's Office announced ex-gratia relief for the victims of the accident during a Ganesh immersion procession in Hassan, Karnataka. According to the PMO, 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be provided to the next of kin of those who died, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each. Meanwhile, on Friday, Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari stated that the incident occurred when the procession was hit by a truck. "8 people have died, and 22 people have been injured and are receiving treatment at HIMS Hospital. Among them, one person is in critical condition. In a private hospital, seven people are also undergoing treatment, and their conditions are reported to be normal. The police are yet to provide information on the exact cause of the incident." She added, "According to eyewitness accounts, the procession was moving along, with a large number of youths participating. It is being said that the truck hit the divider. There are reports that engineering college students were present, and details about this still need to be confirmed." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the bereaved, and provided a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the families. (ANI)
A bomb threat email was received by a hotel in the national capital on Saturday, which was later declared to be a hoax threat by the Delhi Police. According to officials, Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel received a bomb threat via email today. After receiving the information, the Delhi Police started investigating the matter. However, nothing suspicious was found during the search. Officials later confirmed that the threat was a hoax. Delhi Police said, "Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi received a bomb threat mail. Nothing was found; it has been declared a hoax". Spokesperson of the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, said, "After a thorough security check, the government authorities have stated that the incident was a hoax. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of paramount importance to us, and we continue to remain vigilant." Further investigation into the origin of the email is underway. Earlier on Friday, a major security scare gripped the Delhi High Court after an email threat warning of a bomb in and around the court premises led to panic and disruption of proceedings. As the alert spread, all benches of the High Court rose immediately, and lawyers, litigants, and staff were evacuated from the premises. The sudden evacuation created scenes of chaos, with people rushing out of the court complex in fear. Security forces, including Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads, swiftly cordoned off the area. Fire-fighter vehicles and ambulances were deployed on-site as a precautionary measure, while teams with sniffer dogs conducted a thorough search of the premises. So far, no suspicious object has been recovered. Officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to trace the origin of the threatening email and identify those behind it. Delhi Police sources confirmed on Friday that a warning regarding a bomb threat to the High Court was issued by an unidentified person or persons via email. The threat email mentioned the Delhi High Court and was addressed to the staff of the High Court with the subject line, "Pakistan Tamil Nadu collude for Holy Friday blasts. 3 bombs planted in judge room/court premises. Evacuate by 2 pm." According to sources, the letter claimed involvement of Pakistan while warning about the placement of three bombs at the court premises. The sender's email ID was identified as "kanimozhi.thevidiya@outlook.com". "The assets within the Police have been sown since 2017, for this Holy Friday. As a sample, today's blast in your Delhi High Court will clear the doubt of previous bluffs. Judge Chamber will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers," the letter read, making controversial claims. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with locals in Imphal during his visit to Manipur on Saturday. PM Modi arrived in Imphal after visiting Churachandpur, where he spoke to various ethnic groups, urging them to shun violence and work towards restoring peace in the State. He stated that a new dawn of "hope and confidence" is emerging in the northeastern State. This is PM Modi's first visit after an ethnic conflict erupted in the State in May 2023, and the discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted since then. The conflict has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. Addressing a public meeting in Churachanpur, he assured the public that the Centre stands with them. "I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said, "Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it went through a difficult phase of violence. I met with the affected people who are living in camps. After an interaction with them, I can say "ummeed aur vishwas ki nayi subah Manipur mein dastak de rahi hai" (A new dawn of hope and confidence is knocking on the doors of Manipur)." PM Modi has expressed satisfaction with the recent peace agreements reached with several ethnic groups in the state. "Peace is important for development in any region. In the last 11 years, several conflicts in the North-East have ended. People have chosen the path of peace, giving priority to development. I am satisfied as agreement talks have begun with several groups in the hills and valleys. This is a part of the government's initiative to establish peace with communication, respect and mutual understanding," he said. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur in Manipur. In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, PM Modi laid the foundation for the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore. He also laid the foundations for the five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and the Working Women Hostels at nine locations. He also interacted with locals during his visit to Churachandpur in Manipur. Locals presented him with the traditional Zomie shawl and Thadou Kuki shawl. A girl child also gifted the PM a portrait of him. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Churachandpur, Manipur, is being met with warmth and enthusiasm. Locals are thrilled to welcome him with traditional dances, showcasing their rich cultural heritage. People in the state performed traditional dance to welcome PM Modi as he laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. One of the traditional dance performers expressed hope that PM Modi will bring more developments to the state. He had come in traditional dress to welcome him. "We have come here to welcome PM Modi by performing our traditional dance. We are very happy. We hope that PM Modi will bring more developments to the state in future too...," he said. Another local was beaming with excitement, expressing his happiness and gratitude for PM Modi's visit. While speaking to ANI, he said, "PM Modi is taking forward the country's vision. We love him and we welcome him. We are very happy and we thank him for his visit...". Another performer said, "We have come here to welcome PM Modi by performing our traditional dance. We are very happy. We hope that PM Modi will bring more developments to the state in future too...". Speaking to ANI, another dance performer said, "We are very excited because our Prime Minister is coming here, and we are very excited to perform in front of him. We are very happy...". A woman performer said that she hopes PM will bring peace and harmony in the state. She said, "I am very excited because the Prime Minister is coming to Churachandpur, and I hope that he will bring peace and harmony in the state. We are going to perform a traditional dance for him...We are very excited." As part of his government's focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, PM Modi laid the foundation for the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore. He also laid the foundations for five National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and the Working Women Hostels at nine locations across the state. Later in the day, PM Modi will travel to Manipur's capital, Imphal, where he will inaugurate projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore. These projects include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, unique all-women's markets, in four districts. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Manipur, with Imphal city being all decked up to welcome him. Visuals from accross the state capital showed extensive deployment of police and security personnel. This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the state since the violence broke out in 2023. PM Modi is on a three-day tour of five states -- Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar -- from September 13 to 15. During the visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday claimed that the people of Bihar are dissatisfied with the Election Commission over allegations of 'vote theft.' Abdullah said the Election Commission must stay true to its ideals of independence and fairness. Speaking to the reporters, Omar Abdullah said, "There are concerns regarding the special dispensation that was created for Bihar, and how useful it will be for the ruling alliance will be shown when the results come out... It has left the people of Bihar very dissatisfied with the conduct of the Election Commission... We have always taken pride in the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission. I think the Election Commission must hold true to those ideals..." The INDIA bloc, led by Congress and Rahul Gandhi, has been vocal about alleged "vote chori" or vote theft. Rahul Gandhi claimed large-scale electoral fraud in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Karnataka's Bangalore Central constituency, citing over 1 lakh fake voters. He outlined alleged methods of vote manipulation, including duplicate voters, fake addresses, bulk registrations, invalid photos, and Form 6 misuse. The Congress initiated the "Vote Chori" campaign with a dedicated website (votechori.in) and call-in number, urging citizens to support demands for transparent voter rolls. The EC termed Gandhi's claims "false and misleading," asking him to submit a sworn declaration or apologise, citing voter roll availability in PDF format for privacy concerns. Earlier, Congress had said that they submitted close to 89 lakh complaints to the Election Commission regarding the voter lists in Bihar, the state's Chief Election Officer (CEO) responded by saying that the party did not follow the proper process of correctly filling up the prescribed form, as mandated to be submitted regarding any objections to the voter list. In an official statement which was released on X, the CEO mentioned, "The Presidents of the District Congress Committees of the Indian National Congress have, in the last 1-2 days, submitted letters to the District Election Officers in Bihar, requesting the deletion of the names of around 89 lakh (8.9 million) people from the electoral rolls." The official statement further added that, as per the rules and directions of the Election Commission, any deletion of names can only be done through "Rule 13 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, under which only Form 7 can be submitted". "Booth Level Agents appointed by political parties, who can file objections in the prescribed format. Such objections, under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, must be submitted along with a declaration," it added. The CEO pointed out that the data mentioned in the Congress complaint of "89 lakh voters" was unverified. The official statement mentioned that the ERO will take the 'appropriate decision' on the process of deletion of around 89 lakh voters. It also added that only after sworn affidavits and proper scrutiny, names would be considered for removal. The statement also referenced the Supreme Court's interim order dated August 22, which stated that any objections regarding incorrect entries in the electoral rolls must be submitted in the prescribed format to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also clarified that his party, the National Conference, continue to remain a part of the INDIA bloc. Abdullah said there may be some lack of understanding, but there is no gap between them and the alliance. He also thanked the DMK for its continued support on important issues related to Jammu and Kashmir. "Who said we left? Not only is there a difference and distance in geography between J&K and this part of the country, but there seems to be a lack of understanding as well. There is no gap or difference between the National Conference and the INDIA bloc. We continue to remain a part of the INDIA bloc... We have always been grateful to DMK for the support that they extended to J&K for the issues that matter to us," Abdullah said. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, calling it a misuse of the law. He said that while there may have been complaints against Malik, using such a harsh law against an elected representative was excessive. Speaking to the reporters, Omar Abdullah said, "Law and order and policing are not part of the elected government's responsibility... Whatever complaints might have been there about the conduct of the MLA, the law that has been used to detain him is absolutely a misuse of the law and an excessive use of force against an elected representative..." Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik, representing Doda constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, was booked under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 (PSA) on September 8 on grounds of his activities being prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. The Public Safety Act, a preventive detention law, allows authorities in Jammu & Kashmir to detain individuals without trial for up to two years in certain cases. Prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Surakaksha Sanhita (BNSS) continues to be imposed in Bhalessa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Friday, following AAP MLA Mehraj Malik's arrest. A day earlier, National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reacted to the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under sections of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and said that "this law is used against terrorists or for political intimidation." "PSA has not been imposed on one person or an MLA; PSA has been imposed on democracy. The law of the land has been reduced to a joke under the BJP regime. You can understand the condition of democracy if an elected MLA can be detained on vague accusations under the PSA. Even if he was at fault, cases could have been registered under other laws. This law is used against terrorists or for political intimidation..., " Mehdi said. (ANI)
Kerala Health Department has revised figures on Amebic Meningoencephalitis cases and deaths in the state. As per the latest update, so far 66 people have been infected in 2025, of whom 17 have died, according to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS). Earlier, the Department had stated that only two deaths were confirmed as caused by the disease, while 14 were suspected. The clarification now confirms 17 fatalities. On September 12, two new cases were reported, raising this month's total to 19 cases and seven deaths. This correction also revises an earlier statement from September 10, when the department said that 60 cases had been reported this year, with 42 suspected to be Amebic Meningoencephalitis. Meanwhile, leptospirosis (rat fever) continues to be the state's deadliest infectious disease in 2025, claiming 139 lives so far, including 13 this month alone. Hepatitis A has caused 58 deaths, dengue fever 33 deaths, seasonal fevers 38 deaths, and rabies 23 deaths this year. Kerala's health authorities are on high alert due to multiple cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." Kerala has reported multiple deaths and a cluster of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases across districts in August and September 2025, according to official sources. "Given past reports from the state and high fatality associated with the disease, continuous vigilance, enhanced surveillance, environmental sampling, and strict IEC measures are essential. NCDC and the State Health Department are monitoring the situation closely, with laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigations underway," official sources said on Friday. As Public Health Response, "Testing of febrile and symptomatic individuals across affected districts. Alert issued to Kozhikode Medical College and district hospitals." "Awareness campaigns in communities regarding risks of fresh water exposure. Environmental measures: Instructions issued for cleaning and chlorination of wells and public water sources." Sources said further, "Fever survey is ongoing in affected localities. Sample collection from CSF, nasal swabs, and water sources is being tested. The preventive measures (Advised to Public) are to avoid swimming/bathing in ponds, rivers, or stagnant water. Ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools and water parks. Use nose clips or cover the nose when exposed to fresh water. Clean and chlorinate household wells regularly. Seek immediate medical care for any neurological or meningeal symptoms following water exposure." (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday highlighted the importance of tourism for India's economy, and said it provides jobs and increases government revenue. Tharoor called for improved infrastructure, enhanced safety for women tourists, and the development of more mid-range hotels. Speaking to the reporters at Skal India National Congress 2025, Shashi Tharoor said, "We have a lot of things to do. Tourism is very important. This gives employment to the people. It will increase revenue for the government. We need to improve our infrastructure." Tharoor also stressed the need to change the global image of India as unsafe for women by deploying more women police officers in tourist areas. "Our nation has an image that India is not safe for women. We need to change this image. We have to do something about it. More women police officers must be deployed in the tourist areas... We either have high-end 5-star hotels or extremely poor quality; there is nothing in between. We need to construct a lot," Tharoor said. India's tourism and hospitality sector is set to witness record growth, with projections indicating the industry could reach nearly USD 60 billion by 2028, according to a report by IDBI Capital. The report highlighted that domestic tourism will be the main driver of this growth. The number of domestic visitors is expected to double from 2.5 billion in 2024 to 5.2 billion by 2030, translating into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4 per cent. It stated, "We remain positive on domestic hospitality space led by demand-supply mismatch, FTA, increased corporate travel, and MICE will aid RevPAR growth... Tourism and Hospitality Sector Poised for Record Growth, Projecting Nearly Sixty Billion by 2028." The report, mentioning the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) estimate, also predicted a significant increase in visitor spending. It is estimated that spending by both domestic and international travellers will almost triple to Rs 33.95 trillion by 2034. This strong growth will be supported by better connectivity across the country, with developments in air, road, and rail infrastructure playing a key role in boosting travel. (ANI)
Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the flood-affected areas in Jammu on Saturday. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was monitoring the situation in flood-hit Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the administration has also been instructed to extend full cooperation to the people. Singh said, "Everyone knows how the entire region has been flood-affected. Prime Minister Modi is monitoring every moment of all three states (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir). He has issued instructions that the central government, in full coordination with the state governments, should set up all arrangements. There has been considerable damage here in Bajalta and 6 houses and two shops have washed away in flash floods. There will be no shortage of any resources or assistance. The administration has also been instructed to extend full cooperation to the people's representatives." He further said that medical camps have also been set up. Bajalta village is 13 km away from the city of Jammu. Earlier today Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, visited the Gadhgaram area of Rajgarh Tehsil in Ramban district, where five people were killed in a recent cloudburst. Sharma met the bereaved families, conveyed condolences and assured them of full support from the Centre and the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He said that the government is committed to ensuring relief and rehabilitation for those impacted by the cloudburst and the flash floods that followed. Sharma said his visit aimed to personally assess the ground situation, review the damage caused and identify areas requiring immediate government attention. He assured the affected families that necessary steps would be taken to help them rebuild their lives. Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the region, with efforts underway to trace missing persons and to extend immediate assistance to affected communities. Officials have been deployed to coordinate with residents and provide basic relief material. In a separate incident, several houses in the Tanger area of Ramban district have developed cracks, reportedly due to land subsidence. Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has been a significant reason. The administration has declared the area unsafe and advised residents to vacate temporarily. Local authorities, including Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Deputy Commissioner, and District Development Council (DDC) members, visited the site and assured residents that the government would provide necessary support, including relocation to safer areas and compensation for losses. "There is an atmosphere of panic here. At night, we received calls about sinking land. By morning, reports suggested subsidence up to 1-1.5 feet. Cracks have developed in around 20-25 houses. We inspected the situation and want to assure people that the government will make all arrangements and relocate them to safer locations," Ramban MLA Raju told ANI. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on September 15 will pronounce its order on the issue of interim relief on a batch of pleas seeking stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih had reserved the order on May 22. Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Constitutional validity of the Waqf Act. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, had argued regarding the provision barring non-Muslims from creating Waqfs. Mehta had said that only in the 2013 amendment, non-Muslims were given such rights, but in the 1923 law, they were not allowed to create Waqfs, as there were concerns that this could be used as a device to defraud creditors. He had defended the five-year practice condition to be eligible for the creation of a Waqf. Mehta had further argued that Section 3E of the Act, which bars the creation of Waqf over lands falling under Scheduled Areas, was created for the protection of Scheduled Tribes. He had said that the creation of Waqf is irreversible, and this might prejudice the rights of the vulnerable tribal population. Mehta had said that tribal lands are being grabbed under the garb of Waqf. Senior advocate Ranjeet Kumar, appearing for the Haryana government and a tribal organisation supporting the 2025 Amendments, said in Rajasthan, a Waqf claim was made over a 500-acre land given for mining purposes. CJI Gavai had orally observed that the requirement of registration of Waqfs has been there under the previous laws of 1923 and 1954. A batch of petitions challenging the Act was filed before the apex court, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. Six Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states had also moved the apex court in the matter, in support of the amendment. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which Parliament earlier passed after heated debates in both Houses. The central government had filed its preliminary affidavit in the Supreme Court while seeking dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as it said the law was not violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The Centre, in its affidavit, had said the amendments are only for the regulation of the secular aspect regarding the management of the properties and hence, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Central government had urged the court not to stay any provisions of the Act, saying that it is a settled position in law that constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and would decide the matter finally. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh on Saturday hosted a two-day national cooperative conference in Shimla, with top representatives of cooperative societies and banks from across the country in attendance. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the cooperation portfolio, inaugurated the conference and declared that India's cooperative sector is poised for a major expansion. "The cooperative movement has a bright future in India. Its beginnings were made here in Himachal Pradesh as early as 1792, and today it has spread across the country," Minister Agnihotri told reporters. He welcomed the Centre's decision to establish a Cooperative University, noting that affiliated institutions and colleges would be able to introduce specialised courses in the sector. "This is a major step forward that will give academic and institutional strength to the cooperative movement," he added. Calling the conference a "Mahakumbh of cooperatives," Agnihotri praised the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (Apex Bank) for bringing leading cooperative players together on one platform. "Shimla is a historic city where many milestones of the freedom struggle were written. Today, it has become the venue for a grand congregation of the cooperative world. Top figures of the movement are here, and important deliberations will take place over two days, with the Reserve Bank and every branch of the cooperative sector represented," the Deputy CM said. He pointed out that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a strong base of cooperative banking with 10 cooperative banks, led by HP State Cooperative Bank with a capital of nearly Rs 28,000 crore, followed by Kangra Central Cooperative Bank at 18,000 crore, and Jogindra Bank serving Solan district. "Together, these banks represent an empire of more than 60,000 crore, which is larger than the state's budget," Agnihotri underlined. Agnihotri highlighted that Himachal cooperative institutions have made a mark across India and abroad citing the Bhutti Weavers' Cooperative Society, known globally for shawls and caps, HIMFED, HIMCAPS, and even new ventures such as Ayurveda medical college would be brought under the cooperative model. He also stressed the growing prestige of the sector. "In some states, people aspire less to be ministers and more to become chairpersons of cooperative societies. That shows the value the cooperative world commands," Agnihotri concluded. (ANI)
Bomb threats were sent to Max hospitals at three of its locations in Shalimar Bagh, Saket, and Dwarka in the national capital, the Delhi Fire Service said on Saturday. The Fire Department received a call at 16:47 on Saturday about a bomb threat to the Max Hospital in Dwarka, Delhi, Fire Services said. The Delhi Police and the fire department team were deployed to both hospitals, and a search operation was initiated, authorities said. Officials said nothing suspicious was found. Meanwhile, earlier Saturday, a bomb threat email was received by the Taj Palace Hotel in the national capital, which was later declared to be a hoax by the Delhi Police. Nothing suspicious was found during a search of the hotel, and the Delhi Police started an investigation into the matter. A spokesperson of the hotel said, "After a thorough security check, the government authorities have stated that the incident was a hoax. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of paramount importance to us, and we continue to remain vigilant." Further investigation into the origin of the email is underway. On Friday, a major security scare gripped the Delhi High Court after an email threat warning of a bomb in and around the court premises led to panic and disruption of proceedings. As the alert spread, all benches of the High Court rose immediately, and lawyers, litigants, and staff were evacuated from the premises. The sudden evacuation created scenes of chaos, with people rushing out of the court complex in fear. Security forces, including Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads, swiftly cordoned off the area. Fire-fighter vehicles and ambulances were deployed on-site as a precautionary measure, while teams with sniffer dogs conducted a thorough search of the premises. So far, no suspicious object has been recovered. Officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to trace the origin of the threatening email and identify those behind it. Delhi Police sources confirmed that the warning regarding a bomb threat to the High Court was issued by an unidentified person or persons via email. (ANI)
The Minister inspected several locations along the Kullu-Manali route, covering Vaishno Mata Temple, Sabzi Mandi (Bandrol), Raison, Dohlu Nala, Fozal Nala, Duada Vihal, Jatehar Vihal (Patlikuhal), Nalsu Nala, Manalsu Nala, Solang, Palchang, Samahan, Bahang and the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th Mile areas situated on the banks of the Beas River.

These regions had suffered extensive damage to road connectivity due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

With the continuous efforts of the central government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), repair and reconstruction of damaged roads are being undertaken on a war footing to restore traffic movement and provide early relief to the affected population.

During the visit, Thakur interacted with affected families, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the progress of ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of an unforgiving monsoon, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Saturday confirming massive disruption to public utilities across the state.

As of 10:00 am on September 13, a total of 574 roads remain blocked, 389 distribution transformers (DTRs) are disrupted, and 333 water supply schemes are out of order following fresh spells of rain and landslides in the last 24 hours.

The SDMA also reported that the cumulative death toll from this year's monsoon has reached 386 since June 20. Of these, 218 deaths are directly attributed to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, house collapses and drowning, while 168 deaths occurred in road accidents, which spiked sharply due to slippery conditions and damaged hill highways.

District-wise, Kullu and Mandi are among the worst-hit in terms of road blockages, with 174 and 166 routes disrupted, respectively. In Shimla district, 48 roads remain closed, while Kangra reported 45, Chamba 44 and Sirmaur 28. Major national highways have also been hit -- including stretches of NH-03 (Manali-Keylong), NH-305 (Anni-Jalori) and NH-503A (Una region) -- cutting off connectivity to high-altitude valleys and tourist hubs. (ANI)
According to a release from Headquarters of the Inspector General Assam Rifle (HQ IGAR), based on specific intelligence about trafficking of narcotics, Assam Rifles conducted an operation on September 12 2025 in the area of World Bank Road-Vawkte Kai at Zokhawthar, Mizoram.

While moving down from the road towards the river, the team noticed a suspect carrying a bag. On fearing arrest, the individual fled while dropping the bag.

The recovered bag was inspected in the presence of Zokhawthar Police and contained 2.372 kg (Approx. 20,200 tablets) of Methamphetamine Tablets, valued at 7.11 Crores.

As per the release, the seized contraband was handed over to Zokhawthar Police for further investigation. The operation underscores the Assam Rifles' resolve to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the youth.

On Friday, Assam Rifles seized 51 grams of Heroin valued at Rs. 35.7 lakh and apprehended an individual from Chanmari West area of Mizoram's Aizawl, said an official release.

Based on specific intelligence regarding the trafficking of narcotics, Assam Rifles launched a search operation on September 9, in the general area of Chanmari West, Aizawl.

During the conduct of the operation, the search team spotted a suspected individual, whose search led to the recovery of 51 grams of Heroin No-4, valued at approximately Rs. 35.7 lakh.

The recovered narcotics and apprehended individuals were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department, Aizawl.

Earlier on September 3, the Assam Rifles apprehended an individual and seized arms and ammunition during an operation in Chamdur P-I village of Mizoram's Lawngtlai district, officials said.

According to officials, "Based on specific intelligence from own sources about the trafficking of arms and ammunition, an area domination patrol was launched by Assam Rifles in the general area village Chamdur P-I, Lawngtlai district, on 02 Sep 2025."

During the operation, one suspect was stopped, and on thorough checking, one .22 Air carbine, one .22 single-barreled miniature rifle (foreign-made), two. 22 magazines and ten live .22 rounds were recovered. The seized arms and ammunition, and the individual were handed over to the Police station, Lawngtlai. (ANI)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam(TVK) Chief Vijay launched his state-wide campaign from Tiruchirappalli. TVK Chief Vijay delivered a fiery speech questioning the ruling DMK over its 'unfulfilled' electoral promises mentioned in thier 2021 election manifesto. Addressing a massive crowd, Vijay began his speech with a reference to tradition, saying, "In the olden days, before going to war, people would first visit their family deity for blessings. Similarly, before heading into an electoral battle, I wanted to meet and greet my people. He emphasised the historical and political significance of Trichy, recalling that former Chief Minister CN Annadurai had decided to contest elections from here in 1956 and MG Ramachandran(Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) had conducted his maiden political conference in the city in 1974. "Trichy has always been a turning point in Tamil Nadu politics. It is also known for its cultural heritage, religious harmony, and social justice movements led by Periyar(DK Founder). Vijay then shifted his focus to the DMK government's 2021 election manifesto, highlighting several promises that remain unfulfilled. "Out of the 505 assurances they made, what has been implemented? Where is the Rs 3 reduction in diesel prices, the monthly electricity bill calculation, the waiver of student education loans, 40 per cent job reservation for women in government services, the restoration of the old pension scheme, and the filling of two lakh government vacancies?" he asked. He accused the ruling party of ignoring people's real issues, pointing to recent controversies. "A kidney theft took place in a hospital owned by a DMK member. Women are allowed free travel in buses, but are humiliated with the term 'free, free' being mocked at them. The promise of Rs 1,000 for all women has not been fulfilled, and those who received it are showcased for publicity," he charged. Vijay assured that TVK would focus on education, electricity, healthcare, women's safety, and legal reforms without compromise. "We will only promise what is practically possible, not empty words," he asserted, adding that victory for TVK was certain. Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The TVK will be contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections for the first time since its founding in 2024. The state elections are scheduled to be held in 2026. (ANI)
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Kolkata Zonal Unit, in its fight against illegal drug trafficking, conducted a multi-pronged operation on September 12. In the early hours of the day, the officers of DRI conducted searches simultaneously at 3 different locations - one in NSCBI Airport, and two residential premises in Bijoygarh locality of Jadavpur. According to an official release, in the residential location belonging to the mastermind, Hydroponic Weed, Cannabis and Cocaine of substantial quantity were found. In the second residential location, which was rented and operated by the mastermind, a huge quantity of Cannabis was found in a 'packed and ready-to-distribute' manner. Four associates of the mastermind, who were employed for the purpose of sale and local distribution of such narcotics in Kolkata, were apprehended at this location. The officials also seized cash in the said locations, which was the proceeds of the sale of narcotic substances. On the same day, another member of the syndicate, who is involved in arranging suppliers abroa,d was also apprehended. Simultaneously, in a different operation conducted at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Dumdum, four carriers (including three women) belonging to the said syndicate, arriving from Bangkok, were intercepted. From their possession as well, a substantial quantity of narcotic substances was recovered. Collectively, 32.466 kg of Cannabis (Ganja), 22.027 kg of Hydroponic weed, 345 grams of Cocaine, along with cash, have been seized. Ten individuals (all Indian nationals), including the mastermind, carriers coming from abroad, retail distributors and middlemen, have been arrested and produced before the courts for judicial remand. All seizures and arrests have been done under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigations are underway. The operation once again highlights the commitment of DRI in dismantling the broader network involved in drug trafficking in the country. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday underscored the importance of reinforcing democratic institutions and enhancing public trust. He expressed his view during media interaction at the 11th CPA India Region Conference in Bengaluru, which brought together representatives from 26 states. This year's central theme was public trust in democratic institutions. Birla emphasised that building people's confidence in legislatures remains the foremost goal. The LS Speaker said that democratic institutions must become the medium of fulfilling the aspirations of the people. All presiding officers shared their experiences and offered suggestions on how to strengthen these institutions. The conference has presented a "new perspective on development," serving as a vital platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas and collective resolutions on strengthening legislatures in India. Talking to the media, Birla said that legislative bodies must not merely function as procedural institutions but should become "living instruments" of democracy that meet the aspirations of the people. In this context, discussions focused on challenges, reforms and innovations that can empower state legislatures to perform more effectively. Birla informed that the deliberations led to several key resolutions aimed at reforming legislative functioning. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha said that disruptions in the Houses should be minimised and discussions should dominate the proceedings. Our first resolution is to restore people's trust by ensuring meaningful debates instead of disruptions. He also noted that a consensus emerged that political parties must refrain from planned disruptions and instead use debates and dialogues to express differences. Differences of opinion must be expressed through constructive discussion, not sloganeering or disturbances and such practices strengthen parliamentary traditions. Our effort is to ensure that Parliament and state legislatures become centres of meaningful discussion and debate, respecting all ideologies. Democracy must be expressed in words of agreement or disagreement, not through disorder, the LS Speaker added. He further said that legislative councils, research wings and reference sections will be reinforced with the support of the Indian Parliament. Legislators will gain access to issue-specific databases, making debates more informed and substantive. Birla informed that legislatures across the country will adopt advanced digital platforms to make proceedings, decisions, and legislative processes more transparent and accessible. A unified digital platform for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and all state assemblies will be created so that citizens can access all legislative activities in one place. State legislatures will create databases of past debates, experiences, and innovations to strengthen institutional memory. Several assemblies have already begun this work. Legislatures will also share their best practices to enrich democratic functioning, he added. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha said that another significant decision was the introduction of pre-legislative sessions to discuss the objectives and rationale of bills before their formal tabling in assemblies. This will allow more comprehensive deliberation later. Additionally, parliamentary committees will be empowered by including experts and stakeholders, ensuring well-informed policy outcomes. Notably, the CPA is an international platform of nearly 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. Om Birla serves as the ex officio Chairperson of the CPA India Region Executive Committee. India constitutes the 9th Region of the CPA, comprising 31 State and Union Territory branches. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday evening paid a surprise visit to the Government Doon Medical College Hospital to review the availability of health services, quality of treatment, and overall arrangements. During the inspection, the Chief Minister met several patients undergoing treatment, inquired about their health, and asked them about the medical facilities being provided by the hospital. Through direct interaction with patients and their attendants, he assessed the quality of healthcare services and issued necessary directions. As part of the state government's efforts to further improve healthcare services, the Chief Minister instructed hospital authorities to ensure proper facilities in the waiting area for attendants accompanying patients. While inspecting the waiting room, he directed officials to provide adequate and well-organized arrangements for drinking water, fans, and seating. He emphasized that attendants form an integral part of the hospital system and should be provided with basic facilities to help them remain mentally at ease. CM Dhami further instructed that cleanliness, regular sanitization, and painting/maintenance work within the hospital premises be carried out immediately. He said a hospital is not only a place for medical treatment but also a space that provides emotional and physical support to patients and their families, making hygiene, beautification, and proper upkeep extremely important. The Chief Minister underlined that the comfort and dignity of patients' attendants are also a priority for the state government. He stressed that every effort is being made to ensure that people receive the best possible services in government hospitals. CM Dhami also visited the Blood Sample Collection Centre, where he interacted with the operator to understand the process of sample collection, recording, and subsequent laboratory testing. He appreciated the efficiency of the technology and resources being used at the centre and directed continuous monitoring of its functioning. On this occasion, he directed the hospital administration, doctors, and staff to ensure that patients receive timely and quality treatment, stating that strengthening the healthcare system remains a top priority for the state government, and all necessary resources are being provided for this purpose. He also emphasized that transparency, sensitivity, and prompt service delivery must be ensured in healthcare so that the general public benefits directly. During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana Help Desk located within the hospital premises. He interacted with the staff stationed at the help desk regarding the functioning of the scheme, assistance being provided to beneficiaries, the card issuance process, claim settlement, and other services offered to the public. He also spoke with beneficiaries present on the spot to hear about their experiences and to assess the efficiency of the help desk. He directed officials to ensure that the benefits of the Atal Ayushman scheme reach every eligible person. He stressed that all visitors to the help desk must receive clear, simple, and prompt information so they can access the scheme without difficulty. The Chief Minister added that this flagship scheme of the state government serves as a lifeline for poor and needy patients, and its effective implementation requires vigilance and active participation from all concerned departments. (ANI)
Former Bihar minister and expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday advised Congress and BJP not to "weigh" a word like mother on the scale of politics. Tej Pratap Yadav said, "The word mother should not be weighed on the scale of politics, be it Congress or BJP people. It is a sin. Mother is God incarnate. A mother keeps the child in her womb for nine months. That is why no one should do politics on a word like mother." This comes after the Bihar Congress sparked a major controversy by posting an AI-generated video which showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who is lambasting him over his politics. The AI-generated video sparked a political row as the BJP leaders slammed Congress. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday slammed, describing the video as "a very shameful thing," questioning the Congress party's ethics and demanding an explanation from Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Prasad said, "This is a very shameful thing. Is this the level of the Congress party? They make memes of Prime Minister Modi's late mother. I demand an answer from Rahul Gandhi for this." However, Congress leader Pawan Khera said there was no disrespect shown and accused the BJP of trying to create fake sympathy by making an issue out of everything. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "Where is the disrespect shown to his late mother? Show me one word, one gesture, anywhere where you see disrespect. It is the duty of the parents to educate their children. She is only educating her child, and if the child thinks that it is disrespectful towards him, it is his headache, not mine, not yours. Why does the BJP try to make an issue out of everything and try to generate fake sympathy?" Additionally, the expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, who earlier announced that he would contest the Bihar election and had formed an alliance with several small parties, revealed that his alliance is called "Bihar alliance." "Yes, many parties have joined our organisation, and I welcomed everyone. I congratulated them. Everyone will fight the election together. We are allying. The name of the alliance is Bihar Alliance," Yadav said. "All parties are there in the Bihar Alliance... All the people who are coming out are doing their own work. We are also doing our work, and Tejashwi Yadav is our younger brother. He has our blessings...The public is our Chief Minister. We are not greedy for the Chief Minister post," he added. Tej Pratap Yadav has also announced that he will contest the election from the Mahua Assembly seat. The Assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to take place at the end of this year. Currently, the National Democratic Alliance holds power in the state under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar. (ANI)
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Chief of Western Command, on Saturday underscored the importance of remembering and learning from the 1965 war, saying it was a turning point in India's military history and carried lessons still relevant. Speaking at an event to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers in the 1965 conflict, he said that it was very important for the new generation to know its lessons. Lt Gen Katiyar said, "The 1965 war was a very important war for us. It is very important that the new generation knows about the 1965 war. There are a lot of things that we have learned from the 1965 war, like how to keep the coordination of the Army and the Air Force, how to plan the defensive and offensive operations." Lt Gen Katiyar recalled the 1965 India-Pakistan war as a "glorious chapter" in the Army's history and said the lessons from that conflict remain relevant, drawing a parallel with the recent Operation Sindoor. "60 years of victory, and in the 60th year, we had another engagement with Pakistan -- Operation Sindoor. So I'll go back to 1965, and for us, 1965 is a glorious chapter in the history of the Indian Army and Western Command," he said. Lt Gen recalled that Pakistan's designs were foiled in Kutch and later in Kargil, where its troops occupied peaks in May 1965. "For the Western Command at that time, the area of responsibility was very huge, starting all the way from Leh, Ladakh, to Rajasthan and operations in 1965 began in Kutch, where Pakistan tried to occupy some disputed areas," he said. He added, "We defeated the Pak designs, we repelled the Pakistanis where they had come. Thereafter, in May 1965, Pakistan came and set down on certain peaks in Kargil, like they did in 1999 later. Again, our army very bravely evicted all the Pakistani soldiers from the peaks near Kargil." The Army Commander recounted that Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar in August 1965 by sending infiltrators into Jammu and Kashmir, but failed. He said, "Thereafter, in August 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar in Jammu and Kashmir, where they infiltrated a very large number of infiltrators, Razakars, who were trained by the Pakistan Army, and their plan was to infiltrate and take the help of the locals of Jammu and Kashmir and kind of capture Jammu and Kashmir thereafter. However, the Indian Army again foiled their plan. With the help of local people of Jammu and Kashmir, we captured most of the Razakars and evicted them, and killed a large number of them." He said that Pakistan's attempt to capture Akhnoor in September 1965 was also foiled, after which Indian forces launched offensives towards Lahore and Sialkot. "Post that, in September, Pakistan tried to capture Akknoor to cut off Jammu and Kashmir. Again, we foiled that attempt. And then thereafter, we decided to launch an offensive, and our 11th Corps launched an offensive towards Lahore, and one Corps launched an offensive towards Sialkot." Drawing a parallel to the present, he said Pakistan again attempted to destabilise India in 2025. "Like I said, 60 years later in 2025, again Pakistan tried to destabilise us, launched the terrorist attack in Palgam and we again responded, reacted and carried out destruction of the terrorist bases in Pakistan and also a large number of posts, their headquarters, their air bases were destroyed and damaged," he said. He said India never wanted war but has always retaliated when provoked. "In 1965, we did not want a war but once Pakistan provoked us, we retaliated and defeated them badly, and we did the same in 2025," he said. (ANI)
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to the new Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan in New Delhi. Raje met VP Radhakrishnan at the Vice President's House in the national capital. Meanwhile, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumed charge as Rajya Sabha Chairman on Friday evening, according to a release by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. He was administered the oath of office by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Following the swearing-in, the Vice President paid floral tribute at the memorials of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Chaudhary Charan Singh. He then visited the Parliament House Complex, where he was welcomed by Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha. At the Parliament House Complex, he offered floral tributes to the statues of eminent national leaders and freedom fighters who contributed to India's freedom struggle and progress. He also planted a sapling to mark his first day in office. Thereafter, VP Radhakrishnan entered the main Parliament House Building through the Shardul Dwar and formally assumed charge as Chairman, Rajya Sabha. Floor leaders of various political parties were present on the occasion, along with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Secretary-General PC Mody. As the results for the elections were announced, Rajya Sabha Secretary General and Returning Officer PC Mody said that 767 out of 781 MPs cast their votes, recording a turnout of 98.2 per cent. Of these, 752 ballots were valid and 15 were invalid, lowering the required majority of first preference votes to 377. While the NDA had the backing of 427 MPs on paper, 11 lawmakers from the YSRCP also supported Radhakrishnan. Interestingly, the NDA candidate received 14 votes more than expected, sparking speculation of cross-voting from the Opposition camp. Furthermore, 13 MPs abstained from voting in the election. These include seven MPs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), four from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), one MP from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and one Independent MP. (ANI)
BJP Rajasthan president Madan Rathore on Saturday downplayed Opposition criticism over the installation of additional CCTV cameras in the state Assembly, saying the practice was routine and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot's objection was misplaced. Speaking to ANI, Rathore took a jibe at the opposition, saying that they have "lost" their footing. The BJP State President said, "Congress has lost its base. They do not have any issue to oppose. The first thing is that the Speaker is the guardian of both the ruling party and the opposition. Cameras have been installed since the Vidhan Sabha was built. Cameras sometimes get damaged and are also replaced. All this happens." Taking a dig at Gehlot, Rathore said a senior leader should not raise such objections. "Now I don't understand why a three-time Chief Minister like Gehlot sahab is saying all these things," he added. The reaction comes after Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday raised objections to the installation of additional CCTV cameras inside the state Assembly, alleging they were intended to monitor Opposition legislators. Hitting out at the ruling BJP dispensation, Ashok Gehlot slammed the current state of affairs, saying that people are still not getting employment and bluntly asking, "Where is the investment coming from?" He objected to the installation of "additional cameras" in the Rajasthan Assembly, alleging they were meant to record private conversations of members and demanded an inquiry, calling the move "wrong." "Cameras are installed in Parliament and the House too; no one has any objection to that, but the additional cameras that have been installed in the Rajasthan House. Through which you want to record what the opposition members are talking about among themselves. This is wrong...there should be an investigation into this," The former Rajasthan CM said. Meanwhile, Rajsthan's Minister of State of Home & Animal Husbandry Department, Jawahar Singh Bedham, on Thursday responded to Congress MLA and leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully's allegation of installing a camera in the legislative assembly. Speaking to reporters, Bedham, while denying the allegations, said that they are not spying on Congress MLAs. He further emphasised that the cameras are installed in the legislative assembly rooms for security purposes. Further, the Rajasthan Minister also took a jab at the previous tenure of Ashok Gehlot, accusing the latter of investigating his own MPs and MLAs. Earlier on Wednesday, Congress MLA and leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully, accused Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma of "spying" on Opposition members by installing hidden cameras inside the assembly. Speaking to reporters, LoP Jully said that Chief Minister Bhajanlal lal Sharma has installed the camera to spy on the conversations of the members of the opposition. "In the Legislative Assembly session, CM Bhajanlal Sharma said that he knows what all the MLAs are up to. He also told the ministers that their drivers are spying on them...He has installed hidden cameras in the house to spy on the conversations of the members of the opposition," LoP Jully told reporters. (ANI)
An FIR has been filed against leaders of the Indian National Congress for disseminating an AI-generated video that purportedly maligns the reputation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. The action, which amounts to serious infringement of legal standards, ethical norms, and the dignity of women, occurred through the official social media account of INC Bihar on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on September 10. The complaint, which led to this legal action, was lodged by Sanket Gupta, the Convenor of the BJP Delhi Election Cell. The FIR cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, specifically sections 18(2), 336(3), 336(4), 340(2), 352, 356(2), and 61(2). On September 10, the Bihar Congress posted an AI-generated video that has gone viral, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, who is lambasting him over his politics. The party had come under fire once before, while an unknown person had gone up to the stage of Congress-led' Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Darbhanga and hurled abuses at PM Modi and his mother. In reponse, the BJP launched a massive attack against the Opposition parties, especially Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav over the alleged abuses. Earlier, PM Modi also hit out at RJD and Congress over the alleged remarks against her mother. Speaking at an event, he said that the abusive comments were not just an insult to his mother, but to all mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. "Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused by the RJD-Congress in Bihar. These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister stated that his mother, who passed at 100 years and had nothing to do with politics, was abused by the state of RJD and Congress. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday said that during this hour of disaster, the Prime Minister himself has visited Himachal Pradesh but no ruling party leaders are among the public. Seven Union Ministers have also arrived to share the pain of the people, but not a single minister from the state government is present on the ground, Thakur said, as per a release. He alleged that the Chief Minister does not have time to listen to the people's suffering and runs away to Delhi whenever a natural disaster occurs. Referring to a recent disaster in Chamba, Thakur said that instead of staying with the people, the Chief Minister went to Bihar for an election campaign with his party leader, Rahul Gandhi. "Is this what the public has elected him to do?" he questioned. Jairam Thakur, who reached Mandi after a four-day tour of the Chamba district on Saturday, further alleged that the Chief Minister is insensitive and unconcerned about the people's hardships. "He is more worried about keeping his Gandhi family leaders happy. That is why he abandoned everything and ran to Bihar, even during such a major disaster, just to ensure Rahul Gandhi doesn't get angry," he said. He added that the scale of damage from this disaster is so great that no one can fully compensate for it. "We have been among the people since day one. We may not be in a position to give much, but we are standing with them in every sorrow and pain. Our party is reaching out to the people with relief. Can the Congress party show even one sack of ration that they have distributed to the victims?" he asked. Jairam Thakur said that BJP leaders from across the country and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states have sent dozens of trucks of relief material, along with a relief amount of Rs 5 crore each, to the Sukhu government. "In Chamba alone, we have distributed 50 trucks of relief. After the disaster in Seraj, I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he would personally visit the affected areas. He came, surveyed the damage, met the affected families in Kangra, and announced Rs 1,500 crore in relief, but Congress leaders still claim no help has been given," he said. "You can see the condition of their leaders," Thakur said. He added that after the Prime Minister's visit, seven Union Ministers were sent to Himachal to assess the damage and help affected people. "But not a single state minister has stepped out of the Shimla Secretariat. Is it because BJP MLAs represent these areas? This is highly discriminatory and unacceptable," he said. He emphasised that merely standing with the people boosts morale and accelerates restoration work. "But Congress leaders are only busy abusing the Central Government and me. If abusing me helps build houses, then do it daily. If cursing the Centre helps the state, then go ahead, but the public knows who stood by them and who couldn't step out of Shimla," he said. Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur visited the disaster-affected areas of Aut, Palsehad, Swakhari, Tikkar, Kathayari, Rahla, and Katola Panchayats in the Darang Assembly constituency. He noted that many homes were damaged due to landslides, and the cash crops of local orchardists were also affected. "No minister from the government has reached these areas, which reflects extreme insensitivity," he stated. He assured all possible help to the affected families and distributed relief materials. He also urged the state government to provide prompt and adequate assistance. Darang BJP leaders Jyoti Kapoor, Mehar Chand Bharti, and BJP district president Nihal Chand Sharma accompanied him during the visit. (ANI)
While granting bail to TV actor Ashish Kapoor in an alleged rape case, a Delhi court has expressed its concern over the missing investigation and inaction on the part of the Delhi Police. The court has made certain observations in a recent order, and the same is sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), expecting him to look into the allegations of the complainant of not registering the FIR promptly. The court has also pointed out that Ashish Kapoor was not required for investigation for the initial and crucial 20 days after the incident. Thereafter, the police went in search of him in Goa and Pune without giving him a notice. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Bhupinder Singh said that it is expected that the investigation is carried out in a professional and time-bound manner while protecting the interests of all stakeholders. ASJ Bhupinder observed, "Concern is that neither the case should suffer just for the reasons that vital evidences are lost due to inaction on the part of the police in the crucial period, nor the interests of the accused persons are compromised for a fair, impartial and prompt investigation." While dealing with the issue, the court mentioned philosopher Edmund Burke: "The Only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The court said in the order passed on September 10 that an "overall analysis of the state of affairs as it stands today, just one thing is missing, which is 'investigations'. However, the other things are quite apparent, that is 'apathy' and 'inaction' on the part of the police." "There appears to be 'no' to just everything. No to recording of FIR. No to provide its copy, no to call the accused persons for investigation, no in serving notices (that too proper) for appearances, no in carrying out searches and no in verifying the allegations of the complainant being approached by the other side," ASJ observed in the order of September 10. The court ruled that being the case, onus is put on the Supervisory Officers to see if the functioning of the police officers/personnel who have been handling the case since its inception, in whatever capacity, being IO or otherwise, is in consonance of the laid guidelines/standing orders and as per the practice norms as are required in a case of such a nature with emphasis on the quickness and promptness in actions. "It is also left to the Supervisory Officers to look into the allegations of the Complainant regarding non-registration of the FIR promptly and making her sit in the Police Station for 18 hours, by holding a fact-finding enquiry or otherwise, as may be deemed appropriate," the court said in the order. The court also noted that the grievance of the complainant tilted towards the inaction on the part of the police. It noted that the complainant alleged that she was made to sit in the police station for a good 18 hours before her "request" for registering the FIR was acceded to by the police. She stated that the SHO was not inclined to register the FIR and was asking her to settle the case, and that only after she showed her inclination to go to the media, the FIR was registered. She also stated that she was approached by two persons, on behalf of the accused persons, to settle the matter, and she brought the same to the notice of the police. "Further, no efforts are being made to collect the relevant pieces of evidence, including her mobile," the court noted. The court also considered the allegations of the accused persons, who alleged that their request for a copy of the FIR was not acknowledged, and a copy of the same was not provided to them. It was also mentioned on their behalf that they were ready and more than willing to join the investigation, but were not called. Advocates Deepak Sharma, Ravish Dedha, Rajan Oberoi and Sumesh Oberoi appeared for Ashish Kapoor. "What was required in the case of such a nature was the promptness to unearth the truth. The police sat on the case as if nothing was required to be done. Despite the case having been registered on 11th August 2025, none of the accused persons were called for the purpose of inquiries or joining the investigation," the court noted. It said that the notice to join the investigation was served upon accused Aashish Kapoor, who is stated to be the main accused, only on August 30, 2025, after three weeks of the incident in question, though a version, not worth believing, that a notice was pasted on 20.08.2025 outside his house has been given. Even if it's true, it's also late. The court pointed out, "Accused Aashish was not required for investigation for initial and crucial days after the incident in question, but was required 'forthwith' on the 20th day, so much so that the police team had gone in his search to Goa/Pune even before he was served the notice seeking appearance." The court further questioned the manner of investigation, "And for what he was required? Only for getting his potency test conducted," it noted. "Police did not even bother to take him to his place of 'hiding' at Goa/Pune for the purpose of tracing the mobile phone of the Complainant, which was one of the main grounds for taking his PC remand, the court pointed out. The court noted that there was nothing in the reply as to whether the place of the alleged incident, i.e the washroom, was ever subjected to inspection. "There is no mention of any crime team visiting the spot for searching or lifting evidence that may ordinarily be found. No effective efforts have been shown to have been made to trace the mobile phone of the complainant, which, as per the allegations, contains the video of the alleged act. Houses of neither of the accused persons have been subjected to searches as per law, for tracing the mobile phone," the court said. (ANI)
Union Minister L Murugan, on Saturday, concluded an extensive two-day visit to the flood-affected areas of Rupnagar district in Punjab, assuring farmers and villagers of "every possible assistance" from the Centre, according to a release. He visited several villages, including Shahpur Bela, Hariwal, Bhanu Pali, Bela Dhyani and Nangal, and directly interacted with farmers, rural residents, local citizens and administrative officials. Observing the impact of the floods on agriculture, transportation, drainage, and daily life, he walked through waterlogged areas and travelled by tractor and boat. Personally, he assessed the ground realities while listening to the grievances of the affected families. As per the release, Minister Murugan inspected the damaged crops in the fields, including maize, paddy, and other produce. He reviewed the hardships caused by waterlogging and silting. Farmers explained that standing water in their fields was severely affecting cultivation, irrigation channels were blocked, and key roads had been washed away, disrupting the supply of essential goods. They expressed concerns that without timely relief efforts, the next crop cycle could also be at risk. Minister Murugan assured them, "Your hardships are our priority. The Union government stands with you. We will coordinate with local administration to take necessary steps to ensure that relief efforts face no hurdles. We will extend every possible assistance to help you return to normal life as soon as possible." Villagers requested the construction of a strong bridge connecting the villages to the main roads so that transportation is not hampered during disasters in the future. They highlighted that broken roads were not only obstructing agriculture but also affecting medical aid, essential supplies, and day-to-day services. Union Minister Murugan took their demands seriously and assured that the government would initiate the necessary processes and take steps toward addressing the issue. He emphasised that infrastructure development and long-term solutions would be prioritised to prevent such difficulties in the future. Murugan praised the Prime Minister's announcement of Rs 1,600 crore financial assistance for Punjab as a commendable step. He added that high-level teams, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are actively assessing the flood situation, said the release. The central government stands firmly with the affected farmers during this challenging time. Murugan reiterated that the government is fully committed to the welfare of farmers and assured that every possible help would be extended to the impacted people. He also visited the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Nangal, inspecting the flood damage and assuring repair works. During the visit, relief materials were distributed, and the minister engaged with the affected families. Murugan said the government's priority was to provide timely relief, address the grievances of affected families and implement long-term solutions. In the evening, he chaired a review meeting with Rupnagar Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia, SSP Gulneet Singh, MLA Dinesh Chadha and senior officials. The meeting involved a thorough discussion on the status of relief operations, the availability of resources, medical aid, the distribution of relief materials, transportation arrangements, and future plans. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner presented a report on the flood situation in the district. Murugan affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, high-level teams have been deployed to assess the flood-affected regions. "Our priority is to ensure that relief materials, medical aid, and other essential facilities are made available to affected families promptly. The central and state governments will coordinate efforts to ensure that relief operations proceed effectively. No affected family will be deprived of assistance," he stated, as per the release. Based on the reports being prepared by these teams, necessary relief measures would be expedited, and long-term rehabilitation plans would also be initiated to ensure better preparedness for future disasters. During the review meeting, Murugan instructed officials to implement relief operations promptly and ensure that there are no shortages in resources. He emphasised that the distribution of relief materials should be transparent, medical teams should be deployed effectively, and the concerns of farmers should be addressed on a priority basis. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the "Zero Accident Day" campaign in Keonjhar district on Saturday, with an aim to spread awareness on road safety and work towards making Odisha an accident-free state. According to a release, the campaign organised by the Commerce and Transport Department seeks to make Odisha an accident-free state. The Chief Minister emphasised that safety is a collective duty of every individual, not just the government's responsibility. He flagged off road safety awareness campaigns in all 13 blocks of Keonjhar district, inaugurated a "Zero Accident Selfie Point," and honoured road safety advocates. In his address to the media, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring road safety, particularly in mining-affected areas like Keonjhar. He urged citizens to follow traffic rules and remain vigilant to prevent accidents, highlighting the state's commitment to reducing road mishaps through awareness and strict adherence to safety norms. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar, Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, and several MLAs from the district. Senior officials, such as DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania and District Collector Vishal Singh, were also present. As per the release, Keonjhar becomes the first district in Odisha to adopt this initiative after its successful implementation in Bhubaneswar. With support from IIT Madras, a 14-day program has been organised to provide guidance on preventing accidents and promoting road safety in the district, which is expected to make a significant impact on reducing road accidents and promoting a culture of safety in the region. In a post on X, the Odisha Chief Minister's Office (CMO) posted, "Hon'ble Chief Minister @MohanMOdisha has joined the observance of the 'Zero Accident Day' program in Kendujhar. On this occasion, the Chief Minister has inaugurated an awareness campaign organized on the slogan 'Drive Safely, Return Home Safely'." (ANI)
Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread falsehoods due to a lack of substantial issues. Speaking to reporters in Ambala, Vij alleged that the Congress is attempting to create confusion and mislead the public. "The Congress has run out of issues... Therefore, now they are resorting to AI to spread lies. They want to create confusion among the people and mislead them. A deceitful party only indulges in deception," Vij said. This follows a viral video allegedly posted by the Bihar Congress on social media, which showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi dreaming about his late mother, Heeraben Modi, going viral. The party had come under fire earlier too, when a video of an unknown person at the stage of Congress-led' Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Darbhanga, hurling abuses at PM Modi and his mother, surfaced on the internet. The Al-generated video sparked a political row, with BJP leaders slamming the Congress. Earlier, BJP MP Anurag Thakur slammed Congress and RJD over the AI-generated video by Bihar Congress allegedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Pune, Anurag Thakur accused Congress and RJD of "stooping low" in politics. He said, "The mother's place is the highest in everyone's life, but Congress and RJD have stooped so low that they abuse the Prime Minister's late mother and post a bad video, which shows Congress's mindset. Is it necessary to stoop this low in politics and abuse someone's mother?" BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also accused the Congress of "losing its mental balance" and resorting to derogatory tactics to tarnish PM Modi's image. "Congress has lost its mental balance. To spoil the image of PM Modi, Congress leaders are hurling derogatory words at him. It has become Rahul Gandhi's job to insult the constitutional bodies. He did not attend the V-P oath ceremony today, even when he is the LoP (Leader of Opposition)," he said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera said there was no disrespect shown and accused the BJP of trying to create fake sympathy by making an issue out of everything. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "Where is the disrespect shown to his late mother? Show me one word, one gesture, anywhere where you see disrespect. It is the duty of the parents to educate their children. She is only educating her child, and if the child thinks that it is disrespectful towards him, it is his headache, not mine, not yours. Why does the BJP try to make an issue out of everything and try to generate fake sympathy?" "There is no fake sympathy for these things anymore. Mr Modi cannot do a 'touch me not' politics, he is in politics and he needs to take everything, even a sense of humour of the opposition properly, and actually there is no humour in it, there is 'naseehat' in this," he said. (ANI)
Ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP organised a Core Committee meeting under the leadership of BJP National President JP Nadda and BJP National Organisation General Secretary BL Santosh with BJP leaders and ministers in Patna on Saturday. Bihar BJP State President Dilip Jaiswal said that Nadda expressed satisfaction with the NDA government's performance in Bihar, noting it has sent a positive message among voters. He said that the meeting strategised for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections focused on reviewing the NDA workers' conference at the assembly level and brainstorming ways to communicate effectively with voters across Bihar. Discussions centered on how leaders can fulfill their responsibilities to reach out to as many people as possible. Plans were made to prepare a list of government works at the regional level, with detailed information to be shared with local populations. Dilip Jaiswal said, "Today, a meeting was held by BJP National President JP Nadda and BJP National Organisation General Secretary B L Santosh with BJP leaders and ministers, and detailed discussions took place on the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The review of the NDA workers' conference being held at the assembly level was also conducted. Opinions of leaders were also sought on how all leaders should fulfill their respective responsibilities so that we can communicate with as many people as possible. Our National President expressed satisfaction that the NDA government is doing very good work in Bihar. The NDA government has marked every problem and solved them. This has sent a good message among the voters of Bihar. A list will be prepared at the regional level regarding the works done by the government, and detailed information about it will be provided to the people of that area." Nadda's visit is part of BJP's preparations ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit Bihar on September 15. Jaiswal further said that the meeting was focused on how to improve communication between the BJP leaders and NDA alliance members. He further said that a 'Sewa Pakhwada' would be organised from September 15 on the occasion of PM Modi's birthday. Both deputy CMs of Bihar, along with Union ministers Nityanand Rai, Giriraj Singh and many other leaders, were present in this meeting. Earlier, Union Minister JP Nadda, during a conclave in Patna on Saturday, lambasted the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), questioning whether the Bihar Assembly's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav ever apologised for remarks made by his father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on road development. Addressing a gathering in Patna, Nadda recalled Lalu's controversial statement that building roads would only allow police to reach faster. The Union Minister said, "In the name of development, Lalu Yadav gave a statement that if we build a road, the police will reach you quickly. So many years have passed, and I want to ask, did Tejashwi Yadav apologise to the people of Bihar?" He added that such thinking reflected a mindset against progress. "Vo kis tareeke se soch sakte hai ki vo Bihar ka bhala krenge," Nadda added. The BJP national president said Bihar had suffered under RJD's leadership and was "pushed into darkness" due to what he described as selfish politics. "Bihar, which used to give direction to the country, which used to put forward its views with sharpness in politics, is now being pushed into darkness due to the selfish efforts of some people and wrong leadership. We all know about Jungle Raj, but whenever we discuss it, people ask us to forget it. Jungle Raj, appeasement, and casteism have all plagued Bihar," he said. Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced an official date. While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to continue its tenure in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, seeks to oust Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI)
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday hit out at Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and said that the Congress party has a habit of questioning the country's institutions like the Army, Election Commission, and Supreme Court. He said the people of India have repeatedly rejected Congress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, and added that the party refuses to learn from its mistakes. Speaking to the reporters, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "It is the habit of Congress to accuse any development, progress and respect of the country... They question the army, the Election Commission and the Supreme Court... This has become the method of Congress." "That is why the people of the country have given their answer to Congress not once but repeatedly under the leadership of the Prime Minister. A hint is enough for the wise, but perhaps there are no wise people in Congress for whom any hint is not enough," Scindia said. Earlier on Thursday, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reiterated his claims of providing "explosive" evidence of alleged vote theft in the previously held assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Gandhi asserted that votes being stolen was a "fact". "We are about to give you dynamic and explosive evidence. The slogan 'vote chor, gaddi chor' is being echoed across the country. The fire is spreading since it is the truth. It is a fact that governments are being formed by stealing votes. We guarantee that we will be providing you with the proofs," he added. Rahul Gandhi, in a press conference on August 7, levelled serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of direct involvement in large-scale voter fraud, with the Congress having "open-and-shut proof" of the alleged theft. Gandhi presented Congress' research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka. He alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Election Commission and said that "collusion" happened between the poll body and the BJP, which resulted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing his third term. However, the EC termed Gandhi's claims "false and misleading," asking him to submit a sworn declaration or apologise, citing voter roll availability in PDF format for privacy concerns. (ANI)
Minister of State (MoS) of Coal and Mines Satish Dubey on Saturday inspected the flood-affected areas in Sirsa, Haryana and assured that the Centre is committed to providing facilities and support to affected people. Speaking with ANI, Satish Dubey said, "I have spoken with the people. Under the leadership of PM Modi and the state government, the government is committed to providing whatever facilities can be provided to support the victims during this time of grief." "There should be a permanent solution to this. Those who have applied, I will forward the requests to the Government of India and the Haryana government and will try to get the work done," he added. Earlier in the day, Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda criticised the state government for a lack of flood relief measures and said that the government is not taking concrete steps to help and provide relief to the flood victims. He noted that people are very angry at the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government for not taking flood relief measures and how there has been huge devastation in Haryana due to the floods. "The flood has destroyed 18 lakh acres of standing crops of farmers. About six thousand villages, 11 cities and 72 towns have been affected by the flood. Four lakh farmers have uploaded information about crop damage on the portal, while the number of victims is much more than this", Hooda said during a press conference. He underscored that the government should immediately give compensation to the farmers at the rate of Rs 70 thousand per acre. The former Chief Minister, who returned to Chandigarh after visiting various districts of the state, while talking to the media, said that this time the situation is worse than the flood of 1995. "Fields, crops and poplars adjacent to the Yamuna were washed away. Sugarcane crops have been uprooted from the roots, and large amounts of sand have accumulated in the fields, making it impossible to sow the crop of the next season. Illegal mining in the area is responsible for making the flood more horrific," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Mizoram, Manipur and Assam and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple developmental projects worth thousands of crores there. PM Modi embarked on his trip to the North East with a visit to Aizwal in Mizoram, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth over Rs 9000 crore. These projects will cater to multiple sectors, including Railways, Roadways, Energy, and Sports, among others. PM Modi also inaugurated Mizoram's first railway, the Bairabi-Sairang, which will ensure connectivity of the northeastern state to the rest of India. "This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. It will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of people of Mizoram. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation," PM Modi said. PM Modi, who addressed the gathering in Aizawl from the Lengpui airport due to adverse weather, apologised for being present at the inauguration venue. He began his address saying, "I bow to the Supreme God Pathian, who watches over this beautiful land of the Blue Mountains. Prime Minister also flagged off three new express trains, Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion. Aizawl will now be directly connected with Delhi through a Rajdhani Express. In a major boost to road infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple road projects. It includes Aizawl Bypass Road, Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road and Khankawn-Rongura Road. After Imphal, PM Modi headed to Churachandpur in Manipur, where he spoke to various ethnic groups, urging them to shun violence and work towards restoring peace in the State. He stated that a new dawn of "hope and confidence" is emerging in the northeastern State. This was PM Modi's first visit after an ethnic conflict erupted in the State in May 2023, and the discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted since then. The conflict has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. "I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said, "Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it went through a difficult phase of violence. I met with the affected people who are living in camps. After an interaction with them, I can say "ummeed aur vishwas ki nayi subah Manipur mein dastak de rahi hai" (A new dawn of hope and confidence is knocking on the doors of Manipur)." PM Modi has expressed satisfaction with the recent peace agreements reached with several ethnic groups in the state. "Peace is important for development in any region. In the last 11 years, several conflicts in the North-East have ended. People have chosen the path of peace, giving priority to development. I am satisfied as agreement talks have begun with several groups in the hills and valleys. This is a part of the government's initiative to establish peace with communication, respect and mutual understanding," he said. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur in Manipur. In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, PM Modi laid the foundation for the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore. In Imphal, PM Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, a unique all-women's market, in 4 districts. After concluding his visit to Manipur, PM Modi headed to Guwahati, Assam, where he addressed the celebrations of the 100th birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that today is a remarkable day and this moment is truly precious. He shared that the performances he witnessed, the enthusiasm, and the coordination he observed were deeply moving. He highlighted the rhythm of Bhupen Da's music that resonated throughout the event. Quoting Bhupen Hazarika, the Prime Minister said a few words of his song kept echoing in his mind. He expressed that his heart wished for the waves of Bhupen's music to continue flowing everywhere, endlessly. Hailing Bhupen Hazarika as a great champion of India's unity and integrity, the Prime Minister stressed that the government is working to realise his dreams of a prosperous North-East. "Bhupen Da (elder brother) was a great champion of India's unity and integrity. Decades ago, when the North East was a victim of neglect, the North East was left to burn in the fire of violence and separatism, Bhupen da kept giving voice to the unity of India even in those difficult times. He dreamt of a prosperous North East. He sang songs for the North East. He sang songs for Assam. Today, we are working day and night to realise his dreams for the North East," PM Modi said. PM Modi also released the 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' in honour of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. On 14th September, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over Rs 18,530 crore in Assam. He will lay the foundation stone of various projects at Darrang at around 11 AM and address a public function. Thereafter, he will inaugurate Assam Bio-ethanol Private Limited, Numaligarh Refinery Plant at Golaghat, at around 1:45 PM. He will also lay the foundation stone of the polypropylene Plant at Golaghat. On 15th September, the Prime Minister will visit West Bengal and inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference-2025 in Kolkata, at around 9:30 AM. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will visit Bihar and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea airport at around 2:45 PM. Further, he will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore at Purnea and address the gathering on the occasion. He will also launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested the Bihar state president of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in the 2022 Phulwarisharif criminal conspiracy case, the probe agency said. According to NIA, Mahboob Alam alias Mahboob Alam Nadvi, a resident of the Hasanganj area of district Katihar, Bihar, was nabbed from Kishanganj. He is the 19th accused to be arrested and chargesheeted in the case, which was initially registered by the local police against 26 persons. "The case involved PFI associates in unlawful and anti-national activities aimed at creating an atmosphere of terror by spreading religious enmity between members of different religions and groups. The case is related to activities prejudicial to peace and harmony, and intended to disrupt public tranquillity and cause disaffection against India, justifying the use of criminal force. Members of PFI had indulged in spreading fear amongst the general public through promotion of PFI ideology seeking to establish the rule of Islam in India as envisaged in the outfit's seized vision document titled "India 2047 Towards Rule of Islam in India, Internal Document: Not for circulation", the probe agency said in a statement. Accused Mehboob Alam was found to be part of the PFI conspiracy as stated in the said document, seized from Ahmad Palace, Phulwarisharif, Patna on 11th July 2022. Along with co-accused persons, he was engaged in recruitment, training, meetings and anti-national activities of PFI, as per the NIA investigations. He had also raised funds and provided them to the co-accused persons and PFI cadres. Investigations in the case under the IPC and UA(P) Act are underway, NIA added. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled multiple cross-border smuggling attempts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts and nabbed three smugglers, recovered heroin and a drone along the Punjab border, the BSF said. The BSF nabbed one suspected smuggler near Kalsian village, Tarn Taran, with 560 gms of heroin. In a post on X, BSF stated, "In the past 24 hours, alert BSF troops, acting on precise intelligence, foiled multiple cross-border smuggling attempts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur sectors. In Amritsar, following drone activity near village Rattankhurd, 590 gms of heroin were seized. Another smuggler was nabbed near village Kalsian, Tarn Taran, with 560 gms of heroin. Later, troops recovered 600 gms of heroin near Naushera Dhalla." Two suspected smugglers were apprehended near Khalra while attempting to retrieve a drone-dropped consignment. "In Ferozepur, after yesterday's major seizure of 9 heroin packets and arrest of 2 smugglers, BSF recovered a drone near Hussainiwala barrage. Separately, 02 suspected smugglers were apprehended near Khalra while attempting to retrieve a drone-dropped consignment. These back-to-back operations reflect the relentless vigilance and commitment of BSF in securing the nation's borders and curbing the narcotics threat," the BSF further shared. Earlier, in a significant breakthrough in the fight against cross-border weapons smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF), in a well-coordinated operation with the Special Security Operations Command (SSOC) Fazilka, apprehended two individuals involved in arms trafficking and confiscated a substantial cache of arms and ammunition along the Fazilka border in Punjab. According to the BSF PRO, based on meticulously gathered information transformed into precise intelligence, a coordinated strategic ambush by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Special Security Operations Command (SSOC) was executed near the village of Mahar Khiwa Mansa in the Fazilka district during nighttime hours. Following an extended period of monitoring, the ambush team observed suspicious activity in the early morning hours, leading to the successful apprehension of one individual. The operation resulted in the recovery of 27 pistols, 54 magazines, and 470 live rounds contained within a substantial bag in the individual's possession. The BSF PRO further stated that, with extensive questioning of the apprehended individual, the investigative team successfully identified and detained an additional associate from the same village. (ANI)
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi graduate Akshita Sharma on Saturday presented an artwork to Himachal Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to the CMO statement, the artwork, inspired by the mud-washed walls of Lahaul and Spiti, blends earth with essence and incorporates agate and jasper stones traditionally used in Himalayan jewellery. These stones, embedded into the surface, serve not only as cultural markers but also as carriers of grounding and protective energies. The Chief Minister lauded Akshita's efforts, congratulating her for reviving heritage crafts, curating meaningful cultural showcases and creating new product lines that celebrate Himachal's rich traditions. A 2016 graduate of NIFT Delhi, Akshita Sharma is a designer and creative consultant working at the intersection of craft, culture and contemporary design. Over the past five years, she has collaborated with artisan clusters and government bodies across Himachal Pradesh. Her practice spans design interventions, artisan empowerment, exhibition curation, and market linkages, with a strong focus on sustainability and storytelling. From reviving the hemp Pulla craft in Gadagushaini to curating gifts for the Prime Minister, the President of India, and spiritual leader Sadhguru, Akshita has been at the forefront of showcasing Himachal's heritage in modern contexts. She also represented the state at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Continuing her mission, Akshita works closely with institutions, startups, and artisan communities to ensure that craft remains a living and evolving part of everyday life in her home state. Meanwhile, earlier on Saturday, Himachal CM Sukhu chaired a review meeting of the Medical Education Department and stated that the State Government will bring significant improvements to all medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh within one year. According to a release, CM Sukhu stated that this will ensure people have access to advanced healthcare facilities within the State itself, without the need to travel outside for treatment. The Chief Minister said that the government is streamlining the functioning of medical colleges. Robotic surgery has already been introduced at Chamiyana Super-Speciality Hospital and Tanda Medical College, and the facility will be gradually extended to other medical colleges across the State in a phased manner. Reviewing the availability of staff, equipment, and machinery in all medical colleges, the CM said the government is installing modern medical machines and assured that there is no shortage of funds for strengthening health services. (ANI)
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah on Friday paid tribute to those killed in Nepal's Gen Z protests, calling their sacrifices a turning point for the country's future. "Dear Gen Z, Your contributions and sacrifices have brought change to the country. Heartfelt tribute to the brave martyrs. Your contributions are invaluable, which will forever guide future generations on the path of patriotism and duty. Infinite respect to you all. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Shah wrote on social media in Nepali. The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that 51 people have died so far in the youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Nepal on September 8. Of these, 30 were killed by gunshots, while 21 died from burns, wounds, and other injuries. Nepal Police co-spokesperson Ramesh Thapa said the dead included one Indian national and three police personnel. At least 36 bodies have been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, where post-mortem examinations began on Friday. The hospital has also started releasing bodies of the protestors after completing autopsies. The protests, led largely by young demonstrators in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal and Birgunj, began after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity. Authorities have since imposed curfews in several cities, including Kathmandu. Friday's curfew is set to remain in place until 5 pm and will be re-imposed from 7 pm until 6 am on Saturday, the Nepalese Army announced. Nepal's Parliament was formally dissolved late Friday, just hours after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country's interim Prime Minister. The decision was taken at Karki's first cabinet meeting held at 11 pm. The President's Office announced that fresh elections to the House of Representatives will be held on March 5, 2026. "Honourable President Shri Ram Chandra Poudel, as per the recommendation of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Sushila Karki, has dissolved the current House of Representatives with effect from 11:00 PM on Friday, Bhadra 27, 2082 BS. The date for the election of the new House of Representatives has been fixed as Thursday, Falgun 21, 2082 BS (i.e. 5 March 2026)," the statement read. Earlier on Friday, Karki took oath at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, becoming Nepal's first woman Prime Minister. Her appointment came after the resignation of KP Sharma Oli earlier this week, following weeks of anti-corruption protests driven by Gen Z activists demanding political accountability. The President's Office said the new cabinet has been tasked with restoring order and preparing the ground for elections. (ANI)
NATO has announced a new defensive initiative called "Eastern Sentry" after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace earlier this week, triggering alarm across Europe's eastern flank, CNN reported. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the operation will begin in the coming days with support from several member states, including Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. "Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture and make clear that, as a defensive alliance, we are always ready to defend," Rutte said, describing the Russian drone incursion as "dangerous and unacceptable." US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the mission will involve air and naval assets, enhanced air defence systems and improved intelligence-sharing. He added that the plan will take shape gradually, but the first steps are being taken immediately, as per CNN. Among the equipment being deployed are F-16 fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate from Denmark, Rafale jets from France, and Eurofighter aircraft from Germany. Grynkewich said the aim is to create a flexible response across the entire eastern flank, "from the high north to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that the drone crossing could have been accidental. His statement came hours after US President Donald Trump said the violation might have been a mistake. Speaking to a reporter outside the White House, Trump said, "Could have been a mistake. Regardless, I am not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation. Hopefully it's going to come to an end." "We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn't. And we know it," Tusk posted on social media. According to CNN, Polish officials have indicated that as many as 21 Russian drones were launched on Wednesday, though not all have been recovered. Some may have crossed the border multiple times, according to Marcin Przydacz, head of Poland's presidential International Policy Office. The new NATO initiative has been modelled on "Baltic Sentry," a mission launched earlier this year in response to suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday also announced the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets to Poland in response to recent Russian drone incursions, saying the move was aimed at strengthening NATO's eastern flank and protecting European security. In a post on X, Macron said, "Following the Russian drone incursions into Poland, I have decided to deploy three Rafale fighter jets to contribute to the protection of Polish airspace and of NATO's Eastern Flank together with our Allies." (ANI)
A Cuban migrant with an extensive criminal record has been charged with the brutal murder of an Indian businessman in Texas, reigniting debates over US immigration enforcement An Indian national working at a motel in Dallas, Texas, was brutally killed by a Cuban migrant who had been previously released from US immigration custody after Cuba refused to accept his deportation. Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, was attacked with a machete outside the Downtown Suites motel in East Dallas in the early hours of 10 September, according to local police. The attack occurred in front of the victim's wife and child following what witnesses described as an argument. Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, has been charged with capital murder and remains in Dallas County Jail. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a federal detainer on the Cuban national, who was in the country illegally. Court records show Cobos-Martinez had an extensive criminal background, including convictions for child sexual abuse, carjacking, false imprisonment and vehicle theft. Despite a final removal order, he was released from ICE custody in January 2025 after Cuba declined to accept his repatriation. "This gruesome, savage slaying was completely preventable if this criminal illegal alien had not been released because Cuba would not take him back," said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security. The case highlights ongoing challenges in US immigration policy, particularly regarding deportations when countries refuse to accept their nationals. Dallas Police Executive Assistant Chief Terrence Rhodes confirmed that the victim suffered multiple wounds from "an edged weapon" but declined to provide further details about the ongoing investigation. Witnesses at the scene described the attack as particularly brutal, with one telling local media that the suspect "chopped his head off" with a machete. Local residents expressed shock at the violence. "It's sick and disturbing," one neighbour told local media, reflecting the community's horror at the incident. The Consulate General of India in Houston has confirmed it is closely monitoring the case and providing support to Nagamallaiah's family. "Consulate General of India, Houston, condoles the tragic death of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian National, killed brutally at his workplace in Dallas," the mission said in a statement. "We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance." According to police reports, Cobos-Martinez had been living and working at the motel where the attack occurred. He was arrested at the scene, reportedly still armed with the weapon and covered in blood. Media reports suggest that the suspect admitted to the killing during a recorded police interview. The incident has intensified discussions about US immigration enforcement under different administrations. McLaughlin suggested that future policy would take a harder line on such cases. "President Trump and Secretary Noem are no longer allowing barbaric criminals to indefinitely remain in America," she stated, referring to policies that may force deportations to third countries when home nations refuse repatriation. The case underscores the complex challenges faced by immigration authorities when dealing with individuals from countries that decline to accept deportees, even those with serious criminal records. The Dallas Police Department's investigation remains ongoing. (ANI)
Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk addressed an emotional news conference on Friday (local time). According to CNN, in her first remarks since her husband's death Erika Kirk said that the movement her husband built "will not die." "If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country," she said. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, died on Wednesday after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. His widow, who was accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha as they escorted Charlie Kirk's body, pledged to keep his legacy alive. "Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby," she said. "I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen." She said when she got home Thursday night, their three-year-old daughter asked: "Where's daddy?" "I said, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much,'" she recalled. "'Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.'" "I can't wait to see you again one day," she added, addressing her husband, reported CNN. Meanwhile, the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, is being held at a county jail in Spanish Fork, Utah, on multiple initial charges, an officer of the Utah County Jail told CNN. The charges that allow Robinson to be held include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, the officer said. Robinson has not been charged formally yet, and initial charging documents aren't available at this time, other authorities in Utah say. FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday said his agency had made "historic progress" in the investigation concerning conservative activist Charlie Kirk, expressing visible relief during a news conference. Speaking about the pace of the investigation, Patel said, "In less than 36 hours - 33 to be precise - thanks to the full weight of the federal government and leading out with the partners here in the state of Utah and Gov. Cox, the suspect was apprehended in a historic time period." He further expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump, noting that the resources provided enabled the bureau "to bring justice at this speed." In a moving tribute to his late friend, Patel addressed Kirk directly during the conference: "To my friend, Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We have the watch. And I'll see you in Valhalla." (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence recorded the presence of 31 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels and three official ships operating around its territory on Saturday. Sharing the details in a post on X, the MND said that these were detected up until 6 AM (UTC+8). MND further shared that 25 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. "31 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 25 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1966668152890068998 On Friday, MND recorded 22 sorties of PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on Friday. It further reported that 15 out of 22 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own distinct political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence, backed by strong public support, and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI)
Member countries of the G7-Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union) as well as G7 associate members on Friday (local time) condemned increasing attempts by the Iranian state to carry out transnational repression and attacks on political opponents in other countries. In a statement the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) said, "The G7 RRM notes recent statements made by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemning transnational repression and other malign activities by Iran." "According to those statements, Iranian intelligence services have increasingly attempted to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, following a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of transnational repression, and clearly undermining state sovereignty. Other malign activities include operations to obtain and disclose the personal information of journalists and attacks designed to divide societies and intimidate Jewish communities. The G7 RRM stands in solidarity with our international partners whose citizens and residents have also been targeted by Iran, "the statement added. "Since its inception, the G7 RRM has aimed to counter foreign interference. Building on the recent G7 Leaders' Statement on Transnational Repression, we will continue to safeguard our sovereignty, keep our communities safe, and defend individuals from the overreach of foreign governments trying to silence, intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce them within our borders," the statement further read. According to a report on CBC News Canada, Iran was one of the countries singled out earlier this year by Canada's public inquiry into foreign interference. The inquiry found that Iran was engaging in transnational repression in Canada, particularly among Canadian residents of Iranian origin. In January 2024, the US Department of Justice unsealed documents to reveal a plot that claimed that two Canadians planned to conduct assassinations in the U.S. on behalf of Iran's intelligence services. The suspects were accused of plotting to shoot a man and woman living in Maryland, one of them a defector from Iran. (ANI)
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has criticised Trump aide Peter Navarro's recent remarks on India, saying his comments do not represent wider American opinion and reflect a lack of understanding of global affairs. "Look, Peter doesn't know anything about world affairs. Really, he has a hard time distinguishing who America's friends are, who America's friends should be, and how you treat friends," Bolton told ANI in an interview. "I like to say back from the first term, if you left Peter in a room alone for about an hour and came back, he'd be arguing with himself. So it's not the best form of diplomacy. And again, this is an aberration of the Trump administration. This is not a reflection of broader American opinion." Navarro, who serves as Trump's trade adviser, has in recent weeks taken repeated jibes at New Delhi, accusing India of profiteering from discounted Russian crude and claiming its tariffs are "costing American jobs." He has described India as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" and even made casteist remarks, alleging that "Brahmins are profiteering" from the Russian oil trade. Responding to these statements, Bolton pointed out that India should not see Navarro's language as a shift in US policy. It is also worth noting that, on Tuesday, President Trump expressed confidence in reaching a "successful conclusion" and looked forward to speaking with PM Modi in the upcoming weeks over the trade deal. "I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!" Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. This comes even after United States President Donald Trump backtracked and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his "friend". Bolton, who has also served as US Ambassador to the United Nations, criticised Trump's "erratic behaviour" of imposing tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases, while questioning why similar actions were not taken against countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan for the same practice. Last month, the Trump administration levied 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India, with another 25 per cent levy stacked on top of it for New Delhi's purchase of oil and weapons from Moscow. "The sanctions are not part of normal trade conversation, and it's part of Trump's approach to Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. This connection shows how erratic Trump could be because he has not sanctioned or tariffed Russia or violated the sanctions, nor has he sanctioned or tariffed China for violating the sanctions, and China is a much bigger purchaser than India is. And there are many other purchasers, Turkey, Pakistan, and others," Bolton said when asked how he sees the current tariff. Acknowledging that it would be frustrating for India to deal with Trump's actions, John Bolton noted the need to find ways to resolve the issues."Government of India should look at Trump as a one-time proposition and deal with it and take whatever steps they believe are in Indian's national interest, but to understand it as peculiar to Trump and not reflecting some larger American view," said Bolton. (ANI)
Former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that India's decision to stay largely silent and rely on back-channel diplomacy on US tariffs was the "best way to deal" with US President Donald Trump, cautioning that engaging in public confrontations would not make matters "easier". "I think that's the best way to deal with somebody like Trump. If you take the bait and get into a public back-and-forth with him, it's not going to make things any easier," Bolton said, referring to India's restrained approach on tariff disputes during Trump's presidency. Bolton noted that Washington was concerned over two key developments at the time. First was the tariff issues, and second, Trump's attempt to take credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Kashmir. "There was a lot of concern in Washington that the two tariff issues combined with Trump taking credit for bringing peace to India and Pakistan after the last terrorist attack in Kashmir, was inappropriate," he said. The former NSA Bolton also advised that India should "reduce ties" with Russia in defence and economic matters, pointing to Moscow's growing alignment with Beijing. "I think India's long-term interest lies in reducing ties with Russia, militarily and economically because Russia is increasingly in an axis with China. Putin and Xi Jinping have talked about a partnership without limits, and even when PM Modi goes to Beijing and shakes hands with Putin and Xi and Kim Jong Un, that's a signal to Washington. Everybody saw those pictures, but it's not a long-term strategy for India," he told ANI. On the issue of trade negotiations, Bolton said he believed that both sides were close to reaching common ground despite challenges. "It seems to me that the two sides are not that far apart and continued negotiations will lead to an agreement. I hope to try to look for the silver lining in this cloud, which will also lead to further discussions, not about tariff levels, but about how to eliminate the tariffs and how to open up markets in both countries. I think closer economic cooperation is in both countries' interest," he said. He added that negotiators on both sides had nearly reached an understanding, but India was caught off guard by Trump's sudden decision to escalate. "Indian negotiators and US negotiators felt that they had been close to reaching an agreement, but the Indian side was surprised when Trump, out of nowhere, said 25%," Bolton told ANI. The former NSA also criticised Trump's approach to global trade conflicts, saying it had damaged America's credibility. "I don't think he (Donald Trump) understands that in this trade war that he started, the US is losing a lot of belief in our reliability, good faith, and so on that we've tried very hard over a large number of years to build up. He's using up political resources that were accumulated over time," Bolton said. Earlier, Bolton dismissed recent remarks made by Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro against India. "Look, Peter doesn't know anything about world affairs. Really, he has a hard time distinguishing who America's friends are, who America's friends should be, and how you treat friends," he told ANI. The former NSA added, "I like to say back from the first term, if you left Peter in a room alone for about an hour and came back, he'd be arguing with himself. So it's not the best form of diplomacy. And again, this is an aberration of the Trump administration. This is not a reflection of broader American opinion." Navarro has recently accused India of profiting from discounted Russian crude and claimed that Indian tariffs are "costing American jobs." He even went so far as to describe India as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" and made casteist remarks alleging that "Brahmins are profiteering" from the Russian oil trade. Bolton stressed that such language does not reflect US policy and should be seen as part of the Trump administration's unusual approach. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, despite earlier tensions, Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him his "friend" and expressed optimism about resolving trade issues. "I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries!" he wrote on Truth Social. (ANI)
Former United States National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton has said that India should treat US President Donald Trump as a "one-time proposition" and pursue its national interests without assuming his policies reflect the "larger American view". Speaking on India-US ties, Bolton told ANI, "I would say the relationship's still the same... The Government of India should look at Trump as a one-time proposition and deal with it and take whatever steps they believe are in Indian's national interest, but to understand it as peculiar to Trump and not reflecting some larger American view..." Bolton criticised Trump's foreign policy style, saying, "Trump doesn't have an overall national security strategy. He's very transactional. I think much of the tension between India and the US has been because of Trump's very erratic style." On trade frictions, Bolton pointed to tariffs on Indian energy purchases. "Although there are a number of concerns on the Indian side, the largest is the 25% tariff for Indian companies' purchases of Russian oil and gas over the past several years. This shows how erratic Trump can be because he has not sanctioned or tariffed Russia for violating the sanctions, nor has he sanctioned or tariffed China for violating the sanctions. China is a much bigger purchaser than India is and there are many other purchasers, Turkey, Pakistan, and others...," Bolton added, Bolton also dismissed recent remarks made by Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro against India. "Look, Peter doesn't know anything about world affairs. Really, he has a hard time distinguishing who America's friends are, who America's friends should be, and how you treat friends," he told ANI. The former NSA added, "I like to say back from the first term, if you left Peter in a room alone for about an hour and came back, he'd be arguing with himself. So it's not the best form of diplomacy. And again, this is an aberration of the Trump administration. This is not a reflection of broader American opinion." Navarro has recently accused India of profiting from discounted Russian crude and claimed that Indian tariffs are "costing American jobs." He even went so far as to describe India as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" and made casteist remarks alleging that "Brahmins are profiteering" from the Russian oil trade. Bolton stressed that such language does not reflect US policy and should be seen as part of the Trump administration's unusual approach. Earlier, despite earlier tensions, Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him his "friend" and expressed optimism about resolving trade issues. "I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries!" he wrote on Truth Social. (ANI)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday (local time) called on G7 countries to join the US in imposing tariffs on countries purchasing Russian Oil. According to a read out from the Treasury Department Bessent welcomes efforts to immobilize Russian assests. "During today's call with G7 Finance Ministers, Secretary Bessent reiterated President Trump's call to our G7 partners that, if they are truly committed to ending the war in Ukraine, they should join the United States in imposing tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia. Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer (Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative) also welcomed commitments to increase sanctions pressure and explore using immobilized Russian sovereign assets to further benefit Ukraine's defence," the statement said "Only with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putin's war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing," said Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer. "Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the United States has already taken dramatic action against the purchasers of Russian oil. We are encouraged by the assurances of our fellow G7 nations that they are committed to ending this war, and we are hopeful that they will join us in taking decisive action at this critical time," the statement further read. The United States has levied an additional 25% tariff on India on the grounds that it was continuing to purchase Russian Oil. This was in addition to the 25% tariff previously announced by US President Trump. Earlier on September 2, Bessent had expressed confidence that India and the US will resolve trade friction between them, as he believed that New Delhi's values are much closer to Washington than to China and Russia. In an interview with Fox Business, Scott Bessent said. "I think at the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to China's than to Russia's." "I think at the end of the day, two great countries will get this solved. But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine," he told Fox Business. This statement was later echoed by President Trump on September 10. In a post on Truth Social Trump welcomed continued engagement with India on trade. "I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!" Trump had posted. The positive approach was also welcomed by PM Narendra Modi who said that India and the US are working on closing the trade deal soon. "India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people," PM Modi wrote on X. However, the contradictions withing the American administration once again came to the fore when on Friday, President Trump told Fox News that he was 'losing out fast' on patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the US would have to do something strong very fast. (ANI)
In a major achievement, India has won the bid to host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in 2027, a decision taken unanimously by the CGGS participants. This recognition marks the growing stature of India in the global maritime domain and reaffirms the country's leadership role in advancing international maritime cooperation, an official statement highlighted. As per the statement, the announcement was made during the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit held in Rome, Italy, from September 11-12. The Indian delegation was led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani. The Summit, attended by delegates from 115 countries and international organisations, underscored its importance as a premier global forum for Coast Guard cooperation. During the ceremony marking the handover of the CGGS Presidency, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard highlighted the Summit's role as a beacon of global Coast Guard cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges. He expressed appreciation to the Italian Coast Guard for their warm hospitality and to the Japan Coast Guard for its role as Secretariat of the CGGS. Outlining India's vision, Director General ICG announced that India will host the 5th CGGS in Chennai in 2027, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Coast Guard. This will be a three-day event featuring an International Coast Guard Fleet Review and a World Coast Guard Seminar, designed to showcase maritime unity and provide a platform for dialogue on emerging challenges and opportunities in the maritime domain. He emphasised that no single nation can address the full spectrum of maritime challenges alone, and that the 5th CGGS in Chennai will serve as an inclusive forum to foster interoperability, trust, and stronger global cooperation, the statement highlighted. During the Summit, Director General ICG also held a meeting with the Commandant, Italian Coast Guard (ITCG). The official statement said that in alignment with the Defence Cooperation Clause of the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, discussions with ITCG reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to strengthening cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Marine Pollution Response and Environmental Protection, prevention of transnational maritime crimes, information exchange, and maritime domain awareness, as well as capacity building, training, and technical assistance. (ANI)
At the invitation of the Government of Papua New Guinea, Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, will pay a visit to Papua New Guinea on September 16 to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the commemorative events marking Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of Independence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement on Saturday. As per the MEA, during the visit, MoS Margherita is expected to have bilateral meetings with the political leadership of Papua New Guinea. He will also have interactions with the Indian diaspora and the business community in Papua New Guinea. Following the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby, the visit of MoS Margherita to Papua New Guinea would provide an opportunity to continue the engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), the MEA highlighted in its statement. His visit comes shortly after the Indian Navy band participated in the military tattoo as a part of the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Papua New Guinea. The Indian Navy's indigenous ASW Corvette INS Kadmatt arrived at Port Moresby earlier in September to participate in Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day celebrations, reaffirming the growing friendship and maritime partnership between India and Papua New Guinea, an official statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. The goodwill visit symbolises India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Pacific Island nations under the Act East Policy and promoting peace, stability, and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The key highlights of the visit include the participation of INS Kadmatt in PNG's official Independence Day Parade and cultural events, thereby honouring the shared democratic values and heritage of both nations. (ANI)
The newly appointed interim Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki, is set to formally assume charge of office on Sunday and is also likely to announce the expansion of her cabinet the same day, sources related to this development told ANI on Saturday. The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister on Friday after a widespread Gen Z protest, due to frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country. Her appointment as the interim PM came after the protesters collectively endorsed her name as their nominee for the interim position, citing her integrity and independence, following the resignation of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the widespread protests. Karki's selection marks a rare moment of consensus in Nepali politics. Chosen through a public vote held by Gen Z leaders on the online platform Discord, she emerged as the most popular and acceptable figure, not only among the youth movement but also among traditional political forces seeking stability and credibility in a time of upheaval. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki for taking over as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Sushila Karki Ji on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government. India is fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal's brothers and sisters." On Friday, Nepal's Parliament was formally dissolved, and fresh elections were scheduled for March 5, 2026, hours after former Karki was sworn in as the country's new interim PM. Announcing the decision, the President's Office said the dissolution was approved in the first cabinet meeting convened by Karki at 11 pm (local time), marking the start of a six-month transitional government tasked with steering the country to the polls. Karki, who took oath earlier in the day at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, became the first woman to hold the post of Prime Minister in Nepal. The President's Office said the new cabinet has been mandated to restore order and prepare the ground for elections to the Federal Parliament on March 5 next year. Soon after her oath ceremony, the Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement, welcoming the formation of the interim government in Nepal, expressing hope that the move would "help foster peace and stability" in the Himalayan nation. In its response, the MEA said India "will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that US tariffs on Indian goods caused a "rift" with India and admitted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which he had expected to be the easiest to resolve, remains unresolved. "India was their [Russia's] biggest customer, I put 50 per cent tariff on India buying oil from Russia. That is a big deal and causes rift with India. Remember this, this is Europe problem more than our problem," Trump said. Before discussing the tariffs on Indian goods, the US president admitted he has not been able to solve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which he thought would have been the easiest. "I thought easiest would be Ukraine and Russia... It takes two to tango. When Putin wants to do it, Zelensky didn't. When Zelensky wants to do it, Putin didn't. Now Zelensky wants to and Putin is question mark. We'll have to come down very strong. Only one. This is -- I've always had a great relationship with Putin, this is the only war that I have not solved," he added in his Fox news interview. Trump further explained how he plans to "come down very strong" in regards to mitigating the Ukraine-Russia conflict. "It will be hitting hard with sanctions to banks and having to do with oil and tariffs also. I've already done it, I've done a lot," he said. During the interview, he also reiterated his record in resolving other conflicts. "I solved seven wars, seven. I did so many including Pakistan and India.... Some were unsolvable. Congo and Rwanda, I solved it. Millions of people killed. I solved wars that were unsolvable," Trump said. A White House statement highlighted how Trump defended his America First trade agenda, saying,"We've been successful because of the tariffs. It's given us a great power to negotiate with other countries that took advantage of us -- tremendous power. Also, it has brought billions of dollars into the country. We have a big case... it's now at the Supreme Court. That case is really important to win because it's made us a rich country." (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Saturday reported a significant surge in Chinese military activity, with 27 sorties by aircraft of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) detected operating around the island from 0800 hours (local time) today. In a post on X, the ministry stated that 26 out of the 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), specifically the central, southwestern, and eastern sectors, before proceeding into the Western Pacific. The aircraft reportedly included various types, such as the J-16 fighter jet, H-6 bombers, and KJ-500 airborne. The Chinese military manoeuvres were part of a large-scale air-sea joint training operation, which also involved multiple vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the ministry added. "Overall 27 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, H-6, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0800hr today. 26 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ and the West Pacific in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the Ministry of National Defence stated in the post. Earlier, the Ministry of National Defence recorded the presence of 31 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels and three official ships operating around its territory. Sharing the details in a post on X, the MND said that these were detected up until 6 AM (UTC+8). MND further shared that 25 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. "31 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 25 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry stated in a separate post on X. The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own distinct political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence, backed by strong public support, and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 13 (ANI/WAM): The UAE aid ship set sail heading to Gwadar Port in Pakistan, in preparation for transporting its cargo by land to Afghanistan to assist the Afghan people following the earthquake that struck the country recently. The ship carries 2,500 tonnes of food, shelter, and medical supplies, in implementation of the directives of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This comes as part of the UAE's relief bridge to support the friendly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck the eastern regions of the country. The Joint Operations Command confirmed that the ship was prepared in cooperation with the UAE Aid Agency with the participation of several charitable and humanitarian organisations and institutions in the UAE, reflecting the spirit of national solidarity and the integration of efforts among various entities to provide urgent relief support to Afghanistan. The Emirati aid ship comes within the framework of the UAE's keenness to strengthen the urgent humanitarian response for the friendly Afghan people, helping them overcome the repercussions of these exceptional circumstances and working to meet their basic needs. This humanitarian support reflects the noble values adopted by the UAE, aimed at enhancing peace and stability in the region, providing aid and assistance to those affected by humanitarian crises, and affirming its commitment to supporting relief efforts around the world. (ANI/WAM)
A man was killed in a shooting incident in Tump tehsil of Kech district on Thursday, raising fresh concerns about rising targeted violence in the province, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to local accounts reported by The Balochistan Post, unidentified armed men stormed a house in the Nazarabad area and opened fire. The victim, identified as Altaf, son of Ata, was killed instantly, while the attackers fled without being apprehended. Residents and regional sources alleged that the gunmen were affiliated with so-called "death squads," a term used for shadowy groups accused of collaborating with Pakistani security forces and intelligence agencies. These outfits have long been linked to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and intimidation campaigns against dissenting voices in Balochistan. In recent weeks, incidents attributed to such groups have increased across several districts, particularly in the Makran belt. The targets often include political activists, their relatives, tribal elders, and other community members who are seen as influential, as reported by The Balochistan Post. The growing number of killings has sparked outrage among civil society groups, human rights defenders, and political organisations. They argue that the government's inaction has emboldened these groups, leaving residents vulnerable to violence and fear. Despite repeated appeals, no significant measures have been taken by the government to investigate or dismantle the alleged networks, as cited by The Balochistan Post. The region of Balochistan remains afflicted by a concerning trend of enforced disappearances, where some victims are eventually released, while others face extended detention or fall victim to targeted killings. These violations of fundamental rights have heightened insecurity and distrust among the local population. The ongoing threat of arbitrary arrests and the lack of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan, eroding efforts to restore peace, justice, and public trust in state institutions. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday shared the visuals from the visit of Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and noted how it reflects the deep civilizational ties between India and Mauritius. In a post on X the External Affairs Minister said, "PM @Ramgoolam_Dr of Mauritius sought blessings at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya. A reflection of the deep civilizational and people-to-people links connecting India and Mauritius." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1966741701420314840 Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, arrived in Ayodhya and offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Friday. He was accompanied by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Ramgoolam, who is currently on a state visit to India also visited the historic Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. On Thursday, PM Modi, along with the Mauritius PM reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two nations and discussed regional as well as global issues. During their meeting, both leaders affirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, energy, maritime security, and other areas. The meeting between the two leaders in the historic city of Varanasi underscores the enduring civilisational connection, spiritual bonds, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties that have shaped the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius. The visit builds upon the positive momentum generated by PM Modi's State Visit to Mauritius in March 2025, during which the two leaders elevated the bilateral relationship to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'. The Mauritius PM is on his first overseas bilateral visit to India in his current term, from September 9 to September 16.He is on a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The Mauritian PM had earlier visited India in May 2014 as the only non-SAARC leader invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers. (ANI)
At the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), speaker Fidencie Izabayo, from an international NGO, Reveil communautaire d'assistance aux victims, based in Burundi, raised alarm over what she described as Pakistan's "grave and deliberate crime against humanity" in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). Izabayo called out Pakistan for pursuing systematic demographic engineering aimed at erasing indigenous identities and violating international human rights law. Addressing the Council, she condemned the imprisonment and torture of peaceful activists such as Baba Jan, who she said were punished simply for defending their homes. Families, she noted, continue to be displaced as Pakistan seizes land under the guise of development and transfers it to outsiders and military-linked corporations. "The 2018 Gilgit-Baltistan Order, imposed without local consent, was highlighted as a tool that strips communities of their land rights and political voice," she stated. She further alleged that Pakistan is attempting to alter the region's ethnic climate by settling Sunni populations in Shia-majority areas, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing in violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The statement drew attention to the violent suppression of peaceful protests, including firing on the Traders Action Committee in Hunza near the PoGB-China border and the humiliation of police personnel protesting in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur over welfare grievances. Protests sparked by displacement for the construction of the Diamer Bhasha Dam in PoGB were also cited as evidence of Pakistan's disregard for local voices. According to her testimony, communities in Skardu, Gilgit, and Shigar live in fear as their lands, forests, and livelihoods are seized. She pointed out that 7,000 kanals of land in Shigar were illegally transferred to outsiders, eluding traditional laws and human dignity. Calling the situation "a human rights crisis of utmost importance," Izabayo urged the UNHRC to demand immediate and unhindered access for international NGOs and fact-finding missions to PoJK and PoGB. (ANI)
Shabir Choudhry, a political activist and writer from Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), in a recent address, raised serious concerns over the escalating tensions in PoJK, warning against violent uprisings and calling for a peaceful and strategic approach to resistance. Speaking from London, Choudhry criticised inflammatory rhetoric and urged activists to avoid crossing "red lines" that could provoke severe retaliation from Pakistani authorities. Shabir Choudhry, in his recent video released on YouTube, referring to the recent speech by Sardar Aman involving the JKLF and Poonch protests, condemned the use of harsh language and called on the Action Committee and other stakeholders to act responsibly. He stated that even during conflict, Islamic teachings prohibit violence against civilians and non-combatants, emphasising the need to preserve human rights and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Choudhry cautioned that while Pakistan is often criticised for human rights violations in PoJK, the Chinese occupation is rarely questioned. He focused his warning on the Pakistani establishment, intelligence agencies, and military, suggesting they may be waiting for a pretext to crush any unrest with force. He pointed to Pakistan's long history of suppressing dissent through militarised means, stating that they are well-trained in warfare but unprepared to face peaceful resistance. Citing past armed movements and their devastating toll on human life,Choudhry urged activists not to repeat such mistakes in PoJK. He revealed that two individuals, Kamran Qadir and Umar Saleem, were recently arrested. He stated that the period between September 15 and October 15 could be perilous, with potential for significant unrest across South Asia. He dismissed rumours of violent protests, such as storming or burning the legislative assembly, saying such actions would only harm the cause. Choudhry stated that PoJK is not a part of Pakistan's federal structure and that its people must safeguard their own interests by staying united and peaceful. Shabir Choudhry warned against foreign-based influencers who may be instigating chaos for personal or political gain. "Do not act on emotion," he urged, "and don't give the establishment a reason to strike." (ANI)
A major protest movement led by the Trade Action Committee continues to gain momentum across Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), as citizens, traders, and youth demand the immediate declaration of the region as a tax-free zone, citing its disputed constitutional status and decades of economic neglect. In a video shared by Markhor Times on Facebook, the traders stated that the protest has entered its 55th day, with widespread support from various districts, including Astore, Skardu, Diamer, and Ghizer. The movement asserts that the imposition of taxes on PoGB is unconstitutional, referencing Article 1 of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order and United Nations resolutions that recognise the region as a disputed territory, not a constitutional part of Pakistan. At a recent press conference in Astore, the traders condemned the government's crackdown on peaceful protestors. "Our representatives have failed us. They represent institutions, not the people," one speaker stated, as reported by Markhor Times. Protesters called for the full implementation of the Trade Action Committee's demands, insisting that these are not just traders' issues but the collective voice of 2.2 million residents. "We want unity with Pakistan", one community leader stated. "But we are being treated like stepchildren. This is a fight for our basic human, educational, and economic rights." The Trade Action Committee has laid out a three-phase protest plan ranging from market closures to a planned caravan march towards Gilgit. Protestors say this will escalate unless authorities respond seriously, as reported by Markhor Times. The movement has also highlighted the dire state of infrastructure, particularly roads and healthcare. Residents argue that without basic services and economic relief, the region's youth are left unemployed and hopeless. This growing unrest in PoGB reflects deep-rooted grievances, according to Markhor Times. (ANI)
Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday arrived at the civil hospital to meet the injured Gen Z protesters. A huge press pool and supporters were seen surrounding the PM's convoy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki for assuming charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, expressing confidence that she will lead the neighbouring country toward peace and stability. "Nepal is a close friend of Bharat. I hope the Interim PM will ensure stability," the Prime Minister said in his address in Imphal. PM Modi also noted that Sushila Karki will be the first woman PM of Nepal, emphasising that it's a good example of women's empowerment. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal. Sushila ji's taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women's empowerment," PM Modi said. He also praised the youths of Nepal for keeping the "democratic values supreme," noting the efforts of Gen Z to restore normalcy after the protests. "Today, I will praise every person in Nepal who has kept the democratic values supreme even in such an unstable environment...For the last few days, Nepal's youth have been working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal. I have also seen their pictures on social media." PM Modi said. He added that Nepal's youth "positive work", such as cleaning and painting the roads, is a clear indication of Nepal's new rise. "Their positive thinking and positive work are not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal's new rise. I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future," PM Modi said. Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday after a widespread Gen Z protest, due to frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country. (ANI)
The move highlights Washington's growing concerns over safeguarding America's space leadership as competition with Beijing intensifies, as reported by The Epoch Times.

According to The Epoch Times, individuals of Chinese nationality who had been contributing to NASA projects as contractors or researchers were notified on September 5 that their access was terminated. Many reportedly found themselves abruptly locked out of digital systems and barred from both in-person and virtual meetings tied to their work.

NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens confirmed the policy shift, stating that the agency had taken "internal action" to limit both physical and cybersecurity risks. She emphasised that the restrictions were necessary to protect sensitive operations.

The decision follows heightened scrutiny of Chinese nationals across US technology sectors, with multiple espionage cases in recent years tied to the Chinese Communist regime, according to The Epoch Times.

It remains uncertain whether a specific security breach prompted NASA's move. When asked for further clarification, the agency referred The Epoch Times to comments made by acting administrator Sean Duffy on Fox Business. Duffy stressed that the United States must lead what he called a "second space race," warning that China's lunar ambitions are driven by military objectives rather than peaceful exploration.

US defence officials have voiced similar concerns. General B Chance Saltzman, head of the Space Force, earlier cautioned that Beijing's space program is tightly linked to its military strategy. Meanwhile, China has accelerated efforts, including testing its Long March-10 moon rocket in August, as it aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface by the decade's end, as reported by The Epoch Times. (ANI)
Nepali Congress MP Abhishek Pratap Shah on Saturday filed an FIR against former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in New Baneshwor Police through the Chief District Officer, Dilkumar Tamang of Kapilvastu. This comes after massive GenZ protests following the social media ban and alleged corruption, which prompted Oli to resign. Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday arrived at the civil hospital to meet those injured Gen Z protestors. A huge press pool and supporters were seen surrounding the PM's convoy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki for assuming charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, expressing confidence that she will lead the neighbouring country toward peace and stability. "Nepal is a close friend of Bharat. I hope the Interim PM will ensure stability," the Prime Minister said in his address in Imphal. PM Modi also noted that Sushila Karki will be the first woman PM of Nepal, emphasising that it's a good example of women's empowerment. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal. Sushila ji's taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women's empowerment," PM Modi said. He also praised the youths of Nepal for keeping the "democratic values supreme," noting the efforts of Gen Z to restore normalcy after the protests. "Today, I will praise every person in Nepal who has kept the democratic values supreme even in such an unstable environment...For the last few days, Nepal's youth have been working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal. I have also seen their pictures on social media." PM Modi said. Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday after a widespread Gen Z protest, due to frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country. (ANI)
Former Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay highlighted China's growing influence in South Asia, particularly in Nepal, accusing Chinese Embassy officials of interfering directly in local affairs. Speaking with ANI, Sangay expressed concerns about China's expansionist policies and warned India to be cautious in its dealings with Beijing. In response to a question about whether India, like many Southeast Asian nations, is avoiding the Tibet issue to maintain its trade and diplomatic ties with China, Sangay said he does not believe India is following the same approach. However, he emphasised that China is systematically working to checkmate India's efforts to expand its influence in the region. "India has a bigger stake with China," Sangay said. "Just look at not just Tibet, not just the border area. Look at all the neighbouring countries. In Southeast Asia or Central Asia, wherever India wants to have its influence or relationship, China is always there to checkmate." "And the larger point that you raised about, you know, in Asia, how many people will take up the issue of Tibet because they don't want to have conflict with China, which is a fact on the one hand. On the other hand, what we say is that what happened to Tibet will happen to you. So if you don't understand and study Tibet, it will happen to you," he added. He pointed to Nepal as a clear example of Chinese political overreach. "Let's say Nepal -- they didn't believe so, right? Now, yes, the Chinese embassy and the officials are interfering in local issues," he said. "The Chinese Embassy, perhaps, some of my friends say, is the most powerful in Kathmandu -- more powerful than the Indian Embassy or American Embassy. Some say that." According to Sangay, similar patterns are emerging in other neighbouring countries. "Now, clearly, in Bhutan also, it is happening, in Bangladesh, in Sri Lanka -- they come and interfere and influence. I don't want to say they control you, but they come inside your own house." He highlighted China's full physical control over Tibet and its current approach in other countries. "The difference is the physical control of Tibet," Sangay said. "Other than that, political influence of the Chinese government -- and through the embassies -- in all these neighbouring countries and all these Asian countries is a fact." He emphasised that Tibet's situation serves as a warning to other countries, saying, "What happened to Tibet will happen to you if you don't understand and study Tibet." Sangay said that Chinese President Xi Jinping's visits to Tibet were strategic signals to India, given Tibet's border with India and China's military presence. When asked about the significance of these trips, Sangay responded, "Less with Chinese people. More to the world. More to the world, particularly India." "Because Tibet borders India, you know, and the largest troops, the Chengdu base, you know, and Tibetan troops are all aiming at India. So in his first visit, the famous speech he gave, you know, to the troops was particularly targeted at India. You know, he said, we should have prepared, you know, even aggression, right?" he said. "But then this time he visited, he gave a speech to the troops, you know, Chinese troops, but the speech was not released because it coincided with Prime Minister Modi Ji's visit to, you know, Beijing. Having said that, I'm sure he gave the same speech. Prepare yourself for war or incursion, you know, towards India, I'm sure. It's just that they didn't release the transcript, right?" he added. As a Buddhist, Sangay spoke of a "nomadic mindset" among Tibetans who lost their country, finding a sense of home in India. "As a Buddhist, we believe in the notion of impermanence," Sangay said. "Once you lose your country, you're nomadic. You have a nomadic mindset. Wherever you put your tent is your temporary home." He explained that after Tibetans fled their homeland, India became their new home. "We left Tibet, our parents left Tibet and we put a tent in India. India is our home." Although he now lives in the United States, Sangay expressed a deep connection to India, especially to the culture and lifestyle. "As soon as I come out of Indira Gandhi airport, when you smell the Delhi air, I know the pollution-wise it's bad for health, but for your mind, it's just calming. Biryani khaana hai, dosa khaana hai, momo khaana hai, baad sab kuch chalega." Sangay emphasised the strong bond between Tibetans and Indians, highlighting the shared cultural ties and warmth he experiences. "Whenever I meet Indians, I immediately say, Namaskar. Where are you from? Oh, you speak so much Hindi. Yes, we are also from Bharat. We are from Darjeeling. Okay, how is that? Immediately, there's this connection. Immediately, you become friends." In a wide-ranging conversation, Sangay also responded to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to China, the evolving India-China dynamics, and how these developments are viewed from a Tibetan perspective. While emphasising the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, Sangay cautioned against ignoring the broader Chinese agenda. "India should have good relationships with all the neighbours," Sangay said, "and even Tibetans, we want to have dialogue with the Chinese government to solve the issue of Tibet peacefully. So engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy are the right way to go." However, he was quick to point out that China's intentions are rarely straightforward. "Their calculation is they have an expansionist design," he said, adding that China's influence is growing not just in Pakistan--its so-called "weather-tested ally"--but also in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and increasingly in Bhutan. "South Asia should be India's domain," Sangay argued. "From Galwan to Doklam, even in the border of Arunachal Pradesh, the intrusion and the building of now around 300 villages--inside LAC, at, and outside the LAC--show their designs." Sangay expressed concern that China might interpret Modi's visit to Beijing as validation of its perceived status as the dominant power in Asia. "I don't want to say submission, but [it is] agreeing to the notion that they are number one in Asia and aspire to be number one in the world," he said. Reflecting on his time in the Tibetan administration, Sangay said that every diplomatic thaw between India and China tends to be accompanied by Chinese pressure on India regarding the Tibetan community. Citing a specific incident in 2018, he recalled how the Tibetan administration planned to host a "Thank You India" event marking 60 years of Tibetan exile, only to face obstacles due to Chinese pressure. "At that time, the foreign secretary felt he could address the Doklam issue by going to Beijing and creating a lull or thaw between Beijing and Delhi," Sangay recalled. "In the end, he didn't get any concession. And he did issue a notice, a rather memo, to everybody in India saying no leader can participate in the Thank You India event." Sangay emphasised that despite such incidents, India has been a consistent supporter of the Tibetan cause. "No matter which party or which person becomes Prime Minister, India has always treated Tibetans well. We cannot think of any better host for Tibetans," he said, adding that the preservation of Tibetan identity, education, and religious institutions has been possible due to India's support. As discussions turned to China's broader regional strategy, Sangay laid out a stark analysis. "Many say that Prime Minister Modi's visit to China after seven years is partly because of the tariff tension or conflict with America. So it's just a chess move," he said. "But we know overall, there are more areas of conflict with China than cooperation." According to Sangay, China's strategy to dominate Asia includes ensuring that India remains a "distant number two." He explained, "To be number one in the world, first you have to be number one in the region. To be number one in the region, you must make sure that the number two is distant." Lobsang Sangay served as the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile from 2011 to 2021. He was the first person without a monastic background to hold this post. Born in 1968 in a refugee community in Darjeeling, India, he studied law at the University of Delhi. Later, he attended Harvard University to study international law and democracy, and is now a US citizen. (ANI)
Taiwan is set to release an updated version of its civil defence handbook next week, strengthening public preparedness in light of mounting military intimidation from Beijing. The handbook will, for the first time, instruct civilians on how to react if they come across enemy troops, and emphasise that any announcements of Taiwan's surrender should be dismissed as false, as reported by the Taipei Times. "In the event of a military invasion of Taiwan, any claim that the government has surrendered or that the nation has been defeated is false," the handbook says. According to the Taipei Times, the newly designed manual, featuring a bright red-orange cover with cartoon depictions of everyday citizens, spans 29 pages and is intended for readers of all ages. It encourages Taiwanese to "protect each other and safeguard our beloved home," while offering step-by-step instructions on locating bomb shelters with smartphone apps and assembling family emergency kits, including supplies for pets. As reported by the Taipei Times, the guide also expands beyond natural disaster preparedness, outlining responses to crises such as cyberattacks, sabotage of undersea internet cables, or direct military aggression. National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan, who oversaw the project, said the initiative draws lessons from civil defence practices in other democratic nations. He stated that China's expansionist ambitions highlight the urgency for citizens to be crisis-ready. "The global situation is no longer distant; it is at our doorstep," Lin said, as cited by the Taipei Times. The handbook addresses growing concerns about disinformation, cautioning that hostile foreign powers may exploit deepfake videos and social media to create division. It firmly states that any message claiming Taiwan's defeat is fabricated. "At a time of war, when a suspected enemy presence is detected, people are advised to promptly leave the area or take cover in a safe location away from windows, and refrain from taking photos or videos and uploading them," the handbook adds. "That could compromise military movements, which is detrimental to our defensive operations," All-out Defence Mobilisation Agency Director Shen Wei-chih said. The manual further warns of security vulnerabilities linked to Chinese technology, including AI systems like DeepSeek and apps such as TikTok and WeChat. To support families, it also provides guidance for parents on how to explain emergencies to children without causing fear. The updated handbook reflects Taipei's determination to strengthen resilience against Beijing's pressure while ensuring civilians remain calm, prepared, and united in the face of potential threats, as highlighted by the Taipei Times. (ANI)
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has released its weekly brief, highlighting attention to ongoing human rights abuses in East Turkistan, Beijing's campaign of intimidation against Uyghurs abroad, corporate complicity in forced labour, and the unresolved disappearance of Gulshan Abbas. At the opening of the UN Human Rights Council's 60th session on September 8, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that fundamental freedoms are facing "unprecedented threats" worldwide. While reaffirming continued engagement with Beijing, Turk noted that no progress has been made in protecting Uyghurs, other Muslim minorities in East Turkistan, or Tibetans in their regions. The WUC emphasised that despite repeated UN references to East Turkistan, the situation remains unchanged and requires stronger international action to end what it calls an ongoing genocide. On September 2, Centre for the Study of Organised Hate contributor Scarlett Gamble interviewed WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin, who described the methods China employs to silence Uyghur activists overseas. These include threats to family members, harassment calls, digital surveillance, spyware, hacking, infiltration of diaspora communities, and smear campaigns through deepfakes and gender-based slander. Arkin cautioned that online disinformation is increasingly combined with real-world intimidation and misuse of global policing tools such as Interpol Red Notices. Another major concern is corporate links to forced labour. An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Pulitzer Centre revealed that Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz are being coerced into working in shoe factories in Jinjiang. This hub produces one in five pairs of trainers globally. International brands such as Nike, Skechers, Vans, and Timberland were connected to suppliers participating in forced labour schemes. While some companies have shifted production to Vietnam, trade records suggest that raw materials linked to Uyghur labour continue to enter global supply chains, potentially undermining the enforcement of the US Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act. The WUC marked seven years since the disappearance of Uyghur physician Gulshan Abbas, who was detained by Chinese authorities in 2018. Her case remains emblematic of countless enforced disappearances. The WUC reiterated calls for her immediate release and urged the global community to act decisively against China's abuses. (ANI)
Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George has concluded his tenure in Japan, leaving behind what both sides have described as a period of remarkable achievements in strengthening India-Japan relations. Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Takeshi Iwaya praised his efforts, calling him "a strong bridge between the two nations." Reflecting on his time in Tokyo since his arrival in November 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador George said, "I had the privilege of visiting all 47 prefectures of Japan, from the vibrant cities to tranquil towns, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. During this period, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan twice to meet his Japanese counterpart, which further strengthened our Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Prime Minister Modi has set an ambitious agenda for the next decade, adding a new chapter to this partnership." As a symbol of the deep civilizational bond between India and Japan, several statues of Mahatma Gandhi were installed during George's tenure. In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a Gandhi statue at Hiroshima Peace Park, followed in 2024 by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiling another in Edogawa. Ambassador George himself unveiled a Gandhi statue in Shimane. "These statues were warmly welcomed by Japanese citizens and now stand as enduring symbols of our friendship," he noted. The Ambassador also highlighted how cultural exchanges reinforced ties: "In Gunma, the Daruma doll -- so central to Japanese tradition--has its roots in India through Buddhism. It remains a cultural symbol of hope that connects our two peoples. In Nagasaki, the Peacock Park tells a unique story. Fifteen years ago, India gifted 10 peacocks to the park; today their number has grown to 200, reflecting our historic bond." Economic and people-to-people engagement also deepened. "We have seen 10 trillion yen in investments, 500,000 exchanges between our peoples, and 50,000 Indian professionals contributing to Japan's growth," George stated. His efforts to strengthen regional partnerships brought 16 Japanese governors to meet Prime Minister Modi, highlighting firm ties between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi, as well as Gujarat and Shizuoka. His dynamic diplomacy and deep engagement have earned him immense respect across Japan's political and business landscape--many even fondly refer to him as the "Nozomi Ambassador", symbolising the speed and effectiveness of his efforts, akin to Japan's fastest Shinkansen. Looking ahead, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). "QUAD is an important forum, rooted in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. It concretises cooperation, prosperity, and stability not only for India and Japan but for the entire Indo-Pacific region." Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya echoed this sentiment, saying, "The joint statement of our leaders in August has charted the way forward. As India prepares to host the QUAD meeting this year and Australia in 2026, our cooperation will remain stable and strong." Ambassador Sibi George's tenure has thus been widely recognised as a transformative phase in India-Japan relations -- building cultural, strategic, and economic bridges that will guide the partnership for years to come. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to impose major sanctions on Russia and stop buying Russian oil to end the war in Ukraine, adding that he proposed to impose tariffs of 50 per cent to 100 per cent on China to weaken its economic grip on Russia. In a letter to NATO nations, Trump stated, "I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA." Trump criticised NATO's lack of commitment, saying, "NATO's commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia." He emphasised his readiness to act, stating, "Anyway, I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when?" Further, Trump proposed that NATO impose tariffs of 50 per cent to 100 per cent on China. "I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50 per cent to 100 per cent TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR," Trump wrote. "China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip." Trump slammed the previous administration, saying, "This is not TRUMP'S WAR (it would never have started if I were President!), it is Biden's and Zelenskyy's WAR. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives (7,118 lives lost last week, alone. CRAZY!)." If NATO follows his proposal, Trump believes the war will end quickly, saving lives. "If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States," he stated. This proposal follows Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods due to continued Russian oil imports, but similar action has not been taken against China yet. On Friday, Trump indicated increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the challenges in resolving the Ukraine crisis and the need for cooperation from both sides. When asked in an interview with Fox and Friends on Fox News whether he was running out of patience with Putin, Trump said, "It's sort of running out and running out fast, but it does take two to tango... When Putin wants to do it, Zelenskyy didn't. When Zelenskyy wanted to do it, Putin didn't... We're going to have to come down very, very strong." Meanwhile, he also stated 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 punishing Putin, Trump said, "Yes, I am..." Trump also accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of "conspiring against" the United States. The accusation followed China's largest-ever military parade held on September 3, which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended. China held a massive military parade on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Hours after accusing Chinese President Xi Jinping of "conspiring against" America, Trump said his personal ties with the Chinese leadership were "very good." (ANI)
Nepali citizens gathered outside Bouddhanath Stupa on Saturday evening to hold a candle march in memory of those who lost their lives during the recent anti-corruption protests across the country. People from all walks of life, students, monks, activists, and local residents, lit candles and stood in silence to show solidarity with the victims. The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that 51 people have died so far in the youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Nepal on September 8. Of these, 30 were killed by gunshots, while 21 died from burns, wounds, and other injuries. Nepal Police co-spokesperson Ramesh Thapa said the dead included one Indian national and three police personnel. At least 36 bodies have been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, where post-mortem examinations began on Friday. The hospital has also started releasing the bodies of the protestors after completing autopsies. The protests, led largely by young demonstrators in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal and Birgunj, began after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity. But now, the country is shifting towards a state of normalcy after days of violent protest, as the nationwide curfew had been ended on Saturday, a day after the former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister. With the restrictions lifted, public transportation resumed service this morning, and long-distance buses from Kathmandu to various parts of the country have also begun their journeys. Earlier in the day, Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki arrived at the civil hospital on Saturday to meet the injured Gen Z protesters. A huge press pool and supporters were seen surrounding the PM's convoy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki for assuming charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, expressing confidence that she will lead the neighbouring country toward peace and stability. "Nepal is a close friend of Bharat. I hope the Interim PM will ensure stability," the Prime Minister said in his address in Imphal. PM Modi also noted that Sushila Karki will be the first woman PM of Nepal, emphasising that it's a good example of women's empowerment. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal. Sushila ji's taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women's empowerment," PM Modi said. Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday after a widespread Gen Z protest, due to frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country. (ANI)
Thousands took part in a pro-Palestinian march in Auckland in what organizers says is the largest rally of its kind since the start of Israel and Hamas crisis, The Times of Israel reported. Around 50,000 people attended the 'March for Humanity' in central Auckland, the Aotearoa for Palestine group said. However, New Zealand police estimate attendance at 20,000, as per The Times of Israel. Aotearoa for Palestine spokesperson Arama Rata says it's New Zealand's largest march in support of Palestinians since the conflict broke out in Gaza with Hamas-led cross-border attack in which terrorists killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 hostages on October 7, 2023. Many in the protest crowd carried Palestinian flags and banners with slogans including "Don't normalize genocide" and "Grow a spine stand with Palestine," The Times of Israel reported, citing the public broadcaster Radio New Zealand. Organizers, motivated by a march that shut down Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge in August, wanted to close a major city bridge with the rally, Rata says, but were forced to abandon those plans due to strong winds. Police said there were no arrests at the march and that roads along the route are being reopened. Aotearoa for Palestine says it wants New Zealand's center-left coalition government to impose sanctions on Israel. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in August described recent Israeli actions in Gaza, including a lack of humanitarian assistance, as "utterly appalling," and New Zealand has been weighing up whether to recognize a Palestinian state. The New Zealand Jewish Council, a body representing around 10,000 Jews who live in the country, doesn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the march. Meanwhile in Israel, dozens protested outside the residence of Education Minister Yoav Kisch, calling for a hostage-ceasefire deal and an end to the war. Demonstrators carry posters reading "educates to abandon (our) brothers" and "educates to silence," as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)
United States and Afghanistan's Taliban officials have agreed to carry out a prisoner exchange, after a rare talk with the authorities in Kabul, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Saturday. The talks involved Adam Boehler, the Trump administration's special envoy for hostage response, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for Afghanistan, who met with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Al Jazeera reported. Following the meeting, the office of Afghanistan's deputy prime minister, Abdul Ghani Baradar, released a statement saying, "Adam Boehler, referring to the issue of detained citizens between Afghanistan and the United States, said that both countries will exchange prisoners." So far, Washington has not released any official statement confirming the agreement or the details of the exchange. One of the most prominent American detainees believed to be held in Afghanistan is Mahmood Habibi, a naturalised US citizen and businessman. He previously worked in Kabul for a telecommunications company before he went missing in 2022. The US is offering a USD5 million reward for information to find him, with the author Afghanies denying any involvement in his 2022 disappearance, as per Al Jazeera. Afghanistan has reportedly pressed for the release of Muhammad Rahim, the last Afghan national held at Guantanamo Bay, who has been detained without charge since 2008. Another American, airline mechanic George Glezmann, was freed after more than two years in detention during a March visit to Kabul by Boehler. According to Al Jazeera, that deal, mediated by Qatar, was described by Afghanistan as a "humanitarian" gesture and a "sign of goodwill". Before that, in January 2025, the two sides carried out a prisoner exchange in which US citizens Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty were released in exchange for Khan Mohammad, an Afghan national serving two life sentences in the US. Both sides also agreed to continue discussions regarding nationals imprisoned in each other's countries, the statement added. (ANI)
A local court has remanded a man suspected of sexually assaulting several minor girls since 2016 into police custody for just five days to aid further investigation, Geo News reported. The suspect was arrested on Thursday following multiple complaints of assaults on children in Karachi's Qayyumabad area. According to South Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mehroze Ali, three separate cases were registered against the suspect over a week. The suspect had allegedly targeted several young girls multiple times, he added. The police officer also revealed that the suspect had been involved in such acts since 2016 and would lure the victims with money before sexually assaulting them, as per Geo News. During the investigation, the police recovered over 100 videos of assaults from the suspect's mobile phone and a USB device containing more videos. The suspect reportedly rented a room and a shop in the area where he would take the girls, enticing them with money. An initial police report revealed that the suspect first arrived in Karachi from Abbottabad in 2011. In 2016, he moved to Qayyumabad and started running a cart to sell juice. Investigators added that since 2016, he had been targeting children between the ages of five and 12. The report further added that the suspect would offer small rewards to children who came to his cart and then take them upstairs to the room, where the crimes were allegedly committed, according to Geo News. South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Asad Raza said that the suspect targeted another girl just a few days ago. Still, she managed to secretly take away a USB device from his place, which was later found to contain over 100 videos related to the assaults. The report confirmed that the suspect would record videos of the acts. A diary was also recovered from his possession, which contained details of some of the victims. The police produced the suspect before a judicial magistrate in Karachi (South) earlier in the day. The court granted the police a five-day physical remand of the suspect and handed him over to investigators for further questioning. According to police officials, the suspect in the case, who is being interrogated, had been registered at the Defence Police Station following his arrest on Thursday night. Further probe into the matter is underway, they added. (ANI)
Lobsang Sangay, former Tibetan Prime Minister in exile, warned that China wants to exert control over everything and its "tentacles are everywhere." He said the selection of the successor of the Dalai Lama has major geopolitical ramifications among all the neighbouring countries and around the world. "Chinese world order is what we experienced as Tibetans." Sangay warned that China only desires control, just as they are exerting control over the Dalai Lama issue. "You think you can have relations, you can deal with the Chinese, but you have no idea what the Chinese system, the Chinese world order is. They want to control everything. They want to control the selection of Dalai Lama because they want to control, like they're already doing in Xinjiang, they're controlling all the imams. They say, no, you're not the real imam. People accept you. Nope, this is the guy we like, you know. And they control Tibetan lamas. They control priests, you know, and bishops," he said. Sangay said that China might also try to exert control over other Buddhist offices across other nations. China may then also interfere in their internal affairs. "[For China] This religion is poison. This religion is an enemy. Yet they want to control it. So that's why I say it's a very dangerous game. If you allow the Chinese government to control the office of the Dalai Lama, they might control the offices of other Buddhist leaders in Southeast Asia, let's say in Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. If China becomes number one, you know, the power in the world, they will not just interfere in your political affairs. They will interfere in economic affairs. They will interfere in spiritual matters as well," he told ANI. Sangay, while speaking to ANI, said that China does not respect Buddhism and rather is trying to dilute it. "Yeah, it's control. They just want to control the office. They don't care about reincarnation, spirituality. They just want to control the office. And at the same time, they want to destroy the office. For example, even the fake Panchen Lama, he spent all his years in Beijing. He should be spending his time in a monastery in Tibet studying, right? When you spend all your years in Beijing, you lose your credibility," he said. "So they control the office of the Panchen Lama, but at the same time, they are trying to dilute and destroy the value of the Panchen Lama's office," he added. He further jested in the hyperbole, "They will say, this is not the Shankaracharya. This Shankaracharya is what I like!" Sangay further told ANI that this is what China did with the Vatican wherein on September 22, 2018, the Chinese government and the Vatican signed a historic agreement concerning the appointment of bishops in China. Described by the parties as a "provisional agreement", the agreement's text has not been disclosed. "They are already doing with the Vatican, right? They had a deal with the Vatican whereby they would appoint the bishop, and the Vatican has endorsed it. And who's to say they will appoint the next cardinal and thereby next time they will say, hey, Pope, selection of Pope. So this is the Chinese world order we should be aware of or we should be careful about. So Chinese world order is what we experienced as Tibetans. So that's what we always say," he said. He further said that China's insistence on choosing the Dalai Lama is a global issue. "And soon cardinals in China, similarly they will tell all the neighbouring countries as well and say, not this, not that. So this is the Chinese world order. And their tentacles are everywhere and they want to control everything. So the selection of the Dalai Lama has major geopolitical ramifications among all the neighbouring countries and around the world," he said. China's government asserts it will appoint the next Dalai Lama's successor, stating a selection method involving the golden urn and central government approval, a claim the current Dalai Lama and Tibetans reject. The 14th Dalai Lama has indicated his successor will be born in the "free world," outside of China. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 13 (ANI/TPS): Hundreds of hate messages and threats were sent to Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev from Turkish phone numbers after Turkish hackers leaked her (personal) mobile phone number, as well as those of other government ministers. Among the messages received by the Israeli minister were: "Hitler was right. He should have killed you all," "We will bury you and your country," "I am Turkish. I will send you to hell," and others. Defence Minister Israel Katz also confirmed the receipt of such messages yesterday, writing in response in his account on X: "Let them continue to call and threaten, and I will continue to order the extermination of their members, the leaders of terrorism." (ANI/TPS)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday warned Hamas leaders living in Qatar, accusing them of blocking ceasefire efforts and prolonging the conflict in Gaza. In a post on X, Netanyahu said the Hamas politburo based in Doha was dragging out the war endlessly and preventing the release of hostages. "The Hamas terrorist chiefs living in Qatar don't care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war. Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war," he wrote. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1966912907352137830 Netanyahu's statement comes amid repeated Israeli criticism of Qatar for hosting Hamas's top leadership, including political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh and other senior figures. Israel accuses them of directing the war while living in safety abroad, according to The Times of Israel. Earlier this week, Netanyahu compared Israel's campaign against Hamas leaders in Qatar to America's response after the September 11, 2001, attacks. In a video message, he said Israel would act against Hamas leaders "wherever they are," unless Qatar expelled them or brought them to justice, as per Times of Israel. Netanyahu said, "Bring them to justice, because if you don't, we will." Qatar rejected those remarks as "reckless" and said hosting Hamas leaders was part of internationally backed mediation efforts involving the US and Israel. After Netanyahu's comment about Qatar hosting Hamas leaders, Qatar's foreign ministry issued a statement condemning his remarks, saying, "Netanyahu is fully aware that the hosting of the Hamas office took place within the framework of Qatar's mediation efforts requested by the United States and Israel". "The negotiations were always held in an official and transparent manner, with international support and in the presence of US and Israeli delegations. Netanyahu's insinuation that Qatar secretly harboured the Hamas delegation is a desperate attempt to justify a crime condemned by the entire world." https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1965883608281068024 The Times of Israel reported that Tuesday's Israeli airstrike in Doha targeted a meeting of Hamas's senior leadership, who were believed to be discussing a new US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. (ANI)
As Information and Broadcasting Adviser of Bangladesh interim government Mahfuz Alam left a SOAS-University of London programme marking the first anniversary of Bangladesh's July uprising, a group of demonstrators threw eggs at Bangladesh High Commission vehicles and briefly tried to block their path. London's Metropolitan Police intervened effectively, as reports on Friday indicate Alam was not in the cars that were struck. The Bangladesh High Commission said police were in constant contact and assured "full security" for the Adviser during his engagements. The incident in London follows an attack on Alam a couple of weeks ago while he was on government business in New York. During an event at Bangladesh's Consulate General, protesters threw eggs (and, per multiple accounts, bottles) and smashed glass doors; the mission subsequently wrote to local authorities, including the State Department's local office, seeking action. Press Secretary of the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam publicly condemned the attempted harassment. The Government condemns this latest attack with the same conviction that our government, the people of Bangladesh and the authorities of both host countries stand on the side of civilised values while the thugs inhabit the world of barbarism and bullying. "This pattern of conduct has no place in any democracy that values argument over aggression and debate over thuggery. As we said after the attack in New York, violence is not protest; intimidation is not free speech. Those words apply with full force in London as they did in New York", Bangladesh interim government said in a statement. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi news outlet Prothom Alo reported that candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir under the banner of the Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote (United Students' Alliance) have secured nine out of the 15 key posts, including the Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the VP post, Shibir leader Abu Shadik Kayem won with 14,042 votes. His closest rival, BNP's student wing leader Abidul Islam Khan, received 5,708 votes. Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July mass uprising, Shibir resurfaced publicly in September last year. Within just a year of re-emergence, it has now claimed a sweeping victory in the DUCSU polls. (ANI)
Thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday, carrying flags of England and Britain, for a demonstration organized by the anti-immigrant and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, New York Post reported, citing its sources. 'Unite the Kingdom' and 'Stand Up To Racism' were the two groups protesting. As per the Metropolitan Police, both the groups attacked each other with projectiles, which the officers tried to curb. In the process, Unite the Kingdom protesters attacked the police personnel. Police arrested nine protesters, and more have been identified for various other offences. In a post on X, the police said, "An update as of 16:50hrs. The turnout for the 'Unite the Kingdom' protest was too big to fit into Whitehall. Protesters left the route onto Victoria Embankment and sought to access Whitehall from multiple directions as shown on the map below. When officers moved in to stop them they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown. Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences. We will find them and they will face police action, even if it is not possible to do so today. Officers are continuing to face aggression in multiple locations, in particular at the north of Whitehall as they work to create a safe exit route for those who have been taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest." https://x.com/metpoliceuk/status/1966894521276371019 Demonstrators carried the Union flag of Britain and the red and white St George's Cross of England, while others brought American and Israeli flags and wore the MAGA hats of US President Donald Trump. They chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and carried placards including some saying "send them home". Some attendees brought children, as per New York Post. Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims. More than 28,000 migrants have arrived in small boats across the Channel so far this year, New York Post reported. Red and white English flags have proliferated along streets and been painted on roads. Supporters call it a spontaneous campaign of national pride, but anti-racism campaigners see a message of hostility to foreigners. (ANI)
Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill on Saturday condemned a racially motivated attack on a Sikh woman in Oldbury. Gill said that the attackers reportedly said to her that she "does not belong here." In a post on X, she said, "I am deeply shocked by the horrific attack on a young Sikh woman in Oldbury. This was an act of extreme violence but is also being treated as racially aggravated, with the perpetrators reportedly telling her that she "does not belong here." She does belong here. Our Sikh community and every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury, or anywhere in Britain. My thoughts are with the victim, her family, and the Sikh community." https://x.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1966494562022498588 "I know many constituents are contacting me to express their fear. I hear you. The rise in overt racism recently is deeply concerning, and I will be working with West Midlands Police to ensure everything is being done to catch those responsible and to keep our community safe. No one should have to live in fear because of who they are. I will continue to press for stronger action against hate crimes and greater support for victims. Together, we must stand united against violence and hatred," she further said. Gill added that she was born and brought up there, urging people to read Sikh history. "I was born here, and my family has contributed to this country for generations. My grandfather and great-grandfather both fought in the World Wars for Britain. They sacrificed for this country because they believed in it, and I'm proud of that heritage. Read Sikh history!" she added. https://x.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1966814476600049915 Meanwhile, the UK is divided on the immigration issue, which is a corollary of racism issue in the nation. The two groups were 'Stand Up To Racism' and 'Unite the Kingdom'. (ANI)
South Sudans First Vice President, Riek Machar, is facing charges of treason, murder, terrorism, and other grave offences, the Justice ministry confirmed, raising fears of renewed conflict in the fragile nation.

Machar, who has been under house arrest since March 2025, was suspended by President Salva Kiir after being accused of orchestrating subversive activities against the Government.

The indictment also implicates seven others and stems from a violent attack in Nasir, Upper Nile state, where a militia known as the White Army killed a garrison commander and several soldiers.

The developments threaten to unravel the delicate 2018 peace agreement that ended years of bloody civil war but has yet to be fully implemented, with elections repeatedly delayed. Pro-government forces have recently clashed with armed groups allegedly loyal to Machar, further heightening instability. The justice ministry claims the Nasir assault was influenced by Machar through coordinated military and political structures, casting fresh doubt on the sustainability of South Sudans transitional governance.
Libyas Office of the Military Prosecutor General has announced the dismantling of a terrorist cell in Tripolis Al-Andalus district, following a deadly raid by a special Interior Ministry unit.

The operation turned violent when members of the cell opened fire, killing three security personnel and wounding another, while two suspects were arrested and one injured.

Two Interior Ministry officers also lost their lives in the exchange. Authorities said the group possessed weapons and explosives intended for attacks on Government forces and officials in the area.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the cell included former prisoners and detainees, with one suspect confessing to links with a brigade led by a senior ISIS commander in Derna, recruited by Osama Najeem.

The prosecutor on site ordered forensic examinations of the deceased, as well as expert analysis of the seized arms and explosives. The Prosecutor Generals Office stressed that the groups actions amounted to serious crimes under Libyan law, vowing to pursue all necessary legal measures against those involved.
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - Sudan on Saturday welcomed the principle of helping the country reach peace, but rejected any attempts to impose it from outside or to infringe on the national sovereignty


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

The 83-year-old Ritz-Carlton developer of the ill-fated Block 216 tower in Portland has filed a lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court against his top assistant, Barclay Grayson, accusing him of elder abuse, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. Walter Bowen said the former senior vice president at BPM Real Estate Group used a signature stamp to sign documents using his name without his knowledge or permission. Many of the offices in Block 216, a 35-story building, remain empty as do the Ritz-Carlton condominiums while the hotel has seen lower occupancy than anticipated. Lender Ready Capital Corp. has foreclosed on the building.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

In the coming days ahead the Oregon legislature is set to vote on a billion dollar gas tax/wage tax hike. Just as that happens Oregon suffered the nations highest gas price increase due to a refinery issue that will last a week or two.

AA reports, Gas prices in the West Coast states are soaring due to refinery issues in Puget Sound and California, and reports of an outage at the Olympic PipelineThe Oregon average jumps 16 cents to $4.14 a gallon. This is the biggest week-over-week jump for a state in the nation and the highest price for the Oregon average since June 2024.

This shows how high and vulnerable Oregon gas prices are. Now, Governor Kotek wishes to add a higher gas tax increase  by 15%. This comes after Oregon increased the gas tax 5% last year.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

John Colgan, a middle school teacher at Neil Armstrong Middle School and Cornelius City Councilor resigned after he posted the above Facebook post. KMTR has more.

Remember, the University of Oregon staffer who said this?

And the Oregon official who said this after the Trump assassination:
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - A top official of Libya's eastern-based government has had a meeting with leaders of some Egyptian tribes to consolidate ties between tribal actors of the two countries
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Austrian farmer Josef Hadler has observed that mowing less often allows wildlife to flourish Josef Hadler is working his tractor to mow several acres of land in a bid to better preserve the plot's biodiversity.

On a meadow in southeastern Austria near the border with Slovenia, Josef Hadler is working his tractor to mow several acres of land in a bid to better preserve the plot's biodiversity.

"Yesterday, a buzzard followed me at a distance of only five meters," the cattle farmer told AFP in the municipality of Sankt Anna am Aigen in the Styria province.

Thanks to Hadler's efforts for the local nature conservation association, endemic species of flora and fauna that have disappeared elsewhere have been able to survive on the 15 hectares (37 acres) of protected land he manages.

Located where the Iron Curtain once separated Austria from the former Yugoslavia, the fields near the Slovenian border are rich in biodiversity, precisely because the area used to be a no-go zone during the Cold War.

It is also part of the wider "European Green Belt" along the former Iron Curtain, a corridor of interconnected wildlife havens that stretches 12,500 kilometers (just over 7,700 miles) from Norway to Turkey.

"No one would dare to build their house right on the border (with Slovenia), which therefore remained green," explained Johannes Gepp, president of the local environmental protection organization Naturschutzbund, which buys up plots of land from farmers.

Farmer Josef Hadler mows the protected meadow only once or twice a year.

Hadler mows the meadow only once or twice a year. The former owner, who had cultivated maize there, willingly sold the dry land 15 years ago to acquire another plot offering a better yield.

"We've gone from a monoculture to 70 to 80 species per 100 square meters" by eliminating fertilizers and reducing the mowing frequency, said Naturschutzbund's managing director Markus Ehrenpaar.

Hadler usually mows his fields five times a year for silage bales and hay to feed his livestock.

But he observed that mowing more frequently prevented flowers from growing, while mowing less often allowed many native species to flourish or even return.

Among them are the great burnetthe only plant on which two different species of butterfly feed exclusivelyor the venomous nursery web spider.

Maintaining the fields is essential, as it prevents the proliferation of grasses to the detriment of wild flowers.

The 'European Green Belt' is a corridor of interconnected wildlife havens that has formed along the former Iron Curtain.

'Wonderful natural gems'

Hadler receives compensation for his work and can harvest the hay, which he uses as litter for his livestock.

According to Andrea Pock, the mayor of Sankt Anna am Aigen, the "wonderful natural gems" also have an educational value for biology lessons.

"A form of gentle tourism has developed," the 46-year-old mayor said, adding that "many people come to see the flowers and observe the insects".

Signs nearby recount the dark past of the fortified and mined border, which once sought to deter people from behind the Iron Curtain to cross into the West.

In the present, crossing points that allow for genetic mixing of plants have been created to ensure the long-term survival of such dense and diverse areas.

The effort costs millions of euros each year as "land is very expensive," said Gepp.

Mayor Andrea Pock says the 'wonderful natural gems' also have an educational value.

The region, the government and the European Union have all contributed financially to this costly revival.

And the stakes are high: Austria is home to 1,300 kilometers of the "Central European Green Belt", which it shares with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.

But at present, only a third of it is protected environmentally.

 2025 AFP
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Lawrence Berkeley National Lab scientists Edwin McMillan, left, and Ed Lofgren, stand atop the 7-foot-thick concrete shielding at the Bevatron, an early particle accelerator, in 1963. Credit: Berkeley Lab

America is awesome at science. For as long as most of us have been alive, United States scientists have published more research, been cited more often by other scientists, earned more patents, and even won more Nobel Prizes than any other nation.

All that scientific expertise has helped make the U.S. the most prosperous nation on Earth and led to longer and easier lives here and around the world. But until World War II, the U.S. often sat on the sidelines of scientific progress. With national security on the line, the federal government, through policy and strategic investments, set about turning America into the world leader in science.

Now, amid federal attacks on university research and the government agencies that fund it, America is on the verge of relinquishing its scientific dominance for the first time in eight decades.

To learn more about how we got here, and what could happen next, we called up two experts who've dedicated their careers to understanding how America built itself into the most innovative nation on Earth.

Cathryn Carson, chair of the History Department at UC Berkeley, studies how 20th century physicists in the U.S. and Europe advanced disciplines including quantum theory and nuclear energy. UC Santa Barbara history professor W. Patrick McCray studies science, technology and the environment in the postwar U.S.

University of California: It's hard to imagine a time when the US wasn't the global leader in science. But it wasn't that long ago, was it?

McCray: Practically since the start of the United States, the federal government has invested in science. But for most of our history, those were investments of a very practical nature. So you have things like coastal surveys, research devoted to fisheries, programs to map terrain or geology, and promote agriculture.

Through the early part of the 20th century, what we think of as basic scienceareas like physics, astronomy, those disciplines that ask these fundamental questions about how things workthe U.S. wasn't really strong in those areas. Some of it was being done at U.S. universities, mainly funded by philanthropic foundations like the Rockefellers or the Carnegies. But if you're, say, Robert Oppenheimer studying physics in the 1920s, you'd go off to Europe, like he did, to get your Ph.D.

The federal Corps of Topical Engineers set out to survey the Great Salt Lake in this 1849 illustration. Credit: US Geological Survey

Carson: Up through the 1930s, the idea that the federal government would put any money into either universities or industry science was actually anathema in some quarters. It was seen as inappropriate for the federal government to be tinkering with those parts of civil society by putting money in that served the government's purposes.

That obviously changed at some point, because in recent years the federal government has funded about 40% of basic research in America. What happened?

Carson: World War II completely changed the bargain. As the nature of the threat coming out of Nazi Germany became clear in the late 1930s, the government started scaling up its investments into aeronautics, aerodynamics and chemical engineering, and then into nuclear physics as it burst on the scene, including here at Berkeley.

The progress these academic scientists were able to make with a little bit of federal funding got the heads turned around of some leading university-based scientists, who raised the alarm and persuaded President Roosevelt to build up an entire infrastructure of guiding and funding university-based science, purely for the purpose of winning World War II.

With federal funding, scientists at American and British universities made huge progress in the manufacture of penicillin during World War II. The antibiotic is credited with saving the lives of at least 100,000 Allied soldiers. Credit: National World War II museum / UC Berkeley

So it's the national emergency of World War II that breaks with all past traditions of keeping the government separate from university or industry science, and forges this new compact, this new relationship. The system we have now of federal contracts to universities to do basic research, and the continuing tight relationships and overlaps between university scientists and federal policymakers, was all set up during World War II.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

How did the government transition from funding science for the war effort to this long-term commitment to university research?

McCray: The year before President Roosevelt died in 1945, he tasked his science advisor, a man named Vannevar Bush, to look to the future. Bush, who had been at MIT before taking over the management of America's vast wartime science infrastructure, eventually oversaw the production of this famous report called "Science: the Endless Frontier." It laid out a blueprint for what would become U.S. science policy in the years and decades following the Second World War.

Vannevar Bush, third from left, meets with scientists at UC Berkeley in 1940. From left to right: Ernest O. Lawrence, Arthur H. Compton, Bush, James B. Conant, Karl T. Compton, and Alfred L. Loomis. Credit: U.S. Department of Energy

Did Bush and his successors articulate any specific goals for these policies?

Carson: You might think that the federal government is most interested in applicable research that immediately leads to new weapons or new products. But federal leaders realized that they were actually not just investing in the products of research. They were investing in the people.

McCray: They recognized we needed to have a cadre of trained scientists and engineers and needed to keep them fed and paid until the next conflict eventually breaks out. Scientists were seen as a resource to be stockpiled, like steel or oil, and that we can turn to in time of a national emergency.

Federal leaders realized that they were actually not just investing in the products of research. They were investing in the people.

By the 1960s, the federal government was spending about two percent of U.S. GDP on research and development. How have elected officials made the case for these investments to U.S. taxpayers?

McCray: Bush would say, "We need to water the tree of basic research." The idea was that the tree will grow nice little fruits we can come along and pluck, and those would benefit our health, economy and security.

Those three things, health, economy, and national security, were part of the social contract that emerged between scientists and the federal government after the Second World War. The idea was that in some way, the research that the government is funding would contribute to the larger benefit of the nation.

What are some examples of those fruits of basic research?

McCray: I tell my students about Tom Brock, a microbial ecologist in the 1960s who was really interested in the microbes in the hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. The bacteria that he discovered became the key part in a biological technique developed in the 1980s called the polymerase chain reaction, which allows you to amplify sequences of DNA. PCR was a huge step in the creation of the whole biotech industry, and it was ultimately a critical tool used in 2020 to develop a vaccine for COVID.

Microbiologist Tom Brock took an interest in the bacteria that could thrive in the extreme environment of Yellowstone's boiling hot springs in the 1960s. Decades later, Brock's interest would result in the discovery of a key chemical reaction that's powered much of biomedical discovery, including the first COVID-19 vaccines. Credit: Carsten Steger / Diane Montpetit (Food Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), via Wikipedia

You can't predict that path, and the time frame for these government investments paying off is often measured in decades. But Vannevar Bush would have argued that that's exactly why the federal government should be the one investing in basic science, because industry was never going to think or work that way.

Carson: Silicon Valley was built on microelectronics and aerospace, both funded by the Defense Department. Electronics weren't initially for consumers. They were for ballistic missiles, jet aircraft, the next generation of radar. All this effort went into building electronics that would serve the military then got turned over to the consumer market in the 1970s and 80s.

Presumably the U.S. wasn't the only nation that recognized the value of investing in science after World War II?

Carson: No, and in fact, other global powers, including the nations defeated in World War II, started to catch up. Power brokers in Washington in 1948 could never have imagined that the Soviets would get an atomic bomb by 1949. Germany and Japan both made strides in advanced manufacturing in the 1950s. In the 1960s, we had thought we had a semi-permanent lead in semiconductors, but by the 1970s Japan emerged as a leader in microelectronics.

So that's how the main concern of government-funded science expanded by the 1970s and 1980s, from maintaining the national defense to maintaining U.S. global economic leadership. It became clear that any lead the U.S. might holdin defense, in electronics, in biotechhas to be constantly defended.

UC Berkeley alum Steve Wozniak, right, and his Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, tinker with their prototype personal computer in 1975. The Silicon Valley ecosystem that gave rise to their work was launched in large part by federal funding to develop defense technology. Credit: UC Berkeley Graduate Division

For everyday Americans, why does it matter which nation's scientists invent the technology or cure the disease, as long as someone, somewhere is solving these problems?

Carson: There are two ways to think about that, and they both have to do with maintaining U.S. economic preeminence. One is the "first mover" advantage: Sure, a company from another country could go and commercialize a technology they didn't originally develop, but they'd be doing that sometime after the originator, so the originator has the chance to build up a lead.

Also, so much of scientific research isn't about just discoveries, but it's about making an initial discovery better, more marketable or more effective. And so having a system of innovation that can play at all stages, from invention through commercialization of the final product, helps keep domestic companies in the lead over global competitors.

How has the government decided what research is worth funding? Do you see that changing now?

Carson: Up until now, the consensus of the scientific community has governed what got funded, whether it was from high-energy particle physics accelerators to social science or environmental research. We've had a self-governing body of scientists, through peer review and through funding panels, who essentially direct government science funding to the places where the scientists thought it would do the most benefit.

I think the consensus that science was a route to national well-being and prosperity was widely shared by people across the political spectrum until very recently. It's only been the past few years that we've seen a rising lack of trust in scientists being self-interested rather than finding truth through coordinating with each other. The surge of distrust for the people who have been steering the enterprise through peer review is pretty frightening, because it then leaves the space for all kinds of ideological interests to come in.

Since January, the federal government has paused or canceled billions in research grants to universities across the country. Now Congress is considering a federal budget for next year that could include cutting some agencies that fund research by as much as half. How could these cuts affect American families and communities?

McCray: This whole history isn't just about the money, but the ambition behind it. The United States built big particle accelerators, big research vessels, big telescopes. Those were all attractive things for people in other countries to come here to get their degrees, and then maybe stay and start a company that builds U.S. prosperity. One way these cuts could hurt the United States economically is if it makes it so this is no longer a place where people from other countries can come to take advantage of our scientific resources.

But I think the more pernicious effect is to degrade the value of experts and expertise. Science is the production of reliable knowledge about the natural world. What makes it reliable is the fact that experts make this knowledge. This is not to say they are perfect or free from conflicts of interest. But modern science is an infrastructure designed to produce consensusnot certaintyabout knowledge. This is what makes it powerful and, at the same time, fragile. The average citizen and politician wants certainty but that is not what science is designed to give us.

It's easy to forget that U.S. leadership isn't some fixed, unchanging feature of the scientific landscape. It has a history, it's developed and changed over time, and like any other system, it can be degraded. And sadly, that's what's happening now. And it's going to be hard to build that system back, especially since, at least in this country, it took decades to create.
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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin listens as US President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington.

The United States moved on Friday to dismantle a "burdensome" federal program that tracks greenhouse gas emissions across the US economy, the latest step by President Donald Trump's administration to undercut efforts against climate change.

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), launched in 2010, covers more than 8,000 facilitiesincluding power plants, fuel suppliers, and factoriesthat together account for 85-90% of the country's planet-warming pollution.

Trump, who received hundreds of millions of dollars from the fossil fuel industry during his 2024 election campaign, has heavily promoted new oil, gas, and coal extraction while moving to suppress competition from solar and wind.

"Alongside President Trump, EPA continues to live up to the promise of unleashing energy dominance that powers the American Dream," Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said in announcing the decision, which will undergo a public comment period before being finalized.

"The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is nothing more than bureaucratic red tape that does nothing to improve air quality."

Although the program was established through an act of Congress, the EPA argued it is not legally obligated to continue collecting the data, with the sole exception of methane emissions.

A climate law passed in 2022 under Democratic president Joe Biden established a methane fee on oil and gas operations, but Republicans' recently enacted "Big Beautiful Bill" requires such reporting only from 2034. Accordingly, the EPA under Zeldin says it will suspend all data collection until then.

"Again and again, this administration is trying to hide the data to hide the harms," Julie McNamara of the Union of Concerned Scientists told AFP.

"If we can't say what a facility is doing, we can't hold that facility accountable," she added, warning that the lack of verifiable emissions data would undermine action at local, state, national, and international levels.

Democrats had anticipated the move after they obtained documents in the spring that indicated the change was planned.

"For the past 15 years, the GHGRP has collected facility-level emissions data from over 8,000 facilities, supplying vital information to policymakers, scientists, investors, and the public," Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said in May.

"These data inform our national GHG inventory, support international emissions reporting obligations, and serve as the de facto standard for many companies' climate disclosures in the absence of industry-wide methodologies."

He added that the data had allowed US industry to market itself as cleaner than foreign competitors, and ending the program would hand an advantage to China.

 2025 AFP
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE: JHX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether James Hardie and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 19, 2025, James Hardie issued a press release announcing financial results for its first quarter ended June 30, 2025. Among other items, James Hardie reported a 29% decline in first-quarter profit and projected lower-than-expected fiscal 2026 earnings, citing high borrowing costs.

On this news, James Hardie's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $9.79 per ADR, or 34.44%, to close at $18.64 per ADR on August 20, 2025.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris 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, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm 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.pomerantzlaw.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
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Skillz Inc. ("Skillz" or the "Company") (NYSE: SKLZ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Skillz and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On September 2, 2025, Skillz disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that Tether Studios and its affiliate Tether Games (together, "Tether") plan to terminate all agreements with Skillz, effective September 1, 2025. Under the agreements, Skillz has licensed its software to Tether for use in monetizing Tether's games. In return, both companies share the revenue from user entry fees. After receiving the notice, Skillz filed a lawsuit on September 1, 2025, seeking to block Tether's termination of their agreements. Skillz is also disputing Tether's reasons for ending the deal.

On this news, Skillz's stock price fell $1.50 per share, or 17.22%, to close at $7.21 per share on September 3, 2025.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris 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, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm 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.pomerantzlaw.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
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

According to the lawsuit, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Quantum Corporation improperly recognized revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025; (2) Quantum Corporation would therefore need to restate its previously filed financial statements for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2024; and (3) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

On June 30, 2025, Quantum disclosed that it would be unable to timely file its annual financial report for the fiscal year 2025 as it is "reviewing its accounting related to certain revenue contracts as well as the application of standalone selling price under applicable accounting standards."

On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $1.00, or 10.03%, to close at $8.97 per share on June 30, 2025, thereby injuring investors.

Then, on August 8, 2025, Quantum announced that its third quarter 2024 financial statements "should no longer be relied upon" due to "deficiencies in the Company's internal control over financial reporting and the Company's disclosure controls and procedures that constituted material weaknesses." The Company further disclosed that the affected financial statements would be restated to show a new decrease of approximately $3.9 million in revenue.

On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $0.14, or 1.79%, to close at $7.66 per share on August 11, 2025.

Then, on August 18, 2025, Quantum disclosed that its CEO would be resigning from the role after only five months in the position.

On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $0.61, or 8.2%, to close at $6.83 per share on August 19, 2025, thereby injuring investors further.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Quantum Corporation's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Quantum Corporation class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/QMCO or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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American woman arrested entering Mexico with hundreds of magazines and live rounds

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua  An American woman remains in Mexican jail after attempting to cross the border with magazines and live rounds. The unnamed woman was arrested from a bus at the Cordova-Americas International Bridge Friday.

While crossing the U.S. border into Mexico, a public transport bus was given a green light, exempt from a customs check. However, the luggage was still x-ray scanned which is when custom officers noticed military equipment.

Hidden inside pillowcases and socks, officers located 170 magazines and 600 live rounds hidden between three suitcases. The woman was arrested by National Guard from the international crossing.

In a statement, authorities reported in compliance with the Mexican Governments National Security Strategy, members of the National Guard detained a woman of American origin in Chihuahua who was attempting to enter Mexican territory with military equipment hidden in pillowcases and socks.

National Guardsmen, in coordination with personnel from Mexicos National Customs Agency, were conducting preventive and surveillance inspections at the Cordova-Americas International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua when they spotted a tourist bus that received a green traffic light, meaning it was exempt from customs inspection.

As a precaution, the luggage was subjected to an X-ray inspection which revealed anomalies in three suitcases. During a manual inspection, they found 170 magazines and 600 live rounds of ammunition of various calibers hidden inside pillowcases and socks, leading to the arrest of the owner.
City Council details public infrastructure complaints and unresponsive companies in Urban Improvement program

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  City Council continues with its urban improvement project to deal with old infrastructure and unresponsive companies. The goal of City Council is to intervene in 12 of the citys main areas where old cables and unstable telecommunication infrastructure have been found.

City Council working group member Uri Carmona reported that the Urban Improvement Action program was designed by the Department of Territorial Planning and will be implemented gradually in different sectors.

The first phase of infrastructure cleanup will take place from September 15 to 30 between Juarez and Constituyentes Avenues and from Fifth Avenue to the beach. The Urban Improvement Action program includes the removal of obsolete cables, the repair or replacement of manhole covers and vents as well as the construction and rehabilitation of curbs and sidewalks.

Carmona says the mayor has instructed them to work in coordination with the companies involved to ensure harmonious planning of the ongoing and upcoming projects.

During the September 10 City Hall meeting, it was also agreed to include attention to damaged poles, considered a risk to the population, where Julieta Martin, the Secretary of Public Services, presented a report on citizen company complaints.

According to her report, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) leads the way with 204 complaints of which 83.5 percent remain unaddressed. She said only 16.5 percent of Playa del Carmen citizen complaints to the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) have been addressed, adding that zero progress was reported in the last month.

Aguakan was second in the municipality with 131 reports, 100 percent attended to, which was publicly recognized for its commitment, she said. Telecommunications company Izzi has 71 outstanding complaints with no significant progress. Martin said verification tours have shown no improvements with the companys public infrastructure problems.

Telmex currently has 17 PDC reports related to bad poles of which only 17 percent were addressed. She said 82.4 percent of those complaints remain pending. Internet company Totalplay has three reports for ground-level cover problems, none of which have been attended to.

Martin said during the surveys conducted in conjunction with public lighting, 194 CFE poles around central Playa del Carmen were found to be in poor condition.
Correos de Mexico resumes no commercial value postal service to the United States

Mexico City, Mexico  As of September 12, 2025, the service for sending letters and documents to the United States will resume. Postal service to the U.S. has started up again for envelopes not subject to tariffs.

According to Correos de Mexico, the measure does not apply to packages, magazines, books or documents with commercial value. The Mexican government said it will continue talks with U.S. authorities to resume courier and parcel service as soon as possible.

As part of the process of resuming postal services following the implementation of Executive Order 14324 of the United States Government, applicable to all countries worldwide, Correos de Mexico is reactivating the delivery of letters and documents of non-commercial value to that country.

This measure constitutes the first step in the reestablishment of services to the United States. In this regard, starting September 12, it will be possible to visit the more than 1,500 Mexican Post offices across the country, where they will be able to send only letters and documents to the United States, the government reported.

Envelopes that can be sent include handwritten letters, postcards and administrative, legal, or academic papers, as long as they have no commercial value.

Although shipments of packages, courier services, printed publications, magazines, and books remain restricted until further notice, the Mexican government is conducting intensive coordination among relevant agencies, as well as maintaining ongoing dialogue with U.S. authorities, to reach agreements that fully restore postal services.

The announcement came after, on July 30 2025, the U.S. implemented Executive Order 14324, Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment For All Countries. The Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that appropriate action is needed to ensure collection of applicable duties as well as to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

Executive Order 14324 suspends the duty-free de minimis exemption otherwise authorized under section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, for all covered products, regardless of country of origin, valued at $800 or less, and requires such articles, except articles that are sent to the United States through the international postal network, to be entered using an appropriate entry type in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) by a party qualified to make entry.

Executive Order 14324 also establishes a new duty rate for covered products that are sent to the United States through the international postal network.
National Guard shot at Cancun base during internal conflict between officers

Cancun, Q.R.  An internal investigation has been started into the shooting of a National Guard by another member. The injured man was transferred to Cancun hospital early Saturday where he is reported to be stable.

The incident took place between two on-duty guards at the Cancun airport base Friday night. Initial reports say an argrument between the two became heated when one is alleged to have shot the other.

The shooting was reportedly over an internal conflict between officers. After hearing the shot, other guards ran to the scene where they found a shot man laying on the ground with a bullet wound to his leg.

The alleged shooter was taken into custody from the scene of the shooting by fellow National Guard and handed over to the Military Police.
The space now features vibrant lighting, additional seating, and a custom neon selfie wall that helps visitors kick off their vacation in a fabulous way. On select dates, the experience will be elevated even further with live music, DJs, and other special activations. The transformed pickup zone is a part of the broader "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" brand campaign. This multifaceted initiative spans broadcast, activations, experiences, special offers, and partnerships highlighting Las Vegas that will continue to roll out in the coming months.

"Las Vegas is a city that sets the standard for excitement and hospitality, and we believe the visitor journey should reflect that from the very beginning," said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the LVCVA. "With Fabulous Pickups, we've created a space that's as vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable as Las Vegas itself."

In addition, Terminal 1 is also home to Fabulous photo moments where visitors can share their excitement about being in Las Vegas before they even leave the airport. The larger-than-life installation, located by the A/B checkpoint, will debut tomorrow and features Vegas Vicki with a spot for guests to sit next to her and do their best kick to give everyone back home FOMO.

"Our team at Harry Reid International Airport is dedicated to making every arrival memorable, and this new rideshare area is a testament to that commitment," said Jim Chrisley, Clark County Director of Aviation. "By partnering with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, we've created a space that's not just functional, but also fun and welcoming. We're proud to offer travelers a first impression that's as distinctive as the destination itself."

More "Welcome to Fabulous" announcements will be unveiled in the weeks ahead. For more information on "Welcome to Fabulous," visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with positioning Southern Nevada as the undisputed global destination for leisure and business travel and operates the 4.6 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With 151,000 hotel rooms and over 15 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Vegas Loop at Las Vegas Convention Center, designed and operated by The Boring Company, and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. For more information, go to www.LVCVA.com, www.VisitLasVegas.com or www.VegasMeansBusiness.com.

ABOUT HARRY REID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and the four general aviation facilities including Henderson Executive Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Jean Sport Aviation Center and Overton-Perkins Field, are owned and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation. For more information on LAS, or the full system of airports, please visit HarryReidAirport.com. For timely information and airport updates, please visit our social media channels @LASAirport.

SOURCE Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)
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A few months ago, I was out with acquaintances who had gotten marriedin a courtroom, just the two of themthe weekend prior. They have been together for years; she got an academic job in Shanghai, and he wanted to go with her. Somewhat indecorously, I asked them if they had gotten a prenup. They said no. I asked if any of their friends had gotten them. Not that I know of, she said. Our friends are too poor.

This sentiment, it turns out, is slightly outdated. Prenups are on the rise, and they are especially common among millennial and Gen Z Americans. According to a 2022 Harris Poll survey, 15 percent of Americans have signed a prenup (up from 3 percent in 2010), and almost 40 percent of married or engaged people age 1834 reported having them (compared with just 13 percent of those age 4554). As of 2023, half of U.S. adults said they were open to signing a prenupan increase from 42 percent the year before. Its not just the uberwealthy who are getting one either. Prenups used to cost a few thousand dollars, but today, services like Hello Prenup and Trusted Prenup offer them for around $600 a pop. Hello Prenup is particularly predominant, commanding 20 percent of the total market, according to company data.

When I first read about the rise of prenups, I assumed that millennial and Gen Z women were the ones initiating them. Im in my early 30s, and many of the influencers my algorithm serves, from Vivian Tu to Eli Rallo, push posts and podcast episodes contouring the reasons why women should get them. Much of their wisdom springs from data showing how the romance-to-babies pipeline often means major hits to womens earnings and careers. For this particular genre of girlboss influencers, getting a prenup is part of taking their lives into their own hands. Some data supports this: Hello Prenups numbers reveal that a little over half of those who initiate the process are women, and in 2010, a survey of members from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that 52 percent of divorce attorneys saw an increase in women initiating prenups during the five years prior. (More recent numbers are, unfortunately, hard to come by.)

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This is notable because, according to Hello Prenup founder Julia Rodgers, prenups have historically been gendered and supposed to protect mens wealth. So to have women seeking prenups is not only novelit contradicts traditional narratives of how the agreements come about. For instance, a canonical Sex and the City episode from 2000 follows a common storyline: After Charlotte accepts a proposal from the WASPy Trey, he and his mother spring one on her. Its a bad deal for Charlotte, so she puts on her heels and heads to the Upper East Side, where she renegotiates the prenup with Bunny, her future mother-in-law. Rodgers said this would play out differently today: If we were to move Charlotte into 2025, she would be saying to Trey, I want to have my own money, I want to have autonomy over how I spend and how I save. And then well have our marital pot that will be separate. 

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In other words, women today often do not assume that their spouses will financially take care of them. In initiating prenups, in maintaining their own bank accounts after marriage, and in continuing to work full time, women in heterosexual marriages place their financial futures less and less in the hands of their husbands.

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Both Rodgers and James Sexton, founder of Trusted Prenup and a New York divorce lawyer who tends to work with high-end clients, agreed that the growing popularity of prenups also has to do with millennials and Gen Z marrying later, once they have longer financial histories. (These generations also likely learned from the divorce experiences of their boomer parents and the precarious financial realities that followed.) Many millennials graduated from high school or college into the Great Recession, then encountered a pandemic around the time they were marrying or having children. Young adults also have more debt than older generations. According to a 2025 poll for Newsweek, Gen Z Americans carry the highest average personal debt, at $94,101, followed by millennials ($59,181) and Gen X ($53,255). A prenup can preemptively clarify which party is responsible for which debt as a marriage progressesfor instance, it can protect one party from medical debt incurred by the other.

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For Michelle Sola Candia and Alex Candia, both 28, of Miami, it was Michelles experience in law school that drove their decision to get a prenup. The two, who met in high school, started having conversations about marriage at the same time that Michelle was prepping for the bar. At least in Florida, if you dont have a prenup, everything is split equitably, but whats equitable depends on the judge, she said. Its a lot of moving parts, which obviously makes for a great essay topic.

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It felt dumb to spend so long writing essays about the pros and cons of prenups, she continued. The conclusion is always: A prenup would have been best in this scenario. To not get one just felt foolish.

Even so, prenups are still a prickly topic. On the most recent season of Love Is Blind, Virginia Miller, a 34-year-old health care recruiter from Minneapolis, told her fiance, Devin Buckley, that she wanted a prenup. (On Love Is Blind, contestants get engaged before seeing each other in person; after moving in together for four weeks, meeting each others family and friends, and shopping for wedding attire, they decide at the altar whether to say I do.) Millers request turned into a multiepisode story arc, complete with reaction shots, suspenseful music, close-ups of his jittering leg, and downright gothic sound effects. The shows salacious treatment of the subject jibes with what Sexton says about the stigma of public figures who get prenups. Ive joked that I have celebrity clients whoIve seen interviews with them on TV when theyre getting married, and theyre like, No, we dont have a prenup. And Im like, I watched you sign it! 

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Those who arent celebrities or reality stars feel the stigma too. Many people I spoke with said they did not know of any friends who had gotten prenups. Veronica, a 37-year-old woman who asked that I use only her first name, said that before her husband floated the idea to her, the only thing she knew about prenups was Gold Digger, the Kanye West song. She guessed that part of the taboo comes from generational mores around discussing money: With our parents being boomers, I feel like theres this stigma of You dont talk about finances, you dont share with other people what you make,  she said. Money is still a weird subject with millennialswere breaking a lot of norms, which I appreciate about my generation, but I dont know any friends who would bring it up.

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Elizabeth Kidd-Chamberlain, a 33-year-old in Boise, Idaho, also faced some stigma when she signed her prenup. Everyone sort of thought I was being crazy, she told me. Some people said, Youre not richwhy are you signing a prenup? Others asked if she thought shed get divorced. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Emmelis Keaney, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, told only one person about her prenup. That was my mother, she said. I regretted telling her.

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Alex Candia said he didnt experience this stigma: Lots of his friends are gay men, and there was less of a traditional response from them. But he did get anxious when Michelle brought up the topic before they got engaged. I was the one clutching my pearls at the thought of what a prenup implies, he said, that we could get divorced.

The jury is out on whether prenups are a harbinger of divorce or prevent one from happening in the first place. In Sex and the City, Charlotte and Trey end up divorced; in Love Is Blind, Miller and Buckley say no at the altar. Family lawyers have mixed thoughts. Although prenups go against their profit incentives, attorneys I spoke with who practice family law were pro-prenup. Sexton, the high-end attorney, estimates that he has written 700 or 800 prenups in his career and has done only about five divorces for clients whose prenups he had written. I think the kind of people who end up negotiating and executing a prenup tend to be the kind of people that just arent likely to get divorced, he said. Heather McCabe, a family attorney in Maryland who works with clients across socioeconomic brackets, has more neutral feelings. Though she recommends prenups, she doesnt see them as predicting any particular future. Prenups, she said, are not life preservers for marriage.

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At the same time as prenups are on the rise, divorce rates are falling. I dont think thats an accident, said Stephanie Coontz, author of the forthcoming For Better and Worse: The Problematic Past and Uncertain Future of Marriage. When she interviewed people who had married in the 1950s and the 60s about their decision to wed, they would frequently say, Its just what you do when you fall in love. Today, she explained, when you fall in love, you might live together but you dont decide to marry until youre pretty sure that youre each going to be able to hold up your side of an economic and emotional bargain. And in todays era, the bargain is a lot more rigorous than it used to be.

For some couples, the process of getting a prenup is dramatic. Parental involvement is a common source of tension, especially as some wealthy millennial children are set to inherit enormous sums of money from their boomer parents in the coming years. Both Rodgers and Sexton, the founders of Hello Prenup and Trusted Prenup, respectively, said that a frequent cause of estrangement between parents and future children-in-law is when parents pull a Bunny postengagement. Rodgers said that before starting Hello Prenup, when she was still working at a law firm, a wealthy family sprung this on their son about two months before the wedding. It led to a real breakdown in communication between the future wife and her in-laws, to the point where she, even after the wedding, wouldnt speak to them. They basically vowed to disinherit their son if he didnt move forward with the prenup.

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Many anonymous Reddit threads feature posters seeking advice on whether to sign prenups foisted upon them by parents or in-laws. In Ali Wongs 2018 comedy special Hard Knock Wife, she joked about this happening to her. Her husband had gone to Harvard Business School, while she went to the University of California, Los Angeles, and majored in ethnic studies, a degree, she said, that is not supposed to yield income. She was not expected to become the breadwinner, but thats exactly what happened. His family made me sign a prenup, she said. Its trueand now, if we get divorced, their son is fucked. They divorced in 2024.

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Yet for every Ali Wong or Charlotte York who deals with in-law drama, theres a couple for whom a prenup brings comfort and certainty. It was a very good exercise to do before the wedding, recalled Kidd-Chamberlainkind of like premarital counseling, but in a financial sense. We really had to sit down and everything had to be out on the table, she said. She was surprised how chill and nonconsequential the whole process was.

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The rise of prenups likely has to do with the growing senseespecially among millennial and Gen Z Americansthat there is no one-size-fits-all approach to marriage. For Kidd-Chamberlain, getting a prenup was one of many choices she and her husband made about how they wanted their relationship to play out. We had a child at this point. We had lived together for five or six years, she said. But it was helpful for us to type out: How much is in your bank account, how much is in your savings account, what assets do we have?

If anything, the process just confirmed that she was marrying the right person. Isnt it worth it for a little peace of mind?
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An NBC News Decision Desk poll of Gen Z adults this week confirmed what many culture-watchers across the political spectrum have long argued: Young men and women are not aligned when it comes to life goals, especially when you compare right-wing men to left-wing women. But when you look closer, the poll actually suggests that its young conservatives, not liberals, for whom life expectations more dramatically diverge in terms of gender lines. Young liberal women and young liberal men share a broader worldview about what a successful life looks like. Young conservatives do notespecially when it comes to prioritizing marriage and children. Donald Trumps working-class base already struggles with familial stability. The gaps between what conservative young men think offers them social status versus what conservative young women prioritize seems primed to only exacerbate existing frictions, and may mean that these young people dont wind up with the families they say are so important.

According to the poll, Gen Z adultsthose ages 18 to 29have pretty divergent views on what a successful life looks like. Among young men who voted for Donald Trump, having children tops the list of personal successes. Among young women who voted for Kamala Harris, having children is ranked 12 out of 13 possible choices, just above fame and influence and just below being married. Young women were more likely to select everything from career happiness to being spiritually grounded as more important for a successful life. And it is indeed telling that there is such a stark divide between the genders, one that grows starker still with political affiliation.

What was most striking to me, though, wasnt just the political gender divide, but how much more united liberal young people were than conservative ones. While a majority of Harris voters, male and female alike, agreed that having a fulfilling job or career was key to a successful life, there was no single marker of adulthood that a majority of young Trump voters said was important to life success. Conservative Gen Zers, it seems, dont have a unified vision of what a successful life isand the real outliers are conservative men.

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Our NBC News Decision Desk poll asked Gen Z adults (18-29 years old) what they consider important to a successful life. The combination of gender and politics produced two very different sets of priorities: pic.twitter.com/xvm0t4IKaT  Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) September 8, 2025

The numbers for Gen Z women who voted for Trump and Gen Z men who voted for Harris pic.twitter.com/JZP0Eb1OQy  Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) September 8, 2025

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Its important to understand how this poll works before reading too much into the responses, because its a bit of a funny one. Respondents were asked what makes for a successful life, then given 13 possible answers, among which they could choose only three. And the question wasnt about what any respondent wants in their own life; it was Which of the following is important to your personal definition of success? Many respondents, in other words, may very well want things like children and marriage, may think marriage or children are components of a good life, or may already have children or be marriedthey just dont rank those things in their top three picks for defining what success looks like.

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While other polls have found that, among young adults without children, men are significantly more likely than women to want children in the future, only about 1 in 5 young women say they dont want children at all; nearly half do, and close to a third just arent sure. Given that the average American mother has her first child in her late 20s, we can also assume that a great many Gen Z women already have kids, they just may not equate motherhood with success. And its not like young men want a giant brood and women want to stay childless: American adults under 40 say they plan to have about two children, a number that is the same for women and men alike.

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All of this makes the fact that more conservative men chose having children as personally definitional to success much more telling. For women regardless of politics, and for liberal men, it seems that children and marriage may be components of a good life, but they arent considered some sort of accomplishment. For conservative men, they are. Perhaps the big divide here isnt about what one wants ones family to look like, but in how one conceives of parenthood in the first place. For Trump-voting men, having kids may be a kind of flex, a status symbol, a feather in their capand, conveniently, something for which women actually take on the lions share of the labor.

Conservative women are far less likely than conservative men to define personal success according to childbearing, although they are much more likely to do so than liberal women or men. Twenty-six percent of Trump-voting women listed having children as one of their three markers of success; only 6 percent of Harris-voting women and 9 percent of Harris-voting men said the same. But with 34 percent of Trump-voting young men saying children are definitional to success, the gap between right-wing women and right-wing men is particularly wide. And between right-wing men and left-wing women, its enormous.

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This does not bode well for conservative parental happiness, and bodes really poorly for any young liberal women who make the mistake of marrying Trump-voting men. Among the ranks of Gen Z Republicans, men already outnumber women by nearly 2 to 1, the widest partisan gap of any age cohort. The conservative Gen Z men who want marriage and children already have a smaller pool of young women to date, given the dearth of young right-wing women and the fact that many liberal women understandably dont want to wind up with men who dont believe they should have the right to their own bodies and may not support their careers or personal independence. And even conservative women may not want to pair up with men who pollsters have found to be startlingly misogynist and who dont seem particularly inclined to course-correct on the very sexist ideas that put so many young women off. A 2024 YouGov poll found that just one-third of Gen Z men agreed that Things would be better if women held more powerful positions in society and men did more around the house. A previous NBC poll found that while 58 percent of Gen Z women strongly disagreed that women taking on traditional roles would make America a stronger nation, just a third of Gen Z men said the same.

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Young liberals are far less divided, with men and women alike agreeing that things like career meaning and financial well-being are important for success. A majority of both male and female Harris voters selected having a fulfilling job or career as one of their three choices for defining success. Forty-six percent of female Harris voters and 42 percent of male ones selected having money to do things you want. Well over a third of male and female Harris voters agreed that using talents and resources to help others is part of a successful life; 39 percent of female Harris voters also listed having emotional stability.

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The top five most-selected answers were the same among male and female Harris voters; the only difference was that emotional stability ranked above using talents and resources to help others for Harris-voting women, while the reverse was true for Harris-voting men. But otherwise, young liberals are surprisingly aligned in how they define success: It means a meaningful career, financial stability, doing good in the world, and emotional maturity.

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Not so among young conservatives. While 34 percent of Trump-voting young men picked having children as definitional for success, no other answer was selected by more than a third of them. Among Trump-voting young women, 40 percent selected financial independence as important to their definition of success, but the next most popular choicehaving a fulfilling job or careerwas chosen by just 32 percent. Conservatives of both sexes were simply less unified in a personal definition of success. For conservative men, success requires children, marriage, financial independence, and a meaningful career. For conservative women, career and financial independence made the top five, but they put home ownership and spiritual grounding above marriage and children.

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In other words, conservative men prioritize procreation, while conservative women prioritize professional and financial stabilityand that professional and financial stability may very well be compromised if they procreate with conservative men.

Right now, young conservative men are being fed a steady stream of misogyny online, whether by virulent woman-haters like influencer and accused rapist Andrew Tate or by tradwife social media accounts featuring hot young women raising large broods, content that is ostensibly targeted at women but actually seems to be mostly consumed by men who fetishize female submission. The Tates and the Trads are not necessarily the same men, with the Tates emphasizing male promiscuity and the Trads encouraging a more traditional kind of married patriarchy. Both, though, feed into a fantasy of male entitlement with few attendant obligations. Neither offers a model of masculinity that might appeal to the young women who say they want meaningful work and financial independence, even as they might also want marriage and children.

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This is a problem for the young women, conservative and liberal alike, who say they want meaningful jobs and financial independence. An unsupportive partner can sabotage a womans career, and a man who believes that its a womans job to take care of the children and the household is a man who is not going to do his fair share of those tasks. These at-home demands are the primary reason women drop out of the workforce and become financially dependent on men. And when mothers leave the workforce to stay home full time, they wind up hugely vulnerable: There are not just lost wages that can extend into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but a permanent loss of lifetime earnings and wage growth, less saved for retirement, lower Social Security payments, a more difficult time finding a job in ones 40s or 50s after years out of the workforce, and susceptibility to financial abuse and control, not to mention the lower rates of health and happiness seen in stay-at-home moms. There are few decisions more important than who you have a child with, and ambitious women who have children with unhelpful men are primed for some serious misery.

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Conservative Republicans have long believed that women are simply better suited to child-rearing than men, and it doesnt seem like young conservative men are much more progressive on this than their fathers, even while young women have shifted left. Young conservatives, then, are entering the romantic marketplace with wildly different expectations about their own roles and obligations, and what one owes a partner and partnership. And it seems clear that, as a result, many men wont get what they want and will end up resentful over it, while women may simply go their own way. Marriage and childbearing have largely been decoupled among the more-conservative working class, a demographic that Trump dominates. Most mothers without a college degree are not married when they have children; by contrast, huge majorities of mothers with college degrees are married.

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Not that these young pro-Trump men may notice or care: Fewer than 1 in 10 said having emotional stability was important to a successful life, compared to nearly 40 percent of women who voted for Harris. (One has to wonder if these Trumpian men would find more procreative success if they prioritized emotional stability, something any sane woman certainly requires in a partner.)

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That these gendered and politicized expectation gaps around parenthood morph into gendered and politicized gaps in the act of parenting itself is borne out in other data. College-educated fathersa group that trends more liberal than their non-college counterpartsspend almost twice as much time with their children than those without a college degree. They spend an average of 3.7 hours per week on necessary caregiving, like changing diapers; dads without a college degree do just 1.9 hours per week of that kind of nonnegotiable labor. College-educated fathers are more likely to be married. While just 10 percent of dads with a college degree live apart from their children, 27 percent of dads without a degree do. More than half of these dads who dont live with their kids dont see them regularlyalthough, again, even among the dads who dont share a home with their kids, college-educated ones are more involved and see their children more often.

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None of this seems like a coincidence. There is much that pro-marriage and natalist conservatives can learn from how Zoomers define successbut the lesson is decidedly not that young women dont care about children or family. Its that conservative men are getting in the way of their own familial aspirations by seeing children as an achievement and then not actually doing the work to care for themand not always doing the work to support their female partners ambitions. The tough truth for pro-family conservatives is that if they want stronger families, they need more young men to reject Trumpian misogyny, embrace the tenets of modern egalitarian feminism, and see having children not as an achievement that ends at ejaculation but as a lifelong relationship in which they have as much stakeand as much obligationas women.
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On Wednesday, Donald Trumps Department of Justice made a startling admission in court: It had put forth false information in its effort to secretly deport hundreds of young immigrants to Guatemala in the dead of night. DOJ lawyers had previously told a judge that the childrens parents were all clamoring for them to be sent back to Guatemala. In truth, however, not a single parent requested their childs return, and many were not prepared to take them in if they suddenly arrived on their doorstep. This is not the first time lawyers at the Justice Department have been caught lying to the judiciary, and it wont be the last.

On this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the Justice Departments latest act of apparent perjury and its ongoing insulation from real consequences. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: On Labor Day weekend, the government tore hundreds of unaccompanied minors from their beds in the middle of the night and tried to pop them onto flights to Guatemala without notice or due process of any kind. This could have been Judge James Boasberg and those flights to El Salvador all over again. But because judges are learning as they go, it didnt become that. Then this week, it became manifest just how bad things were.

Mark Joseph Stern: We already knew that, over Labor Day weekend, the Trump administration was loading Guatemalan children onto planes to be illegally deported to their home country. The plaintiffs filed a horrific declaration detailing what had happened at these shelters, which Ill quote: Staff witnessed children who had been pulled out of their beds. They were confused and scared. At Hands of Healing Los Fresnos, one young girl was extremely distraught, crying and repeatedly saying that she could not go back to Guatemala. At New Hope McAllen, one young girl was so scared that she vomited and asked to speak with a clinician. At Urban Strategies Alamo, one young teenager was scared that he might end up murdered like one of his family members. So it was pretty clear at the time that this was not some grand, benevolent family reunification project.

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Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, a Joe Biden appointee, almost immediately entered a restraining order, and quickly held a hearing at which she ordered the government not to deport these children. She did not leave a single loophole that the Justice Department could exploit, which shows how judges are learning from the flap with Judge Boasberg in March. But the Justice Department threw an absolute fit. And Drew Ensign, who represented the Trump administration at that hearing, told her: Its outrageous that the plaintiffs are trying to interfere with these reunifications. All of these children have parents or guardians in Guatemala who have requested their return.

Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Let ICE Detain Americans Based on Race Read More

But this past week, the Justice Department had to admit that this was not even close to being true. As Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein wrote at Politico, the government acknowledged that, in reality, none of these childrens parents had asked for them to be sent back. And that information was confirmed by a report from the Guatemalan attorney general submitted to the court by the plaintiff. So the Justice Department was caught yet again lying brazenly to a judicial officer.

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The wonky part of this is that theres a presumption of regularity, right? Theres a long-standing presumption that Justice Department lawyers dont straight-up lie to the courts. And weve heard judges clocking that this presumption has quickly been eroded in the courts. Judges across the board are like: You know what? You lied before, and Im not affording you this presumption that youre in here telling me the truth. And that really changes the entire ballgame, when judges start to think that you are standing in front of them and lying.

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But theres also something here to file under shit you tell your toddlers. Because Drew Ensign did not, in fact, go to the court and say: By the way, I lied last week. So how does the Justice Department address this when theyre called upon to explain that they simply fabricated the idea that all of the hundreds of parents had been consulted and desperately wanted their children back?

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The Justice Department sent someone else to make that representation, an attorney named Sarah Welch, who said, Sorry, we were wrong. By the way, in the interim, this case was reassigned, for technical reasons, to Judge Timothy Kelly, a Donald Trump appointee. He might seem more likely to be sympathetic to the Trump administration than Judge Sooknanan. But according to Politico, he seemed disturbed at this hearing that the Justice Department previously put forward a grievous lie. And perhaps he was also disturbed that the guy who made that lie under oath in court couldnt even be bothered to show up to correct himself on the record.

We need one more beat on Drew Ensign, because he is the same person who told Judge Boasberg that those flights to El Salvador were not taking off when they really were. Judge Boasberg was so incensed that he initiated contempt proceedings. Whats the status of that?

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Those proceedings are on hold because a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit froze them in August. In the majority of that 21 decision were two Trump appointees, Neomi Rao and Gregory Katsas. They actually had different reasons for doing so: Rao thought that the details of the contempt enforcement were illegitimate; Katsas thought the government didnt clearly violate Judge Boasbergs order, if you squint and look sideways. Either way, the effect of their decision was to free Drew Ensign and his compatriots from further proceedings for criminal contempt. And unless the full D.C. Circuit steps inor maybe the Supreme Court, though that strikes me as very unlikelythese individuals will remain unpunished and uninvestigated. I guess they will just continue to lie to the courts with abandon. After all, in the Trump administration, when you dont face accountability for one misdeed, you keep doing that same misdeed over and over again.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Radioligand Therapy (RLT) Market, valued at US$2.36 billion in 2024, stood at US$3.15 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2035, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$10.91 billion by the end of the period. The growth of this market is primarily attributed to factors such as increasing approvals and label expansions of RLT products, manufacturing scale-up, particularly for Lu-177 supply, and the rising adoption of PSMA and SSTR PET imaging for patient selection. However, the isotope scarcity for Lu-177 and Ac-225, which creates supply bottlenecks, is predicted to cause market growth barriers.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=238791830

Browse in-depth TOC on "Radioligand Therapy (RLT) Market"

420 - Tables

62 - Figures

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By indication, the market is segmented into prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumours (NETS), and other indications. In 2024, the prostate cancer segment accounted for the largest share of the market. This indication has a robust clinical need and rapid adoption of novel targeted therapies. Prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among men worldwide, with a particularly high burden of advanced and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Radioligand therapies such as Lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto) and emerging PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals like [Lu-177]-PNT2002 and 177Lu-PSMA-I&T have demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes, including prolonged survival and better quality of life in late-stage patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.

By end user, the market is segmented into the tertiary care academic/ comprehensive cancer centers segment had the largest market share in 2024. These institutions are equipped with advanced diagnostic & therapeutic technologies, enabling the integration of precision medicine approaches such as radioligand therapy into routine clinical practice. Their multidisciplinary teams, comprising oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and researchers, drive the adoption of innovative treatments for conditions like prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Academic and comprehensive centers also serve as hubs for clinical trials, accelerating the translation of promising RLT candidates from research to real-world application. With strong collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and biotech innovators, they play a crucial role in generating clinical evidence and setting treatment standards globally.

By geography, North America accounts for the largest share of the global Radioligand Therapy (RLT) market in 2024, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of innovative oncology treatments, and strong presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The region benefits from early approvals of key radioligand therapies, including Lutetium-177-based products, and a well-established regulatory framework that facilitates rapid clinical development and commercialization. The rising incidence of prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, coupled with growing awareness of targeted therapies, has significantly fueled demand. Moreover, North America hosts numerous tertiary care academic and comprehensive cancer centers, hubs for clinical trials, treatment innovations, and patient access to cutting-edge RLT options. Strong investment flows, government support for nuclear medicine research, and strategic collaborations between global pharma players and local institutions further strengthen the market.

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The key players in the radioligand therapy market include Novartis (Switzerland), Bayer (Algeta) (Germany), Curium Pharma (France), Eli Lilly & Co. (Point Biopharma) (US), AstraZeneca (Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc.) (UK), Progenics (Lantheus) (US), Ariceum Therapeutics (Germany), Telix Pharmaceuticals (Australia), ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (Germany), Convergent Therapeutics Inc. (US), Orano SA (France), Actinium Pharmaceuticals Inc. (US), Perspective Therapeutics (US), Clarity Pharmaceuticals (Australia), and Radiopharm Theranostics Ltd (Australia), among others.

Novartis (Switzerland):

Novartis (Switzerland) is a global pharmaceutical leader and one of the pioneers in advancing radioligand therapy (RLT). The company has played a pivotal role in shaping this therapeutic area by developing innovative targeted radioligand therapies that combine precision medicine with nuclear medicine to treat cancers. Novartis' flagship products include Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate), approved for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan), approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). These therapies mark significant milestones in the treatment of hard-to-treat tumors and highlight Novartis' expertise in theranostics, wherein diagnostic imaging guides therapy selection.

Bayer (Germany)

Bayer has established a strong presence in the radioligand therapy (RLT) market by acquiring Algeta in 2014. This acquisition gave Bayer complete control of Xofigo (radium-223 dichloride), the first alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical approved for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with symptomatic bone metastases. Xofigo represented a groundbreaking advancement in nuclear medicine by offering targeted alpha therapy (TAT), which delivers highly localized radiation to bone metastases while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Bayer continues to build on this foundation by advancing research collaborations and expanding its radiopharmaceutical pipeline to address additional cancers. With its oncology and nuclear medicine expertise, Bayer remains a key innovator in the RLT field, working on both monotherapy & combination approaches to enhance clinical outcomes.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech at the Federal President Steinmeier's Citizens' Festival in the park of Bellevue Palace. The two-day citizens' festival is intended to pay tribute to voluntary work in Germany under the motto "Ehrensache - Ich bin dabei.". This year's partner countries for the Citizens' Festival are Portugal and Rhineland-Palatinate. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will attend the nation's Eurobasket 2025 final against Turkey on Sunday in Riga.

The presidential office said on Saturday that Steinmeier will make the trip to Latvia where world champions Germany aim for a second continental title 32 years after the first in 1993.

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Germany's government will also be represented, through Christiane Schenderlein, the state minister for sport and volunteering in the chancellery.

"The whole government has its fingers crossed for the German team on Sunday," government sources said.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had congratulated the team on X after Friday's semi-final victory against Finland.

"Final  what a strong game. You have inspired an entire country. Good luck in the final," Merz said.
Natameri held on for another Vernon Downs victory in the $11,806 Open Pace on Friday, Sept. 12, keeping his perfect record at the seven-eighths-mile New York racetrack intact.

Driven by Jeff Gregory, Natameri went to the front and held an uncontested lead through fractions of :27.1, :55 and 1:23.2. Late challenges came from Twin B Kingston (Leon Bailey), who popped out of the pocket as they entered the stretch, and Bluesville (Ron Harp), who was flying late, but neither could catch Natameri as he dug in to win in 1:51.1 by a neck. Bluesville edged out Twin B Kingston for the runner-up role.

A 30-time winner in his career, Natameri has never lost a race at Vernon Downs. The horse for the course now has 14 local victories.

Natameri was the overwhelming 1-9 favourite with his five foes at odds ranging from 13-1 to 57-1. He paid $2.10 to win.

The seven-year-old son of American Ideal out of Native Daughter earned his fourth Open victory at New York racetracks this year, lifting his seasonal bankroll to $62,279 through eight starts.

He is trained by Jessica Okusko and owned by Purple Haze Stables of Fairport, New York.

Vernon Downs leading driver Chris Long guided five winners on the 12-race card. He won with Sakebomb Blue Chip ($14.52) for trainer Darren Rybka Jr., CC Bank ($16.86) for conditioner Frank Multari and Valor ($6.08) for the Michelle Warner stable before sweeping the late Daily Double with Leopold Sawyers trainees Girlonthebillboard ($3.92) and Mississippi Rabbit ($3.80).

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 13 with a post time of 3 p.m.

(Standardbred Canada with files from Vernon Downs)
Winbak Farm has announced the passing of longtime broodmare Chotat Milk at the age of 23.

Chotat Milk was a classy racehorse and a great mother, said Joe Thomson, Winbak Farm Owner. She was purchased by the farm because of her good looks and success as a racehorse at the 2014 Harrisburg Sale; she had already started her broodmare career.

The daughter of Jate Lobell - Tre Cress was bred by Cress Farms and trained during her career by Virgil Morgan Jr. A winner of 19 races, she was a multiple stakes winner at two and three. At two, she won four times and had two seconds from seven starts. Her wins included the Arden Downs Stake, Hanover Stakes division, Kentucky Sire Stakes leg, Tompkins-Geers Stake. She was second in Lexington Breeders Classic elimination and Final.

At three, Chotat Milk earned $465,534. She won an Adioo Volo Stakes division, Breeders Crown elimination, Hanover Stakes division, Mistletoe Shalee Stakes Final, and Tompkins-Geers Stakes. She was second in a Jugette Stakes elimination (fourth in Final) and third in an American-National Stakes elimination, Breeders Crown Final, Cinderella Stakes, Fan Hanover Stakes elimination and Nadia Lobell Pace Final. She retired with a mark of 1:51 and $612,984 in earnings.

Winbak Farm has two of Chotat Milks daughters  Blueberry Shake and Groovy Jane Ann  in the broodmare band, said Jack Burke, General Manager. We hope her daughters are able to pass on her grit and speed.

As a broodmare, Chotat Milks offspring were led by multiple New York Sire Stakes Winner, Groovy Joe, p, 2, 1:52f; 3, 1:48.4s ($729,812), and Cash Your Dreams, p, 3, 1:54.2f; 1:51.2f ($98,392). She is the second dam of Vel Letsroll South,p, 2, 1:55.2s; 3, 1:52.3; 1:50f ($209,095). Her last foal, a McWicked yearling filly named Allstar Allison, will sell at Harrisburg.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Chotat Milk.

(with files from Winbak Farm)
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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:

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Corning CEO Wendell Weeks walk during a tour of Corning's iPhone glass manufacturing facility Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Harrodsburg, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Cherry

Apple is putting its trust in a Kentucky plant singled out to become the exclusive producer of the cover glass meant to safeguard every iPhone and Apple Watch sold worldwide by the tech giant.

Specialty glass maker Corning Inc. said Friday it plans to triple production capacity at its plant in Harrodsburg and increase the workforce there by 50%, deepening its relationship with Apple that began when the original iPhone launched in 2007. The Harrodsburg plant made the glass for those first iPhones.

Apple has put its vast financial muscle behind the project, announcing recently it was making a $2.5 billion commitment to enable Corning to produce all the cover glass for the iPhone and Apple Watch at Corning's plant in Harrodsburg, a central Kentucky town of more than 9,000 residents.

It is part of a massive commitment announced by the tech company last month to increase its investment in American manufacturing and which won bipartisan praise from Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Corning executives and selected employees spoke to reporters at the plant on Friday. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Harrodsburg factory earlier in the day but did not participate in the media event.

A quality control employee looks on as lengths of glass move down the line during a tour of Corning's iPhone glass manufacturing facility Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Harrodsburg, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Cherry

"We are transforming the plant once again, by combining Corning and Apple's expertise to enable production of 100% of the cover glass for the iPhone and the Apple Watch," Corning Chief Operating Officer Hal Nelson said Friday. "Together, we are building a next-generation U.S. manufacturing platform to deliver ... high-performance materials for Apple's iconic products."

Cook said last month in a news release that the teamwork between Apple and Corning will result in "the largest and most advanced production line ever created for smartphone glass."

"Thanks to the power of American manufacturing, any customer anywhere in the world who buys a new iPhone or Apple Watch will be holding precision glass made right here in Kentucky," he said.

By the end of 2026, all of the cover glass for the iPhone and the Apple Watch will be manufactured at the Harrodsburg plant, Nelson said Friday. Corning's Kentucky plant will be totally devoted to manufacturing for Apple, Corning said.

Lengths of glass move down a quality control line during a tour of Corning's iPhone glass manufacturing facility Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Harrodsburg, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Cherry

Regarding Apple's $2.5 billion commitment for the production, Corning said the details are "proprietary" to the two companies. The commitment will include revenue, technology and development teams and "new advanced manufacturing process development," Corning said.

Corning, based in Corning, New York, says its markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors and life sciences.

As to whether it will back up Apple's financial commitment with its own investment, Corning said it continually invests in its facilities and will "continue to invest what we need to support Apple."

With an eye toward the future, the two companies will open an innovation center at the Kentucky plant, bringing together scientists and engineers for world-class research and development, Nelson said.

Stacks of glass are seen while employees stand nearby during a tour of Corning's iPhone glass manufacturing facility Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Harrodsburg, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Cherry

Quality control employees watch as lengths of glass move down the line during a tour of Corning's iPhone glass manufacturing facility Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Harrodsburg, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Cherry

The Harrodsburg plant currently has nearly 350 employees, and the workforce is expected to rise to at least 500 as a result of the Apple announcement, Corning said.

Longtime plant employee Tommy Shirley said the factory had "ups and downs" through the years, but the deepening ties with Apple will be a "huge shot in the arm" for plant workers and the community.

"We've prayed for this," he told reporters. "We wanted stability for our employees. We wanted expansion."

Shirley, a maintenance worker, has deep family ties to the plant. His grandfather helped build the factory in 1952. His father started working there in 1964, and Tommy Shirley followed in his footsteps starting in 1989. He brimmed with pride Friday while talking about the Harrodsburg plant's connection to Apple.

"The products that we make, they impact people's lives all over the world," he said. "Nobody can get by without a phone anymore.  We're going to make devices right here in my hometown that's going to affect people's lives all over the world."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Xiaomi has now officially started rolling out its HyperOS 3 beta to global markets. The first test kicked off in China a month ago.

The smartphone maker is currently inviting beta testers to provide early access to its newest operating system update.

How to Sign Up for the HyperOS 3 Beta

The HyperOS official account on X has posted that global recruitment for beta testers has begun. To join, you must download the Xiaomi Community app.

After being within the app, tap "Me" and then click on "Beta Testing" to show your interest in testing HyperOS 3. If accepted, you will receive early access to HyperOS 3 builds as over-the-air updates straight to your device.

What to Expect from HyperOS 3

HyperOS 3 guarantees several improvements to provide a new experience to Xiaomi users with a cleaner interface and faster performance. As usual, beta releases aren't perfect, so expect bugs, glitches, and possible stability issues.

Xiaomi advises against installing the beta on your main device since it may result in malfunctions or crashes. If you're determined to go ahead, make sure to back up all your data before venturing into the beta experience.

What's Next for HyperOS 3 and Xiaomi?

There are rumors that Xiaomi will release the global version of HyperOS 3 at its September 24 event, in addition to the release of the 15T and 15T Pro smartphones, according to GSM Arena. The launch event promises to announce the OS in its final, refined form, with all its capabilities and more information regarding its global release.

Is HyperOS 3 Worth the Risk?

For tech enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest features, signing up for the HyperOS 3 beta could be an exciting opportunity. However, proceed with caution and keep in mind the potential risks of using beta software.

If you're afraid that your data might be at risk during the test phase, you can try using your burner phone or any secondary device.
Adnan Ali, TwoCircles.net

Bhopal: An appalling incident has come to light from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, exposing criminal negligence and the collapse of basic healthcare in the state. At Maharaja Yeshwantrao Government Hospital, the citys largest state-run facility, two newborns died after being mauled by rats inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

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The horror surfaced on September 7, when the body of three-day-old Gudiya (name changed) was discovered in a mutilated state inside the hospital. Rodents had gnawed at her tiny hands, leaving four fingers missing.

Gudiya was one of two infants mauled by rats inside the hospital. Her family said she was attacked on August 31 and died two days later (September 2), while under treatment. Another newborn, Roshan (name changed), also bitten in the same ward, died the following day.

Hospital authorities denied that the deaths were caused by rat bites, claiming both babies had serious medical problems. Families and activists, however, accused the hospital of gross negligence and even of trying to cover up Gudiyas mauling.

Gudiyas father Devaram Katara, a daily wage labourer from the Bhil tribal community, said his daughter was born at a government hospital in Dhar on August 31. Soon after birth, doctors referred her to Indore for urgent surgery for a congenital defect known as Imperforate Anus.

She was admitted to the ICU that night. We were told we would be contacted if needed. I saw her only once, when she was taken inside the operation theatre. After that, I was not allowed in because I did not have a visitors pass, he told TwoCircles.net.

I am a poor man. I had Rs 200, which we had given for an ambulance from Dhar to Indore. The hospital said they would call us if anything was needed. And therefore, we returned home, he said.

Katara returned to Dhar, where his wife was still admitted. Days later, the family learnt of Gudiyas death not from the hospital, but through members of tribal rights group Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS). Its national president Lokesh Muchhalda alleged that the hospital was preparing to cremate the baby as an unclaimed body without informing her parents.

The hospital administration had declared Gudiya as an unclaimed body and was preparing for her last rights. We learnt that the baby was from Dhar and belonged to a tribal family. When we found out, our team quickly traced, reached out and brought the family to the hospital, he said.

However, hospital officials have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Medical Superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav said, This is a tragic and sensitive incident, but the baby did not die because of rats. She was suffering from serious congenital conditions.

Dean Dr Arvind Kumar Ghanghoria too said the baby had serious health complications, but in the same breath claimed the hospital had taken action. The contract with the pest control agency was scrapped, a doctor and a nursing officer were suspended and pest control was ordered daily instead of once in two weeks.

But officials could not clearly explain why the family was not promptly informed about the alleged rat bite or the death. We tried contacting the family on the number provided and even the police attempted to reach them. By the time the parents arrived, the matter was already under police investigation as per the protocol for unclaimed bodies, he said.

The case has triggered outrage, raising questions about hygiene, accountability and the treatment of poor tribal families in state-run hospitals.

On September 4, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after reports of the deaths.

Writing in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter), he called the incident outright murder and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav responsible. He said government hospitals were failing the very people they were meant to serve.

In Indore, two newborn babies died due to rat bites in Madhya Pradeshs largest government hospital. This is no accident but an outright murder. This incident is so horrific, inhuman and insensitive that even hearing about it sends shivers down the spine. A child has been snatched from a mothers lap, simply because the government failed to fulfil its most basic responsibility, he posted.

Amid political reactions and official denials, the grieving family is still searching for justice.

We are not educated. Both of us survive by working as labourers. Our only demand from the government is that whoever is guilty should be punished, and we should be given justice, Devaram said.

Muchhalda added that JAYS had given the hospital administration 10 days to register a case of culpable homicide. If our demands are not met, we will launch a protest and, if needed, we will also go to court, he said.
The one-million-hectare rice project in the Mekong Delta has been accomplished effectively, with cooperatives playing a central role in expanding the high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation envisaged under it.

On November 27, 2023, the Government approved the Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030 project (referred to as the one-million-hectare rice project) to tackle the challenges facing rice farming in the delta.

The delta cultivates around 3.8 million hectares annually, producing over 50 per cent of Viet Nams rice and accounting for up to 90 per cent of its exports.

But the rice sector faces difficulties related to standards, quality, markets, climate change, land degradation, and emission reduction commitments.

With an annual rice output of 2425 million tonnes, the delta also produces a similar volume of rice straw, but only 30 per cent is collected and reused, while the rest is burned or ploughed back into the soil.

Burning straw pollutes the environment, while burying it in flooded fields increases methane and other greenhouse gas emissions.

The one-million-hectare rice project seeks to produce high-quality, low-emission rice while restructuring the sector for greater value. It also aims to raise farmers incomes, ensure food security, and support Viet Nams commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

During the 2024 summer-autumn crop the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment  MAE), in collaboration with the deltas localities and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), launched seven central-level pilot models under the project.

Each pilot model covered 50ha and achieved excellent results.

They reduced costs by 2030 per cent by halving seed use, cutting nitrogen fertiliser use by 30 per cent, spraying two to three times less pesticides, and saving 30-40 per cent of irrigation water.

Yields rose by 10 per cent to 6.3-6.6 tonnes per hectare.

All the rice was sold under contracts at VN200-300 (0.7-1 US cent) per kilogram above market prices. Farmers incomes increased by 20-25 per cent, with profits up by VN4-7.6 million (US$150-290) per hectare.

Of these successes, cooperatives led the implementation of pilot models, advancing the projects goals and encouraging wider farmer participation.

The Phat Tai Agricultural Cooperative in the former Thanh My Commune in Tra Vinh Provinces Chau Thanh District (now part of Chau Thanh Commune in Vinh Long Province) was one of the seven cooperatives selected for pilot models.

The cooperative had 48.4ha owned by 50 members.

Tran Van Chung, its director, said members earned additional profits of VN8-10 million ($300-380) per hectare per crop from three consecutive crops.

The cooperative expanded the model to 100ha with nearly 90 members in the 2025 summer-autumn crop.

Cooperatives are vital for encouraging farmers to adopt digital and green technologies for the one-million-hectare rice project.

They also sign contracts with technology providers, input suppliers and purchasing companies to establish value-chain linkages.

Strict processes

Cooperatives and cooperative groups in the project follow stringent procedures from land preparation and harvest to post-harvest, including straw management.

Each field applies at least one sustainable farming method, such as one must and five reductions, alternate wetting and drying irrigation and the Sustainable Rice Platform.

The one must and five reductions method requires the use of certified seeds while reducing their use along with that of nitrogen fertilisers, pesticides, and water and post-harvest losses.

Alternate wetting and drying irrigation saves 20-30 per cent of water, reduces emissions and strengthens rice resilience, eliminating five to six tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare.

Cooperatives and cooperative groups organise production, train farmers, secure markets, and link farmers with companies and the Government, ensuring their central role in the project.

The success of the pilot models has encouraged wider farmer involvement through cooperatives and cooperative groups.

In the 2024-25 winter-spring crop the Phu Tho Agricultural Service Cooperative in what is now An Long Commune in ong Thap Province joined the project with 50ha.

When encouraged to participate, I joined with my familys entire 1.5ha of rice. At first it was difficult and unfamiliar. I worried about the sparse sowing and lower seed use," Nguyen Ngoc Ha, a member of the cooperative, said.

However, in the winter-spring crop, yields were not lower but even higher than [normal]. My family was very pleased.

The cooperatives members collected all the rice straw and earned an additional VN400,000 ($15) per hectare from selling it.

Mai Thanh Liem, director of the cooperative, said: At first many farmers were hesitant. But after two crops, they became more confident and registered in large numbers. We grew 50ha in the winter-spring crop, 50ha in the summer-autumn crop, and plan to expand to 100ha for the upcoming autumn-winter crop.

He noted that a key achievement of the project had been changing farmers mindsets, especially in straw and water management.

To support the project, local authorities were providing farmers with preferential loans and equipment through cooperatives.

Thai Phuoc Loc, chairman of the Vinh Long Province Cooperative Alliance, said the province was helping cooperatives access support policies for investment in modern machinery and advanced rice processing.

For example, VN2.1 billion ($80,000) had been allocated to the Phat Tai Agricultural Cooperative for procuring rice dryers and advanced equipment, and to assist in building a high-quality, low-emission rice brand.

Chung, the cooperative's director, said the cooperative had mechanised almost all farming tasks except for manual bagging of paddy.

In terms of loan support, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) and other commercial banks had disbursed about VN5.2 trillion ($198 million) for the one-million-hectare rice project by June.

Agribank, the lead lender, has pledged unlimited credit support for the project.

Target surpassed

The deltas provinces and Can Tho have so far registered 312,000ha of rice, far exceeding the first-phase target of 180,000ha for this year.

Currently 620 co-operatives are participating in the project. Around 200 companies provide inputs and purchase rice, each with linkages covering at least 200ha," Deputy Minister of MAE Tran Thanh Nam said.

Of the 232,000ha cultivated in the 2025 summer-autumn crop, 68 per cent was grown with linkages.

During the 2025 summer-autumn crop the ministry carried out 11 central-level pilot models, while local authorities launched 101 provincial-level models covering 4,518ha.

An Giang, the countrys largest rice-producing province, is implementing 56 pilot models involving 1,494ha, most showing positive results and strong farmer participation.

It aims to cultivate 352,787ha under the project by 2030.

We need more training and technology transfer for low-emission farming. Investment is required in emission monitoring systems and certification for green rice to raise export value," Tran Thanh Hiep, deputy director of the An Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment, said.

Credit packages should be tailored to the capacity and conditions of cooperatives and cooperative groups.

Nam, Deputy Minister of the MAE, noted that alternate wetting and drying irrigation required draining fields three times, but in many places irrigation systems were not adequate.

Straw collection and processing also remained difficult due to the large volumes involved, and so some areas still resorted to burning.

To address these issues, the MAE had asked localities to invest more in irrigation infrastructure and was working with Vietnam Electricity and other units to encourage investment in biomass power plants using rice husk and straw.

Huynh Kim inh, deputy director of the National Agricultural Extension Centre, said: The centre will continue to act as the focal point to expand the one-million-hectare rice project, strengthen digital transformation, apply smart technologies in farm management, promote public-private partnerships, and broaden its partner network at home and abroad.

Further development

Speaking at a conference on the projects implementation held in Can Tho on July 13, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the initiative by the deltas provinces and the strong involvement of farmers and cooperatives.

He urged the provinces to complete zoning for the one-million-hectare rice project by the end of the third quarter of this year, and exhorted relevant ministries and sectors to develop a national rice brand.

He instructed the State Bank of Vietnam to come up with preferential credit policies, the Ministry of Finance to mobilise legal capital and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to immediately enter into long-term rice agreements to ensure stable markets for farmers.

He called on localities to develop cooperatives and accelerate the rice projects implementation, and urged companies to guarantee the supply of inputs and purchase of outputs for the project.

On August 18 the Prime Minister instructed the MAE to boost premium rice exports with traceability and a national brand to enhance value.

The Vietnam Rice Industry Association, in collaboration with the MAE, IRRI, the Netherlands Development Organisation, and the World Bank, has developed the green and low-emission Vietnamese rice brand.

More than 20,000 tonnes of rice under the project have been given this trademark.

In June 2025 the Trung An Hi-Tech Farming Joint Stock Company in Can Tho exported the first 500 tonnes of green and low-emission Vietnamese rice to Japan.

Pham Thai Binh, director of the company, said the company expected to export nearly 3,000 tonnes of the grain to Australia next month.

The one-million-hectare rice project is the only solution to stabilise rice prices. Banks have pledged sufficient funds for every stage of cooperation between farmers and companies in the project.

This ensures companies will purchase all farmers rice. This project is the most effective solution. VNS
MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 9, 2025)  More than 1,400 service workers at the University of Minnesota (U of M) have begun a rolling strike across multiple campuses, according to Teamsters Local 320 and university officials.

The strike started late Monday night at the Crookston and Morris campuses and is expanding to Duluth, Grand Rapids, Waseca, and Austin. Workers at the Twin Cities campus are expected to join by Tuesday afternoon. The striking employees include custodial staff, food service workers, maintenance personnel, and sanitation teams.

Members of Teamsters Local 320 voted by 82% to reject the university's "last, best and final offer," the union said. The contract proposal included a 3% base wage increase in the first year, a minimum 2% raise in year two, $500 lump-sum payments, market-based pay adjustments, and enhanced shift differentials. The union is demanding wage parity with other university bargaining units, including those that received a 3.5% raise.

"Our goal is not to strike, but to secure an agreement that meets the needs of university Teamsters," said Jackson Kerr, Local 320's lead negotiator. "The university better agree to a fair contract with its Teamsters workers, or a strike is imminent" added Erik Skoog, Local 320 president.

In response, U of M assured that essential operations would continue. The university said in a statement.

"It is our understanding that Teamsters-represented employees will begin to strike within the next 24 hours. While this is disappointing, please be assured that the University is prepared to continue vital services to meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community. Some delays or minor disruptions may occur. We appreciate your patience. Campus-specific services impacted by the strike will be updated daily on the OHR website: Crookston

Duluth

Morris

Twin Cities The University remains open to continued discussions with Teamsters through the Bureau of Mediation Services. We hope a resolution can be reached that supports our employees and ensures that the University remains good financial stewards."

Students should expect limited dining options, reduced custodial services, slower maintenance response times, and potential delays in mail delivery. The university is updating a strike impact webpage with campus-specific details.
The newly enlarged provinces of Quang Tri and Gia Lai are emerging as clean energy hubs in Viet Nam's central region.

The new province of Quang Tri, created through the merger of Quang Tri and Quang Binh, is gradually establishing itself as a key clean energy hub.

Energy plants in Quang Tri now are expected to have a total capacity of over 12,000MW, with numerous projects either already in operation or in the process of implementation.

According to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, the total power capacity outlined in the local Power Plan VIII, along with its adjustments for 2030, is 12,960MW, while the 20312035 period is projected to add 3,870MW.

The total electricity capacity in the area is nearly 1,460MW as of last month. This includes 21 wind power projects with a capacity of 994MW, 11 hydropower projects with 182MW, and four ground-mounted solar power farms with 159MW (equivalent to 199 MWp). Additionally, there are more than 1,200 rooftop solar power systems with a combined capacity of 127MW.

A particular focus has been placed on wind power. Thus far, 11 wind projects have been granted investment policies, with a total capacity of 424MW.

Of these, three projects (108MW) are expected to be operational by the end of this year, while the remaining projects will be launched in the 20262027 period. These projects are currently in the process of selecting investors for power source projects in the province, which have been added to both the original and adjusted Power Plan VIII.

"We are building a true clean energy centre in the central region, where renewable energy is not only a pillar industry but also a driving force for a low-emission green economy in the future," said Ho Xuan Hoe, director of Quang Tri's Department of Industry and Trade (DIT).

In addition, the province is home to several large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) and thermal power projects, which are expected to strengthen energy security and attract industrial investment.

These include the Quang Trach Thermal Power Plant 1 (1,403MW, invested by EVN), Hai Lang LNG Phase 1 (1,500MW, a joint venture between T&T, HEC, KOGAS and KOSPO), Quang Trach LNG 2 and 3 (each with a capacity of 1,500MW), and the Quang Tri Thermal Power Plant (1,320MW), which has been proposed for investment by EVN.

The new Gia Lai, which has incorporated the neighbouring province of Binh inh, is also rapidly becoming a renewable energy hub in the south central region.

According to the Green Energy Transition Plan to 2030 recently issued by Gia Lai, the province will organise bidding for 52 wind and solar power projects with a total capacity of over 2,000MW in the 20252026 period.

These projects are among those that have already been surveyed or planned, or those currently being promoted for investment.

Among them, nearly 10 wind power projects located in the western areas of the province have completed technical documentation and site clearance, and are ready for deployment once investment procedures are finalised.

A massive offshore wind power project with a capacity of 2,000MW and a cost of US$4.6 billion is being proposed, with phase 1 (750MW) expected to be completed before 2030.

The total potential of wind and solar power in the province is estimated at up to 20,000MW (if offshore wind power is included), a direction that the province is looking to add to the national grid in the near future.

This locality clearly identifies clean energy as a strategic economic sector, with an aim to generate electricity as well as pave the way for a green economy, a circular economy and attract investment in supporting industries.

Energy advantages are also the basis for attracting investment in industries using green electricity, including new material production, information technology and decarbonising agricultural processing.

Wind power development also helps form engineering, construction and maintenance supply chains, creating thousands of on-site technical jobs.

Thanks to its vision of clean energy over the past decades, Gia Lai has attracted many investors and large corporations in the green and circular economy.

"The newly enlarged province of Gia Lai has been attracting numerous technology corporations due to its clean energy potential," said Vu Van ong, CEO of FPT Software Quy Nhon.

Clean energy would be one of the prerequisites for fields like technology, the green economy and the knowledge economy, he said.

Tran Thuc Kham, deputy director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Gia Lai, said: "The province's strategy to 2030 clearly identifies developing renewable energy as a stepping stone to forming a green economy, where clean energy not only generates electricity but also reshapes the structure of production, consumption and urbanisation."

"That is the new path Gia Lai has chosen to create a sustainable, climate-friendly and equitable future for all generations," he added.

Challenges

However, this journey has not been without its challenges. Many wind power projects have encountered difficulties during the investor selection bidding process, especially those involving land use, according to DIT director Hoe of Quang Tri.

This is due to the current regulations on zoning, with the 1/2000 scale plan not aligning with the reality of energy projects that extend along several routes.

The province has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Finance and the Government to consider the unique characteristics of energy projects.

They have proposed applying flexible mechanisms to accelerate progress, avoid resource waste and seize investment opportunities.

At the same time, they recommended assigning EVN as the project owner for major projects like the Quang Tri Thermal Power Plant and Quang Trach LNG Plant 3, to leverage shared infrastructure and experience in implementing adjacent projects.

Gia Lai is also facing the same challenge as Quang Tri, where legal regulations have not kept up with the practical implementation of clean energy projects.

The province has therefore been actively promoting the completion of marine spatial planning, as well as the planning for the transition zone between the plateau and the plain, according to DIT deputy director Kham of Gia Lai.

At the same time, it has recommended that the central Government accelerate amendments to regulations related to the appraisal process and the selection of investors for linear energy projects. VNS
HCM CITY  The lump-sum tax policy will be officially abolished starting from January next year, requiring household businesses to declare income, pay taxes accordingly, and comply with digital invoicing requirements instead of paying a fixed lump-sum tax.

The change would open new opportunities for household businesses to access loans, expand operations, and transition into formal enterprises, while also posing considerable challenges during the transition, experts said at the seminar Addressing Household Business Concerns over the End of Lump-Sum Tax held on Friday in HCM City.

Nguyen Thi Cuc, chairwoman of the Vietnam Tax Consulting Association and former Deputy General Director of the General Department of Taxation, said the change from lump-sum taxation to a self-declaration system aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and stronger private sector growth in line with Resolution 68-NQ/TW.

She noted that under the Law on Tax Administration and related regulations, two tax calculation methods currently exist: lump-sum and declaration. From 2026, the lump-sum method will be abolished and replaced by a declaration system linked to invoices and supporting records.

This will allow businesses to proactively declare revenue, expenses, and payable taxes. Households earning less than VN200 million (US$7,569) annually will be exempt from value-added tax and personal income tax, while larger ones must comply with the declaration system under closer oversight.

The move is expected to enhance credibility, improve transparency, facilitate access to loans and business partnerships, and provide a foundation for household businesses to gradually evolve into enterprises.

The State has also rolled out support measures such as lowering costs related to land and credit access, promoting digital transformation, workforce training, and offering tax exemptions or reductions during the early stage of transformation. These efforts are seen as crucial for strengthening the private sector, which currently contributes about 50 per cent of GDP and employs more than 80 per cent of the national workforce, positioning it as a key driver of sustainable growth, she added.

Nguyen Minh Tuan, deputy CEO of MISA Joint Stock Company, emphasised: On the one hand, this reform marks an important step in institutional reform and the modernisation of tax administration. On the other hand, it requires millions of household businesses to undergo a strong transition, moving from the traditional, simple lump-sum taxation system to a more professional model that requires technology adoption and a new management mindset.

While acknowledging initial difficulties such as changing business habits, investing in management tools, and adapting to transparent reporting, Tuan highlighted the long-term gains. With transparent finances, household businesses will find it easier to access credit, integrate into value chains, and achieve sustainable growth, he said.

At the seminar, Bui Thi Trang, director of MISA Retail Solutions Division, introduced a comprehensive package of sales management, e-invoicing, and tax declaration tools designed for household businesses.

For small businesses, the MISA eShop platform allows users to manage sales, issue invoices, maintain records, and declare taxes in one smartphone app. Powered by AI, it enables voice-based order creation and automatically compiles data for tax submissions.

For larger households, MISA offers an integrated package combining MISA eShop with POS devices, connected to the companys accounting and tax solutions. The system automates data entry, e-tax declarations, and payments, while linking with the MISA accounting service platform, which connects nearly 24,000 accounting professionals to support compliance and professionalises financial management.

At the seminar, VPBank introduced tailored solutions for household businesses, including the V20K loan package with preferential rates from 3.99 per cent per year and a credit limit of up to VN20 trillion.

Ngo Binh Nguyen, director of VPBanks household business segment, emphasised that VPBank not only provides capital but also supports household businesses in management, insurance, and reinvestment to foster a long-term growth.

Jointly organised by MISA JSC and VPBank, the seminar attracted nearly 500 in-person participants and more than 5,000 online attendees, including household businesses, tax officials, financial experts, and media representatives.  VNS
HA NOI  The Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV) has proposed establishing an integrated air logistics centre and non-tariff zone at Long Thanh International Airport in ong Nai Province with an aim to turn it into a regional cargo gateway.

According to the ACVs proposal sent to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction, the logistics centre will be located in the airports southwest area, covering 136ha, part of 5,000-ha site designated for aviation logistics since 2011.

The integration of a logistics and a bonded zone is a key factor for turning Long Thanh into a regional cargo hub of ASEAN, ACV said. In the first phase, the zone will operate under Viet Nams tax and customs laws before developing into an international free trade zone following Governments approval.

This would be the only air logistics centre of Viet Nam linked to a bonded zone and the airfield, providing an advantage as a national gateway to participate in Asias logistics networks and connect with major trade corridors such as ASEAN and APEC.

The centre is projected to contribute around 0.7 per cent of the southern regions GDP and 1-2 per cent of the countrys export revenue annually and boost air cargo import-export value by 15-20 per cent each year while creating 15,00 jobs.

ACV said that this model is expected to attract large corporations in electronics, pharmaceuticals, cold-chain logistics and e-commerce, which would also promote the development of logistics ecosystems.

The model has demonstrated advantages, ACV said, adding that Changi Airport in Singapore and Incheon International Airport in South Korea are examples.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams seafood industry is facing an unprecedent challenge as the US has declined to acknowledge Viet Nams equivalence to 12 seafood harvesting methods under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) which can cause a loss of half a billion dollars in annual exports.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has informed Viet Nams Directorate of Fisheries on August 26 that imports from the affected fisheries will be banned from January 1, 2026.

The decision targets fishing methods including gillnetting, purse seining, trawling, and handlining deemed to pose high risks to dolphins, whales and other marine mammals.

The decision will affect key export products such as tuna, mackerel, lobster, crab, squid, grouper, swordfish, snapper, mullet, billfish and flounder, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

This decision is rocking the seafood industry which could cost Viet Nam around $500 million a year, the association estimated.

Tuna will be the most to be affected because it is Viet Nams largest seafood export to the US with a revenue of $387 billion out of Viet Nams total tuna export of $1 billion last year.

This decision is not only threatening export revenues but also the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and workers, VASEP said, warning that Viet Nam now faces a double disadvantage compared with competitors such as Thailand, India and Japan which receive acknowledgement of full equivalence, meaning full US market access.

Besides, the countrys dependence on imported raw materials for seafood processing, including tuna from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan (China) and mainland China, could further worsen the situation as many of those suppliers also face restrictions to the US.

In response, VASEP called for urgent action from the Government, including hiring the consultants from the US to support in terms of technical issues, developing plans to cope with the USs import ban, and working with NOAA to clarify timelines and seek transitional arrangements.

VASEP also urged exporters and processors to develop scenarios to adjust production following the markets.

In the long term, it is necessary to improve product quality, diversify markets and change fishing practices to ensure equivalence.  VNS
A NANG  Thailand will be promoting a series of programmes and activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Viet Nam. Key Thai businesses have been expanding investment in a Nang as part of the newly signed comprehensive strategic partnership deal between the two countries.

Head of the Royal Thai Consulate General in HCM City Wiraka Moodhitaporn said during a working visit to a Nang that Central Retail plans to open more supermarkets in Viet Nam.

Moodhitaporn urged the central city to designate possible locations for Thailand's largest retailer to speed up construction on new stores, as the company plans further investment expansion in the near future.

She said the cooperation and friendship between Thailand and a Nang has been growing, with Thai businesses providing community support programmes and scholarships for several localities in Viet Nam.

Thailand, in cooperation with a Nang University, officially debuted a Thai language course of study from 2006, and at least VN900 million (US$35,000) in scholarships have been provided to local students studying the Thai language. Support funds have also been given to Thai language teaching programmes," Moodhitaporn said.

Major investment projects from Central Retail have already started construction in the city, including an MM Mega Market and Go! store.

Viet Nam and Thailand have been enhancing their strategic partnership in terms of supply chains for supporting industries and connecting grassroots economies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as collaborating on sustainable development strategies, according to Moodhitaporn.

She added that a Nang and localities in Thailand could open caravan tour services via the East-West Economic Corridor and well-invested infrastructure connections with Thailand's northeastern region.

Vietnamese tech giant FPT Group has also been enhancing its connections with Thailand, while Air Asia, Thai VietJet and Vietnam Airlines are operating direct air routes connecting a Nang with Thai cities, she said.

Newly appointed Chairman of a Nang's People's Committee Pham uc An said that the city would offer the best conditions to support Thai investors.

He said 12 Thai businesses have already spent $95 million in a Nang in the retail, garment, IT, agriculture and trade service sectors.

An said a Nang has strong ties with localities in Thailand, including Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and will soon work with Mukdahan as well.

Last year, a Nang also hosted The Meet Thailand, an event aimed at exchanging opportunities and promoting cooperation among localities and businesses in Viet Nam and Thailand, he said.

a Nang is a key gateway to the Asia Pacific and the East-West Economic Corridor connecting Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Viet Nam with good investment infrastructure.

Thailand's Central Retail has committed to investing $1.5 billion to build a series of supermarkets and retail shopping centres in Viet Nam through 2027. VNS
HCM CITY Within the framework of the "Ensuring Timber Legality for Sustainable Forestry Development in Viet Nam" forum on Friday, the Vn-WoodID application was officially launched, becoming a key tool contributing to wood traceability.

The application integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and is capable of analysing images of wood cross-sections, providing identification results with an accuracy of up to 98.6 per cent in less than one second.

A prominent feature of Vn-WoodID is its ability to operate directly on a phone without an internet connection. This allows customs officials, forest rangers, or businesses to use it immediately on-site to look up information about wood species, rather than taking days to send samples for identification as was previously required.

The application was built using nearly 3,000 wood samples collected from various high-risk areas for origin, such as Africa, South America, and Asia. The current database includes 260 wood species, of which 181 are commonly imported into Viet Nam, seven are rare species listed under CITES, and many are frequently illegally exploited.

The WoodID application is one of the achievements of the "Supporting the implementation of the VPA/FLEGT agreement in Viet Nam" project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BM). It was implemented by the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), with support from experts from the Forest Industry Research Institute (RIFI) under the Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences (VAFS), and Artificial Intelligence Technology Consulting and Development Co., Ltd. (AITC).

Le Thi Loc, a GIZ Vietnam project officer, stated that Viet Nam's import of over 800 wood species from more than 120 countries makes management very complex, especially in the declaration and verification of wood names. The launch of Vn-WoodID provides a solution to this challenge.

The application is not only useful for customs and forest protection forces when inspecting imported timber products, but also helps businesses reduce legal risks due to incorrect species declaration. For researchers and educators, it is also an intuitive tool for teaching wood anatomy, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

A representative of Vietnam Customs, Nguyen Thi Quynh Chi, said: "Previously, identifying wood species was time-consuming and costly. With WoodID, results are available in just a few seconds, significantly saving effort and cost for both management agencies and businesses."

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection Nguyen Huu Thien, WoodID is a key tool for Viet Nam to implement its commitments in the VPA/FLEGT Agreement, while also supporting the goal of developing a transparent and sustainable wood industry.

Within just one year, the application has achieved over 8,000 downloads and attracted 371 officials and researchers to participate in the pilot phase. In the coming time, the database will continue to be expanded with the participation of businesses, research institutes, and wood industry associations, creating an open platform to serve the management and legal trade of wood.

"This is not just software for rapid wood species identification, but also a digital transformation solution that transparentises the supply chain, enhances management efficiency, and protects forest resources. It exemplifies the perspective of Resolution 57 NQ/TW, which identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key breakthroughs for developing modern production forces, improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability," said Dr. Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Forest Industry Research Institute.

Currently, the image database and wood species information are only at an initial foundational level. In the coming time, expanding the database is crucial to enhancing the application's effectiveness. This process should be carried out in an open manner, with the participation of many stakeholders - especially the business community, wood industry associations, universities, and research institutes. VNS
The 20252026 academic year has opened with unprecedented opportunities as the Politburo of the Viet Nam Communist Party on August 22, 2025 issued a resolution dubbed "Resolution 71" on breakthrough development in education and training, carrying expectations and extensive preferential policies. Ahead of the new school year, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son answers the press about opportunities and challenges for the education sector.

The Party and the State have adopted many preferential policies for education, several of which will be implemented from this school year. Particularly significant is the Politburos Resolution 71 on breakthrough development in education and training. Could you say about the opportunities and challenges ahead?

The education sector faces an unprecedented opportunity this year, receiving greater attention and expectation from the Party and the State than ever before.

Central to this momentum is the new Politburo resolution on breakthrough development in education, providing the foundation to accelerate reforms and set out a fresh vision in an era of rapid global change driven by digital technology and artificial intelligence.

It sets key goals to advance Viet Nams education, offering a historic chance to affirm its role in national development. The ministry is preparing action plans to implement the resolution from the start of this school year.

Alongside this, a national target programme for education and training is being prepared. Four key laws  on teachers, on general education, on higher education, and on vocational education  have been or are expected to be promulgated this year, laying a solid legal foundation for a modern and effective system. Digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence and the promotion of STEM education are also opening new opportunities.

Yet challenges remain. Operating under a two-tier local government system will require strong management of organisational and staffing changes. Ensuring equity, curbing rampant private tutoring, managing teacher recruitment and rotation and guaranteeing genuine universal access to education must all be addressed decisively. The task of absorbing and effectively using large volumes of investment in the coming years will also demand great effort.

The 20252026 academic year will be the first in which the sector operates under the two-tier local government model. What solutions has the ministry prepared?

To ensure smooth operations, the ministry has issued two decrees and six circulars on decentralisation and delegation of authority in education. We have also held seminars, set up hotlines and created mechanisms to resolve difficulties at the local level.

Training materials and handbooks have been prepared for commune/ward-level education managers and six inspection teams have been deployed to 15 provinces. Moving forward, we will continue to review legal documents, strengthen professional guidance and complete the sectors data systems.

For effective implementation, the Peoples Committees [Administrations] must promptly resolve challenges at commune level and, where necessary, deploy specialised staff from departments or schools to assist communes/wards lacking expertise. IT and digital transformation should be fully used to ensure smooth coordination.

Departments of Education and Training should also work with other agencies to provide intensive training for commune/ward-level officials and guide the creation of inter-school and inter-commune/ward professional clusters to support teacher development  a role previously handled by district offices.

Many students and parents are concerned about private tutoring, especially as full-day education has been adopted in primary and secondary schools. How will this be managed?

We hold the view that while extra lessons may reinforce knowledge, they contribute little to holistic human development. The negative consequences of uncontrolled tutoring require continued and determined correction.

In 20252026, the ministry will direct localities to issue clear regulations while requiring schools to deliver the national curriculum effectively.

Following the Prime Ministers directive on full-day schooling [dubbed Directive 17], schools have been instructed to make detailed plans specifying resources, lesson content, student groups and teacher allocation. Differentiated teaching is required  nurturing gifted students, supporting those at risk and preparing pupils for final examinations.

Afternoon sessions, including supplementary lessons, will follow Directive 17, with funding mainly from the State budget and regulated social contributions. The ministry will also work with the Ministry of Finance and localities to develop mechanisms for full-day schooling.

This years school opening ceremony was the first to connect all levels of education nationwide, from preschool to university, via online and live broadcast. What message would you like to deliver?

The 20252026 school year began in a special context as the nation celebrated the 80th National Day and the education sector marked 80 years of tradition. This was both a moment to honour past contributions and to reaffirm educations mission of shaping people and building the nation in a new era.

With 52,000 schools nationwide connected online and joined by Party and State leaders, the ceremony reflected confidence and determination to raise Viet Nams education to new heights. The keyword this year is 'implementation', carrying out the Party and States policies and the sectors key tasks.

Education is a long-term cause that demands vision, perseverance and responsibility. I call on managers, teachers, staff and students to unite, prepare well and make this school year successful. VNS
Viet Nam managed to export 5.5 million tonnes of rice worth US$2.81 billion in the first seven months of this year, even as volumes slumped in other rice-exporting countries.

It represented a 3 per cent increase in volume but earnings were down nearly 16 per cent as global prices plunged.

The Viet Nam Food Association remains confident that exports this year will reach 8 million tonnes keeping Viet Nam second in the list of the worlds largest exporters after India.

Association chairman o Ha Nam speaks about how the industry is navigating challenges ranging from global demand shifts to domestic tax policy.

Can you tell us about the rice export situation in the first seven months of the year? Please elaborate on the factors that helped Viet Nam maintain its export volume and position.

In the first seven months of 2025 Viet Nam exported 5.5 million tonnes of rice worth US$2.81 billion. While the value fell by 15.9 per cent, the volume increased by 3 per cent. Most other exporting countries recorded declines in export volume, but Viet Nam managed to grow it.

The reason is that Viet Nam has a number of distinctive products such as fragrant varieties like OM, DT, ST, and other speciality glutinous rice types. These are products in high demand in many markets, and consumers are already accustomed to them.

This has allowed us to hold our ground even in a difficult year. The Philippines, in particular, has remained a very steady market for Vietnamese rice.

Recently the Philippines announced a 60-day suspension of rice imports starting September 1. It is one of Viet Nams most important export markets. How will this affect exports?

The Philippine president ordered the suspension to protect local farmers, ensuring better domestic prices and encouraging consumption of local rice.

The move is understandable. Even with a 15 per cent tariff, Vietnamese rice remains cheaper than rice grown in the Philippines. The Philippine government wants to protect its farmers.

In recent months Viet Nams rice exports to the Philippines have done quite well. In particular, in August the Philippines increased its imports of Vietnamese rice. But with the suspension, we will face challenges in September and October as shipments to this market will decline.

Fortunately, we still have some good markets such as Africa. Normally, around this time of year buyers there would have stopped purchasing, but at present they are continuing to buy, which is indeed a favourable condition. At the same time our rice supply is not very abundant.

I believe the market will rebalance quickly when the Philippines resumes imports, ensuring farmers interests are protected.

Besides the Philippines and China, Africa is emerging as a key market. How do you assess its prospects?

Currently the Philippines accounts for 40-45 per cent of Viet Nams rice exports, while China is the second largest buyer: Its imports from Viet Nam have doubled this year.

Africa is now becoming another bright spot.

Though exporting rice to Africa poses challenges such as delayed payments and other possible risks, thanks to the efforts of companies, Viet Nams rice exports to the market are progressing well. With continued effort, this region could become one of Viet Nams strongest markets in the years ahead.

Whats your export outlook for the rest of 2025?

The Viet Nam Food Association originally forecast that this year the country would export around 7.5 million tonnes of rice.

But given the current performance, reaching 8 million tonnes is realistic.

That would keep Viet Nam ahead of Thailand, which has struggled with exports recently, and secure our position as the worlds second largest rice exporter.

A new value-added tax regulation has been causing concern among exporters since July. Can you explain why?

The new VAT Law, effective from July 1, requires agricultural exporters to issue invoices with a VAT rate of 5 per cent and claim tax refunds after export. This creates both financial pressure and heavy administrative burden.

In essence, export goods are not subject to VAT, and so requiring businesses to pay a 5 per cent tax and then go through the refund procedures is an unreasonable and burdensome regulation.

Under the new regulation from the Ministry of Finance, enterprises can only receive tax refunds if they present a complete set of export documents.

The problem is that for shipments sent to certain new markets, payment may be delayed by five to six months. In many cases enterprises must first buy goods from farmers, store them temporarily and then export.

In other cases we ship the goods, and only after the partners receive them do they make payment.

In our general assessment, it usually takes three to six months for enterprises to complete the full set of documents required for tax refunds. With the volume of rice exports from now until the end of the year, the tax to be refunded is about VN2 trillion ($76 million). For companies dependent on bank loans, this creates an enormous strain.

The tax refund process in Viet Nam is not simple  all documents must be 100 per cent compliant, and even small errors can delay refunds. In some cases, refunds for VAT not directly linked to exports can take six months to a year.

If these obstacles are not resolved, at some point enterprises will run out of capital with all their funds locked up in tax refunds. At the same time the Ministry of Finance must also devote significant administrative resources to processing them.

The association, along with other industry associations, has submitted petitions to the Government and the Ministry of Finance, requesting an urgent review and a return to the previous regulation under which export products were exempt from VAT and no refund procedures were required. VNS
MINSK  Belarus regards Viet Nam as one of its key partners in Asia and a growth driving force of the global economy, President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko has affirmed.

At a ceremony to receive the credentials of Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Nguyen Van Trung in Minsk on September 11, President Lukashenko welcomed the diplomat, noting that he assumed his mission at an important juncture as the two countries have just elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.

He underscored the significance of such relations, particularly following the state visit to Belarus by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam in May this year.

The President reiterated Belaruss commitment to fully implementing all strategic agreements and commitments reached at the highest level between the two sides, with hope for early, tangible, and practical outcomes of cooperation in the near future.

For his part, Trung stressed that Viet Nam has always considered Belarus an important partner in Europe. He reiterated Viet Nams gratitude for the solidarity, friendship, and spirit of mutual support offered by the Belarusian people throughout the development of bilateral relations.

The ambassador pledged to make every effort to foster traditional friendship and promote stronger ties for the benefit of both nations' people, as well as for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

On the occasion, Trung extended State President Luong Cuongs invitation to President Lukashenko to pay an official visit to Viet Nam at a suitable time.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in December 1991, shortly after Belarus declared its independence. Belarus opened its embassy in Ha Noi in 1998, while Viet Nam inaugurated its embassy in Minsk in October 2003. At present, over 600 Vietnamese people are living, studying, and working in Belarus.  VNS
HAVANA  Fifty-two years ago, in September 1973, when Viet Nams Quang Tri Province was still scarred by the ravages of war, Fidel Castro Ruz, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, became the first and only foreign head of state to visit the liberated zone in South Viet Nam at that time.

On the anniversary of this historic moment, the Cuban News Agency (ACN) published an article by journalist Indira Ferrer Alonso reflecting on 52 years of an unparalleled brotherhood between the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples.

According to the piece, Fidels words to the gathered soldiers: For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood! captured the very essence of the friendship forged between the two nations, a relationship nurtured through resilience, dignity, and internationalist spirit.

Fidels presence in the Southeast Asian nation carried with it the legacy of a movement established a decade earlier: the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Viet Nam. Founded on September 25, 1963 at Fidels initiative and chaired by the heroine Melba Hernandez, the organisation took the lead in denouncing imperialist aggression while providing political, moral, and material support to the Vietnamese people.

Today, more than half a century later, the memory of that visit remains vivid for those who witnessed it, said the article. Though Fidels journey to Quang Tri lasted just six hours, it was long enough to seal an eternal friendship. His trip stands as a symbol of the brotherhood between two nations bound by shared ideals of peace, independence, and social justice.

As the author recalled, Fidel declared on Vietnamese soil that the country will be ten times more beautiful, as President Ho Chi Minh wished; and in that endeavour, Cuba will always stand side by side with Vietnamese people.  VNA/VNS
BEIJING  Ling Dequan, a long-time expert on Viet Nam, has hailed the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s 80-year development journey, underscoring its indispensable and significant influence in Viet Nam and stronger international multimedia communication capacity and impact in recent years.

Talking to a VNA resident correspondent in Beijing, Ling, who is also a former chief representative of China's Xinhua News Agency in Ha Noi, affirmed that the VNA has played a vital role in guiding public opinion and significantly contributed to Viet Nams achievements in nearly forty years of the oi moi (Renewal) process.

The agency has remained steadfast in following the leadership and directions of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), constantly innovating in communication and reporting to become the countrys key news agency, he said.

The expert spotlighted the agencys constant growth in scale, technical capacity, and human resources, expressing his belief that the VNA will further uphold its proud tradition in the new era, contributing to realising centenary development goals set by the CPV.

Regarding the VNAs role in fostering mutual understanding between the people of Viet Nam and China, Ling noted that for over seventy years, the friendship and cooperation between Xinhua and the VNA have continuously strengthened. He said many of the VNAs reports, articles, and photos have served as important sources for Xinhuas coverage of Viet Nam.

Ling said in 1950, Xinhua sent resident correspondents to Viet Nams Viet Bac revolutionary base. With the support of late President Ho Chi Minh and the leadership of the CPV, Xinhua journalists were the first to report major events such as the Border Campaign and the ien Bien Phu Campaign to readers in China and around the world. The VNA, for its part, also sent correspondents to Beijing at an early stage.

According to the expert, along with increasingly close Viet NamChina cooperation, the VNAs Chinese-language news has steadily improved in quality, timeliness, and content diversity, becoming a key channel for Chinese readers to quickly grasp developments in Viet Nam, especially those related to politics, society, and people, as well as the growing ties between the two Parties and countries.

The VNA also serves as a bridge promoting exchanges, understanding, and cooperation between the people and businesses of the two nations, he added.

Ling stressed that at this new historic juncture, the top leaders of China and Viet Nam have reached important common perceptions, agreeing to carry forward the tradition of the close Viet Nam  China friendship of both comrades and brothers, and further foster high-quality comprehensive strategic cooperation under the shared goal of six major goals, thus ensuring steady progress in building a Viet Nam  China community with a shared future.

As the key news agencies of their respective countries, the VNA and Xinhua are working closely together to report on and promote the bilateral relations, he stated.

The VNA, the national news agency under the leadership of the CPV, is Viet Nams most prestigious official news organisation. It serves as the primary source for major international media outlets and research institutions to obtain timely information on Viet Nams politics, economy, diplomacy, defence, culture, and other fields. For eight decades of its formation and development (September 15, 1945  2025), the agency has stood side by side with the nation, recording history, safeguarding the information lifeline, and affirming its role as the official voice of Viet Nam at home and abroad.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam attended a ceremony marking the 80th traditional day of the Peoples Court (September 13, 1945  2025), in Ha Noi on Saturday.

In his remarks, the Party chief highlighted the vital role played by the court sector in ensuring justice, fairness, integrity, and impartiality, saying that it serves as a trusted pillar for the people and carries great responsibility for the nation.

He stressed that, accompanying the nation through two wars against the French colonialists and American imperialists and growing during the oi moi (Renewal) process, the peoples court sector has made great contributions to the countrys independence and reunification, and the cause of national construction and defence.

Along with the countrys development, the sector has increasingly affirmed its crucial role and position, with clearer functions and mandates, a more complete organisational model, a stronger team of judges and staff, improved facilities and working conditions, and steady progress in its operations, he said.

General Secretary Lam affirmed that the Party and State have always recognised and highly valued the sectors contributions, from safeguarding revolutionary achievements, consolidating the peoples power, ensuring security and social order, and combating crime and corruption, to upholding justice and fairness, and protecting human rights, citizens rights, and the legitimate interests of the State, organisations, and individuals.

He urged the peoples court sector to thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the Partys guidelines and policies on promoting comprehensive renewal, strategic tasks, and breakthrough policies for national development in the new era  the era of the nations rise.

The Party leader called on the sector to strengthen its advisory role with the Party and State, and to effectively carry out policies on building a socialist rule-of-law State, judicial reform, and the modernisation and completion of the legal system and development institutions.

He emphasised the need to consistently uphold and strengthen the Partys leadership over judicial bodies in general and the Peoples Courts in particular  an immutable principle to ensure their continuous development, steadfast commitment to national independence and socialism, and the primacy of national and peoples interests in all activities.

The Peoples Courts, he stressed, must serve as a solid political and legal stronghold, thus reinforcing public trust in the Party, the State, and the cause of renewal and national construction and development.

The Party leader called for improving the quality and effectiveness of court trials at all levels, stressing that this is the core task of the peoples court sector and a central mission of judicial reform.

The Party chief underscored the need for the court sector to accelerate modernisation and broaden international cooperation in its operations.

He stressed that it is essential to build electronic and digital courts, while studying and selectively adopting the experiences of countries with advanced judicial systems. This will help enhance the operational capacity of Vietnamese courts, particularly in adjudicating cases involving foreign elements and international aspects, as well as participating actively in global judicial cooperation.

The Party leader noted that the most important task is to give special attention to institution building, particularly to the development of a contingent of officials and judges of the peoples courts who can meet the requirements and duties in the new context. He underlined the need to strengthen Party building within the sector, and to promote discipline, order, and integrity across the court system.

General Secretary Lam affirmed that the Party and State will continue allocating resources to improve facilities, equipment, and working offices for courts at all levels, so they can fulfil their role as the heart of the judicial system and a true symbol of justice.

Expressing his confidence in the sectors future, the Party chief believed the peoples courts will make great strides in the time to come, becoming a genuine embodiment of justice, fairness, trust, and reason in society. By doing so, they will contribute significantly to building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people, and to realising the national goal of prosperity, strength, democracy, fairness, and civilisation.

At the ceremony, on behalf of Party and State leaders, the Party chief presented the title of Labour Hero to the Supreme Peoples Court. Meanwhile, State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan handed over first-class Labour Orders to the Peoples Courts of Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.  VNA/VNS
PHNOM PENH Khieu Kanharith, Senior Advisor to the King of Cambodia, member of the National Assembly, and member of the Central Committee of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), has praised the role played by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in the proud century-long journey of Viet Nams revolutionary press.

Talking to a VNA resident correspondent in Phnom Penh on the occasion of the agency's 80th traditional day (September 15, 1945  2025), Kanharith showed his admiration for late President Ho Chi Minhs and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV)s vision in recognising and positioning the press as a vital force  both in the struggle for independence in the past and in the cause of national construction and defence at present.

The senior CPP official noted that without a strong information and communication system, it would have been difficult for Viet Nam to rally international public support and achieve victory in its resistance wars against France and the US in the past.

He stressed that the effective use of the press in service of the resistance wars was indispensable to Viet Nams revolutionary cause, closely linked to President Ho Chi Minhs writings that inspired people to spread news of the national resistance movement.

Kanharith, who is also former Cambodian Minister of Information, noted that since his early days in journalism, he has observed that the VNA has always had highly skilled staff who made significant contributions to the development of Cambodias press.

He recalled many impressions and memories from his working visits to Viet Nam in the 1980s, saying that visiting printing houses at the time, he observed that despite the countrys poverty and hardships, Viet Nam still prioritised investment in the press, publishing materials in multiple languages such as French and Spanish.

He said this played a vital role in uniting people both at home and abroad, intellectuals as well as ordinary citizens, in the struggle against foreign invaders and in national construction.

Viet Nam, he noted, knew how to use language suited to each social group  farmers, workers, intellectuals  as well as the international community, through the Partys voice.

Kanharith also praised the VNAs role in fulfilling its functions and duties as a national news agency, which has always been given priority by the Vietnamese State throughout every period of the countrys development.

He cited the VNAs production of news in multiple languages and its representative offices in many countries as evidence that Viet Nam has always attached due importance to the information work.

The official likened the VNA to Viet Nams unofficial embassy, stressing that this is very important, as in its role, the agency can deliver information from all corners, engage in exchanges, and access diverse sources of information.

Kanharith wished the VNA continued growth and success, expressing his hope that it will remain a strong bridge connecting the people of Cambodia and Viet Nam. VNA/VNS
PARIS Viet Nam is not only a reliable partner but also an active and responsible member of the international community, committed to making greater contributions to global affairs, Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang affirmed at a ceremony in Paris on Friday celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day (September 2, 1945  2025).

The event drew nearly 1,000 guests, including senior French officials, representatives of international organisations, friendship associations and the Vietnamese community in France.

Thang recalled late President Ho Chi Minhs Declaration of Independence in 1945, describing it as a historic turning point and the awakening of a nation determined to take control of its destiny.

He emphasised that the 80th anniversary is not only a time for reflection but also a pledge for the future, with Viet Nam aiming to become a developed and prosperous nation by 2045.

The ambassador highlighted recent milestones in Viet Nam  France relations, notably the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary and State President To Lams visit to Paris in October 2024, President Emmanuel Macrons visit to Viet Nam in May 2025, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to France in June 2025.

Viet Nam welcomes Frances active engagement in the Indo-Pacific, sharing aspirations for an open, inclusive and peaceful region underpinned by international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Secretary General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Anne-Marie Descotes praised Viet Nams modernisation drive and ambitious reforms, noting that France is the only EU country with a comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam.

She affirmed Frances wish to deepen cooperation in transport, health, energy and space, stressing that bilateral ties are vital amid global tensions.

Descotes highlighted the strong people-to-people links, with the Vietnamese community in France  the second largest overseas  contributing significantly to cultural, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening the Francophone space.

The ceremony concluded with Vietnamese cultural performances and traditional cuisine, offering guests an authentic taste of Viet Nam and further promoting the countrys image to French and international friends. VNA/VNS
HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man underscored the need to systematically advance and complete digital National Assembly initiative while concluding a thematic conference on digital knowledge and skills framework for a modern legislature in Ha Noi on Saturday.

Party General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, attended and delivered a keynote speech at the event, which also saw the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

For the first time, the conference employed thematic videos instead of traditional reports, introducing a digital skills framework and demonstrating how AI can support parliamentary work. It also showcased ChatGPT, clarifying key issues and concrete solutions to effectively advance the mass digital literacy  digital NA movement in the time to come.

In his speech, NA Chairman Man said that building on the achievements of the previous tenure in developing an electronic parliament, the legislature has upgraded and launched the National Assembly 2.0 application with breakthrough advancements under the maximum support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Viettel Group, a team of Singaporean experts.

The rollout of the application at the 9th regular session of the NA has been largely successful. Most officials, civil servants, and NA deputies, including members of the NA Council for Ethnic Affairs and NAs committees have now used the app. This marks a significant shift in both awareness and practice.

Noting that these results are only an initial step, the top legislator underlined the need for a systematic rollout in the coming period, in line with the directives of Party General Secretary To Lam.

He said that the digital knowledge and skills framework, along with curricula and lesson plans, should be carried out quickly, ensuring training reaches the right people in accordance with their needs, adding that the materials must be designed to be easy to understand, remember, and apply.

Attention must be paid to developing e-learning curricula, online lessons, and mobile learning applications, and deploying to provincial- and commune-level Peoples Councils.

Furthermore, these programmes should be integrated into the national digital platform, with learning outcomes recognised as a criterion for evaluating the performance of officials and Party members, linked to the emulation and commendation work, Man said.

The NA Chairman noted that the NA Office should continue coordinating with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, and local authorities to organise intensive campaigns on digital skills training, aiming to enhance the capabilities of NA deputies and staff but also to spread digital knowledge and skills throughout society.

He urged Party committees, authorities, and mass organisations at all levels, to study and implement this initiative as a key task closely linked to administrative reform.

The NA leader expressed his hope that the Ministry of Science and Technology, Viettel Group, and Singaporean experts will continue to support the completion of the Digital NA initiative and the AI application, including investments in digital infrastructure, particularly machinery and transmission equipment. VNA/VNS
BERLIN Vietnamese Consul General in Frankfurt am Main Luu Xuan ong on September 11 had a working session with President Astrid Wallmann, President of the Hessian State Parliament, which coincided with the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam - Germany diplomatic relations (September 23, 1975  2025).

According to the Hessischer Landtag official portal, Hessen has maintained a strategic partnership with Viet Nam since 2012, with cooperation spanning science, education and economic development. Viet Nam is currently one of Hessens most important trading partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

At the meeting, Wallmann underlined that close relations with partners in Asia are vital for Germanys prosperity and continued growth. She noted that diverse connections in education, culture and business are enriching bilateral ties and shaping a promising future, and expressed her delight with the opportunity to further deepen this close and friendly exchange through discussions.

For his part, ong highly valued the achievements of Viet Nam  Hessen cooperation and discussed future plans to strengthen ties in diplomacy, justice, education, culture, economy and labour. Both sides agreed to continue coordinating activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam  German diplomatic relations, with a focus on promoting Viet Nams image in Hessen.

Both parties welcomed the positive and effective development of Viet Nam  Hessen relations within the broader Viet Nam  Germany partnership. In the economic sphere, bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Hessen has reached around 1 billion EUR (US$1.17 billion) annually in recent years, accounting for roughly 10 per cent of total Viet Nam  Germany trade. Many Hessian companies have invested successfully in Viet Nam, including Bilfinger & Berger, Messer, Sanofi-Aventis, Fresenius, and Commerzbank.

A flagship project in bilateral educational cooperation, Viet Nam - Germany University in HCM City, established in 2008 at Hessens initiative, has been operating effectively, contributing to the development of high-quality human resources in Viet Nam.

Hessen also has a growing demand for skilled workers from Viet Nam. Minister-President of State of Hesse Boris Rhein suggested both sides capitalise on the opportunities provided by Germanys newly adopted Immigration Act for Skilled Workers to expand the recruitment of Vietnamese workers for Hessen, thereby helping to address the states labour shortages while creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese employees in Germany. VNA/VNS
Huong Tran

Devoted to photography for more than 70 years, artist Minh Loc (born Nguyen Huu Loc) has preserved the nations momentous historical moments through his lens.

Known in professional circles as "a person who records history through images", Loc is both an artist and a soldier who has dedicated his entire life to his ideals and love for the country, accompanying the nations history through difficult times to national independence and reunification.

Artist-soldier

Minh Loc, 88, was born in Cao Lanh City in the southern province of ong Thap into a family with a strong patriotic tradition.

He joined the revolutionary cause early on. In 1955, he relocated to the north, attended his first photography class, and began his career as a reporter for the Vietnam News Agency, where he worked from 1960 until 1994.

During more than three decades of service, Loc witnessed many fierce battles fighting the US air war of destruction against North Viet Nam, from the Quang Ninh mining region  where he ventured down into the mines to capture the lives and struggles of miners  to the bomb-laden battlefields of central and southern Viet Nam.

In December 1972, during the Ha Noi  ien Bien Phu in the Air campaign (called Linebacker II by the US), he recorded many historic images: air-defence forces on rooftops, militia units shooting down dozens of B-52s and the resilient residents of the capital enduring the constant US bombardment.

His photo series depicting female militia units, youth volunteers and courageous women amid bombs and gunfire was honoured with the State Prize for Literature and Arts in 2022.

Loc recalled that at around 4pm on December 24, 1972, he was standing on the roof of the Vietnam News Agency headquarters building when he saw the Hang Co Train Station, about two kilometres away, was being bombed by American aircraft.

"I took several consecutive shots, then hurriedly rode my bicycle to the station, which is how I got many newsworthy photos. Back then, we werent afraid. We joked that the B-52s might not hit their target, if they did you might not die, and if you died, your body might never be retrieved. So we often chose high vantage points like rooftops to take pictures," he said.

Loc's bravery and dedication to exploring and innovating made his works not only timely journalistic reports, but also artistic pieces that conveyed deep emotions to viewers. Through his efforts, his photos truthfully reflected the fierce war, historical moments that marked people and places, as well as his profound love and dedication to his homeland.

Each photo is a memory from battlefields across the North and South. Every battlefield left me with unforgettable memories. I particularly remember the Quang Ninh mining region, which forged my courage and revealed the poetic beauty of Ha Long Bay  these helped shape my artistic qualities, he said.

In 1973, Loc returned to the south, and he was embedded in liberation army units. On the historic day of April 30, 1975, he was present at the victory celebration at Independence Palace among over 55,000 attendees. His photo collection captured the people's joyous spirit for peace and national reunification, becoming a precious historical documentation.

Photography is not only an art, but also a mission to preserve history for future generations. Despite hardships, I have always been happy and passionate about my work. I promised myself that even until my last breath, I would carry my camera with me, Loc said.

Lifetime's dedication

Beyond documenting war history, Loc also created remarkable works depicting daily life and nature. He had a passion for photographing red-headed Sarus cranes and is recognised as Viet Nams record holder for taking the most photos of the endangered birds.

His legacy includes tens of thousands of photographs ranging from war to peace, from historic memories to everyday life.

Throughout his career, he received numerous international awards including first prize from the Soviet Press (1968) and a silver medal from the International Organisation of Journalists.

Colleagues and experts alike hold him in high regard.

Minh Locs photos dont just illustrate history, they are history themselves. His lesson to me, to us and to future generations is perseverance and complete dedication to our country, said fellow photographer Army Colonel ao Van Su.

According to Su, Loc has been the most renowned and influential photographer in HCM City for decades.

Chairman of the HCM City Photography Association oan Hoai Trung said: Despite his old age, he keeps his passion and determination for photographic art. Whenever the association organises creative projects, he always wholeheartedly participates. That spirit is a shining example for future artists regarding love for their craft and art, and the willingness to overcome all difficulties to create works devoted to the public.

Writer Tram Huong, deputy chairwoman of the HCM City Writers Association, called him a storyteller through images.

In every work of his lies a whole story, not only about war, but about peace and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. That value endures over time, she said.

Recently, an exhibition titled "Art Photographer Minh Loc  One Who Records History with Images", was held in HCM City as a tribute and reminder of photographys crucial role in preserving the nations memory. It demonstrates the special power of photojournalism and art in building and protecting the homeland.

With over 70 years behind the camera and a lifelong dedication to photography, Minh Loc has left a precious legacy for the country and reminds his people that todays independence and peace are secured not only through sacrifice, but also through memories and images, enabling future generations to understand and move forward. VNS
AK LAK  Police in the Central Highlands province of ak Lak arrested a man on the Saturday morning after he allegedly killed his common-law wife and two of her relatives, and seriously injured her teenage son, in a brutal overnight attack.

Hundreds of officers were mobilised to hunt for the suspect, Nguyen Nam ai Thuan (also known as 'Hao ien' or 'Crazy Hao', 37 years old), who was captured at 8.30am on Mai Thi Luu Street in Ea Kao Ward, about six kilometres from the crime scene in Thanh Nhat Ward, old Buon Ma Thuot City.

Neighbours reported hearing screams from the familys one-storey house on Nguyen Khoa ang Street at around 1am. When they rushed over, they found Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa (33), her mother Tran Thi Dung (55), and younger brother Bui Huu Nghia (23) dead with multiple injuries amid a chaotic scene spattered with blood.

Hoas 13-year-old son from a previous relationship was gravely wounded and rushed to Tay Nguyen Regional General Hospital. Hospital director Nguyen ang Giap said the boy had stab wounds to both sides of his chest, arms and legs. After emergency surgery, he is now in stable condition.

Initial investigation revealed that Thuan, who had a criminal record, had been living with Hoa as her partner and they have a three-year-old daughter together.

Recently, the couple had frequent arguments, as Thuan felt he was not respected by the partner's family and the mother didn't want Thuan to live with them. Late Friday night, they reportedly quarrelled again.

Thuan is alleged to have attacked the family, sparing only his young daughter, before fleeing by motorbike after changing clothes and disguising himself with a long shirt and mask.

Provincial police launched an overnight manhunt, deploying hundreds of officers and soldiers. The Criminal Police Department is currently taking the suspects statement and continuing the investigation.  VNS
HCM CITY - The HCM City Police has issued a warning to locals to watch out for online scams, following a cybersecurity breach at the National Credit Information Center (CIC) on Thursday.

According to the Criminal Police Department, the personal data leak, which includes bank accounts, may be exploited by criminals to carry out sophisticated frauds.

In the upcoming times, locals may be exposed to a wide range of scam attacks, including impersonation of banks and state authorities; emails and messages (with correct personal details) that trick victims into giving away their OTP; and frauds targeting people in need of quick loans.

Criminals may also impersonate a victims relatives, the police or the court to trick them into transferring money, or send spam emails and messages with dangerous internet links.

Their targets usually include university students who need study funds or part time jobs, the elderly who are not tech-savvy, and labourers in need of money.

The police said that locals should never provide passwords, OTP to anyone over the phone or email, nor should they click on strange links and transfer money to a strangers account.

They should only check their personal information through their banks official websites and apps, or via hotlines.

Families should also educate their elderlies on scams.

The HCM City Police said that the CIC data leak is the largest of its kind in Viet Nam, meaning online scams may get even more sophisticated, so everyone needs to stay vigilant.

CIC is a critical data hub under the management of the State Bank of Vietnam, and one of four organisations licensed to provide credit information services in Viet Nam.

Credit information collected by CIC in accordance with the law does not include information on: deposit accounts, deposit balances, savings accounts, payment accounts, debit card numbers, credit card numbers, security codes (CVV/CVC), and customer payment transaction history.

Initial assessments reveal that the CIC breach was likely caused by a deliberate intrusion from cybercriminals targeting personal data. The extent and volume of compromised information are still under investigation.  VNS
HCM CITY  As Viet Nams economic and financial hub, HCM City is seeking strategies to optimise the functions of both Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh international airports in order to reinforce its role as the nations aviation gateway and a regional transit centre.

Experts and policymakers have underlined that beyond building a world-class airport such as Long Thanh, the challenge lies in ensuring coordinated, efficient and sustainable operations between the two facilities.

These issues were at the heart of an international workshop hosted by the Viet Nam Aviation Academy under the theme The Long Thanh  Tan Son Nhat Airport Pair: Shaping the National Gateway and Moving towards a Regional Transit Hub in the New Era, held on Thursday in HCM City.

Speakers underlined that the issue was not only about building a world-class airport like Long Thanh but also ensuring its effective and sustainable operation.

Nguyen Thi Hai Hang, director of the Viet Nam Aviation Academy, said the future coordination between Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh would form a dual-port system, serving as the national gateway, a regional transit hub, and a driver of trade, investment, tourism, and logistics.

She noted, however, that developing a major international airport was challenging, and managing it efficiently would require long-term strategies and careful planning.

Consultants from Incheon Airport Consortium emphasised Long Thanhs pivotal role in Southeast Asias aviation landscape.

With a designed capacity of 100 million passengers annually, the airport is expected to become one of the regions largest transit hubs.

The consultants proposed two operational models: transferring all international flights to Long Thanh or dividing operations by flight distance between the two airports.

While the first approach would maximise resources and streamline procedures, the second could cause confusion among passengers and reduce competitiveness.

Projections suggest that international passenger traffic at Long Thanh will reach two million by 2029, five million by 2043, and nearly 9.2 million by 2060, with an average annual growth rate of 4.52 per cent.

Concentrating international operations at Long Thanh, the consultants argued, would enhance efficiency and reinforce Viet Nams position in the regional aviation market.

Yet infrastructure connectivity remains a pressing concern. Long Thanhs links with HCM City and neighbouring provinces currently rely heavily on National Highway No 51 and the HCM City  Long Thanh expressway, both of which are congested.

Pham Minh Hai, director of the Institute for Strategy and Cadre Training, warned that overloaded roads and the lack of direct rail connections limited transport capacity.

He urged urgent planning adjustments to add inter-regional routes, prioritise upgrades to key expressways, and accelerate the Bien Hoa  Vung Tau and Ben Luc  Long Thanh projects to secure seamless connectivity.

Urban planning experts also called for a phased approach.

Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son suggested that Long Thanh should eventually evolve into one of Southeast Asias leading airports, integrated with an airport city model, free trade zones, and regional transport networks including ring roads, radial expressways, and metro lines.

However, since such infrastructure is not yet in place, he advised against assigning excessive responsibilities to Long Thanh in the short term.

Instead, he proposed shifting 100 per cent of cargo operations to Long Thanh as an immediate step to relieve pressure on Tan Son Nhat, while gradually transferring selected passenger flights as supporting infrastructure improves.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) affirmed Long Thanhs status as a flagship project.

CAAV director Uong Viet Dung said the Government considered it a key driver for Viet Nams integration into the AsiaPacific aviation network, directly competing with major regional airports.

He stressed the need for a clear transitional roadmap covering connectivity, services, and commercial development to ensure parallel and efficient operations between the two airports.

According to Dung, while Tan Son Nhat continues to struggle with overcapacity and traffic congestion, Long Thanh is expected to emerge as a new growth engine, enhancing the regional role of the city as an economic and financial hub.

Expert recommendations from the workshop, he said, would serve as a vital basis for CAAV to refine proposals and submit optimal strategies to the Government.

The ultimate goal is safety, efficiency, and sustainability, Dung said, ensuring that Viet Nam not only avoids disruption but also unlocks the full potential of both Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat.  VNS
A NANG  Police in the central city of a Nang on Saturday announced they have arrested a British man for illegally possessing a military-grade handgun, following reports that he had brandished the weapon at a local bar.

The Criminal Police Division of the a Nang Police Department said it had coordinated with Ngu Hanh Son Commune's police to investigate and detain V. J. A., 37, for storing a metal handgun with a magazine containing 12 bullets.

Authorities were first alerted on September 11 when a local resident, Nguyen Thi Thanh Tr. (born 1984), reported that a foreign man had taken out an object resembling a gun at the Sham Rock bar on An Thuong 32 Street, Ngu Hanh Son Commune, before concealing it and leaving the premises.

Recognising the seriousness of the case, the Criminal Police Division immediately deployed officers to trace the suspect. Investigators later identified a foreign man matching the description hiding at a residence on Le Cao Lang Street in Cam Le District.

On September 12, police conducted an administrative inspection at the address, where they found A. residing. A search of the premises uncovered a handgun marked CF98-9 and 01568909238 along with 12 rounds stored in a magazine inside a wardrobe on the second floor.

During questioning, A. admitted he had purchased the firearm in Cambodia in late 2024 for US$700 for self-defence. He told investigators that in the early hours of September 5, he and his daughter had visited Sham Rock bar, where he became involved in a dispute with another foreigner, reportedly an Irish national. A. then returned to his residence to retrieve the gun, brought it back to the bar, briefly displayed it, and then left.

Police said A. had entered Viet Nam in 2019 and had lived in several provinces and cities, including Lao Cai, HCM City, Gia Lai, Can Tho, Lang Son, Nghe An, Ha Noi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. He reportedly moved to a Nang in April 2025, staying at a rental home arranged by a local resident.

The Criminal Police Division has placed A. in temporary custody on charges of illegal possession of military weapons and is consolidating evidence for further legal proceedings.  VNS
Launched in 1986, the reforms known as doi moi led to around 30 years of consistent GDP growth and double-digit trade growth. The extreme poverty rate (defined by the World Bank as people living on less than $2 per day) has declined from over 58 per cent in 1992 to less than two per cent today.

Kenneth Atkinson, founder and senior board advisor Grant Thornton Vietnam

In 2021, the Party announced its goal of making Vietnam a high-income country by 2045. The GDP growth rate has averaged more than 6 per cent for years for the past two decades. It is difficult to determine precisely what event or policy has been most important in the process of change, but I would point to several factors as being key.

In 1987, Vietnam began its journey to attract foreign funding with the passage of the Foreign Investment Law in 1988. In addition, over time, the country passed a series of domestic investment and enterprise laws to allow Vietnamese to set up privately owned commercial businesses.

The impact of the US embargo policy on Vietnam cannot be over-stated. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the communist regimes in many East European countries collapsed, and Vietnam was left with very few allies or supporting countries for trade and investment. When the US embargo was finally lifted in 1994, nearly two decades after the end of the war, the country was suddenly open for business to the world.

Normalisation of full diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam took place in 1995 which further integrated Vietnam into the global economy. From that point forward, the GDP of Vietnam grew on average by about 6.5 per cent a year for the next 25 years.

Another milestone occurred in 2000 when the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange opened and today, it has a market cap of around $200 billion and is heading for an upgrade from frontier to emerging market status.

One of the very first shared objectives between Vietnam and the United States after political normalisation was to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement. The agreement that finally emerged in July 2000 from the negotiations was detailed and comprehensive, and it went into effect in December 2001. That year, bilateral trade between the two nations totalled $1.9 billion, and by the end of 2024, it had increased to nearly $150 billion.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Vietnamese economy was still dominated by state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Many of the foreign-led projects were also joint ventures between SOEs and foreign companies. At the time, there were around 6,000 SOEs in Vietnam but over time, there has been an effort to consolidate as many of them as possible.

While SOEs were undergoing consolidation, reform, and equitisation, the countrys private sector was starting to boom. An enterprise law in 1999 built on the domestic investment law of 1994 began to ease the way for local entrepreneurs to build companies and compete head-to-head with SOEs and foreign-invested companies. Many of them started out as joint stock companies with multiple shareholders. Thus, they could more easily seek out initial public offerings on the countrys stock exchanges.

Tackling tough times

Because of these policies and outcomes, Vietnam progressed to a point where it could effectively address a range of issues that would most likely have been dealt with differently, and possibly poorly, or not at all, if not for doi moi.

Vietnam had two separate battles against the COVID-19 pandemic. In both cases, the government responded quickly to compel the countrys 100 million citizens to respond to a pandemic whose source was less than 1,500km away.

The first battle coincided with the outbreak of COVID-19 at the beginning of 2020. The government closed all schools in February and ceased all air transportation to and from China. This was followed by a ban on all international commercial air transport in and out of Vietnam starting in March.

The second battle, which began in May 2021, involved the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus. This posed a more significant challenge because it spread much more quickly. The government quickly launched a campaign and instituted a lockdown of nearly all aspects of normal life. Within a few months, it had vaccinated more than 80 per cent of the population and, in most cases, administered a booster shot as well.

Meanwhile, as a border country with 100 million people and a labour force of 60 million, Vietnam is well positioned to benefit from the new geopolitical tensions. To do this well, it must boost a highly delicate series of political and economic relationships with two very different countries. Rather than side with one country over the other, Vietnam chose to side with neither and to look out for its own interests. It is even given this diplomatic approach a name, bamboo diplomacy.

Retaining an edge

Another growing group is the number of countries with which Vietnam has a comprehensive strategic partnership. For several years, this designation was the realm of just three countries (China, Russia, and India) and it shaped how the countries dealt with and negotiated with each other. By the end of March, the number of countries with the same status grew to 12. In each case, there is an extensive and detailed agreement that each country pledges to abide by and includes issues like trade, investment, technology transfer, diplomacy, education exchanges, environmental objectives, and other key issues.

In the latter half of 2024, Vietnam had some significant leadership transitions. Its anti-corruption campaign had netted some very big fish and replacements for those posts had to be identified and placed into power. This was a difficult task.

As Vietnam began 2025, there appeared to be a concerted effort to launch a new round of reforms being labelled the era of national rise. Some pundits and political watchers have labelled it as doi moi 2.0. There has been a restructuring of provinces, cities, ministries and a reduction in government employees.

The goal is a more streamlined government system that has a better chance of achieving the 8-10 per cent GDP growth rate announced for 2025 and for Vietnam to avoid the middle-income trap.

At this time, Vietnam has reached the ranks of an upper middle-income country with per capita income of close to $5,000 per annum. It is moving away from low-cost manufacturing to higher technology industries with higher added value such as data centres, semiconductors related investments, advanced engineering and agri-tech.

Vietnam has been quick to react to the new tariff regime by the US and based on the known facts today, it should hopefully be able to retain its competitive advantage.
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Britains Got Talent choir Johns Boys head to Wrexham as part of 2025 tour

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Sep 13th, 2025

Britains Got Talent 2023 semi-finalists Johns Boys Welsh Male Voice Choir will bring their incredible talent to Wrexham this month as part of a UK-wide tour.

Known for their rich harmonies and contemporary take on the traditional Welsh male voice choir, the group will showcase a mix of choral classics and modern hits when they perform at the William Aston Hall on September 26 and 27.

Audiences can expect Johns Boys viral cover of Biblical by Calum Scott  which they performed at their Britains Got Talent audition and later released as a debut single. The track topped the iTunes Classical chart and has been viewed more than 21 million times worldwide.

Other highlights will include the Welsh hymn Calon Lan and Ennio Morricones Nella Fantasia.

The ensemble is made up of men of all ages and backgrounds, brought together to create what reviewers describe as an emotional and powerful listening experience. Their television appearance launched them into the spotlight, with Simon Cowell calling them a brilliant choir.

Among their achievements, Johns Boys became the first British male voice choir to be crowned Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Music Festival in 2019. They have also appeared on The Last Night of the Proms, the Royal Variety Show, and regularly perform at Welsh sporting events, including at the Principality Stadium for rugby internationals.

Aled Phillips, Artistic Director and Conductor, said: As a group of men from all walks of life and a wide range of ages, its an incredible honour to be on this extraordinary journey, performing to sold-out audiences in some of the most prestigious venues across the UK.

Each show is a celebration of the music we love to sing, and the chance to connect with audiences through such a wide variety of genres makes every performance truly special.

Audiences can look forward to a rich mix of traditional classics, powerful opera, show-stopping musical numbers, and current chart-topping hits, all delivered with the unique sounds and passion that defines Johns Boys.
A Sparks man who survived the holocaust passed away last week.

Mitka Kalinksi was about six when the Nazis attacked his boarding school in Soviet Ukraine.

After being captured, he escaped from a concentration camp but was then forced to work as a child-slave on a Nazi soldier's farm for seven years.

He was eventually freed and came to the U.S. as a teenager, learning English from watching television.

Mitka Kalinksi passed away on Saturday.

His exact birthday is unknown, but he was believed to be in his early 90s.

A celebration of life for him will be announced at a later date.
Overseas in Japan, Toyota owns a subsidiary called Toyota Auto Body. As the name suggests, the subsidiary does some work upfitting new Toyota models like the Land Cruiser. And its latest creation is the Rally Raid special edition for the Japanese market Land Cruiser GR Sport that celebrates the company's efforts in the race series while upfitting the one that's publicly available to consumers. Just 24 will be made, once again proving that all the cool Japanese cars stay in Japan.

Related: 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Price Hits New HighShould You Get a 2025 Model Instead?

Land Cruise Rally Raid Adds Serious Off-Road Performance

Toyota

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

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The Rally Raid rides on 18-inch Enkei PDT1 alloy wheels featuring Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires. Just behind them, a splash of color arrives in the form of red brakes, and owners will also be outfitted with custom Rally Raid-branded mud flaps. Mechanical updates include new suspension and cab mounts. There's also some new seats and graphics, the former being upholsteerd in leather and red suede for a sporty look.

As mentioned previously, only 24 will be made. However, just 12 will roll off the assembly line in Rally Raid spec. The other 12 will feature all parts sold as a conversion kit for existing owners, who will then need to upfit their own Land Cruisers.

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These won't be cheap, either. The special edition is priced at 9,380,800 ($63,500), which is a hefty upcharge over the 8,136,700 ($55,100) you'll otherwise pay for the diesel-powered GR. Meanwhile, the accessory package costs 1,511,400 ($10,200). Moreover, it isn't going to be easy for buyers to get ahold of either. A lottery will be held at Toyota dealers from September 11 to 28, after which the owners will be notified and take delivery in December.

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This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Fabiola Santiago was born, Oaxacas mezcal industry was in trouble.

For decadescenturies evenher ancestors had worked with agave, planting, harvesting, and producing the traditional spirit in Santiago, Matatlan, the so-called world capital of mezcal. It wasnt just a job; it was an essential part of their heritage and identity as members of the Indigenous Zapotec community.

But in the 1980s, an agave shortage, combined with increasing demand for tequila (and other local factors), tanked the industry on which their livelihoods depended. Santiagos father, along with many of her relatives, had no choice but to migrate to the U.S. in search of work. Santiago, her mother, and her brother joined him a few years later in Los Angeles, where she lived the next 20-plus years of her life without the documentation necessary to emerge from the shadows.

In her L.A. community, the largest concentration of Oaxacan people outside of the Mexican state, traditions remained strong. So too did mezcals role in celebration, healing, and remembrance. The origins and craft of the spirit were things in which the Zapotec diaspora could take pride.

Fabiola Santiago, founder and executive director of Mi Oaxaca (Courtesy of Mi Oaxaca)

Back in those days, mezcal was somewhat rare in the U.S., infrequently found at bars or restaurants outside of the community. By the time Santiago applied to the La Cocina food incubator program in San Francisco in 2019, its popularity had exploded. But the mezcal industry that had grown up over the previous decades was nothing like what she knew. It had been co-opted by people and businesses who publicly celebrated mezcals Indigenous origins and identity while defrauding and mistreating those producing it behind the scenes.

I realized that there was a lot of exploitation and theft, says Santiago, who now operates the local nonprofit organization Mi Oaxaca . People would buy in large quantities and never pay. At the same time, I was seeing all of this marketing for ancestral, traditional It just upset me.

Mexico has a long history of disenfranchising its native people. But in the state of Oaxaca, where there are 19 distinct cultural groups speaking 16 distinct languages, an insidious combination of neglect and abuse has consistently kept its people among the worst-educated and most impoverished in the country.

Santiago, who earned degrees in sociology and public health from UCLA, saw similar patterns playing out in the booming mezcal industry. With the help of La Cocina, she imagined building something sorely missing in the U.S.: a restaurant and mezcaleria that would authentically represent Oaxacan culture. Instead, the plan was derailed by COVID. With her young child, Santiago returned to Oaxaca and immersed herself in learning about the cultural appropriation that had become normalized in the mezcal industry.

Working with mezcal at a Mi Oaxaca event (Courtesy of Mi Oaxaca)

Thats when the idea of the nonprofit was born, says Santiago. There are 37 agave species endemic to Oaxaca; thats the heart of where it comes from. Thats also true for corn, for chilestheres this [immense] culinary wealth but the ecosystem is fragile, and taking stuff out of there without permission has damaging effects.

With a grant from the Mellon Foundation, Santiago officially founded Mi Oaxaca in 2022 with the goal of preserving her homelands Indigenous food and beverage cultures through narrative change, education, and cross-border collaboration. This year, the organization officially achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

For us, its about cultural preservation, cultural reverence, giving credit where credit is due. Just saying this is a Zapotec food, this is a way we reclaim our heritage, she explains. Acknowledging those who have traditionally grown and produced Oaxacan foodstuffs prevents them from being erased from the past, present, and future.

Among the programs spearheaded by Mi Oaxaca is a six-week online course entitled An Introduction to Mezcal Through Indigenous Worldviews, whose third session begins October 7th with a wide range of students.

Its generally people who want to have better knowledge of their consumerism, says Santiago. It could be people in the hospitality industryweve had some journalists in the spirits worldor changemakers, people who are like, I think I want to be more careful about how I drink mezcal.

We also try to attract people in the Oaxacan diaspora, people like me who grew up here but their connection has been interrupted, she continues. Ninety percent of the mezcal in the U.S. comes from Oaxaca, and a lot of people dont know whats going on in their homeland. There are people living in the diaspora who want to reconnect.

Fabiola Santiago teaches a workshop with Mi Oaxaca (Courtesy of Mi Oaxaca)

Later in October, Mi Oaxaca will host their first Gala-Guetza , an evening celebrating Indigenous Oaxacan culture whose name is a play on the Zapotec word guelaguetza, a practice and a worldview of being of service and gift givingits how we bond and create community, she says.

The event, held at the Tradicion Peruana Cultural Center in the Mission, will center Indigenous voices and experiences through an exhibit-style series featuring stories of identity, belonging, migration, foodways, and the impact of mezcals boom. There will also be a silent auction, mini mercado, Oaxacan bites, and, of course, mezcales to sip. Proceeds will go to support Mi Oaxacas next chapter and their continued efforts to build visibility for Indigenous Oaxacans and equity in the food and spirits industries.

We have a long road ahead, but Im hopeful, says Santiago. I think now is the time.
New Mexico State Police filed charges this week against a Rio Arriba County Sheriffs Office deputy, who investigators say illegally deposited wage garnishment checks he owed to the City of Aztec and falsely claimed overtime while working for the sheriffs office.

Trevor Cade Walker, a former Aztec Police Department officer, is charged with third-degree felony counts of fraud and embezzlement on suspicion of illegally depositing the garnishment and overtime checks, which totaled more than $5,000.

According to a statement of probable cause filed in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court on Monday, New Mexico State Police agents learned that Walker had earlier this year been ordered to pay 25% of his wages with the sheriffs office to the City of Aztec, but the city never received them.

Court records show Walker owed the city a portion of a $16,000 retention bonus that was contingent on an additional year of employment. Aztec sued for the remainder of the bonus after Walker resigned before the required 12 months had elapsed.

Due to a clerical error, State Police say a total of seven garnishment payments totaling $5,316 were delivered this year to Walkers home address, where Walker is accused of intercepting six of the checks, forging endorsements on them and then depositing them into his bank account. Police confirmed the transactions by reviewing documentation released by Wells Fargo Bank through a subpoena.

State Police also wrote in the statement that Walker is suspected of falsifying timecards to claim unworked overtime pay.

Rio Arriba County Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar told the Journal that an internal affairs investigation has been opened into Walker, who was hired in 2023 and has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Walker is scheduled for a first appearance in Magistrate Court on Sept. 22.
A McKinley County teenager is in federal custody after allegedly making violent threats on social media following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Federal court records state that Jace Allen, 19, used an account on X under the alias Jebron Lames to post a series of violent and racist threats shortly after the fatal shooting of Kirk during an event held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.

A criminal complaint states that an FBI office in Toledo, Ohio, received a tip about the ongoing posts via the agencys Guardian Threat Tracking system. The posts were traced to a phone number in Jamestown, New Mexico, and a residential address where Allen lives.

In an interview with law enforcement agents, Allen said he identifies as a neo-Nazi, hates Jews and minorities, and believes a civil war is inevitable in the United States and wants to help spark the civil war by terrorizing people online, the complaint states.

Among the threats, Allen wrote that he planned to commit mass murder, target minorities and Jews, and shoot up unspecified locations. He also threatened an Ohio city council member directly, telling the official, Youre gonna be one of the first to die, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Mexico.

Although Allen stated he did not own a firearm, a search of his phone revealed videos of him firing a rifle and handgun in August 2025, federal authorities stated.

He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Albuquerque on Friday and is being held in federal custody until a preliminary/detention hearing set for Tuesday.

Allen is charged with transmitting communications containing a threat to injure another person and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charges, Allen faces five years in prison.

Colleen Heild is an investigative reporter. She also writes about CYFD and Federal courts. You can reach her at cheild@abqjournal.com.
Paul Chavez

On Aug. 23, President Donald Trump declared himself to be the chief law enforcement officer for the United States  a title traditionally reserved for the attorney general of the United States (I wonder if Pam Bondi loaned him that title or he took it. My guess is she willingly gave it to him.). I am a lifelong Republican, but I will fully admit that I voted for the other candidate, although I do not agree with hardly anything for which she stands. I felt we could survive four or eight years of her, but we couldnt survive a year of Trump. Hes proving me right. Between redistricting, domestic and economic chaos, to his unmitigated love for Russian President Vladimir Putin, just to mention a few issues, Im genuinely concerned for our country.

According to the FBI, in 2025 Albuquerque is sitting at No. 3 to only Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, of the most violent cities in the U.S. Being a blue-governed sanctuary city, you can bet that Trump will be at our doorstep sooner rather than later with his power-grab-dressed-up-like-a-city-in-crisis schtick. When he is here, two things will be true: 1. Policing and public safety will be under the control of some Trump sycophant like Pam Bondi or a New Mexico equivalent. 2. They will be coming with some Washington, D.C.-type response whether we want it or not. I know most residents will be happy for the additional show of public safety support until they realize Trump has no interest in public safety just power (and possibly a distraction).

So, how do we respond when he comes to Albuquerque? Start talking to them now. We gladly take everything he offers but we insist on local control of the resources. No Bondi, no out-of-state military general in charge of public safety in Albuquerque. That job rests with Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina. And since weve had the New Mexico National Guard here since April, and we have yet to hear Gen. Miguel Aguilars name uttered in anger, lets keep him in charge of the Guard.

If you choose to put the FBI, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security, etc., on our streets that would be just fine. As long as theyre answering to Medina. Medina and other city leaders will also make the call when its time for them to go. Im a law-and-order kind of guy but I dont want to live in a police state.

Ive got an even better idea: How about we calculate how much this is going to cost the feds and put that funding toward permanent people for APD, preferably with higher recruitment standards (but thats a topic for another op-ed  one Ive written before).

A quick note to my brethren in law enforcement: When are you going to see that this guy is nothing but a phony? He doesnt believe in you or what you do for a living. He doesnt believe in you or the sacrifices you make for your community. How long are you going to stand behind this man? Have we learned nothing from our brothers and sisters with the Capital Police and the Jan. 6 thugs? Now he is planning on marching into your city to tell you and all your colleagues that you are doing a terrible job. He has disrespected your badge and your profession by those he has pardoned and those he plans on pardoning in the future. Dont let the disrespect continue.
Jason Aldean took a moment during a Thursday performance in Michigan to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk.

Aldean spoke about the conservative activist, who was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event in Utah.

Aldean said he followed the 31-year-old Kirk for years and was one of the best people ever, Aldean shares.

I mean, this is not the guy you go after is what Im trying to say, Aldean said.

Aldean chose Try That in a Small Town as a song to perform because Kirk was one of the champions at a time it was being criticized as being either racist or supportive of political violence.

This guy wanted nothing more than what was best for all of us and our kids and everything moving forward, Aldean said.

Aldean recognized the pain many of his fans are feeling.

I know you guys have been feeling it as well, so tonight, since he was one of the ones that stuck out for the song, lets play this one for Charlie, he said.

RELATED: Country music stars react to Kirk assassination

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies, according to a probable cause statement filed in court and released Friday. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.

Robinson mentioned Kirks upcoming visit to Utah Valley University  located about 3 1/2 hours from the familys southern Utah home  at a recent dinner, kicking off a conversation about how he didnt like Kirks viewpoints, family told authorities. A full picture of his political leanings was still emerging. Utah state records show he is registered to vote, but that he is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he didnt vote in the two most recent general elections.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Office Depot has apologized after video footage showed an employee in Michigan refuse to print a poster for a vigil following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Upon learning of the incident, we immediately reached out to the customer to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction, the company said in a statement shared on social media. We have also launched an immediate internal review and, as a result, the associate involved is no longer with the organization.

The video, recorded at the store in Portage, shows a customer ask about getting a poster printed of Kirk for a vigil in Kalamazoo on Friday night. The employee replied that the store doesnt print political propaganda.

Republican activist and attorney Matthew DePerno posted the footage, according to Newsweek, and said on social media that they ended up getting their printing done free of charge at a FedEx store.

WWMT, a TV station in Kalamazoo, reported that the footage caught the attention of Michigan lawmakers.

The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot, the company said in its statement. We sincerely apologize to the customer affected and to our community for this regrettable situation.

On Friday, authorities announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He is charged with shooting and killing Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
A memorial for Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

One student holed up in his house for two days after witnessing Charlie Kirks assassination, nervous about going back to the Utah college campus where the conservative activist was shot. Another, unable to sleep or shake what she saw and heard, called her dad to come take her home.

As investigators spend the weekend digging deeper into suspect Tyler James Robinson ahead of his initial court appearance Tuesday, students who witnessed Wednesdays shooting at Utah Valley University are reckoning with trauma, grief and the pall the killing has cast on their community.

Robinsons arrest late Thursday calmed some fears. Still, questions persist about the alleged shooters motive and planning, as well as security lapses that allowed a man with a rifle to shoot Kirk from a rooftop before fleeing.

The university has said there will be increased security when classes resume on Sept. 17.

In Robinsons hometown, about 240 miles southwest of campus, a law enforcement presence was significantly diminished Saturday after the FBI executed a search warrant at his familys home. A gray Dodge Challenger that authorities say Robinson drove to UVU appeared to have been hauled away.

No one answered the door Saturday at his familys home in Washington, Utah, and blinds were drawn on all the windows.

Elsewhere, Kirks death has led to fallout for people critical of his rhetoric or unsympathetic to his supporters. On Friday, retailer Office Depot said it had fired a worker at a Michigan store who was seen on video refusing to print flyers for a Kirk vigil and calling them propaganda.

At a makeshift memorial near Utah Valley Universitys main entrance in Orem, people have been leaving flowers in tribute to Kirk. On Saturday morning, cars looped the streets nearby, honking horns, flying American flags and displaying messages such as We love you Charlie, Charlie 4 Ever and RIP Charlie.

In the area where the Turning Point USA co-founder was shot, a crew has begun taking down tents and banners and scrubbing away reminders of the killing.

A memorial to Kirk brings stunned students together

Student Alec Vera stopped at the memorial after finally leaving his house Friday night for a drive to clear his head. Vera said he had been in a daze, unable to concentrate and avoiding people, since watching Kirk collapse about 30 or 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) in front of him.

I just kind of felt the need to come here, to be with everyone, either to comfort or to be comforted, just to kind of surround myself with those that are also mourning, Vera said.

One woman knelt, sobbing inconsolably. Others stood quietly or spoke softly with friends. On the outer perimeter of the campus, trees were wrapped in red ribbons.

A handful of cars remained stranded in parking lots by students who left behind keys while fleeing the shooting. One student pleaded with an officer to let him retrieve his bike from beyond the police tape and cracked a smile as the officer let him through. The university said people can pick up their belongings early next week.

Anxious about returning to campus

Student Marjorie Holt started crying when she brought flowers to campus Thursday night, prompting her to change her mind about returning to campus this weekend.

Hours after the shooting, the 18-year-old said she lay in bed, haunted by the horror she witnessed: the sound of a single gunshot as Kirk answered a question and then, I saw him fall over, I saw the blood, but for some reason it couldnt click to me what happened.

After she learned he had died, she burst into tears. Unable to sleep because of a pounding headache, nausea and the days trauma, she called her dad, who brought her home to Salt Lake City, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) to the north.

Returning to campus, Holt said, is going to feel like a terrible, like a burden on my heart.

Vera said Kirk was shot in the main campus gathering spot  where students take naps, meditate, do homework and hang out.

Seeing it when I go back, I will be pretty uncomfortable at first, knowing I have to walk past it each time, knowing what had just occurred here, Vera said.

Struggling with flashbacks and a weird heaviness

Student Alexis Narciso said he has flashbacks every time he hears a bang, a honking horn or other loud noises. He was about 10 feet (3 meters) away.

I just feel numb. I dont feel anything, Narciso said. I want to cry but at the same time I dont.

Jessa Packard, a single mother of two who lives near the campus, said even with a suspect in custody, her feeling of unease hasnt lifted. Packards home security system captured video of the Dodge Challenger that police say Robinson drove to campus. After the shooting, she said, law enforcement officers descended on her neighborhood, searching yards and taking security footage.

Theres this really weird heaviness and I think, honestly, a lot of fear for me personally that hasnt gone away, Packard said. The fact that there was like this murderer in my neighborhood, not knowing where he is but knowing hes been through there, coursing things out, is a really eerie feeling.

Searching for closure from one campus to another

Halle Hanchett, 19, a student at nearby Brigham Young University, said she had just pulled her phone out to start filming Kirk when she heard the gunshot followed by a collective gasp. Hanchett said she saw blood, Kirks security team jump forward and horror on the faces around her. She dropped to the ground in the fetal position, wondering: What is going on? Am I going to die?

On Friday, she brought flowers and quietly gazed at the area where the kickoff to Kirks American Comeback Tour had ended in violence.

The last few days Ive just, havent really said much, I just kinda like zone out, stare off, Hanchett said, standing with her fiance as water fountains bubbled nearby. The memory, it just replays.

Shes praying for the strength to move forward, she said, and take it as: OK, I was here for this. How can I learn from this? And how can I help other people learn from this?

A neighbor of Robinsons looks for answers

In Robinsons hometown, neighbor Kris Schwiermann recalled him as a shy, studious and very respectful student who loved to read. Schwiermann, 66, was head custodian at the elementary school that Robinson and his siblings attended.

She said she was stunned by the news of his arrest, describing the Robinsons as a very tight-knit family.

Like the Robinsons, Schwiermann is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She said they belonged to the same congregation, though she said the family hadnt been active in the church in at least eight years.

I want to make sure that people know that we dont have any ill feelings towards their family or him, Schwiermann said. He made the wrong choice.
A group of Huntsville residents are calling for the city government to respect immigrant rights and not participate in U.S. Immigration and Enforcement detention activities.

The group staged a protest on the steps of City Hall on Thursday afternoon, with many of the participants later addressing the Huntsville City Council. They asked council members to pass a resolution barring the city from any agreement that would grant federal civil immigration enforcement authority to police officers or detain or facilitate the detention of immigrants for federal immigration enforcement purposes.

Im a retired teacher, and Ive taught many children from different countries, retired teacher Donna Payne said during the protest. It just really upsets me to see people picked up by ICE. Theyre not getting due process. Some of them that have been picked up do have their papers, but theyre not given a chance to show that.

One of the protesters shared a letter from Chelsea Brunty-Barojas, who said her husband Antonio Barojas Solano was taken into ICE custody outside of a north Huntsville home on Aug. 6 along with three other Hispanic men. The letter was shared during the protest and at the council meeting,

The letter said Brunty-Barojas husband tried to explain that he was married to a U.S. citizen, had legal representation and had six children who are citizens.

Antonio is a man of faith, a father of six U.S. citizen children, and the sole provider for our family, the letter said. He is not a criminal and has only ever had minor traffic violations in the past. He works hard every day in construction across North Alabama, paying taxes, contributing to the communityand yet this is how hes treated.

The letter said Solano was denied access to his lawyer at the Etowah County Sheriffs Office and was being held under inhumane conditions with no proper medical care, inadequate food, and unsanitary conditions.

Huntsville residents protesting ICE activity in the area listen to stories about people being detained locally. Scott Turner/AL.com

This administration promised they would be picking up the worst of the worst, Meg Hereford said in response to stories such as the one about Solano. That is not what is happening. We all know that. We all see that. I want our city officials to not let Huntsville fall into that trap. Were a good, peaceful law-abiding city and county. I dont want to see us going down that road.

These are not criminals, Payne added. Of course, we dont want criminals loose. These are hardworking people, trying to make a living. They care for their families. Its outrageous. But the worst of it all is people who are picked up when they are going to their appointments for their hearings. Theyre trying to do the right thing. I just dont understand it. Were not treating people humanely.

Larisa Thomason said she was concerned that we have a mass of people without showing ID in unmarked cars snatching people off the street in American cities.

Nobody knows where they are going, she said. Is that not enough to be outraged about? We essentially now have secret police. Thats not due process. Thats not the Bill of Rights. Its wrong. Im an old white lady. I can come out and hold my sign without somebody asking show me your papers. 

If the Constitutions due process rights are not for some people, then its not for anybody, Laura Lemley said.

Lemley said she didnt think it was safe with agents coming around and scooping up people off the sidewalk and racial profiling.

I actually think immigrants are a blessing to our communities, she said. There are criminal elements to each group of people. In general, immigrants give more than they get in this country. I dont agree with all of the ICE raids. I think its bad for our country economically, socially, spiritually.

Some of the protesters claimed a teacher from Williams Middle School had also been detained. But Huntsville City Schools could not verify the claim.

The council did not act on the resolution presented to it by the protesters.

But City Administrator John Hamilton said the Huntsville Police Department did not have an agreement with ICE when it came to enforcement. He said such an agreement would have to be approved by the council. He said the department currently does not have the resources to take on the added responsibility.

Hamilton said ICE has not approached the city about such an agreement. He said, however, that the city was aware of federal immigration enforcement within the city limits and did not dispute the accounts shared at the council meeting.

Hamilton said the city did not have the authority to interfere with enforcement by federal agencies within the city.

He pointed out that people arrested by Huntsville police officers are taken to the Madison County Jail, which falls under the authority of the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Hamilton said the county jail does notify ICE when they have people with undocumented status in custody.
Kash Patel speaks at a news conference, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Orem, Utah, as Utah department of public safety commissioner Beau Mason, left, and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listen. (AP Photo/Lindsay Wasson) AP

The Associated Press contributed to this report.FBI director Kash Patel on Thursday launched into a profanity-filled rant in a conference call with 200 agents over the handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirks assassination, The New York Times reported.

Patel allegedly referred to their handling of the case as Mickey Mouse operations.

Patel also criticized Salt Lake City agents for not providing him with a photo of the suspected killer until 12 hours later, the Times reported, according to The Hill.

On Wednesday, hours after Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah university, Patel posted on social media that the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.

Roughly an hour and a half later, Patel posted that the subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency

On Friday morning, after news broke that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested, Patel sang the praises of the agents.

This is what happens when you let good cops be cops, Patel said.

I want to express my deep gratitude to the employees of the FBI: the men and women, the evidence response team tacticians, the special operators, the agents, the support staff. You have done monumental work in historic time when the publicwho had a right to demand such an expeditious solving of an investigationthe FBI answered that call diligently."

Patel had faced criticism during the investigation from both Republicans and Democrats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Thoroughly unimpressed with Kash Patel after this.



Public info releases from the Bureau have been clumsy and sloppy.  John Cardillo (@johncardillo) September 11, 2025

I'm grateful that Utah authorities have captured the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, and think it is time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI. He performed terribly in the last few days, and it's not clear whether he has the  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) September 12, 2025

Kash Patel was dining at NYC hotspot Raos the evening after Kirks murder, per @ryanjreilly



One law enforcement official said that the horrific event of Kirks killing showcased Patels public inability to meet the moment as a leader. pic.twitter.com/Tiy6rgWD6O  Roger Sollenberger (@SollenbergerRC) September 13, 2025










English News Global Governance Initiative: addressing governance deficits and demonstrating China's sense of responsibility

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 9 Septembre 2025



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.

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.



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English News Historical inspiration from joint resistance of Chinese, Australian peoples against Japanese aggression

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 9 Septembre 2025



Eighty years on, the joint resistance of the Chinese and Australian peoples remains a powerful reminder of the importance of international solidarity against aggression. The sacrifices made in the struggle for independence and justice underscore the importance of preserving historical truth. Attempts by Japanese revisionists to recast aggressors as "victims," glorify aggression, or deny atrocities must be firmly rejected. The lessons of the war remind us that maintaining the current international order and safeguarding world peace are shared responsibilities of all humanity to prevent the recurrence of past tragedies.

By Chen Xiang On October 24, 1943, on the beach of Aitape in northern New Guinea, Australian soldier Leonard George knelt in the sand, blindfolded and bound, awaiting execution by Japanese military officer Yasuno Chikao. Behind him stood Japanese guards and a crowd of local villagers compelled to witness the scene.



This photograph of that moment, later discovered by American forces and published in Australia, stunned the Australian public. It exposed the brutal reality of Japanese atrocities during World War II: there was no pretense of humane treatment for prisoners of war; instead, captured Australian soldiers across the Southeast Asian battlefield were subjected to forced labor under punishing conditions, and those deemed too old, ill or weak were executed without hesitation.



Leonard George's unyielding stance in the photograph became a symbol of defiance, galvanizing patriotic sentiment across Australia. It inspired Australian and American troops to mount a decisive counteroffensive against more than 100,000 Japanese troops in New Guinea, eventually thwarting Japan's ambition to use the island as a springboard for invading Australia.



Australia's struggle against Japan was not only a fight for national survival but also a contribution to the global effort to defeat fascism. While Japan pursued its "northward and southward expansion strategies," the bulk of its ground forces were bogged down in the Chinese battlefield, leaving its naval and air forces to spearhead the "southward advance."



Following the fall of Southeast Asia, Japan turned its sights on resource-rich and strategically positioned Australia. On the Malay Peninsula, 130,000 British and Australian troops were forced to surrender, and over 8,000 of the 15,000 Australian captives perished under brutal mistreatment. In February 1942, Japanese bombers struck Darwin, inflicting severe civilian casualties. In 1943, Japan launched an assault on New Guinea, defended by Australian troops, in a bid to sever supply lines between the United States and Australia and pave the way for conquest.



These acts of aggression provoked outrage among the Australian people. From a population of barely 7 million, more than one in seven Australians joined the fight. Their determination reflected both national resolve and the global urgency of resisting fascist aggression.



The conflict between Japanese militarism and Western countries also shaped the course of war. Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan's growing economic and military strength fueled a doctrine of expansion, cloaked in Pan-Asianist rhetoric that justified aggression against China and other Asian countries, and propelled the nation down the path of militarist expansion to dominate the Pacific Rim.



Japan firmly opposed the U.S. Open Door Policy, and under the sway of extreme nationalism and militarist indoctrination, its soldiers became fervent agents of aggression. Placing Japan's interests above all others, they targeted not only Asian countries but also Western powers. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor epitomized its drive to achieve supremacy in the Pacific.



The joint resistance of China and Australia against Japanese aggression highlighted the historic significance of the international anti-fascist united front. In December 1941, Japan launched the Pacific War, occupying Southeast Asia within six months. With the establishment of the international anti-fascist united front, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and others placed greater importance on China's role as the main theater in the East.



In the early stages of the Pacific War, as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia suffered repeated setbacks, China's prolonged resistance tied down the majority of Japanese ground forces and a considerable portion of its naval strength, limiting Japan's ability to expand southward.



In the summer of 1942, Japan's high command sought to seize Port Moresby to cut off U.S.-Australia strategic communications. The campaign collapsed, hampered by overstretched forces still entangled in China and severe logistical constraints. The failure marked the Allies' first land victory in the Pacific War. By 1943, after setbacks at Midway and Guadalcanal, Japan urgently needed reinforcements, but its main forces remained mired in China, which greatly eased the island-hopping campaigns of the U.S., British, and Australian forces.



At the same time, Australia's resistance against Japan made an important contribution to the global fight against fascism, providing crucial strategic support to both the Chinese battlefield and the Southeast Asian front. During the Pacific War, nearly 1 million Australians served across Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. Their sacrifices weakened Japan's strength, halted its advance, and provided crucial military and logistical support to the Allied forces.



Eighty years on, the joint resistance of the Chinese and Australian peoples remains a powerful reminder of the importance of international solidarity against aggression. The sacrifices made in the struggle for independence and justice underscore the importance of preserving historical truth. Attempts by Japanese revisionists to recast aggressors as "victims," glorify aggression, or deny atrocities must be firmly rejected. The lessons of the war remind us that maintaining the current international order and safeguarding world peace are shared responsibilities of all humanity to prevent the recurrence of past tragedies.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
A few days ago, multiple Google Pixel phone users who migrated to the new Pixel 10 series complained about not getting notifications from the Google Home app on their devices. At the time, the Android 16 QPR1 update was reportedly the main culprit for the issue. Google has now officially acknowledged the Google Home notifications issue on the Pixel 10 devices and stated that a fix is on the way.

Google will soon fix the Home app notifications bug on the Pixel 10 series

A handful of Pixel 10 phone users took to online forums and Reddit to complain about not getting notifications from the Google Home app on their devices. It appears that all is not well with the smart home platform and the search titans latest Pixel phones. One of the Redditors mentioned that they werent getting Google Home notifications on their new Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Some of the Pixel 10 users reported receiving notifications from the app on their smartwatches, but on their phones. So, it appears that the issue is quite widespread, as many people have reported it. Notably, in a Reddit comment, Google officially acknowledged this issue and said that it is working on a solution to fix the bug.

While Google releases a fix, here are some workarounds

Google hasnt yet revealed when exactly itll roll out the solution to fix the Google Home apps notification bug on the Pixel 10 devices. However, there are a few workarounds for you to try in the meantime. One Pixel 10 Pro XL Redditor advised users to force stop their Google Home app, clear its data, and log back in. For the user, doing this fixed the bug on their Pixel 10 Pro XL.

However, this fix only worked momentarily, as the user started missing notifications again after some time. One Redditor advised the Pixel 10 users to go into the Home app and switch it to using their new device for presence sensing.

Some users found success by changing the apps battery usage from Optimized to Unrestricted. That said, well keep an eye out for any official developments on the matter and will post an update if theres something new to share, so stay tuned.
Badenoch accuses Starmer of lying over what he knew when about Mandelson emails

Kemi Badenoch has accused the Prime Minister of lying over what he knew when about Lord Peter Mandelsons messages to Jeffrey Epstein that led to him being sacked as US ambassador.

The Conservative Party leader said Sir Keir Starmer has very serious questions to answer and called for full transparency.

If Downing Street had the emails for two days before Lord Mandelson was removed from his post, it means Sir Keir lied when he backed him on Wednesday, she said in a post on X.

Looks like the Prime Minister and Labour MPs spent the week lying to the whole country about what they knew regarding Mandelsons involvement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  According to The Times, No10 knew all about the Mandelson emails on Tuesday. 48 HOURS  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 13, 2025

Sir Keir, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UKs representative in Washington, made the decision to withdraw him after emails were published showing Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The Foreign Office received a media inquiry outlining details of the messages on Tuesday, which was passed to No 10, the PA news agency understands.

A Government source said Sir Oliver Robbins, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, asked Lord Mandelson about the emails and did not hear back until Wednesday afternoon.

Lord Mandelson and Sir Keir Starmer during a welcome reception at the ambassadors residence in Washington, DC (Carl Court/PA)

The Prime Minister is understood not to have been aware of the contents of the emails until Wednesday evening  after he told the Commons he had confidence in Lord Mandelson during Prime Ministers Questions at midday.

The decision to sack Lord Mandelson with immediate effect was taken on Thursday morning and announced shortly afterwards.

The Government said at the time that the published emails brought to light new information about Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein.

Mrs Badenoch said: Looks like the Prime Minister and Labour MPs spent the week lying to the whole country about what they knew regarding Mandelsons involvement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

She added: If No 10 had those emails for 48 hours before acting, it means he lied at PMQs and ministers lied again about new additional information. These are yet more errors of judgment.

The Prime Minister has very serious questions to answer. The only way to clear this up is full transparency about who knew what, and when.

Downing Street and the Foreign Office have said the emails showed the depth and extent of Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.

Jeffrey Epstein (US Department of Justice/PA)

The emails were sent from an account which had long been closed and were not available during the vetting process.

Allies of the peer told The Times that he admitted in his vetting interview that he continued his relationship with Epstein for many years.

Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, has demanded answers from the Foreign Secretary on the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.

His friendship with Epstein was known before his appointment, but reports in The Sun and Bloomberg showed their relationship continued after the financiers crimes had emerged.

Dame Emily Thornberry (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Emails published on Wednesday afternoon included passages in which Lord Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

Sir Keir is under pressure after the second scandal-hit departure for the Government in a week after Angela Rayner quit over her tax affairs.

Downing Street said on Friday that Sir Keir has confidence in his top team when asked whether questions had been raised over the judgment of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who was reported to have lobbied for Lord Mandelsons appointment.

Backbencher Olivia Blake said it was really embarrassing if Sir Keir was not told about Lord Mandelsons emails to Epstein soon enough.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We saw through the welfare reforms that they did the same again. They didnt tell Keir, they didnt tell the Prime Minister how bad it was on the back benches.

So, you know, he was putting statements out saying, oh, some people can sound off.

Well, the strength of feeling in the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) was much, much deeper than that. And again, I just think that whoevers gatekeeping the information to the Prime Minister needs to stop. They need to be getting stuff to him much earlier.

It came after another Labour MP, Clive Lewis, publicly questioned Sir Keirs leadership, telling the BBC the Prime Minister does not seem up to the job.

Barry Gardiner, another MP from the partys back benches, said toxic resentment was festering among the partys MPs and rank and file members.

Lucy Powell, one of two candidates in the race to take Ms Rayners place as the Labour Partys deputy leader, called for a change of culture.

Weve got a bit of a groupthink happening at the top, that culture of not being receptive to interrogation, not being receptive to differing views, she told The Guardian.

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said during a trip to Ukraine that the decision to sack Lord Mandelson was rightly taken and backed Sir Keirs strong leadership.

Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander told BBC Breakfast he understood why Labour MPs were despondent after the last weeks events, but said action had been taken and the Government was looking forward to moving on.
Bridget Phillipsons legacy wont just be the destruction of schools, but of knowledge itself - AFP

I recently spent some time with a friends children, who are 7 and 9. They seemed relatively at peace with the end of their summer and the start of school, but I couldnt help but express solidarity and sympathy with them over the long road ahead.

I remember so well the sense that school was interminable  for most of childhood, there is just no end in sight. Day after day, an uncomfortably early start, attendance whether you feel like it or not, and a packed schedule of chores, tasks and lessons that most find either deathly dull or pointlessly arduous, punctuated with hectoring aggression from teachers. I used to feel the sheerest pleasure when school was cancelled because of snow, as it sometimes was where I grew up in New England.

So no, I am not much of a fan of school. Am I glad I went, and eventually, thanks to A-levels as they used to be, got a decent, if partial, education?

Yes. Education matters. It matters for many reasons, the most basic being that as long as society requires children to spend all those hours and days in an institutional setting where their job is to learn stuff, so they can function in the world, they need to get something out of it.

It is especially important given that not all children have families who are equipped to enrich and prepare them for life in addition to, or instead of, school. So when state ideology drives policymakers to make schools worse by undermining absolute standards, as well as any idea of difference  in childrens potential, abilities, ambition, and parental choice  the effects are deadening and disastrous. Not just for any given cohort of pupils but for the society they will inherit, and run, in a decade or two.

Britain is no stranger to grand destroyers of education, usually socialist warriors who went to public school and Oxford. Now we have the proudly chippy Bridget Phillipson, minister for education and in the running to become the next Labour deputy following the departure of Angela Rayner. The vision is always the same: a deadening, dreary tundra in which everyone is equally let down and individual talent or drive is quickly stamped on. Because equality.

In a sense, the countrys chief educational wrecking ball is the perfect person to become Labours socialist princess, ideal for a Number 10-adjacent job. Certainly, Phillipson embodies Starmers zest for the droning ideology of cul-de-sac egalitarianism.

Like her fellow raven-haired Oxford colleague, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Phillipson is bright, but seduced by terrible, foolish ideas. Under her watch, the curriculum is being impoverished, dumbed down and wokeified through an obsession with diversity. This is a frightening direction in which to guide pupils. After all, the surging anti-Semitism of the Palestine and colonialism-obsessed Left, the murder of Charlie Kirk who was debating on a college campus, and the recent US school shooting by a disgruntled transgender gunperson shows the sheer evil that can take shape from such ways of thinking.

But now, thanks to Phillipson, our children, including those forced into the comprehensive sector by the abolition of VAT exemptions for private schools, will be fed the decolonisation of subjects considered too monocultural (eg white). In the Labourverse, English literature makes that mistake; it is simply too traditional. Directed from on high, pedagogical energy is to be spent on subverting racial biases especially when teaching to a majority white classroom. This sounds blandly virtuous, but it is in fact grotesquely immoral to use childrens lives as a canvas to advance your mean and horizon-crushing Leftism.

The sin of hers that will always define her legacy was the globally anomalous nixing of VAT relief on private schools, which has, predictably, caused only misery to pupils whose parents  not the rich Etonians of Labour imagination  can no longer afford to send them with the new 20 per cent increase in fees. Many of these pupils were not at huge well endowed public schools, but small independent schools with special educational provision.. Unsurprisingly the cash influx to state education promised by the taxing of private schools failed to materialise because all Phillipsons measure has done is squeeze people and schools. Making everyone poorer is an eternally alluring goal for the Left, but generate investment it does not.

Phillipsons instincts are to centralise, homogenise and control. One of the ways in which academy schools have been able to excel is through their nimbleness and freedom to do things differently. Thats now been nixed, thanks to her bizarre Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill. From September 2026 itll now be illegal for academies to hire staff without a formal qualification. So a Nobel Prize winner or an Olympic rower who hasnt got the correct accreditation wont be allowed teach. The bill also gives the minister for education the power to discipline and coerce any academy into doing what she says if she doesnt like how theyve handled anything from uniforms to parent complaints.

I am struck by the cadences of her speech about education. Unlike her boss Starmer, Phillipson is clearly capable of much better. But as Orwell knew too well, bad politics lead to bad language. And so here we have Phillipson, embodying the mechanical blandness of her government, stating the shocking fact that parents might have something to do with their childrens behaviour.

I am calling on parents, schools and families to join us in playing their part to get children in class and ready to learn for the start of the new school term, the speech drones. We have already made progress with five million more days in school this year, and are backing parents and supporting schools through our plan for change. But we all need to do more, and when it comes to getting kids in and behaving  this includes mums, dads and carers too. This is the kind of meaningless tosh that makes you want to scratch your eyes out.

In her war on choice, quality, history and meaning, Phillipson is picking up a thread woven deep into the fabric of society by Labours Anthony Crosland. With his 1965 Circular 10/65, local authorities were urged to get rid of the tripartite system of selective education  including the 11 plus  and in so doing to end the sorting of pupils into grammars, comprehensives and technical colleges. The system of grammars, which sent thousands of working class boys to Oxbridge and thus offered a radical new social mobility, was fatally eroded.

By the 1970s and 80s the rot was all but immovable  everything was about an egalitarianism akin to the pernicious woke concept of equity. It wasnt that all children should have equality of opportunity, but that they should all be squashed down into an equality of outcome. Except, of course, for when that child was the politicians  or the politician him or herself.

Abolition of academic selection was the passionate commitment of SDP founder Shirley Williams, Labour education minister between 1976 and 1979. Odd, then, that she moved close as possible to selective school Godolphin and Latymer before it went private in 1977 so that her daughter could attend. Williams herself went to St Pauls, Antony Crosland to Highgate School, Tony Benn to Westminster, and in more recent times, Corbyns cronies, like Seamus Milne, also went to public school (Winchester). Such an education is right and fine for them and their children, but not for other peoples.

During his intermittent tenure as schools minister over ten years from 2010, Nick Gibb tried to row back the rot. He instilled phonics, which is how children actually learn to read, rather than this interpretative look and see approach. He also tried to instil a respect for knowledge, rather than only skills. As education minister, Michael Gove valiantly tried to empower schools to give a proper education while also mandating a solid curriculum of canonical texts, history and science. Exam results duly improved England. But it was an uphill battle: the culture of Leftism in the teaching unions has long been so extreme in trying to insist on standards, he became a hate figure.

In that sense, Phillipson is preaching to the converted, and her legacy will be the ruination not just of education, but of knowledge itself. If Britain is to survive into the future, todays pupils will have to discover all the riches there are to learn some other way. Youtube, anyone?
A former British law student faces a 25-year sentence and 100,000 fine for taking a line of cocaine while in Dubai.

Mia OBrien, 24, was arrested with a friend and her friends partner last October.

Police were said to have found 50g (1.8oz) of cocaine  with a street value of 2,500  in the flat where the group was having a party.

OBrien was found guilty of possession on July 25 following a one-day trial held in Arabic, and imprisoned at Al Awir jail.

Her ex-cellmate, a British woman who was detained for leaving the scene of a car accident, told The Sun: She said they were at a party and having fun and suddenly police turned up and put her in a car.

There was drugs at the party and she said to me: I took drugs. Mia knew she was in big trouble but didnt seem to think she would be treated as a dealer.

She seemed to take the view that while she had taken coke, she wasnt dealing drugs. Thats how she acted in the detention centre.

If what shes saying is true and all she has done is a line of cocaine, 25 years is a horrifically long sentence. She said she was visiting on holiday and had only been there a few days.

OBrien is being held in Al Awir prison, but faces a 100,000 fine - Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty

OBrien had previously been held in the infamous Al Barsha police detention centre, which the unnamed British woman told The Sun was vile.

There is no light, she said. One area is full of people who know they have been caught doing something and are going to be jailed for a long time.

OBriens friend, identified only as Emma, tested negative for cocaine and was released without charge, but her boyfriend received the same 25-year jail term as OBrien.

OBriens mother, Danielle McKenna, 46, of Huyton, has launched multiple fundraising campaigns to get the verdict overturned.

Ms McKenna insists that her daughter, a former University of Liverpool student, is innocent. She claims OBrien made a very stupid mistake.

Last Friday, GoFundMe took down an appeal page created by Ms McKenna for violating the sites guidelines.

She then took to the Christian fundraising site GiveSendGo, creating the Mia Rose Fund.

On that page, she wrote: Hi, as everyone knows by now, Mia has been given a life sentence in Dubai, and is now in central prison.

I am asking for your help, so that family can get over to Dubai to visit Mia, as we havent seen her since last October, and it would also really help with any other fees that we may face along the way.

Even if its only a 1 it could help us massively. Thank you so much.

OBrien has not yet paid the courts 500,000 dirham (100,000) fine, but is expected to appeal in the following weeks.
(Sofi Adams)

Since the day we opened Carbone, this was always our dream, says Jeff Zalaznick over whisky and cigarettes. With chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Tollisi, two Italian American chefs from Queens and New Jersey respectively, the trio founded Carbone in Greenwich Village in 2013. It became an instant success, a place almost impossible to book unless your name was Kardashian, Rihanna, DiCaprio or Obama. Jay-Z and Beyonce were practically regulars; people whispered about a mysterious secret email that got you through the door. It is a restaurant for beautiful people. Maybe an iteration was always destined for London?

Once this came to fruition, and we were fortunate it was immediately successful, our next goal was to open in London, adds Zalaznick, We must have gone every month, learning and exploring. We were obsessed with the idea.

More than a decade on and Carbone has finally arrived, the star attraction at the glitzy new Chancery Rosewood hotel on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, the former US Embassy. The restaurants enormous: beneath a small ground floor space, one that feels a little like a staging area, is a sweeping basement with room for more than 150 diners. Walls are deep red and royal blue, the floor a chessboard of black and white, and plush banquettes bookend tables dressed in pressed white linen, each decorated with the restaurants colourful patterned plates. When the restaurant is in full flight, it goes a bit like this: Tony and Carmela Soprano dressed up to the nines and listening to Dean Martin, being served by a fast-talking man called Louis in a red jacket, drinking a Super Tuscan and feeding one another stuffed clams

The main bar (Sofi Adams)

The brand is unashamedly, full throttle Italian-American culture. Almost parodical. Head servers are called captains; a handful of tables are tucked away behind walls for those who wish to only speak in whispers. Is London ready for the drama? Mario thinks the timing is ideal and says: We couldnt be any more enthusiastic about it. Were primed and ready for this. Theres been a ton of interest and we think it will fit perfectly, right? I think the city is the most ideal place to open Carbone outside of New York.

Between Manhattan and London, six other branches of Carbone have opened around the world. Theres Miami, perhaps the most coveted after NYC, and Vegas, Dallas, Hong Kong, Doha and Riyadh. In that time, the name Carbone has become a powerhouse, one synonymous with New Yorks now famous red sauce dining. Think of rigatoni alla vodka, lobster ravioli and bubbling plates of parmigiana and you will land at Carbone. In London, in a first for the restaurant, there will also be risotto on the menu. Not an easy thing to pull off in such a big room.

When the restaurant is in full flight, imagine Tony and Carmela Soprano dressed up to the nines, listening to Dean Martin

Not that Mario uses the term red sauce himself. Its taken off in the last 10 years or so, he says. We didnt call it that as kids going into these restaurants, they were just Italian restaurants to us  but you know, this was before the hyper-regional Italian cuisine became popular. Now you would say American-Italian or New York-Italian. Either way, its an important culture, its what we wanted to celebrate when we started all this.

If London is a mirror to New York, it would explain the proliferation of NYC-inspired hangouts that have sprung up in recent years. Restaurants like The Dover, One Club Row and the Fat Badger are similar in as much as they focus on service and atmosphere as well as the food. Each has fostered a sense of exclusivity, sought after or not, and attracts a celebrity crowd ever-keen for martinis, grilled sea bass and discretion. At these restaurants, waiting staff are more likely to make you laugh and bring you a glass of wine on the house than talk to you about sustainable farming. Make no mistake, the produce is sound and the menu well put together, but you wont hear the phrase ingredient-led while looking up to see Justin Bieber neck a Negroni.

Jeff Zalaznick, left, with Mario Carbone (Sofi Adams)

To that end, Carbone might have helped pave the way for fun, boozy dining in the modern age. Journey back to 1980s London and youd arrive at restaurants like Le Caprice, the original Ivy and Julies in London, and Le Cirque in New York. At each the food was almost secondary. People cared less, or at least harboured less pretence. Rewind further, to the 1920s, and youd arrive at Les Deux Magots, the bistro-cum-gathering place for the artists, writers and musicians of Paris. Hemingway went often before Sartre and de Beauvoir steamed in.

Its probably the celebrity crowd that has given Carbone the edge above all else. They were drawn to the fact their presence was never trumpeted. People found out that Taylor Swift went in all the time eventually but only because of other guests becoming excited (today shes more often found at Torrisi in Little Italy, a sister restaurant that still has a Michelin star).

Talking of stars, the Manhattan original lost its own in 2022, which might be when the hype truly peaked. It was then that Mario was profiled in Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar waxed lyrical about Adele and Jennifer Lopez being spotted eating amid the wood-panelled walls, and the New Yorker teased would-be diners with talk of that mysterious email address.

Tortellini being plated (Sofi Adams)

I don't think it's something you can covet, says Mario of the bougie crowd. I think you just do your job, make a great product, and let the chips fall. I dont think you can seek it out without coming off as disingenuous. But weve always been lucky to attract a great clientele. I think its because they always feel comfortable, its always discreet.

Still, in the past couple of years the buzz has settled, perhaps plateaued; the Instagram account Deux Moi still keeps tabs on the restaurants goings-on, tables remain frenetic and busy, but newspaper pages have subsided slightly. People are fickle. London might prove to be a welcome energiser, a second wave?

Weve made a lot of great friends, people who feel like this is a family, and we look forward to welcoming them, adds Zalaznick. But theres no rush to the finish line. We're going to do our work, we're going to make sure everything's perfect, and were coming in. We're performers and this is a stage that we've always wanted to perform on. Were excited to finally get to do our thing in this city.

Carbone opens on September 17 at 30 Grosvenor Square, W1; rosewoodhotels.com

This article was first published on September 13
A New Civil War in Syria or the Gradual Acceptance of Federalism By the US?

Foreign Affairs Magazine this week published a lengthy article by Prof. Steven Simon of Dartmouth College and Adam Weinstein, Deputy Director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, on recent developments in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime and Ahmad al-Sharaa's assumption of Syrian presidency.

Simon and Weinstein note that U.S. President Donald Trump sees promise in Syria's new leader, who has a jihadist background (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, HTS), and has suspended much of the sanctions previously imposed on the former regime. "Since Shara assumed power, he has courted foreign support by disavowing jihadism and raising the prospect of normalizing relations with Israel. Such rhetoric..., persuaded current and former U.S. officials that Shara was the man for the moment."

However, according to the writers, Syria is now facing a new wave of violent fragmentation. The core problem with U.S. policy, the two scholars argue, is its support for al-Sharaa's demand of a centralized government for a diverse, sectarian country deeply torn by a profound lack of trust.

"The problem with Washington's Syria policy is not that it backs a former al-Qaeda ally but that it endorses Shara's vision of centralized rule over a diverse and sectarian country riven by deep mistrust. In July, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, went so far as to rule out U.S. support for any sort of federal arrangement, such as allowing for local control of policing," they state.

The Syrian government under al-Sharaa's leadership fiercely rejects a federal system, viewing it as a precursor to chaos, state disintegration, and the loss of HTS control. Furthermore, "some of Shara's allies believe it is the prerogative of Syria's Sunni Muslims, who make up a majority of the population, to rule over religious minorities."

Simon and Weinstein consider al-Sharaa and his government to lack a clear vision for the country they want to build. They are attempting to apply their system of governance, designed for the small, single-main-street province of Edleb (Idlib), to the whole of Syria, which is a complex mix of peoples including Syriacs (Arameans-Chaldeans-Assyrians), Kurds, Arabs, Druze, Alawites, Yezidis, Turkmen, Circassians and others. "Shara is not an all-powerful authoritarian; he is constrained by his inner circle and makes decisions in consultation with them. His advisors are inclined to hoard power," they state, emphasizing that "for the country to have a chance at recovering from 50 years of despotism and a decade of civil war, it must allow minority communities to retain a degree of autonomy."

Simon and Weinstein warn that continuing with an exploitative centralized government will lead to continued severe sectarian violence and will push communities to resist, potentially by seeking protection from external actors. Therefore, according to two writers, Syria's partners should encourage power-sharing arrangements.

The article details the disastrous consequences of l-Sharaa's insistence on tightening his grip and seeking to implement a totalitarian system across all of Syria. These include massacres on the Syrian coast against Alawites and massacres in Suwayda against the Druze. These events were a reason for Israel's deep incursions into Syrian territory to play the role of defender of the Druze. Furthermore, there has been a lack of flexibility in implementing the March 10 agreement between al-Sharaa and General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi.

The article concludes that U.S. policymakers have begun "slowly coming around to the idea of a federal structure for Syria. embrace the idea of a federal system for Syria." This shift is particularly evident after U.S. Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack changed his previously rigid rhetoric advocating for Syria's full unity to one of greater flexibility when he said that Syria can not be a federation but "something short of that, in which you allow everybody to keep their own integrity their own culture, their own language, and no threat of Islamism.

Prof. Steven Simon and Adam Weinstein conclude their argument by calling on the Trump administration to "recognize the weight of its words and ensure that it is not inadvertently encouraging the interim government's worst inclinations, which could wind up pushing the country back into civil war."
No 10 officials were aware of emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein before Sir Keir Starmer defended the peer during Prime Ministers Questions.

But the PM is understood not to have been aware of their contents until Wednesday evening, after he told the Commons he had confidence in his ambassador, a situation a Labour MP has condemned as embarrassing.

Olivia Blake also called for her party to look at forcing the peer to give up his plum seat in the House of Lords in the wake of the furore  hours after fellow backbencher Clive Lewis hit out at Sir Keir saying he doesnt seem up to the job.

Sir Keir, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UKs man in Washington, sacked him after the publication of the emails, which showed Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The Foreign Office is understood to have received a media enquiry outlining details of the messages on Tuesday, which was passed on to No 10.

Sir Oliver Robbins, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, asked Lord Mandelson about the emails but did not hear back until Wednesday afternoon. But, with pressure mounting over their contents, the ambassador was sacked on Thursday morning.

Keir Starmers appointment of Lord Mandelson was a political gamble (Carl Court/PA) (PA Archive)

No 10 and the Foreign Office said the emails showed the depth and extent of Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.

The emails were sent from an account which had long been closed and were not available to Lord Mandelson during the vetting process, the government understands.

Allies of the peer, who has now resigned from Labour governments three times, told The Times that he admitted during his vetting interview for the role that he continued the relationship with Epstein for many years.

Sir Keir and his team are now facing questions over what they knew and when about the ex-ambassadors ties to Epstein, as well as over their judgement in appointing him in the first place.

Ms Blake, the MP for Sheffield Hallam, who is on the left of the party, said it was really embarrassing if Sir Keir was not told about Lord Mandelsons emails to Epstein soon enough.

We saw through the welfare reforms that they did the same again. They didnt tell Keir, they didnt tell the prime minister how bad it was on the backbenches, she said.

Mandelson (left) speaks with his pal Jeffrey Epstein (House Oversight Committee)

She added: I just think that whoevers gatekeeping the information to the prime minister needs to stop. They need to be getting stuff to him much earlier.

The PM has scrambled to defend his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, amid growing pressure over his involvement in the appointment of Lord Mandelson.

Sir Keir insisted he had confidence in Mr McSweeney following reports he personally pushed for him, despite concerns over his links with Epstein.

Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has suggested that the PM will have to decide if Mr McSweeney is a suitable adviser for the future, depending on what did actually happen.

A Labour MP, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussions, told The Independent: Should Morgan McSweeney be in Downing Street? No, of course he should not. He is part of a toxic political culture around the PM.

Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell has also warned: A choice is emerging for Keir. Either McSweeney goes or he does.

Mandelson was sacked this week after mounting pressure on the prime minister (PA Wire)

Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of parliaments foreign affairs committee, is demanding answers from the foreign secretary on the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.

His friendship with Epstein was known before his appointment, but reports in The Sun and Bloomberg showed their relationship continued after the financiers crimes had emerged.

Emails published on Wednesday afternoon included passages in which Lord Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein, I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

Sir Keir is under pressure after the second scandal-hit departure for the government in a week, after Angela Rayner quit over her tax affairs.

Backbencher Clive Lewis publicly questioned Sir Keirs leadership, telling the BBC the prime minister does not seem up to the job.

Barry Gardiner, another MP from the partys backbenches, said toxic resentment was festering among the partys MPs and rank-and-file members.

Lucy Powell, one of two candidates in the race to take Ms Rayners place as the Labour Partys deputy leader, called for a change of culture.

Weve got a bit of a groupthink happening at the top, that culture of not being receptive to interrogation, not being receptive to differing views, she told The Guardian.

But the new foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said during a trip to Ukraine that the decision to sack Lord Mandelson had been rightly taken as she backed Sir Keirs strong leadership.

Scotland secretary Douglas Alexander told BBC Breakfast he understood why Labour MPs were despondent after the past weeks events, but insisted action had been taken.
A rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and attended by more than 110,000 people was marred by violence on Saturday, with officers making dozens of arrests after clashes broke out with police.

Many attended the Unite the Kingdom event in central London with the intent to cause trouble, said Met Police assistant commissioner Matt Twist, who said 25 arrests had been made and 26 officers injured.

The events led home secretary Shabana Mahmood to condemn protesters who attacked and injured police, vowing that anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.

There was also outcry over the appearance of Elon Musk, who, in conversation with Robinson on stage via a video link, called for the dissolution of parliament, while encouraging Britons to fight back or die over the destruction of Britain caused by massive uncontrolled migration.

In response, a Labour source told The Independent: Threats of violence have no place in our politics, and every politician who believes in democracy should distance themselves from these disgusting comments.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the Tesla boss doesnt care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.

For latest reaction to Saturdays march - click here to visit our live blog

Police officers confront supporters of Tommy Robinson on Saturday (Reuters)

At least 110,000 people arrived in central London to attend the freedom of speech march, which went from Waterloo to Whitehall, and was called the biggest far-right demonstration in British history by campaign group Hope not Hate.

Meanwhile, 5,000 anti-racism campaigners congregated for counterprotests, with more than 1,600 officers deployed across the city in a bid to prevent clashes.

Aerial pictures captured a sea of Union and St Georges flags, while on the ground the protesters shouted chants including our streets and the people united will never be defeated. Some targeted prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was pictured watching Arsenal at the Emirates some five miles away.

Arriving at Whitehall, the demonstrators gathered at a stage to hear speeches from Laurence Fox, Katie Hopkins and Robinson, but some faced off with counter protesters over a line of police officers, some carrying riot shields.

Tommy Robinson speaks during the Unite the Kingdom march (AP)

Smashed bottles, Union flags, beer cans, flag poles and horse manure were among the debris littered across the metres-wide gap separating the two groups.

The Met said there has been significant aggression aimed at officers by the Robinson protesters, with extra officers deployed to deal with the disorder.

Mr Twist said: There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse, making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.

He said of the 26 officers hurt, four were injured seriously, with broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury. We are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks, he added.

Elon Musk called for the dissolution of parliament during his conversation with Tommy Robinson over a video link (X/Tommy Robinson)

Ms Mahmood, who was appointed home secretary just last week as part of Sir Keirs cabinet reshuffle, said: The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of todays protest was peaceful.

But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers. Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.

Minister Torsten Bell told The Independent that the number of people attending the march were far more than Id like, but dwarfed by the millions that understand real patriotism means loving your country as it actually is, not hating its diversity or trying to exploit its challenges.

Tens of thousands arrived in the capital to attend the Unite the Kingdom protest (PA Wire)

Lisa Smart, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson, told The Independent: The right to peaceful protest is an important cornerstone of our democracy. Anyone attacking police officers who are simply trying to do their job and keep us all safe should face the full force of the law. Far right thugs taking part in this kind of violence do not speak for Britain.

There was further political reaction after Mr Musk, owner of X, accused the government of failing to protect children who are getting gang-raped. In January, the tech billionaire attacked Sir Keir over Labours handling of grooming gangs.

Mr Musk told the crowds: Theres this genuine risk of rape and murder and the destruction of the country and the dissolution of the entire way of life. If you werent under a massive attack then people should go about their business and live their lives but unfortunately if the fight comes to you, you dont have a choice.

He warned them that violence is coming to you, adding you either fight back or you die.

Footage from the Metropolitan Police shows police officers preventing a crowd of Unite the Kingdom protesters trying to access sterile areas (Metropolitan Police/PA)

And he said: I really think that theres got to be a change of government in Britain. You cant  we dont have another four years, or whenever the next election is, its too long. Somethings got to be done. Theres got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held.

The crowd responded to his appearance with cheers and chants of Elon Musk and Elon.

But the comments were met by condemnation across the political divide last night.

There was also anger from James frontman, Tim Booth, who said the group is looking into our options after their smash hit Sit Down was used in a video posted by Robinson, highlighting the size of the protest.

Meanwhile, the counterprotest, dubbed March Against Fascism, chanted stand up, fight back and we are the women, we wont be silenced, stop the fascists now, now, now, now as they marched from Russell Square towards parliament.

Diane Abbott urged Sir Keir to call the recent asylum hotel demonstrations racist, as a number have been held throughout the summer in the lead up to Saturdays Unite rally.
Twosome: Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal returned from the international break with a rousing 3-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners were looking for a reaction after their defeat to Liverpool, and produced a confident performance to secure a vital three points in Ange Postecoglous first game as Forest manager.

Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, volleying home to give Arsenal a deserved lead.

Viktor Gyokeres quickly doubled Arsenals lead after half-time as he tapped home from Eberechi Ezes cross before Zubimendi headed home in the 79th minute to seal a comfortable three points.

(REUTERS)

Eze dazzles on full debut

Eberechi Ezes move to Arsenal signified a full-circle moment for the midfielder, rejected by the Gunners as a teenager.

Its evidently a point of pride for Eze that he can now pull on the red and white of Arsenal.

That, however, is not to say he plays as though he has a point to prove.

Eze knows he has long been good enough to play at this level, and it showed in his performance against Forest.

This was a confident full debut from the 27-year-old as he picked his way through Forests midfield.

Ezes game is all about control, and he showed real composure to set himself before squaring for Gyokeres to tap home. This was a performance that, while perhaps not complete, was full of encouraging glimpses; subtle changes of pace, neat touches, and a keen understanding of where the space was.

Eze is still getting up to speed. There were moments in the first half when he could have got his shot off quicker, but overall, this was a positive first start.

Arsenal have at times been criticised for their dogmatic approach under Mikel Arteta, but with Eze in the side, they feel like a team unburdened.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Madueke steps up in Sakas absence

A lot had been made of Noni Maduekes 52 million move to the Emirates.

A torrent of online abuse before the winger had even kicked a ball for Arsenal was uncomfortable and completely uncalled for.

The way in which Madueke has handled the situation, though, has been courageous, and after an excellent intentional break with England, the 23-year-old looks ready to make good on the potential he showed in glimpses during two and a half years with Chelsea.

Madueke ran Forest full-back Morato into the ground in a relentless opening 45 minutes, taking it upon himself to lead Arsenals attack as he hunted for the byline at every opportunity.

Madueke combined a daring attitude with a touch of quality, and got his reward when his corner, one of several excellent deliveries he produced, was nodded out to Zubimendi to volley home.

This was not just a performance full of attacking verve, though, and Arteta will be delighted with how hard Madueke worked out of possession to help Arsenal keep the pressure on.

Arteta has no doubt Madueke can compete for minutes on the right wing up against Bukayo Saka, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and there was nothing in todays performance to suggest he couldnt make that position his own.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mosquera an able deputy for Saliba

In previous seasons, Arsenal have struggled to cope with the absence of William Saliba.

Now, though, they seem to have a robust and reliable answer to the French centre-half in Cristhian Mosquera.

The 21-year-old built on an impressive performance against Liverpool with an equally assured display as Arsenal coasted to victory over Forest.

It was a dominant performance from Arsenal, who limited the visitors to just one shot on target, and Mosquera thrived alongside Gabriel to secure the Gunners third clean sheet in four games.

The young defender, in just his second game following his 13million move from Valencia, helped Arsenal keep Forest under the cosh by stepping into midfield, and he crowned an assured display with a brilliant last-ditch tackle on Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Arsenals success in recent seasons has been built on a solid defence, but they have previously struggled to react to injuries to Saliba and Gabriel.

Arsenals summer business centred around adding depth to a squad that are hoping to challenge for the Premier League title again this season, and Mosquera is evidence of the work the club have done to help them compete on four fronts.
Elon Musk on screen at the unite the kingdom demonstration in central London on Saturday. Photograph: YouTube

Elon Musk has called for a dissolution of parliament and a change of government in the UK while addressing a crowd attending a unite the kingdom rally in London, organised by the far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson.

Related: Police assaulted as far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson sparks clashes

Musk, the owner of X, who dialled in via a video link and spoke to Robinson while thousands watched and listened, also railed against the woke mind virus and told the crowd that violence is coming and that you either fight back or you die.

He said: I really think that theres got to be a change of government in Britain. You cant  we dont have another four years, or whenever the next election is, its too long.

Somethings got to be done. Theres got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held.

This is not the first time Musk has involved himself in British politics. He started a war of words with the UK government over grooming gangs and also criticised 2023s Online Safety Act, calling the legislation a threat to free speech.

He had a warm relationship with Nigel Farage, and there were even rumours he could channel a donation to his party before the Tesla boss called for the Reform UK leader to be replaced during a dispute over his support for Robinson.

Musk told the crowd in central London: My appeal is to British common sense, which is to look carefully around you and say: If this continues, what world will you be living in?

This is a message to the reasonable centre, the people who ordinarily wouldnt get involved in politics, who just want to live their lives. They dont want that, theyre quiet, they just go about their business.

My message is to them: if this continues, that violence is going to come to you, you will have no choice. Youre in a fundamental situation here.

Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die, thats the truth, I think.

Musk also told the crowd the left are the party of murder, referring to the death of Charlie Kirk.

He said: Theres so much violence on the left, with our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week and people on the left celebrating it openly. The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder. I mean, let that sink in for a minute, thats who were dealing with here.

He also criticised what he called the woke mind virus and said decisions for advancement should be on merit rather than discrimination on the basis of sex, or religion or any race or anything else.

He said: A lot of the woke stuff is actually super-racist, its super-sexist and often its anti-religion, but only anti-Christian, like why anti-Christian? Thats unfair  that should be all that matters, the woke mind virus, that I call it, is against all that.

More than 110,000 people were estimated to have taken part in the far-right street rally, in what is thought to be one of the largest nationalist events in decades. The marchers were faced by about 5,000 anti-racist counter-protesters.

In addition to Musk, figures including Katie Hopkins and French far-right politician Eric Zemmour were invited to speak at the event.

PA Media contributed to this report
A former New Jersey cop has been jailed for hacking 5,000 college student email accounts and posting nude photos of his victims in what prosecutors called an extremely nightmarish invasion of privacy.

Ayron Taylor, from Moorestown, was recently sentenced to 12 years in prison after he had engaged in illegal computer activity as a police officer for the Mount Laurel Township, less than a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia, according to the Burlington County Prosecutors Office.

Taylor, 25, had hacked into the social media accounts of several women and shared their nude photos, investigators had found.

His first victim raised alarm bells after she contacted Evesham Township police about two years ago, reporting her Snapchat and Facebook accounts had been hacked by an unknown person who then sent nude photos she had taken of herself to her Snapchat contacts, messaged them to her Facebook friends, and posted them on her Facebook wall, the prosecutors office said in a press release.

Ayron Taylor, a 25-year-old former New Jersey cop, has been jailed for hacking 5,000 college student email accounts and posting nude photos of his victims, prosecutors say (Burlington County Prosecutor's Office)

Investigators found all the victims had a student email account with Rowan College at Burlington County, about a 10-minute drive from Mount Laurel. The prosecutors office said Taylor hacked 5,000 of these college email accounts in the scheme.

The prosecutors office said the college cooperated with investigators.

Taylor pleaded guilty in March to Elements of Computer Theft and Official Misconduct.

You cannot hide from us in cyberspace  we are there, too, and we know how to find you, Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a statement.

This was an extremely nightmarish invasion of privacy for these victims, Bradshaw continued. It was made even more egregious by the fact that the person who was terrorizing these young ladies was a law enforcement officer.

Taylor, who had been on the force since October 2021, was suspended after he was initially charged. He later resigned after measures were taken to terminate his employment, according to the prosecutors office.
Mounted police officers face demonstrators called to Tommy Robinsons unite the kingdom rally in Trafalgar Square. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The anti-fascist counter-protesters who had turned out to oppose Saturdays far-right march in central London had not anticipated being unable to leave.

But more than six hours after they first gathered, they were trapped, surrounded on all sides by their opponents, who were kept at bay by lines of riot police.

Seeking violence, many of the protesters who attended the unite the kingdom march splintered off from the main 110,000-strong group after the initial march, catching the police off-guard by filing down side streets off Whitehall.

When they came up behind the counter-protesters to take over Trafalgar Square, they cut off the only exit.

One officer said the police were being attacked on all fronts as they were almost overwhelmed by the masses of aggressive supporters of the far-right agitator Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who calls himself Tommy Robinson.

The officer said colleagues had needed to urgently scramble to bring their helmets and shields to the frontline after they suddenly realised they were facing off with aggressive men clad in the flag of St George, who, it seemed, had not come for a peaceful march.

Riot police were rapidly erecting barricades to try to contain hostile and missile-throwing protesters as they focused on the gathered counter-protesters, who ended up kettled in one section of the street.

Is there a way we can get through? an anxious woman asked a police sergeant after a few hours. Weve got a train booked back to Newcastle.

Im afraid not, he said. Nobodys getting through at all at the moment. Its not safe to let anyone out.

Why the Met had not expected marchers to take over Trafalgar Square was a question on the lips of many of the counter-protesters who were drawn from trade unions and anti-racist groups, and were outnumbered by about 20 to one by those attending the far-right rally.

That some of the crowd so quickly turned to violence was unsurprising, as the nationalist flag-waving group were worked up to a lather by racist and Islamophobic speeches.

Related: Elon Musk calls for dissolution of parliament at far-right rally in London

Yaxley-Lennon himself introduced a survivor of the Rotherham grooming scandal on stage by asking: How hasnt there been a revolution already about this rape jihad against our daughters?

Any semblance of unity that Yaxley-Lennon claimed to be calling for was shown to be a ludicrous facade when the speakers got talking to the crowd.

Eric Zemmour, a French far-right politician, said the freedom of our peoples is in danger from a great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture. You and we are being colonised by our former colonies.

Elon Musk, appearing via video link, told the crowd: Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die, thats the truth, I think.

When violence inevitably erupted, one of Yaxley-Lennons supporters could be seen standing on a barricade, using a megaphone in a futile attempt to call for calm after being brought in by police.

Fireworks and bottles were lobbed at mounted police and, at one point, an injured Yaxley-Lennon supporter with blood pouring from a head wound was carried through a barrier by police medics and pulled through the crowd of anti-fascists who jeered and shouted: Nazi scum.

Though holding a bandage to his head, he still managed to spit at those shouting at him.

Within the anti-fascist ranks, moments of joy and levity cut through the gloomy day.

Realising they were likely to be trapped for some time, dozens of the counter-protesters exhibited some creative dance moves to an eclectic selection of music belted out from their sound system, which included Kneecap and Diana Ross.

One group who had not anticipated being trapped were the Graell family, on holiday from Barcelona. They had been to the National Gallery that morning and chose to go to the Silver Cross pub on Whitehall for lunch, unaware of the events about to unfold.

Then when we wanted to go out, we couldnt leave, said Elisenda, adding that it was the first time in London for her parents, Joan Maria and Empar. It has been interesting.

Over time, the police slowly gained control as a couple of heavy bouts of rain thinned the far-right crowd, who were pushed back enough to make a path for the counter-protesters to escape.

By 6.45pm a cleanup operation of the broken glass and empty beer cans had already begun in the area reclaimed by police from the marchers, though a couple of hundred still languished in Trafalgar Square draped in their cold, soggy flags.

An Asian employee of a magic-themed souvenir shop, which had locked down during attacks on the police outside, appeared stoic as he washed away vomit from outside the front door with a large bottle of water.
In a shocking moment on Fox News on the morning of September 10, Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade apparently advocated for the killing of mentally ill homeless people during a discussion.

He also suggested it could be done through involuntary lethal injection.

The remarks were made during a segment about the recent murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in North Carolina by a homeless person with schizophrenia and an extensive criminal history.

Co-host Lawrence Jones said that while there is compassion regarding the mental health crisis, we shouldn't have to live in fear while authorities figure out what to do.

Put him in a mental institution, put him in a jail, and you guys figure it out. But people having to duck and dive on the trains and the buses, walking through the street, this is one case, but this is happening all across the country, and it's not a money issue. They have given billions of dollars to mental health and the homeless population, Jones said.

.@kilmeade is advocating for extrajudicial killings on FOX, yet Matthew Dowd was fired by MSNBC pointing out Charlie Kirks dangerous rhetoric. This moral asymmetry in the media and online is destroying democracy. https://t.co/PRTHTkaMlm  Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) September 13, 2025

A lot of them don't want to take the programs, a lot of them don't want to get the help that is necessary. You can't give them a choice. Either you take the resources that we're going to give you and  or you decide that you are going to be locked up in jail. That's the way it has to be now, he added.

Kilmeade interjected: Or involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill em.

Yeah, Jones adds.

Fellow co-host Ainsley Earhardt then said: Yeah, Brian, why did it have to get to this point?

Kilmeade then said that people in cities with large homeless populations were voting for the wrong elected officials, telling people in North Carolina to wake up.

You can't put  keep putting these people in power, he continued. They woke up in Los Angeles, they got a stronger D.A. They woke up, and they got rid of Chesa Boudin in San Francisco. Hopefully, they will get rid of this terrible guy, Alvin Bragg, in New York.

He then advocated for North Carolinians to vote for Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 Senate race in the state, blaming Democratic Governor Roy Cooper for these terrible laws.

Cooper is leaving the governors mansion and running with the hope of replacing Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who has announced his retirement. In early polling, Cooper has a lead over Whatley, though neither has secured their partys primary race yet, which takes place in March 2026.

Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade advocates for involuntary euthanasia for homeless people with mental problems on Sept. 10, 2025 (Fox News Channel)

These are the people in North Carolina. Purple leaning red state. They got a big choice. On this element, it is political. Because it's political, because politics has to change this, said Kilmeade.

There was outrage online over the comments, with calls for Kilmeade to resign.

Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia tweeted: Americas homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

He continued: Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murderits sick.

Author Shannon Watts posted: [Brian Kilmeade] is advocating for extrajudicial killings on FOX, yet Matthew Dowd was fired by MSNBC [for] pointing out Charlie Kirks dangerous rhetoric. This moral asymmetry in the media and online is destroying democracy.

Sarah Longwell, founder and publisher of the conservative site The Bulwark, wrote: My god. What is happening?

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has received plenty of criticism for his own policies on homelessness, posted the Biblical quote Proverbs 21:13: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

The Independent has approached Fox News for comment.
When graphic videos go viral, like the recent fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, it can feel impossible to protect yourself from seeing things you did not consent to see. But there are steps you can take.

Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not protect your peace of mind.

The major platforms have also reduced their content moderation efforts over the past year or so. That means upsetting content can reach you even when you never chose to watch it.

You do not have to watch every piece of content that crosses your screen, however. Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial.

As a researcher who studies ways to counteract the negative effects of social media on mental health and well-being, I believe its a way of safeguarding the bandwidth you need to stay engaged, compassionate and effective.

US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, shortly before he was shot dead (via REUTERS)

Why this matters

Research shows that repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media can increase stress, heighten anxiety and contribute to feelings of helplessness. These effects are not just short-term. Over time, they erode the emotional resources you rely on to care for yourself and others.

Protecting your attention is a form of care. Liberating your attention from harmful content is not withdrawal. It is reclaiming your most powerful creative force: your consciousness.

Just as with food, not everything on the table is meant to be eaten. You wouldnt eat something spoiled or toxic simply because it was served to you. In the same way, not every piece of media laid out in your feed deserves your attention. Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.

And while you can choose what you keep in your own kitchen cabinets, you often have less control over what shows up in your feeds. That is why it helps to take intentional steps to filter, block and set boundaries.

About the author

Annie Margaret is a Teaching Assistant Professor of Creative Technology & Design at the ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder. This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article

Practical steps you can take

Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos. Here are four that I recommend:

Turn off autoplay or limit sensitive content. Note that these settings can vary depending on device, operating system and app version, and can change.

Use keyword filters. Most platforms allow you to mute or block specific words, phrases or hashtags. This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.

Curate your feed. Unfollow accounts that regularly share disturbing images. Follow accounts that bring you knowledge, connection or joy instead.

Set boundaries. Reserve phone-free time during meals or before bed. Research shows that intentional breaks reduce stress and improve well-being.

Taking an intentional break from social media can reduce stress (Getty Images/iStock)

Reclaim your agency

Social media is not neutral. Its algorithms are engineered to hold your attention, even when that means amplifying harmful or sensational material. Watching passively only serves the interests of the social media companies. Choosing to protect your attention is a way to reclaim your agency.

The urge to follow along in real time can be strong, especially during crises. But choosing not to watch every disturbing image is not neglect; it is self-preservation. Looking away protects your ability to act with purpose. When your attention is hijacked, your energy goes into shock and outrage. When your attention is steady, you can choose where to invest it.

You are not powerless. Every boundary you set  whether it is turning off autoplay, filtering content or curating your feed  is a way of taking control over what enters your mind. These actions are the foundation for being able to connect with others, help people and work for meaningful change.

A vigil to remember conservative activist Charlie Kirk (AP)

More resources

Im the executive director of the Post-Internet Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate the psychological and social challenges of life online. With my team, I designed the evidence-backed PRISM intervention to help people manage their social media use.

Our research-based program emphasizes agency, intention and values alignment as the keys to developing healthier patterns of media consumption. You can try the PRISM process for yourself with an online class I am launching through Coursera in October 2025. You can find the course, Values Aligned Media Consumption, by searching for Annie Margaret at the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera. The course is aimed at anyone 18 and over, and the videos are free to watch.
The frontman of the band James has said the group is examining its options after Tommy Robinson used its song in a video without permission.

The far-right figure used the indie bands smash hit Sit Down in a video posted on X to highlight the size of the protest he organised in London on Saturday.

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people gathered in Whitehall for the Unite the Kingdom event spearheaded by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon.

The disgusted frontman of the band James has said the group are examining their options after Tommy Robinson used their song in a video without permission (Getty)

At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured at the demonstration.

Robinson posted the video on X made up of aerial footage of the rally to show the size of the crowd  and used James song Sit Down to accompany it.

The former English Defence League leader captioned the clip: Britain is awake, we are no longer afraid, you will not take our right to free speech @Keir_Starmer WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK.

But James frontman Tim Booth hit back in his own post on X, describing the far-right rally as the antithesis of what his bands song stands for.

Around 110,000 people were estimated by police to have gathered in Whitehall for the Unite the Kingdom event spearheaded by Robinson (PA Wire)

He wrote: Disgusted to see the cynical use of Sit Down by @TRobinsonNewEra.

No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.

The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and its the antithesis of this organization.

Saturdays rally, which featured a guest appearance from Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, was faced by a counter-protest with 5,000 anti-racism campaigners.

The two groups were divided by a line of police horses and officers  some carrying riot shields  with one side waving placards that said refugees welcome. Stop the far right and the other flying Union and St Georges flags, as they stared each other down and continued to chant.

Tommy Robinson (right) attends the Unite The Kingdom rally on Saturday alongside Laurence Fox (left) and Katie Hopkins (centre) (Getty Images)

If a bands work has been copyrighted and is used unlawfully, they can initially issue a formal request in the form of a case and desist letter for the accused party to stop using their work, according to the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP).

It can then file a lawsuit for copyright infringement if no appropriate action is taken, which can lead damages payments or prevent the infringing party from using their work in future if successful.

Synchronisation licenses are necessary for using music in audio-visual projects, including in online videos where music is synchronised with visual content, the ICMP said.
Politic's read - questions over Starmer's future Illustration: Guardian Design

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There has been a joke going around Labour MPs over the past week about three envelopes in Soviet Russia. Whenever you run into trouble, open them in order, the instructions go. Envelope one says: Blame your predecessor. So he does  and it works. The party officials are satisfied. A year later, problems arise again. He opens envelope two. It says: Restructure the organisation.

He does a big reshuffle, changes some titles, and again buys himself some time. Finally, another crisis comes. He opens envelope three. It says: Prepare three envelopes.

The problem for Keir Starmer is that the MPs sharing the joke believe he has already opened his first two. It is becoming increasingly hard to find anybody in the Labour party who will argue that things are going anything other than disastrously for the government.

They fear that attempts to deal with the multiple difficulties faced by the prime minister over the past year  many of them self-inflicted errors such as the winter fuel payment decision, the freebies row and the handling of welfare cuts  have instead unleashed more chaos.

The most recent example of this is the sacking of Peter Mandelson. When ministers warned that his scandal-ridden history indicated he was more of a risk than an asset  even when the security services allegedly shared concerns  Starmer went ahead and appointed him.

Then, even though Mandelson had warned publicly that more embarrassing emails from him to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were about to be published, Starmer defended him at prime ministers questions.

With his political judgment repeatedly questioned, Labour people turn to his vision for Britain. The problem is they cant identify what the prime minister really believes in. Allies say he doesnt like the V word and has made no secret of being a distinctly non-ideological politician.

Instead, he believes the government should demonstrate change by making a material difference to peoples lives, through schools, the NHS, the immigration system and the economy, even if that is in relatively slow, incremental steps.

Its hopeless, one minister said. Too many people feel the country is in decline and the only route back is big, radical solutions. Were doing lots of good stuff but it barely gets noticed. It just doesnt hit the mark.

The question being asked in the tea rooms and bars and corridors of Westminster is whether Starmer is up to the task of finding the solutions the country needs. And, increasingly, the conclusion reached among MPs is: No.

There are, of course, those in government and close to Starmer who urge calm. One veteran party figure said: I dont know what theyre all panicking about. Keir is sitting on a massive majority and its more than three years until the next election. Theyve got time to turn things around.

But the doubt has set in. Not just that Starmer has shown a lack of political judgment, ideological vision, or  especially when compared with the charisma of Nigel Farage  personality. But that he never had it in the first place.

No governing party as far back as the 1980s has seen its polling fall so far in its first year in power. And with the rise of Reform UK, Labour MPs worry that time is running out.

The question of how

It is not unusual or surprising for MPs to grumble about their party leaders  nor to discuss how they might theoretically get rid of them and replace them with somebody else.

But this time it appears to be more than just idle gossip. The Guardian has spoken to MPs, ministers  including at cabinet level  and party officials who claim that below-the-radar operations to oust the prime minister are already in place.

The conversation has moved on from if. Now its about who and how, one MP involved in plotting said. The summer recess, when the government vacated the public arena and allowed Reform UK to shape the narrative, crystallised the need for a change.

Before then, there were quite a lot of people saying weve got to make it work. We came back after the summer, the mood had significantly hardened, one MP said.

People in their constituencies have been getting terrible feedback. Farage has been everywhere. The mood was: this has been a fucking disaster. Weve been given nothing to do. The government just cleared the pitch.

Others have been reflecting on the timing, with the general view that next Mays local elections  with Wales and dozens of councils in the north of England at risk of falling to Reform, and Scotland staying in the hands of the SNP  are a moment of particular peril for Starmer.

But some dont believe Starmer can survive even that long. After Downing Streets leaden-footed response to the Mandelson row, furious MPs turned their ire on Morgan McSweeney, the No 10 chief of staff. But for most he is just a lightning rod for all their anger and disappointment.

Im not even sure Starmer can survive until May, one Blair-era cabinet minister said. The mood is dire. The message from pretty much across the board was that one more major issue like Rayner/Peter and the dam would burst. But this is the Labour party so we shall see.

Labour is not known for regicide. Unlike the Conservatives, there is no 1922 Committee to write to, nor a device that prompts a confidence vote. The Labour party, ironically, acts more like a gentlemans club. If a vote of confidence is called and carried, a leader might be expected to do the honourable thing and resign. But Jeremy Corbyn did not resign when 80% of his MPs did not back him.

Over the summer recess, some ambitious MPs from the new intake met up away from Westminster to discuss the dire state of the polls. Many of them have long careers close to or within Labour, and know well the particular difficulties of the partys leadership system when it comes to the prospect of removing an unpopular leader.

Under the party rules, unless there is a vacancy, potential challengers need the support of at least 20% of MPs  meaning there is a threshold of 80 to trigger a contest. Starmer would automatically be on the ballot if he wished.

Alternatively, if Starmers personal approval rating doesnt improve, his praetorian guard  potentially including McSweeney  could advise him it was time to stand down for the sake of the country, although they would also be putting themselves out of a job.

The question of who

Even for those MPs who feel they have answered the how part of the equation, there remains a great deal of uncertainty about the who. If we learnt one thing from the Tories, it should be that you must have a plan before you act. I dont think there is a perfect candidate in the current cabinet, said one MP.

With Angela Rayner forced to stand down from government and a future comeback looking uncertain, the bookies favourite is, at least for now, firmly out of the picture. As the figure to whom the party would almost certainly have turned, her departure offers Starmer a lifeline.

Other names on the soft left of the party that get thrown into the mix include Ed Miliband, who MPs say has not ruled out a comeback, and Louise Haigh, the sacked transport secretary known to be a formidable organiser.

On the right of the party, some MPs remain loyal to Wes Streeting as a future leader. He has 10 times the charisma, one said. But I dont know what his path is without some kind of deal with the left to prevent a contest. He could have done with Angela, maybe. But I dont know what that really looks like now.

Allies claim that private polling of the membership is more encouraging for Streeting than might be expected. He is understood to have always been McSweeneys preferred choice as a successor, and the two men are close. But he also almost lost his seat at the general election, over Gaza.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, who is running for the deputy leadership, and Shabana Mahmood, the impressive new home secretary, also have ambitions that could yet be thwarted by a left-leaning membership. Neither has a leadership operation in place, although Phillipson will presumably build one for the deputy race and some MPs are already acting as outriders for Mahmood.

The one name, however, that has attracted more and more warmth over recent months is that of Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester. MPs have shared data showing he is the only Labour politician with a net positive rating from the public. A third of the UK sees him favourably which is the political equivalent of a rave review.

Burnham also reaches across the party. The Guardian has spoken to individuals in both the centrist Labour Growth Group of MPs and in the Socialist Campaign Group who have all come to the conclusion that he is the only option.

He has backed Mainstream, a new network set up to change Labours direction, and which will inevitably be seen as a vehicle that could be quickly transformed into a leadership operation if needed. When asked by the Guardian last week, Burnham did not rule out the possibility of running in a future leadership contest with the networks support.

Burnham is not an MP and therefore is not eligible to run but this is not an insurmountable problem. Senior Labour party figures revealed that an existing Manchester MP who is in ill health is ready to stand down, causing a byelection  the party leadership is likely to do everything it can to block it.

One Burnham ally said: Andy is ready to come back but it needs to be asap. He needs to be in place before the May elections in order to be ready. He also needs to be upfront about why he wants to come back and challenge the leadership to defy the partys wishes.

But even among those who think Starmer has to go there is still uncertainty about the wisdom of such a move. Theres a calculation that needs to be made, one cabinet minister said. We might get a boost if we put in place a different leader and they quickly get a grip. But theres a danger that were basically saying to the country that were the same as the Tories.

Could doing better save Starmer?

So what can Starmer do about it? His allies say he is deeply frustrated that, having spent the summer thinking about how to improve government delivery and reshape the narrative, his efforts have been so spectacularly undermined by all the noise and nonsense of recent days.

Frankly, it has been derailed by a deputy prime minister who wasnt able to get her tax affairs in order or her story straight, and the serial lies and deceit of Peter Mandelson, a source close to Starmer said.

No one is oblivious to the scale of the challenge or the need to be better, least of all Keir. We know its a difficult time and MPs are worried about their own majorities. Were more aware than anyone that things are very febrile.

They insisted that Starmer, as a decent, sensible, pragmatic leader was uniquely well placed to take on Nigel Farages rightwing populists and their exploitation of grievance and narrative of failure.

We need an antidote to Farage and Trump, not our own version of it. The antidote is delivering change and making lives better. He knows he needs to do that. And he knows we need to do better, one said.

But even before the May local elections there are dangerous flashpoints for the prime minister. While rising public concern over small boat crossings and the potential for tax rises in the budget were always going to be difficult challenges, with the existing mood of the party, either could now bring him down.

And yet even among the small handful of people who are actively plotting Starmers downfall, there is a fear that even a shiny new leader would be overcome by the deep systemic challenges facing the country, and help usher in the age of Farage.

This government is adrift  bobbing like a tiny cork on waves it does not have the courage to battle, said one government insider. But even Thatcher and Blair would be struggling right now. The mix of global issues, economic disaster zone, public services crisis and immigration is a truly horrendous cocktail.
Keir Starmer is facing growing questions over his leadership of the Labour party and the country after a disastrous fortnight.

In the last two weeks his deputy prime minister had to resign after she admitted she had not paid enough tax, his ambassador to Washington was sacked in a row over his links to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his long-planned government reset appears to have fallen flat.

The PM is now facing increasing demands to explain what he knew and when over Lord Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein  and defend his decision to appoint the Labour grandee, forced to resign from government twice already.

Some Labour MPs believe a major change is needed in their government including, potentially, a change of leader.

A new campaigning group within the party, Mainstream, was launched by Andy Burnham this week and could become a vehicle for precisely that new direction.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from his own party in a week where he stood by British ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson - then sacked him (PA Wire)

What is Mainstream?

The group says it is the home for Labours radical realists and is serious about winning a democratic socialist future.

It has used polling carried out by Survation on behalf of another Labour group, Compass, as its springboard.

That poll in August showed overwhelming support among Labour members for the party to have a more radical offer on issues including economy and child poverty, among other issues.

We believe the voices of these radical realists, the vast majority of the Labour Party, must be heard and heeded, a statement from the party read.

Andy Burnham has been dubbed the King in the North - but does he have wider ambitions? (AFP via Getty Images)

What has Mainstream said since its launch?

A lot. Earlier this week it released a very punchy quote about the Lord Mandelson affair, which accused Starmer of running a narrow and brittle political project and putting party factionalism over country - which did little to dampen speculation about future leadership bids.

At the time Luke Hurst, Mainstreams national coordinator, was quoted as saying: Peter Mandelsons inevitable sacking is what happens when you put your party factions interest before your party and before the country.

If Starmer keeps running a narrow and brittle political project it will break him and could break the Labour Party. We need a government and party of all the talents and all the views.

Could Burnham use it to help launch a leadership bid?

In a word  yes. It is already being seen by many Labour MPs as key plank of a possible move by Mr Burnham, dubbed by some within Labour "the King in the North".

The new network is viewed as a vehicle that could be swiftly changed into a leadership operation if one was needed.

Previous groups like Momentum and Labour Together were seen as helping Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer win the leadership respectively.

One Labour MP told the Independent: I think the leadership is in a death spiral. All the talk, all the missions, all it came down to was growth- and that is stalling.

I dont agree with every Andy Burnham says. But if it comes down to it, if Reform do well at the next election and we have to work with other parties like the Lib Dems and the Greens? The current leadership cant do that, not with a lot of their hardline stances. But Andy Burnham can at least work with other parties.

Former Commons leader Lucy Powell has announced a bid for the Labour deputy leadership (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

What about the fact that he is not even an MP at the moment?

Mr Burnham was an MP, and a minister under the last Labour government, but he left Parliament years ago to become the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Many MPs believe a return to Westminster will be straightforward - if he is not blocked by the leadership.

The talk of the MPs tearoom is that a local MP with health issues will stand down, allowing Mr Burnham to charge back to London by winning a by-election.

There is also speculation among some MPs that Lucy Powell, another Manchester MP, who he had back in the deputy leadership race, could swap try to jobs with Mr Burnham and seek to replace him as mayor.

There is dispute about the timing, however, with some believing the best time is before May  when Labour is expected to get hammered in a series of elections, including in Scotland and Wales.

Other argue he should hold off until then, which could offer some much-needed respite for the embattled Sir Keir.
Pat McFadden has vowed to ramp up back-to-work support - Eddie Mulholland

Young people must not be abandoned to a life on sickness benefits, Pat McFadden has said.

As he vowed to ramp up back-to-work support, the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions warned that the welfare system was not working as it should if it signed people off with ill health and then forgets about them for evermore.

In his first interview since taking up his new role, he pledged to put the importance of work very much at the heart of future reforms to the welfare system.

His remarks come after analysis showed that one million Britons are now being paid more in state benefits than workers on the minimum wage earn.

There has been a huge rise in young people being signed off work with ill health, fuelled by a surge in mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression.

Mr McFaddens first visit as the new Work and Pensions Secretary was to Waltham Forest College in North London, where he said I dont want us to give up on any part of a generation of young people - Eddie Mulholland

Mr McFadden said that he wanted to see more support put in place to help those people find jobs.

The last thing we want to do is assess someone just at a snapshot of their life and then forget about them for evermore, he told The Telegraph.

To be assessed once, then they are given whatever benefits theyre entitled to and thats the end of it, thats not the way the system should be.

His remarks come with Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, eyeing up big tax rises at the budget as she battles to fill a 50bn black hole fuelled by a surging welfare bill.

Labour MPs recently rejected plans to cut 5bn from annual sickness benefits spending despite the fact that it is projected to spiral past 100bn by 2030.

It comes with the number of repeat assessments for sickness benefits having collapsed since the pandemic, while the number of claimants has risen sharply.

People applying for sickness benefits have to undergo a work capability assessment, carried out by a Government official, in order to be signed off.

They are then meant to undergo reassessments  typically scheduled for every six months to three years  to determine whether they are still too ill to work.

There were 607,000 such repeat assessments carried out on 3.2 million claimants in 2019, meaning that almost one in five claims was re-checked.

But by 2022, that number had collapsed to 66,000 and it has never recovered. Official figures show that last year 192,000 reassessments were conducted.

This was on 4.2 million people after the number of claimants surged after Covid, representing an annual retesting rate of just 4.7 per cent.

Mr McFadden at Waltham Forest College, where he spoke to students training to be medics in a mock hospital ward - Eddie Mulholland

The Office for Budget Responsibility has said that routine checks are the only proven way to boost the number of people returning to work.

It is sceptical about the impact of employment programmes and has previously refused to include potential savings from them in budget forecasts.

Mr McFadden said that the welfare state must be there for people who have such serious and permanent conditions that they would never be able to work.

But he also insisted that there are at least a proportion of people on long-term sickness and disability benefits who, with the right support in place, could work.

We should be maximising peoples opportunity, he said. To state the obvious, were the Labour Party. Were the party of work.

I want to approach this with sympathy and understanding, but also with the value of work and the importance of work very much at the heart of what we do.

Mr McFadden made the remarks during an interview at Waltham Forest College, in North London, his first visit as the new Work and Pensions Secretary.

During the trip he spoke to students training to be medics in a mock hospital ward and saw young would-be engineers practising how to replace railway tracks.

He was promoted from the Cabinet Office after his predecessor, Liz Kendall, oversaw a botched attempt to slash long-term sickness benefits.

She was forced to U-turn on 5bn a year of planned cuts after Labour MPs organised a massive Commons rebellion which humiliated No 10.

As part of the reshuffle shake-up, the Work and Pensions Department was expanded and given the responsibility for overseeing skills and training.

Downing Street hopes that combining welfare and skills under one roof will help stop the flow of young people leaving school and going straight onto benefits.

Mr McFadden said that the education system needed to start giving businesses people with the skills they need, not what the Government thinks they need.

We dont want to see young people sitting at home doing nothing after theyve finished formal education, he insisted.

I dont want us to give up on any part of a generation of young people. The country should be ambitious for itself and ambitious for them.

The more that we can have good, high-quality skills training, its better for young people themselves, its better for the economy and a better outcome overall.
A lawyer representing families of those killed in Junes devastating Air India crash has dismissed claims that the pilots may have deliberately or mistakenly shut off fuel controls before the aircraft plunged into a building, killing 260 people.

Mike Andrews, who is pursuing lawsuits against Boeing on behalf of more than 100 families, said in an interview with The Independent that the suggestion of self-sabotage or gross pilot error is not only unsupported by evidence but also unjust to the dead.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India, took off from Ahmedabad on 12 June bound for London. Less than two minutes into the journey, the aircraft lost power, veered off course and struck a medical college building near the runway.

All 229 passengers, 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground were killed. Among the victims were 52 British citizens. Only one man, Leicester resident Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived after being thrown clear of the fuselage.

It was the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner, Boeings flagship long-haul aircraft introduced in 2011 and hailed for its fuel efficiency and modern design. The carbon-fibre twin-engined 787 was designed partly as a replacement for Boeings veteran 767  but also to introduce passenger-friendly benefits such as larger windows and higher cabin pressure.

The Air India plane crashed into a medical college on 12 June 2025 (AP)

The Dreamliner was also friendly to airlines bottom lines, burning about 20 per cent less fuel than the 767, and allowed airlines network planners to dream of ultra-long routes.

But Mr Andrews argues that the aircraft had been dogged by technical concerns, particularly involving its potable water system  that supplies safe, drinkable water for passengers and crew  and its proximity to sensitive electronics.

He pointed to a trail of Boeing bulletins to airlines dating back years and recent regulatory warnings from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all raising alarms over water leaks.

Tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident in Ahmedabad (Reuters)

Going back to 2016, 2017 and 2018 there were bulletins to air carriers in the United States to perform waterproofing maintenance, Mr Andrews said.

In particular, it speaks to couplings that join water lines underneath lavatories and galley areas. Ive purchased some of these couplings myself  theyre simple clamshell devices that hold two lines together.

But the way the final shroud is fitted can loosen the latch, and over time that leads to leaks. We know from FAA notices and directives that water has been found on 787s leaking into equipment bays, and in some cases equipment had to be replaced.

The compartment he refers to is the aircrafts electronics equipment bay, or EE bay. It sits beneath the cabin floor and houses the computers that control almost every aspect of the flight, including the full authority digital engine control, known as Fadec.

Air India pilots Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder also died in 12 June crash (Supplied)

The Fadec is essentially the aircrafts engine brain. Unlike older jets, where pilots manually controlled fuel flow, modern engines depend on this computer to regulate thrust, fuel injection and performance.

Fadec is a sophisticated digital computer system in aircraft that automatically controls all aspects of engine performance by receiving data from sensors, calculating optimal settings, and adjusting fuel flow and other engine parameters to maximise efficiency and performance while ensuring safety.

According to the FAA, if the Fadec fails, the engine fails.

Friends and family members mourn near the coffin of co-pilot Clive Kunder (Reuters)

Mr Andrews said a water leak does not have to destroy equipment outright to be dangerous. Even if it doesnt ruin the component, it can trigger a reset. And that cascade can initiate an engine shutdown. In Ahmedabad, we saw both engines shut down or lose thrust within seconds  that is extraordinarily unlikely without a common cause. Water reaching those systems is one plausible explanation.

The FAA itself highlighted the risk only weeks before the crash.

On 14 May, the regulator issued an Airworthiness Directive  an order that requires mandatory checks  warning that water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings had been reported, and that such leaks could cause equipment in the EE bays to become wet resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight.

The father and mother of pilot Sumeet Sabharwal offer prayers as they stand next to the body of their son in Mumbai (Reuters)

The directive ordered inspections of Dreamliners for missing sealant and moisture barriers.

Yet Mr Andrews said the directive lacked urgency.

My understanding is that this directive wasnt due to take effect until about six days after our crash. Obviously theres insufficient urgency when something has apparently been known by Boeing for years. Aviation safety affects everyone.

And one concern is that the FAA has authority inside the United States, but outside the US things often lose urgency, whether its political protection or simply a breakdown in communication.

The Independent has reached out to Boeing seeking a response on the allegations.

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has floated a different possibility.

A preliminary report, published in July, said both of the planes fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after take-off, stopping fuel supply to the engine.

In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so, the report read.

That has fuelled theories of self-sabotage by pilots, or that one of them mistakenly switched the fuel supply off.

Mr Andrews cautioned against drawing such a conclusion.

The plane, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off (AP)

We dont know what that exchange refers to. If there has been a reset of the Fadec or the electrical bus  essentially the main breaker system  then in that moment one pilots panel could shut down. Is it possible he was saying, Why did you turn it off? about his own controls? We dont know. Thats the point. It is premature conjecture to solely blame the pilots when we dont yet have all the data.

He said such insinuations are deeply damaging for victims families.

The way the preliminary report was issued, the way it leaves out critical data, the way it insinuates rather than calls out what happened, has caused our clients to all question transparency.

They are not convinced by the pilot error narrative. And I have cautioned them all to be patient, because it is just as wrong to blame the pilots without information as it would be for me to unequivocally blame Boeing without data. What we are saying is: wait for the full evidence.

Family members and relatives of Akash Patni, a victim of the Air India plane crash, grieve during his funeral procession in Ahmedabad (AP)

Part of that evidence may come from whistleblowers. Mr Andrews confirmed that four individuals with what he described as vital technical and engineering information have contacted his team since the crash.

While he declined to identify their backgrounds, he said they included individuals from different layers of the aerospace industry.

That doesnt necessarily mean they are inside Boeing, he said. The aviation industry has layers  subcontractors, maintenance engineers, suppliers. Weve been contacted by people whove done their own analysis as well as people with direct aerospace experience. Whats important is to keep our field of view broad so we dont miss something by focusing too early on one theory.

While Mr Andrews confirmed that they have not yet filed a lawsuit in court, his legal team is gathering evidence and has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in the United States to obtain data from the flight recorders.

The Indian authorities have so far said they intend to keep the analysis within India.

There are also other concerns. Mr Andrews said his team is curious about whether leaks could have affected the lithium-ion batteries located in the tail section of the Dreamliner.

Sole survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh bids an emotional farewell to his brother, who died in the crash (Reuters)

Those batteries, already known for their susceptibility to thermal runaway  an uncontrollable heating event  could pose additional hazards if exposed to moisture. Were curious whether water leaking into that area could trigger problems, he said.

The sole survivors account has also shaped Mr Andrews thinking. In an interview with the BBC, he said that lights inside the aircraft started flickering moments after take off. Within five to 10 seconds of being airborne, it felt like the plane was stuck in the air.

The lights started flickering green and white...suddenly [we] slammed into a building and exploded, he said.

Mr Andrews said the accounts of lights flashing and changing colour are all data points suggesting electrical issues.

Once we receive the timeline for why the ram air turbine deployed  a small emergency windmill that only comes out in certain electrical failures  well be in a better position to know what precipitated this.

For families, the legal battle is about more than money.

A member of the National Disaster Response Force is seen at the crash site (AP)

Mr Andrews said they have two overriding goals: One is to learn what happened, why it happened, how it happened. The second is to prevent this from ever happening again. Every client has told us that. They want transparency and accountability. They want to know whether this tragedy could have been avoided.

Some are also facing frustration regarding compensation from Air India. Mr Andrews said disputes within families over entitlements, combined with delays, have left some with no answers, no compensation, no nothing  just a loss.

As lawsuits take shape, Mr Andrews said manufacturers must not be allowed to push blame downstream. If a coupling is defective, thats on the subcomponent maker. If Boeing sells a completed aircraft that allows water to drip into flight computers, thats on Boeing. What they cannot do is release defective equipment and expect airlines to engineer their way around it. That is not right.

He said reforms will depend on the eventual findings, but the broader issue is oversight. The Dreamliner, like other US aircraft, was partly certified under a system known as ODA, where Boeing itself had authority to approve designs on the FAAs behalf.

A big question is whether this should have been caught during certification, Mr Andrews said asking, if Boeing knew of leaks, why wasnt there more urgency about water dripping into flight computers? That to me is a serious issue.

The Independent put these concerns to Boeing in a detailed questionnaire. The airline said it would defer to the AAIB to provide information about [Flight] AI171, citing international protocols around crashes.

For now, families are still waiting. Mr Andrews said their patience is not infinite. They've earned the right to know what happened here and each of them... wants to prevent this from ever happening to any other family.
Credit: YouTube/Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan (USA)

The university student who was debating Charlie Kirk in the moment he was assassinated has labelled those cheering his death disturbing and evil.

Hunter Kozak, a 29-year-old student, had challenged the conservative commentator on his views on transgender killers and mass shootings just before Kirk was killed by a single bullet.

In an interview with Channel 5 news, a non-partisan YouTube-based outlet, Mr Kozak said: I get so angry at these wannabe activists, these a---holes, these disturbing, evil [people].

Mr Kozak, a progressive who broadly disagreed with Kirks views continued: It does sometimes feel like Im one of the few, definitely not the only, but certainly in a minority on the Left, that still cares about life or family or America.

Mr Kozak is pictured debating with Charlie Kirk just before the conservative activist was shot dead

The maths undergraduate at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed, said he felt those cheering the assassination were terminally online and had lost the ability to disagree with political opponents while still seeing them as human.

Mr Kozak said he felt strangely calm after seeing Kirk get shot as he quickly recognised that the killing was likely to be a targeted assassination and not one of the mass shootings that have become common in the US.

The student has become a target for some online commentators who see his questioning of Kirk on gun violence in the seconds before the pundits killing as being too much of a coincidence, he said.

Kirks death has already been heavily politicised, with Republicans blaming the Left, even before a motive has been established.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Donald Trump, the president, was asked what his message was to conservatives who felt targeted by radical groups.

We have to be brave in life, in all fairness, we have a life. I probably shouldnt be out here talking to you in all fairness but we will be brave. And we have a great country. We have radical-Left lunatics out there and we just have to beat the hell out of them, Mr Trump said.

Late on Friday night Kirks widow Erika spoke out for the first time since the assassination. She promised to carry on the spiritual battle for America that she believed her husband had been waging and to make Turning Point USA, Kirks political group, stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.

She said: The evildoers responsible for my husbands assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of Gods merciful love.

They should all know this: If you thought that my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.

Tyler Robinson was arrested after someone close to his family recognised him in pictures released by the FBI - Utah Department of Public Safety/Reuters

A suspect in the Kirk killing was arrested on Friday but authorities in the US have yet to determine a motive for the killing.

But in describing inscriptions investigators found on ammunition recovered from the scene, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said one of the casings bore the message: Here fascist! CATCH!

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah native, was arrested after someone close to his family recognised him in pictures released by the FBI and, along with the suspects father convinced him to turn himself in.
Lord Mandelson could be in line for a substantial taxpayer-funded payout after he was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer over his relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Keir, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UKs man in Washington, sacked him after the publication of emails which showed Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

No 10 said the emails revealed materially different information from what was known when the peer was appointed.

But by deciding not to resign in the wake of the emails, Lord Mandelson could have to be compensated, experts have warned.

Lord Mandelson was removed from his position as ambassador to the US earlier this week (PA Wire)

Allies of Lord Mandelson have made clear he argues that he was open about the fact of his long association with Epstein when he was vetted for the job as the UKs ambassador to Washington.

HR staff are said to have been brought in to ensure there is legal justification for his sacking, The Times reported on Saturday, adding that there were concerns in government that Lord Mandelson did not intend to go quietly.

In the past, senior civil servants have received large payouts after leaving government in the wake of controversy.

Sir Philip Rutnam, the former top civil servant at the Home Office, who quit amid bullying claims against home secretary Priti Patel, which she denies, settled his case for 340,000, official figures later showed.

And Sir Philip Barton, who had been the top official at the Foreign Office, got a voluntary exit payment of more than 260,000 after he stepped down eight months before his five-year contract was due to end.

Keir Starmer sacked Lord Mandelson less than a year after nominating him as Britains US ambassador (PA Wire)

There is speculation that as ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson may have been on a fixed-term contract, which the government may have to compensate him for ending early.

Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, said there was likely to be a negotiation over a financial package as Lord Mandelson departs government.

He said: As an ambassador, Mandelson will have been in a different position from most civil servants as he served at the pleasure of the prime minister and could be dismissed from his role.

But that does not mean that normal employment law can be ignored and, depending on the nature of his contract and reasons for dismissal he could be in line for compensation. This is something we have seen with other senior civil servants before who fall out of favour with ministers. While they leave their job immediately there is then a negotiation over an exit package.

The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
Mandelson economical with the truth about Epstein in answers to No 10

Lord Peter Mandelson was economical with the truth when he answered questions about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein before being appointed ambassador to Washington, Downing Street sources have said.

The Labour grandee was sacked as the UKs representative in Washington on Thursday after emails were published showing Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The emails brought to light new information and showed the depth and extent of Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment, Downing Street and the Foreign Office said when his withdrawal from the post was announced.

Ahead of his appointment, the Prime Minister was given a file about Lord Mandelsons links to Epstein by the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics Team and prepared three questions based on it, the PA news agency understands.

Looks like the Prime Minister and Labour MPs spent the week lying to the whole country about what they knew regarding Mandelsons involvement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  According to The Times, No10 knew all about the Mandelson emails on Tuesday. 48 HOURS  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 13, 2025

Lord Mandelson was asked why he continued contact with Epstein after he was convicted, why he was reported to have stayed in one of the paedophile financiers homes while he was in prison and whether he was associated with a charity founded by Ghislaine Maxwell that Epstein had backed.

The BBC reported it understands Lord Mandelson believes he was truthful about his association with Epstein and that he told No 10 he had not stayed at his apartment while he was in prison in 2009.

But No 10 sources said Lord Mandelson was economical with the truth in his answers to the three questions.

Another vetting process carried out by the Foreign Office followed.

Kemi Badenoch earlier accused the Prime Minister of lying about what he knew regarding Lord Mandelsons emails.

Lord Mandelson and Sir Keir Starmer during a welcome reception at the ambassadors residence in Washington DC (Carl Court/PA)

The Conservative Party leader said Sir Keir Starmer has very serious questions to answer and called for full transparency.

She was referring to reporting that suggested Downing Street was aware of the emails on Tuesday, two days before Lord Mandelson was removed from his post and a day before Sir Keir backed him at Prime Ministers Questions.

The Foreign Office received a media inquiry outlining details of the messages on Tuesday, which was passed to No 10, the PA news agency understands.

A Government source said Sir Oliver Robbins, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, asked Lord Mandelson about the emails and did not hear back until Wednesday afternoon.

The Prime Minister is understood not to have been aware of the contents of the emails until Wednesday evening  after he told the Commons he had confidence in Lord Mandelson.

The decision to sack Lord Mandelson with immediate effect was taken on Thursday morning and announced shortly afterwards.

Mrs Badenoch said in a post on X: Looks like the Prime Minister and Labour MPs spent the week lying to the whole country about what they knew regarding Mandelsons involvement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

She added: If No 10 had those emails for 48 hours before acting, it means he lied at PMQs and ministers lied again about new additional information. These are yet more errors of judgment.

Jeffrey Epstein (US Department of Justice/PA)

The emails were sent from an account which had long been closed and were not available during the vetting process.

Allies of the peer told The Times that he admitted in his vetting interview that he continued his relationship with Epstein for many years.

Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, has demanded answers from the Foreign Secretary on the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.

His friendship with Epstein was known before his appointment, but reports in The Sun and Bloomberg showed their relationship continued after the financiers crimes had emerged.

Dame Emily Thornberry (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Emails published on Wednesday included passages in which Lord Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

The scandal has put pressure on Sir Keir, coming within a week of Angela Rayners departure and the ensuing Cabinet reshuffle.

It has also brought renewed scrutiny of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was reported to have lobbied for Lord Mandelsons appointment.

Backbencher Olivia Blake said it was really embarrassing if Sir Keir was not told about Lord Mandelsons emails to Epstein soon enough.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I just think that whoevers gatekeeping the information to the Prime Minister needs to stop. They need to be getting stuff to him much earlier.

It came after another Labour MP, Clive Lewis, publicly questioned Sir Keirs leadership, telling the BBC the Prime Minister does not seem up to the job.

Lucy Powell, one of two candidates in the race to take Ms Rayners place as the Labour Partys deputy leader, called for a change of culture.

Labour peer Baroness Harriet Harman said she never thought it was a good idea to appoint Lord Mandelson as envoy to Washington.

But even I could not believe that hed written to his millionaire friend Jeffrey Epstein offering him love and support when he was in prison awaiting trial for more crimes, when hed already been convicted of sex offences against young girls, she wrote in The Mirror.

Baroness Harman, who is the UKs special envoy for women and girls, said: We have to be on the side of the vulnerable, not backing their abusers. I can only imagine how horrified Starmer must have been to see the Mandelson emails.
The Metropolitan Police has called in hundreds of reinforcement officers from across the UK and is seeking to reassure Muslim Londoners ahead of Tommy Robinsons Unite the Kingdom protest.

Thousands of people are expected at the far-right activists free speech rally on Saturday, while Stand Up To Racism UK has organised a counter-demonstration expected to attract a similar number.

The Met will also deal with policing several high-profile football matches, including derbies between West Ham and Tottenham and Brentford and Chelsea, while Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Fulham all play fixtures at home.

More than 1,600 officers will be deployed as part of the overall public order policing operation in the city, including 500 drafted in from other forces.

Around 1,000 officers will be responsible for the two protests taking place in central London, the force said.

Stand Up To Racism has organised a counter protest (Lucy North/PA Wire)

Commander Clair Haynes, who is overseeing the public order policing operation in London this weekend, sought to reassure Muslim Londoners ahead of the demonstration.

She said: We would ask all those taking part in the protests to be considerate of the communities they are passing through to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Officers will take a firm line on behaviour that is discriminatory or that crosses the line from protest into hate crime.

We recognise that there are particular concerns for many in Londons Muslim communities ahead of the Unite the Kingdom protest given the record of anti-Muslim rhetoric and incidents of offensive chanting by a minority at previous marches.

There have been some suggestions that Muslim Londoners should change their behaviour this Saturday, including not coming into town. That is not our advice.

Everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London. Our officers are there to ensure that is the case and wed urge anyone who is out on Saturday and feels concerned to speak to us.

The Unite the Kingdom rally organised by Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley Lennon, will begin at 11am in Stamford Street, near the IMAX roundabout in Waterloo.

They are expected to march along York Road and over Westminster Bridge and into Whitehall.

The counter-protest begins in Russell Square from midday and walk via Kingsway, Aldwych and the Strand to the northern end of Whitehall where a rally will take place.

Barriers will be in place to keep the two groups separate and officers deployed in surrounding roads to minimise the risk of disorder if the groups come together, the Met said.

There will be strict conditions imposed under the Public Order Act on where and when activists can protest, the force added.

It comes amid growing concerns about the costs of policing protests as the Met faces significant funding pressures.

Tommy Robinson supporters marched from Waterloo to Parliament Square in a previous protest (PA Wire)

Three demonstrations organised by Robinson between Saturday, July 27, 2024 and Saturday, February 1, 2025, cost the force an estimated total of over 3.35 million to police.

The cost of policing mass pro-Palestinian protests in central London had exceeded 53 million, the Met said in February.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned at the time that resources deployed to large demonstrations could have been used to investigate crime, robberies, burglaries and chasing down wanted offenders.

Commander Haynes said: I am grateful to the many hundreds of Met officers who are being deployed away from their day to day roles and to the 500 or so officers from around the country who have responded to our request for support.

The main focus of the operation is on the two protests in central London. We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur.

In the run up to the protests we have been in close contact with the organisers, with local business and community representatives and with representatives of communities across London more broadly.
The movement my husband built will not die: Charlie Kirks widow vows to continue slain activists work

Charlie Kirks widow fought back tears as she broke her silence two days after the assassination of her husband and vowed to continue the right-wing movement he founded.

Erika Kirk spoke publicly Friday for the first time since Kirks killing, standing beside the empty chair where her husband would broadcast his show.

Speaking from Phoenix, Arizona, the address was streamed across the platforms of the conservative group Turning Point USA, founded by the MAGA influencer.

If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea, Erika Kirk said. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.

The movement my husband built will not die, she vowed. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die.

Ill make Turning Point the biggest thing this nation has ever seen, the widow said, adding that the organizations American Comeback Tour would continue this fall despite Kirks assassination.

Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk breaks silence on slaying of activist (Turning Point USA)

The next stop on the tour is less than six days away at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, according to the organizations website.

Turning Points annual conference, AmericaFest, would also go ahead in December, according to Kirks widow.

It will be greater than ever, she said.

The mom, who has two young children with Kirk, said that their three-year-old daughter asked, Wheres daddy? when she arrived home Thursday evening after escorting her husband's casket back to Phoenix with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on Air Force Two.

Erika Kirk wiped away tears as she spoke for the first time since her husbands assassination (Turning Point USA/YouTube)

I said, Baby, daddy loves you so much, she told their daughter. Dont you worry. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.

She became visibly emotional when she thanked President Donald Trump for his support.

I want to thank President Trump and his incredible family, said Erika Kirk. Mr President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him too.

Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk (AP)

More than 200,000 people tuned in to watch the livestream on YouTube.

Kirk met his wife, a fellow evangelical Christian, in New York City in 2018.

They were engaged the following December and married in May 2021 in her native Scottsdale, Arizona.

The appearance comes as suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, is now in custody and expected to appear virtually in court on Tuesday.

His father told a family friend that Robinson confessed to the crime after confronting his son, having recognized him in photos released by the FBI and Utah Department of Safety. That family friend then informed authorities, Utahs Governor Spencer Cox announced at a press conference.

This is a breaking story, more follows
The former Net-a-Porter and British Fashion Council boss, Dame Natalie Massenet, ended her relationship with Erik Torstensson, the founder of Frame denim, after 14 years. Now he has responded by hitting her with a custody lawsuit.

News broke in August that Massenet is reportedly suing Torstensson for breach of contract and is alleging the businessman led a double life of rampant drug use, prostitutes and affairs.

Torstensson has now responded in mid-September by filing a custody lawsuit against Massenet accusing her of being an unfit parent to their son. His lawyers are alleging the fashion boss once overdosed on MDMA at Glastonbury Festival and would sometimes lash out physically against her ex-partner when she had been drinking.

The dramatic split has sent shockwaves through the fashion world, with British-American millionaire Massenet well known for her previous roles in the UK fashion industry.

Erik Torstensson and Natalie Massenet on the day she received her damehood in 2016 (Getty Images)

Massenet, 60, and Torstensson, 47, share a seven-year-old son whom they welcomed via surrogate in 2017.

The couple was frequently seen together during public appearances at high-profile events, such as the 2022 Vogue World fashion show and a 2023 Goop and Gucci dinner.

Torstensson was present during Massenets investiture ceremony, where she was presented with the Dame Commander Insignia, in 2016.

But the once-high-powered fashion couple have fallen to pieces. Heres what you need to know about them both.

A fashion-business star is born

Natalie Massenet with Anna Wintour in 2011 (Getty)

Dame Natalie Massenet has always had a close proximity to fame and fashion: born Natalie Rooney in 1965, her father was American journalist-turned-film publicist Robert Bob L. Rooney and her mother was Barbara Jones, a British model for Chanel and film stand-in for Sophia Loren.

Massenet initially grew up in Madrid and Paris before moving to Los Angeles when she was 11. Her mother was a free spirit who left the family to return to Paris soon after the Los Angeles move. That was really tough, Massenet told WSJ in a 2022 interview.

As a young woman, Massenet attended UCLA and studied English Literature. After university, she moved to Tokyo for a year, where she followed in her mothers footsteps by booking modelling jobs and also working as a stylist. Next, she assisted at the Italian magazine Moda, where she worked with the then-emerging photographer Mario Testino.

From here, she forayed into fashion journalism, working at Womens Wear Daily (WWD) and Tatler. Here, she worked as the assistant to fashion legend Isabella Blow, before going freelance in 1998.

Founding Net-a-Porter

Natalie Massenet speaks onstage at attends Glamour's 23rd annual Women of the Year awards 2013 (Getty)

In 2000, she founded Net-a-Porter from her flat in Chelsea. Massenets first husband, French hedge fund manager Arnaud Massenet, helped her raise the 1.2m start-up costs. The company officially became profitable in 2004, when it also won the best fashion shop award at the British Fashion Awards. By 2010, Net-a-Porter was valued at 350 million.

In 2011, after 15 years of marriage, Natalie and Arnaud Massenet announced their divorce. They share two daughters, Bella, 24, and Ava, 18.

When Massenet was appointed chairman of the British Fashion Council in 2013, she went from winning British Fashion Awards to running them. The role put her in charge of steering London Fashion Week and overseeing the Council's activities to promote British fashion design in the UK and overseas.

In 2015, she stepped down from Net-a-Porter ahead of its merger with Yoox group. At this time, Net was valued at 1.5 billion.

Natalie Massenet meets Erik Torstensson

Natalie Massenet and Erik Tortensson in 2013 (Getty Images)

Natalie met Erik Torstensson when his fashion agency, Saturday Group, worked on the branding strategy for Mr Porter, Net-a-Porter's spin-off site for men. At this point, Massenet was still married to her first husband, Arnaud.

In Torstenssons custody lawsuit, he alleges Massenet began their affair on a flight to Milan in 2009 when she turned to him and said kiss me. He also alleges they would have sex in her car outside her family home and again in her car on a family holiday in Ibiza.

Torstensson was born outside Stockholm in what The Times described as modest circumstances. He grew up to be a skateboarder and semi-professional dancer, which he said informed his relationships with women. Every night I went through this intense relationship with my dancing partner. It made me comfortable around women. Im proud that Ive always had lots of female friends, he told The Times.

As a young man, he wrote to 240 advertising agencies requesting internships. He eventually worked for husband-and-wife creative team Trendsetter, in Stockholm, and Levis, before undertaking work experience at Wallpaper* magazine in London.

Here, he met business partner Jens Grede, and the pair founded their multi-media fashion marketing agency, Saturday, in 2003. Their first proper client was H&M. In 2010, they made an unsolicited pitch to Net-a-Porter to help launch Mr Porter. In 2022, Massenet recalled his pitch in her WSJ interview: The is dotted, the ts crossed, the dream, the machine, and I was like, Wow, this is perfection! I can see it! It needs to happen!

Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede pose with models for a Frame photoshoot, 2014 (Getty Images)

In the same interview, Torstensson added: Long before we got together romantically, I had this enormous business crush on this person. The pair became a couple within a year in a half.

In 2012, Torstensson started Frame, the denim company beloved by supermodels like Gisele Bundchen and Gigi Hadid. In 2022, it had sales of $200m. In 2017, Torstensson and Massenet welcomed a son via surrogate.

Now, in 2025, the once-happy couple appears to be falling apart. Massenet is reportedly suing Torstensson for breach of contract, claiming that the businessman led a double life of rampant drug use, prostitutes and affairs for multiple years and conned her out of $95 million. Torstensson claims in his lawsuit that he contributed $20 million towards funding their lifestyle.
Charlie Kirks widow, Erika, wiped away tears as she delivered an emotional tribute - Turning Point USA

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, vowed she will never let his legacy die in a tearful address following his assassination.

In her first public remarks since her husbands death, Mrs Kirk stood in the same room where he recorded his podcast and radio show.

She said her husbands work was focused on the spiritual battle for America.

Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith.

Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his saviours side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr, she said.

Credit: Reuters

Kirk, 31, was killed on Wednesday during an address at Utah Valley University, which was part of a campus tour where he debated with students and invited them to prove him wrong.

The suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on Thursday night after his father turned him in to police following a two-day manhunt.

He is expected to be charged with murder and Donald Trump has called for the death penalty for the 22-year-old.

College drop-out Tyler Robinson was handed into police by his father

Mrs Kirk, 36, thanked Mr Trump, who was a close ally of her husbands, for his support as she grappled with her loss.

Mr President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you, she said.

Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday that he had spoken with Mrs Kirk.

I spoke to Erika, his wife, and we had a long talk, and shes devastated, Mr Trump said during the press conference.

Erika Kirk and Usha Vance disembark Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk - AP

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just 18 years old, and transformed what was initially a fledgling campus organisation into a worldwide movement that championed young conservatives and earned him a place among Maga royalty.

Mrs Kirk pledged that her husbands death would not be the end of this movement, promising to bear the torch and make it become stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.

She said: The evildoers responsible for my husbands assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of Gods merciful love.

They should all know this: If you thought that my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.

You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone tonight listening across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It wont. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die.

No one will forget my husbands name and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever. My husbands mission will not end, not even for a moment.

In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America.



"It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom." pic.twitter.com/3Xrf5dcFlP  The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 12, 2025

The perfect husband

Mr Kirks priority was to revive the American family because he wanted you all to experience what he had as a husband and father, Mrs Kirk said.

Privately he told me if he ever did run for office, that his top priority would be to revive the American family, she said.

Her voice breaking, she added: Most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart, and I knew that. Every day, he was such a good man. He still is a good man. He was the perfect father, and he was the perfect husband.

Mrs Kirk, a former Miss Arizona beauty pageant winner, married Charlie in 2021, with the pair recently celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary. Their two children are aged three and one.

Charlie and Erika Kirk at the Turning Point USA ball in January this year - Samuel Corum/Getty Images

When Mrs Kirk returned to their family home, she said, her three-year-old daughter Gigi ran into her arms and immediately asked, Wheres daddy?

How do you tell a three-year-old? Shes three. I said baby, Daddy loves you so much. Dont you worry. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.

Mrs Kirk said the campus tour, podcast and radio show would continue, and that his wisdom will endure.

She had a message for the young people who Kirk dedicated his life to through his debating.

He would call all of you to be people of action who earn the future America deserves, she said.

He wants you to make a difference, and you can. The movements not going anywhere, and it will only grow stronger when you join it.

He always challenged people around him to work harder and do better, and he never gave up. One of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell you that well never surrender.
The home secretary has condemned protesters who attacked and injured police officers in London on Saturday as up to 150,000 people turned up to join a march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Shabana Mahmood vowed that anyone found to have taken part in criminal activity would "face the full force of the law" - as police said at least 25 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured - including four who were seriously hurt.

Protesters forming the "Unite the Kingdom" rally gathered in the centre of the capital, holding Union and St George's flags.

They heard a series of speeches, including from Robinson, who called it the "biggest freedom of speech" in British history.

Police estimated that between 110,000 to 150,000 attended the event, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers.

An anti-racism counter-protest, attended by about 5,000 campaigners, also took place, with the two groups clashing on Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, separated by lines of police.

The Metropolitan Police's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers faced "significant aggression" from "Unite the Kingdom" attendees.

"The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable," he said.

"Twenty-six officers were injured, including four seriously - among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury."

People have been arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assaults, and criminal damage.

Ms Mahmood said on X: "The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today's protest was peaceful. But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers.

"Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law."

Police said the Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall and a confrontation happened when police tried to stop them from encircling counter-protesters and accessing the area from different routes.

A spokesman said: "When officers moved in to stop them, they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown."

Officers continued to face aggression in multiple locations, in particular at the north of Whitehall as they worked to create a safe exit route for those who had been taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.

Robinson supporters hurled projectiles at counter-demonstrators as thousands from both groups faced off on Whitehall, police said.

A row of police horses stood opposite a crowd waving Union flags, and at one point, a glass bottle seemed to strike one of the horses, causing both the animal and its rider to stumble backward.

Musk makes surprise appearance

Robinson live-streamed the rally on X, with its audience peaking at 2.9 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.

Making a surprise appearance via video link, tech billionaire Elon Musk called for a "change of government" in the UK.

"You can't - we don't have another four years, or whenever the next election is, it's too long," Musk told the crowd. "Something's got to be done. There's got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held."

TV presenter Katie Hopkins also spoke after earlier appearing alongside Robinson, Lawrence Fox and Ant Middleton at the front of the march.

'Revolution has started - you can't stop it'

With a voice which sounded hoarse from shouting, Robinson told crowds during his speech that "millions" had showed up for the rally.

"The dam has well and truly burst," he said. "The cat is out of the bag and there is no putting it back in. The silent majority will be silent no longer."

Addressing Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government, Robinson said: "The revolution has started - and you can't stop it."

Referring to a Court of Appeal decision to overturn an injunction blocking asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, Robinson claimed UK courts found the rights of undocumented migrants supersede those of the "local community".

He said: "They told the world that Somalians, Afghanis, Pakistanis, all of them, their rights supersede yours - the British public, the people that built this nation."
Sister Rita (left), Sister Regina (centre) and Sister Bernadette were homesick in their care home

Three elderly nuns left their care home before breaking into their former convent in Austria.

To the exasperation of church authorities, they are now refusing to leave the Kloster Goldenstein convent at a castle in Elsbethen, just outside Salzburg.

Sister Bernadette, 88, Sister Regina, 86, and Sister Rita, 82 are unrepentant about their flight back to Schloss Goldenstein, a convent and girls private school.

With the help of former students and a locksmith, the three women returned to the old rooms, where they had been promised they could spend the rest of their lives.

I have been obedient all my life, but it was too much, said Sister Bernadette, who is at the centre of the most dramatic story involving Austrian nuns since The Sound of Music.

Before I die in that old peoples home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way.

Sister Rita said: I am so pleased to be home. I was always homesick at the care home. I am so happy and thankful to be back.

The three nuns have returned to Schloss Goldenstein castle - digitale Bildagentur

The three nuns said they were forced to leave the convent against their will in Dec 2023. They were placed in a Catholic retirement home, which they did not like.

Sister Bernadette said: We werent asked. We had the right to stay here until the end of our lives and that was broken.

The three have spent most of their lives at Schloss Goldenstein, the castle school and convent founded in 1877, where they all worked as teachers.

We dont feel like squatters or burglars, they told Kronen Zeitung, the Austrian newspaper, when it reported on a story fit for a Hollywood script.

Sister Regina, who arrived at the convent in 1958, was headmistress at the school.

Sister Rita arrived at the convent in 1962, while Sister Bernadette was a pupil, enrolling in 1948 as a contemporary of Romy Schneider, the late Austrian film actress.

The school, which started accepting boys in 2017, is still operational. But over the years the number of nuns dwindled until just the three sisters were left.

The building was taken over in 2022 by the Archdiocese of Salzburg and the Reichersberg Abbey, an Augustinian monastery.

Markus Grasl became the nuns superior as provost of the abbey. The community was dissolved in 2024 with the trio granted lifelong right of residence, as long as health and mental capacity allowed.

In December last year, they were sent to the Caritas care facility. But, earlier this month, they gathered their few belongings and made the dash for home.

They had the help of some former pupils but found their old rooms were locked, had no electricity or running water and their stairlift had been ripped out.

Undeterred, the nuns secured the services of a locksmith and broke into their old quarters.

The nuns broke into their old living quarters and are adamant they are not moving - Instagram

At first they had to rely on power generators and water canisters. Electricity and running water have now been partially restored, well-wishers have brought groceries and a doctor has visited the nuns.

A flabbergasted Mr Grasl declared the squatting sisters mutiny completely incomprehensible and an escalation.

He said: The rooms in the convent are no longer usable and in no way meet the requirements for proper care.

He added that independent living at the convent was no longer possible and that the old peoples home offered essential and professional medical care, and that the surviving sisters wishes about the convent had been taken into account, including the continuation of the school.

Mr Grasl has the backing of the Austrian Conference of Religious Orders, which has decided life at the castle is too much for the elderly women.

However, the nuns supporters praised their courage and they have had a stream of visitors, including many of their former pupils.

Goldenstein without the nuns is just not possible, Sophie Tauscher, a former student, told the BBC. When they need us, they just have to call us and we will be there, for sure. The nuns here changed so many lives in such a good way.

There is no sign of the stand-off between the nuns and the Church authorities ending anytime soon.

The sisters have taken to social media to launch an online blitz pressing their case to be allowed to stay.

They have been posting videos of themselves on Instagram praying, eating together and climbing the steep staircase of the castle without the stairlift.

Buoyed by the many supportive comments on their video, the nuns show no sign of backing down.

In one video, a bullish Sister Rita challenges anyone doubting her mobility to a race.
Laser beams, robodogs and drone-zapping microwaves, these are the types of weapons that could be deployed on battlefields in the not too distant future. Some are already here.

The threat of a wider war in Europe feels increasingly real to many on the continent, after Russias drone incursion into Poland sparked fears that Russian aggression will continue to spill beyond Ukraines borders.

The Ukraine war has revolutionised military conflict, with futuristic weapons, such as fibre-optic drones which are immune to jamming and radio frequency detection, drone protection nets, and ground robots, all used by Moscow and Kyivs forces.

Now, weapons being developed and tested by the biggest militaries in the world are making science fiction a reality, with ever increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI).

Russian drones are already wreaking havoc across Ukraine, like this attack on a residential building in Kyiv (Reuters)

Defence experts have acknowledged the dystopian reality created by the use of robotic and autonomous weapons, as critics warn against delegating life-and-death decisions to machines.

Lt Col Jahara Franky Matisek, is a US Air Force command pilot and command centre director at the US Northern Command.

He told The Independent: Ultimately, science fiction has to now meet supply chains, where minerals, rare earths, and other metals become strategic chokepoints  mostly controlled by China  for acquiring the needed materials to make drones, batteries, lasers, AI-enabled hardware, and numerous other futuristic weapon systems.

Lasers and microwaves make drones cheap to defeat, not to mention EW (electronic warfare) interrupting drones as well; and of course AI accelerates decision-making, he said. But judgement and logistics remain irreplaceable.

His sentiments were shared by Patrick Wilcken, a researcher on military, security and policing at Amnesty International, who warned of the moral, ethical and legal risks posed by such weapons.

These range from practical issues related to the risks of bias, discrimination and overly rigid categorisation of people to more fundamental questions of dehumanisation and the undermining of human dignity, he said.

Here, The Independent looks at some of the weapons making their way to the battlefield.

Drone Warfare

A Geran/Shahed-type drone that crashed inside Poland after it was launched at Ukraine by Russia this week (Telewizja Republika)

The use of drones by Ukraine and Russia has transformed conventional warfare, serving in both countries defence and offence capabilities.

Both sides have scaled up the mass production of drones, including one-way attack drones, reconnaissance drones, cheap kamikaze models, first-person view drones for precision strikes, and many more.

Electronic warfare jamming has also become crucial to the conflict, allowing each side to divert the others drones.

Drones can cost anything from a few thousand US dollars to more than $100,000 (74,000), depending on their purpose and how advanced they are.

The Ukrainian defence ministry claims that around 95 per cent of drones it uses on the frontline are produced domestically. Russia, meanwhile, has significantly grown its domestic drone production since its full-scale invasion in 2022, reducing its reliance on Iranian-made Shahed drones.

This has allowed it to fire tens of thousands of drones at Ukraine, with increasingly large numbers of projectiles used in its nightly barrages leading to a record of 823 on Tuesday this week.

Armed Robot Animals

The US has been testing a robot dog armed with an AI-enabled gun turret in the Middle East (US Army)

Earlier this month, China displayed an array of its latest weaponry in a massive military parade in Beijing. Featured among the fighter jets and goose-stepping troops were its robot wolves.

According to Chinese state media, these four-legged robots can fire precise shots and work in rough terrain. They are designed to assist in complex and dangerous battlefield conditions, with the aim to replace human soldiers to reduce combat casualties.

Weighing up at 70kg (154lb), the wolves can hit targets which are up to 100 metres away, Chinese media states.

Theyre suited for urban reconnaissance, breaching, or remote weapons but are limited by battery life, vulnerable communications, and small payloads, said Lt Col Matisek.

Their value hinges on robust sensors and secure networks, not just the platform. A lot of their drone tech in each domain looks impressive for parades, but is still too niche on battlefields  best for urban recon, not open-field charges.

Robot canines are not a new concept  the US has been testing their own versions, while Israel has been experimenting with robotic, unmanned combat systems to protect soldiers and military dogs in Gaza.

Mechanical animals cost thousands of pounds to produce, but they can come as cheap as the gun-toting robot dogs sold in China by tech company Unitree Robotics for as little as $1,600 (1,300).

Flying Chernobyl

The Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile, dubbed the Skyfall by Nato (Russian Defence Ministry)

Dozens of nations have advanced cruise missiles in their arsenal, but Russia claims to be developing an invincible kind that is nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed and could, apparently, circle the Earth for an indefinite period of time.

The 9M730 Burevestnik  codenamed SSC-X-9 Skyfall by Nato  is believed to be a subsonic cruise missile, with a potential range of 23,000km (15,000 miles) or more. Little is known about its capabilities, cost, or how realistic they are, but it has attracted ridicule from Western officials.

Why on Earth would you have a nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped cruise missile? That is nothing more than a flying Chernobyl, Marshall Billingslea, a former US arms control envoy, said in 2020.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said the weapon is invincible to current and future missile defences, and that it has an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.

Experts, however, say its a bit more complicated than that.

The point about an unpredictable trajectory of Burevestnik is that since it is designed to have an unlimited range thanks to its nuclear propulsion, it could take a long detour and fly around the areas where air defences are deployed, Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, told The Independent.

Assuming, of course, that these areas are known in advance and that the density of air defences is relatively low.

High-Powered Microwaves

The USs Tactical High-Power Operational Responder, or Thor, a high-powered microwave weapon that can disable a swarm of drones (US Air Force)

Several countries are testing new high-powered microwave weapons that can take down swarms of drones.

They work by emitting directed bursts of electromagnetic energy to disable the electronics of drones mid-flight.

The US has been testing several types of these weapons, including the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (Thor), Leonidas and Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Powered Microwave, or IFPC-HPM.

High-powered microwaves can cost millions to make, with the first Thor developed for around $18m (13m) and subsequent models costing around $15m to produce. The Leonidas system will have a purchase price of between $10m and $20m per system, according to Andy Lowery, the CEO of Epirus, which was contracted to produce several prototypes in 2023.

The UK is also developing its own version, called the RapidDestroyer.

While still in the experimental stage, there are drawbacks to these technologies, namely power demands, limited range and risks of electromagnetic interference with friendly systems, said Lt Col Matisek.

These will be critical for airbase and convoy defence against massed drones. So essentially the microwaves are swarm-killers  one pulse can fry multiple drones, he added.

However, power and your own electronics are the weak links in this microwave killchain.

Laser Beams

The DragonFire laser weapon can hit aerial targets (Ministry of Defence)

Laser weapons are directed-energy systems that use beams of light to damage or destroy targets, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional ammunition.

The UK plans to fit four warships with the cutting edge DragonFire laser weapon from 2027, to better protect the vessels from missiles and drone attacks. DragonFire beams can hit a 1 coin from 1km away, with each shot costing less than 10, according to the Ministry of Defence.

It is unclear exactly how much each unit will cost, but its production was funded by a 100m joint investment by the MoD and the defence industry.

It offers speed-of-light precision and deep magazines but struggles in fog, rain, or smoke and demands significant power and cooling, said Lt Col Matisek.

It will be a game-changer for cost-effective drone defence in clear conditions, less so in adverse weather. So it would probably be useful for countering the stuff the Houthis are shooting at Western vessels passing by in the Red Sea.

Countries including the US, China, and Israel are also developing their own laser weapons.
A giant balloon depicting Donald Trump over Parliament Square, Jul, 2018 - TOLGA AKMEN/AFP

Some people are worried about how President Trump will behave when he touches down in Britain for his state visit next week. Im far more worried about how Sadiq Khan is going to behave.

For in 2018, during one of Trumps presidential jaunts to our shores, Khan acted like a snarky sixth-former who has read too much Owen Jones.

He infamously gave the go-ahead for a massive Trump baby blimp to float over London. It was 20ft tall and depicted Trump as a tantrum-ready infant wearing nothing but a nappy and a grimace.

Take that, Bad Orange Man! you could imagine our pipsqueak mayor saying in City Hall to the guffaws of his equally Trump-allergic minions.

Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II inspect a Guard of Honour, formed of the Coldstream Guards, at Windsor Castle, Jul 2018 - Matt Dunham/Pool AP

The blimp made a reappearance in 2019 during Trumps first state visit. It was pumped up in the middle of Parliament Square by a gaggle of smug Trump-bashers. Heres hoping the cursed thing stays deflated this week.

The irony, of course, is that it wasnt Trump who looked like a big baby as a result of that dumb stunt  it was Khan. He brought his office, and our capital city, into disrepute with that infantile swipe at the most powerful man in the world.

To let the skies around London be turned into a stage for the Lefts juvenile loathing for the leader of our most important allied nation  what impolitic behaviour. Babyish, one might say.

Thats the funny thing about Trump Derangement Syndrome. The folk afflicted with this malady accuse Trump of being rude, uncouth, a child in an expensive suit. And yet those things are as true, if not truer, of *them*.

Sure, Trump has said some spicy things on his visits here. He once said Khan was a stone-cold loser and just as bad as New York Citys then Democratic mayor Bill de Blasio  only half his height. Dont laugh!

But at least Trump only used Twitter to make his wisecracks. Khan let all of London become a staging post for the frothing Trump-phobia of the latte-Left.

Heres my plea to Britains elected representatives and Left-wing loudmouths: please dont embarrass our great nation during Trumps visit this week. Park the blimp, lower the tone, put away childish things.

The signs are not good, sadly. Already Labour and Green MPs have backed a motion saying Trump should not address Parliament.

The Commons will already have broken up for the party conference season, so its a moot point. But how striking  and depressing  that our parliamentarians are happy to listen to President Xi of China (in 2015) yet they turn their haughty noses up at a man freely elected by 77m of our American cousins.

Chinese and Union Flags fly along the Mall, Oct, 2015 - Suzanne Plunkett/REUTERS

The ruthless ruler of an unfree state gets a fairer hearing in the mother of all parliaments than the democratic leader of the mighty American republic.

There will be protests against Trumps visits too. Im praying they wont be as mortifying and shrill as the protests during his last state visit, when historically illiterate midwits hit the streets in their thousands to damn him as the new Hitler.

Look, global politics is getting serious. Even a little crazy. Britains relationship with America is more important than ever.

We want a good economic arrangement with that tariff-happy administration. And surely we dont want to do anything more to convince Trump and his deputy JD Vance that Britain is a lost cause overrun by authoritarians and fruitcakes.

Most importantly, quit it with the new Hitler stuff. In the aftermath of the grotesque killing of Charlie Kirk, we really do not need any more hysterical smearing of Trump and his allies as dangerous fascists.

It is untrue, it is unfair and it threatens to throw open a Pandoras box of hatred and even violence. When Trump comes, everyone, please, be normal.
Israeli-born British chef Yotam Ottolenghis restaurants were omitted from Time Outs guide to the best Middle Eastern restaurants in London - Andrew Crowley

Time Out was founded in 1968 by the late Tony Elliot with the aim of giving Londoners reliable information about what was going on. It has come a long way in the decades since, growing from a rough idea plotted on Elliots kitchen table to a global media and hospitality brand.

Today, it spans a network of websites and social media accounts, airs videos, hosts events and curates experiences that iterate the best facets of a destination with its Time Out Markets. It promotes the best chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences in cities across the world, including Cape Town, Bahrain, Osaka and Abu Dhabi.

If youre a quality part of the dining scene, Time Out has your back, and can help your bottom line.

Except, it appears, when it doesnt quite feel that the affiliations, the story, the history, the mooted politics and the associations of the culture of your restaurant fit with the current mood of the Time Out office.

And Im not talking about, say, Time Out Russia. Its page summarising the 11 best things to do in Moscow for the eager worldwide traveller contains no warnings against visiting a country governed by a man currently conducting an illegal and murderous invasion of a sovereign nation.

But recently Time Out published a new guide celebrating what they called The best Middle Eastern restaurants in London. Yet there were, it turns out, no Israeli-inspired or owned places named on the list at all.

Now, as a restaurant critic for this paper, the former editor of a national food magazine and a hungry and greedy traveller, if youd asked me to compile such a list, I could have happily chucked some ideas into the mix.

The capital offers what I think is some of the best Middle Eastern food outside of the region itself. I would have given the names of Honey & Co or Palomar, Palmyras Kitchen, Maramia Cafe or Al Waha, to name just a few restaurants offering particularly exceptional fare.

And then, because he is the god of Middle Eastern cuisine, having introduced the decorative salad and the pomegranate seed into every middle-class home in the country, I would highlight at least one of Yotam Ottolenghis places.

The exquisite Nopi, perhaps, off Regent Street, an eatery bubbling with whipped feta and pickled kohlrabi.

But hes nowhere to be found on Time Outs offering. Indeed, while some of my favourites make the cut, there was initially also no Palomar, no Rovi or Bubala when they first published the list.

I called up some of the owners of these places. One told me they felt it was a deliberate omission. Well, that was the case until the media outlet Jewish News covered the story, which I also mentioned in Saturdays print edition of The Daily Telegraph.

Time Out was then forced to issue a grovelling apology and said, The initial omission was a very unfortunate oversight and the result of human error.

Guess which restaurants now make the new cut? The very same I mentioned above, Palomar, Bubala and Rovi. Still no Nopi, however.

Last week, as I commented on in these pages, the soap retailer Lush appeared to pander to the woke crowd by shutting up shop for a day to demonstrate solidarity with Gaza.

This week, I posit that Time Out has similarly executed an anti-Israel bias, deliberately excluding some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants from its top 20 guide. In doing so, it abandoned its founding mantra and miserably failed its readers  and its all the more humiliating for them that theyve now been forced to climb down.
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has admitted cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding, according to reports.

The former Apprentice contestant, 34, told the Sun on Sunday he had a fling with an attractive single mum who gave him a free cosmetic treatment after they met in a pub.

The newspaper said the woman is Amy-Lucy ORourke, 35, and their affair took place three and a half years ago.

Skinner, who has three children with his wife, said in the video interview: Im just so lucky that she forgave me. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she were to never speak to me again.

It just shows you that 10 minutes can just ruin your whole life.

Thomas Skinner attending the National Television Awards 2020 (Isabel Infantes/PA)

He added: I had a fling, I suppose, it was nothing more than that, it was the one time, it was a mistake, then I woke up feeling absolutely terrible about it.

The married couple were not arguing or having relationship troubles but it was just me in a moment of madness, Skinner said.

The aftermath was a very, very dark time, he said, adding that his wife never deserved that, shes such a good person, without her I wouldnt be where I am today  she made me.

He advised anyone who has made a mistake to be honest and own up to it, and said we are in an incredible place. Its forgotten about and weve moved on from it now.

In a statement to the paper, a spokeswoman for Ms ORourke said: This has been an incredibly stressful chapter in her life.

She did not have a fling with Mr Skinner, she had a relationship with him.

This comes after days Skinner apologised for picking up a journalists phone and walking out of a Strictly Come Dancing press event midway through.

He later said his departure from Tuesdays event was not related to the BBC dancing show, and claimed he did so because he had seen messages about his past on the reporters phone.

Skinner was reported to have grabbed the phone and walked out after objecting to being recorded by a journalist.

He has previously drawn strong criticism for X posts saying it is not far-right to be flying your flag and loving your country, and complaining it aint safe out there any more in London, saying the city is hostile and tense.

Skinner will join fellow stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Downs syndrome to take part in Strictlys full series, when the show returns later this year.
Its fast, quiet, low-cost to run and every morning I start with a full tank from home charging. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

Sales of electric vehicles continue to climb, with 12% of new sales between January and June this year being battery electric or plug-in hybrid  up from 9.6% in the same period last year  data from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) shows.

As drivers across the country adapt to the new technology, Guardian readers share their tips and biggest surprises since switching from an internal combustion engine [ICE] car to an EV.

Readers said they preferred the simplicity of one-pedal driving, a feature of some EVs that lets the driver control acceleration and braking using only one pedal.

Many also mentioned regenerative braking, found in electric and hybrid vehicles, which recovers energy from braking to recharge the battery. Heres what they said on these and other issues:

One-pedal driving

I love the one-pedal driving with the regenerative braking. For the first time in my life (Im 53, have had a number of cars in my life, all manual) I feel calmed by driving.

Jen, Brisbane, Queensland

One-pedal driving is the best thing since sliced bread, though I could do with even more aggressive dynamic braking. I find that the high level of braking you get without using friction brakes changes the way you drive.

Brett, Gladstone, Queensland

Big difference is regenerative braking, and even bigger [is] one-pedal driving. In China, theyve found if learners only use [one-pedal driving] they have no familiarity with the brake pedal, there have been instances of them hitting the accelerator pedal instead of the brake in an emergency. I think learners should experience driving a non-regenerative braking vehicle as well as an electric one.

Mike, Falcon, Western Australia

Love it, but one thing to learn. There is one-pedal mode and the normal two-pedal mode. One-pedal mode is great  foot off the pedal and the car will brake and stop. [Two-] pedal mode and the car will brake but continue at approximately 5km/h. Be aware of it.

Steve, Traralgon, Victoria

Related: Positives and negatives: is it better to learn to drive in an electric or a petrol vehicle?

Clear air

I have long been something of a petrolhead but the one thing people never mention is that combustion engines, and particularly petrol ones, stink. Every time I go to a capital city I am struck by the noise and stink of cars in the built-up areas. Some years ago when electric cars started to look like a reality, it dawned on me that this was completely unnecessary. I started to wonder if once sufficient people were driving electric, the publics intolerance for breathing the pollution of other peoples exhaust would drive combustion engines out of cities.

Brett, Gladstone, Queensland

Smoother, easier, cheaper to operate, cleaner, quieter, better performance. All together nicer.

Peter, Canberra, ACT

Solar savings

Its fast, quiet, low-cost to run and every morning I start with a full tank from home charging. With off-street parking and a proper wall charger, especially paired with solar, running costs plunge. Public charging is only for road trips, and the car tells you exactly where and how long to charge.

David, Port Melbourne, Victoria

When we have to drive to Brisbane for medical appointments (almost 500km round trip)  the EV means our trip costs as little as $5 in fast charger fees. We could make it without charging but like to keep a buffer for the Cunninghams Gap road works. We use our solar to charge at home which is good because the solar credits are so low as to be negligible. When we did a holiday trip to Melbourne earlier this year it cost us $400 for the round trip  inland [on the way] and coast on return. We only stopped in towns with chargers to reward them for putting in the infrastructure  I know that several towns such as Goulburn have installed them since our trip.

Maree, Stanthorpe, Queensland

I like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, regenerative braking, quick off the mark, quiet, very cheap to run  we have solar and battery. The only potential disadvantage is that I dont have these things in my diesel 4WD so have to be mindful of the different cruise control and no auto stop.

Matt, Junortoun, Victoria

Smoother, quieter, better tech. We charge it from solar, so its only cost us $15 so far this year. Wed never go back to an ICE vehicle.

Geoff, Ashbury, New South Wales

Joy of driving

I rate the Kona EV as the best car I have ever driven after 59 years of driving experience. I was not expecting the move to an EV to provide such joy of driving.

John, Sarsfield, Victoria

Fast. Fun. Furious. Scorching hot hatch. Manoeuvrable. Fabulous brakes. Super clever safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and 360-degree camera. Great app. Like switching from a rotary dial phone to an iPhone.

Tim, Canberra, ACT
Terry Harper, 62, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after suffering with back pain (Terry Harper)

A bus driver who thought he had simply injured his back lifting a mattress is now battling incurable blood cancer.

Terry Harper, from Chislehurst in south-east London, started complaining of a backache in February 2022 after carrying a vacuum-packed mattress up the stairs.

The 62-year-old was initially told his excruciating back pain was a slipped disc, but tests later revealed he had stage 3 multiple myeloma.

I cant describe that emotional turmoil that you go through when you think youve just got a bad back and are told you've got cancer eating away at your spine, Mr Harper told The Independent.

Terry Harper, 62, pictured with his grandchildren, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022 after suffering with back pain for months (Terry Harper)

Mr Harper, who previously worked manual labour jobs and quit due to his backache, recalled getting a CT scan in March 2022 at the Princess Royal University Hospital in south London. He claimed doctors said he had two slipped discs and that he should get better in six weeks.

However, just over six weeks later, in April 2022, he was unable to get out of bed. By the third day of being bed-bound, his partner Della called 111 and he was blue-lighted back to the hospital, where further tests revealed he had multiple myeloma.

Mr Harper was told the blood cancer had eaten away at the vertebrae in his spine, causing him to be 4.5 inches shorter and his discs to collapse. It also caused 12 tumours on his spine and triggered osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It causes the bone marrow to make plasma cells, which form part of your immune system, that do not work properly, the NHS explained. Bone pain, particularly in the back, hips and ribs, fatigue, muscle weakness and headaches are all symptoms of myeloma.

Mr Harper was first diagnosed with two slipped discs before further tests revealed he had blood cancer (Terry Harper)

Mr Harper initially underwent chemotherapy in December 2023, but in June this year, his cancer returned and he went back on chemotherapy.

The London bus driver, who goes to chemotherapy twice a week and still works four days, said his busy schedule has run him to the ground.

I came home from work last week, and my partner said: You look ill, you can't fight chemo, cancer and work.

However, with the high cost of living, Mr Harper said only earning 80 per cent of his wage as sick pay is not enough and the 100 a week benefits he is entitled to doesnt even cover the shopping bill.

He added: Ive been a bus driver for 20 years, they look after me, I only do five hours a day, but again, I'm earning less than half of what I used to earn. Financially, its hard.

His long-term partner, who is also a bus driver, is working six days a week to help keep up with costs, but the physical and financial toll is immense.

Mr Harper, pictured with his long term partner Della, now has chemotherapy twice a week (Terry Harper)

His daughter, Olivia Catterall, has launched a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising 1,800 to help Mr Harper take some time off work, recover properly from treatment, and cover basic household bills.

More than 33,000 people in the UK are living with myeloma. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is frequently missed, as its symptoms, including back pain, easily broken bones, fatigue and recurring infection, are vague and often linked to general ageing or minor conditions, according to Myeloma UK.

Janis McCulloch, head of campaigns at the blood cancer charity, said: Myeloma has one of the longest times to diagnosis of any cancer. Catching it earlier is vital, but we can't do it alone and we need the government to prioritise improving diagnosis.

One of the biggest barriers to diagnosis remains identifying the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done.

A spokesperson at Princess Royal University Hospital said: We are sorry to hear Mr Harper was dissatisfied with his care.

Myeloma blood cancer can be extremely difficult to diagnose, particularly in its early stages. Patients have a less than 1 per cent chance that their back pain is due to cancer when they first visit a doctor, and myeloma is rare, being only 2 per cent of all cancer types.

We would be happy to further discuss Mr Harpers case with him upon request.
President Trump on Saturday praised FBI Director Kash Patel following the capture of a suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

"I am very proud of the FBI," Trump told Fox News Digital. "Kashand everyone elsethey have done a great job."

Patel, a Trump loyalist with less experience than previous FBI directors, has faced criticism, including from the right, over his handling of the manhunt that ultimately captured suspect Tyler Robinson.

The search, which ended after less than two days when Robinson allegedly confessed to his father and later turned himself in to police, saw a series of embarrassing moments for the FBI, including Patel prematurely announcing a suspect had been captured only to backtrack.

Historically, the FBI has been very cautious about releasing information to ensure that when they do, it is accurate, former FBI agent Katherine Schweit, author of Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis and How to Talk About Guns With Anyone, told The Independent earlier this week, pointing to the unusual nature of Patels posts about the investigation.

Kash Patel has faced criticism for an incorrect disclosure of information and internal firings at the FBI amid the manhunt for the gunman that killed Charlie Kirk (REUTERS)

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, Patel reportedly berated his fellow agents for not immediately showing him a photo of the suspect that had been found, even though the image was reportedly already in Patels briefing materials, The Washington Post reports.

Morale is low inside the bureau, and Patel is seen as crumbling under pressure, sources told the newspaper.

The assassination, one of the biggest tests yet of Patels leadership, came as the director had led a series of firings of top agents, including three decorated FBI leaders who sued earlier this week, claiming they had been targeted for perceived disloyalty to Trump. Leadership reshuffles meant that the Salt Lake City FBI field office, which helped lead the Kirk shooter manhunt, was led by an agent with less than a month on the job.

Influential right-wing activist Christopher Rufo wrote on X that Patel had performed terribly in the search.

FBI has faced firings, lawsuits, and mass reassignment of agents to immigration duties during Trump administration (REUTERS)

We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done, Rufo continued. I've been on the phone the last few days with many conservative leaders, all of whom wholeheartedly support the Trump Administration and none of whom are confident that the current structure of the FBI is up to this task.

Thoroughly unimpressed with Kash Patel after this, conservative media figure John Cardillo wrote on X. Public info releases from the Bureau have been clumsy and sloppy.

Others on the online far-right reportedly mocked Patel for saying, after the gunmans capture, that the FBI director would meet Kirk in Valhalla, the afterlife realm for warriors in Norse mythology.

According to the suit from former agents, Patel and a top deputy, former podcaster and Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, allegedly told FBI officials that they should be posting more about their successful investigations and other FBI wins on social media.
White, a former Wagner Group member, is now a soldier in the Russian Volunteer Corps, known as the RDK - Ximena Borrazas

For White, going home to Russia after the war is not an option. If he does, he wants it to be in a tank to take down Vladimir Putin.

The 26-year-old Russian volunteer has spent the past two years fighting for Ukraine  battling against his own countrymen on the front lines. His unit, under cover of darkness, has infiltrated Russia and carried out sabotage operations there.

White, who hails from the city of Samara in Russias south, is one of hundreds of defectors fighting in the armed group Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK).

I have always wanted to live according to my ideals, he said at a training camp outside Kyiv. When the war ends, I will continue fighting until Putin falls.

RDK members range in age and background. Many are former Wagner Group fighters  like White. Some are ex-FSB agents and most of them are just civilians, but they share a singular commitment. We fight to change something in Russia, White said.

Credit: Maria Ximena Borrazas Cataldo

Putin is facing a rise in disillusionment in his militarys meat-grinder war tactics, where soldiers are sent like cannon fodder to the front lines without the correct training or equipment.

For White, he joined the RDK to exact revenge against Putin.

White (right) during his youth in Russia - RDK

When the full-scale invasion began, the former machine operator was in a high-security prison in Russia where he was serving a three-year sentence for assault.

He was plucked from jail and given the opportunity to serve as a mercenary for Yevgeny Prigozhins notorious Wagner Group in exchange for having his criminal record expunged.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, who died in a plane crash two months after attempting a military coup in Russia in 2023 - Getty Images

But his taste of freedom was short-lived  White was soon captured by Ukraine and held captive as a prisoner of war.

After nine months, he was offered up in a prisoner-exchange programme and given the chance to live as a free man in Russia.

But he refused. This time, he chose to fight for Ukraine and joined RDK in June 2023.

Now White commands the RDKs assault unit, leading missions where they fight on the front lines against Russian soldiers. Three weeks ago, the group returned from the front line where they captured 16 Russian prisoners of war.

RDK conducts covert operations behind enemy lines - Ximena Borrazas

The paramilitary group, founded by far-Right extremist Denis Nikitin and deemed a terrorist organisation by Russia, was also part of the biggest cross-border incursion of the war in March 2024.

Russian volunteers had driven tanks and armoured vehicles into Russia in a three-pronged raid, clashing with Moscow security services. The RDK, alongside two other anti-Kremlin separatist groups, had entered the frontier regions of Belgorod and Kursk as part of the operation.

Since then, Whites unit has carried out further operations inside Russia.

We carry out the tasks were given. Sometimes we enter Russia, carry out sabotage operations and leave. Mostly, we fight against Putins regime and the elite. We fight to change something in Russia, he said.

Credit: Maria Ximena Borrazas Cataldo

While waiting for instructions for new missions, they train relentlessly. There is no time to waste in war.

For Ney, a 21-year-old volunteer from Moscow, hell never stop fighting nor return to Russia.

I will definitely not return to Russia while Putin is in power. Within RDK we have a saying: if any of us return to Russia, it will be in a tank or an armoured vehicle, but never as civilians.

If the war ends, I will remain in Ukraine, defending it to the end. And if a larger war breaks out in Europe, I will be there, fighting for freedom.

Ney spent much of his childhood in the Ukrainian city of Odesa in a family of renowned artists before moving back to Russia to study philosophy in Saint Petersburg.

He quickly became frustrated that Russians would be critical of Putin but do nothing about it.

Ive always been connected to intellectual circles, he said. I realised that despite disapproving of Putin, they did nothing.

Growing up in Ukraine, I absorbed the mentality of fighting for freedom and justice. That is why I left a stable life in Russia to join the battlefield, because philosophy was born there.

Many of the soldiers, as they train for their next mission at a camp in the forests near Kyiv, refuse to show their faces in any photographs to protect loved ones from retribution.

Even when not in action, the RDKs training operations are incessant - Ximena Borrazas

Kir, 23, a former marketing professional from Moscow and now a member of a drones unit, left a comfortable life in autumn 2023 to join the RDK. His family believe he is working in Europe; for security reasons, he has no contact with them.

Fortuna, the RDKs chief of staff, moved to Ukraine in 2017 after becoming disillusioned with Russias oppressive regime, but he never expected to take up arms against his compatriots.

Members of the RDK insist they will only return to Russia in a tank or armoured vehicle - RDK

He was living in Irpin when Russian troops invaded and when he saw the horrors unfold, he joined the RDK.

Putins regime is built on war. He cannot end it without losing power. Under his rule, Russia has sunk into poverty and lawlessness. Life there is unbearable. People have nothing and will never have anything, yet they cling to the illusion of greatness through missiles and a powerful army.

Jhon, 40, another of the assault-unit members, had already fought for Ukraine in 2014 with the Azov Battalion. For him, nationality is secondary to the cause. Now Russia is fighting Ukraine, which is why I am here. But if Russia were to fight Spain, I would join the Spanish side. This war was started by Russia. Their policies are inhumane.

If Nato invaded Russia, I would join Russia, because Nato would be the aggressor. But I could also side with the invaders if it meant liberating the Russian people, protecting neighbouring countries and ensuring global security, he said.

The RDK volunteers do not believe Putin wants peace. The Kremlin is said to be demanding that Ukraine cede territory in the Donbas region that Russia has not conquered in exchange for freezing the rest of the front line to achieve peace. Jhon described those demands as ridiculous.

For Kir and his comrades, Putin himself is not the only problem. Not everything will end with Putin, he said. The entire system must be rebuilt from scratch. Whether we can do it or not is another matter. But first, we have to defend Ukraine.
Margaret Thatcher became the University of Buckinghams second chancellor when she retired from politics in 1992 - Peter Jordan/Popperfoto

A university championed as a home of free speech by Margaret Thatcher has received an offer to sell from an international buyer for 30m.

One of six private universities in the UK, Buckingham has faced a year of turmoil following the suspension of pro-free speech vice-chancellor Prof James Tooley last October.

Global University Systems (GUS), which owns 31 institutions worldwide, made the 30m bid for the university but it was rejected by Buckinghams council, according to The Times.

Prof Tooleys suspension followed serious allegations flagged to the university by his estranged wife, Cynthia Tooley.

However, the academic was cleared of wrongdoing in January after a leading barrister found the allegations were not substantiated and he was reinstated as vice-chancellor.

Allies of Prof Tooley told The Telegraph the allegations were seized upon by university management, who have been keen to eject him for some time over his anti-woke views.

Vice-chancellor Prof James Tooley with his estranged wife Cynthia

The professor is a staunch free speech advocate who has spoken out publicly against the cancel culture he claimed had taken root across British campuses. He succeeded Sir Anthony Seldon as Buckinghams vice-chancellor in 2020.

Mark Qualter is chairman of the universitys council and is a Reform UK member who stood as a party candidate in the local elections in May.

GUS, headed by Russian-born entrepreneur Aaron Etingen, was set up in 2003 and currently owns two institutions in the UK: the University of Law and the London School of Business and Finance.

Its initial bid was rejected as the universitys council values it at around 70m, with its land and buildings worth another 80m.

Thatcher, who officially opened the institution in 1976, became its second chancellor when she retired from politics in 1992.

Margaret Thatcher, then the leader of the opposition, on a tour of the University of Buckingham in 1976 - Frank Barratt/Getty

Buckingham hosts 3,300 students from over 70 countries who undertake intensive study to gain honours degrees in two years.

It is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter under which it awards degrees. However, this could be at risk if a sale went ahead.

A University of Buckingham spokesman said: The universitys vision is to be a beacon of independence and academic freedom, internationally recognised for nurturing the leaders and thinkers of the future.

We believe our founding principles, coupled with our unique model, are well-suited to the challenges facing higher education.

As with all universities operating in a challenging environment, it is routine to continually review our position and explore options to ensure we achieve our ambitions and remain resilient.

GUS has been contacted for comment.
Charlie Kirk (left) and George Abaraonye during a debate at the Oxford Union in May 2025. Photograph: Oxford Union

The president-elect of the Oxford Union will face disciplinary proceedings for making inappropriate remarks celebrating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the union has announced on social media.

George Abaraonye, a student at the University of Oxford who became president-elect of the debating society after a vote in June, posted several comments in a WhatsApp group appearing to celebrate what happened, according to the Telegraph.

This included one saying: Charlie Kirk got shot, lets fucking go. Another message, purportedly sent from Abaraonyes Instagram account, read: Charlie Kirk got shot loool.

The Oxford Union said on Saturday that Abaraonye had suffered racial abuse and threats since his comments were revealed in the Telegraph on Thursday.

In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, the union reiterated that it had already condemned the president-elects inappropriate remarks. The society added: We emphasise that these are his personal views and not those of the Union, nor do they represent the values of our institution.

At the same time, we are deeply disturbed by and strongly condemn the racial abuse and threats that George has faced in response. No individual should ever be attacked because of the colour of their skin or the community they come from. Threats to his life are abhorrent. Such rhetoric has no place online, or anywhere in society.

The statement went on to defend the right to free speech and freedom of expression, but added that free speech cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation, or hate.

The Oxford Union does not possess executive powers to summarily dismiss a president-elect. However, the complaints filed against the president-elect have been forwarded for disciplinary proceedings and will be addressed with the utmost seriousness.

Our duty is to demonstrate to our members, the university community, alumni, and the wider public, that disagreement must be expressed through debate and dialogue, not through abuse or threats. That is the tradition we uphold, and it is the standard we will continue to set.

On Thursday, Abaraonye said he had reacted impulsively to the news of Kirks shooting, and that the comments were quickly deleted after news emerged of his death.

Those words did not reflect my values, Abaraonye added. Nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence  I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.

At the same time, my reaction was shaped by the context of Mr Kirks own rhetoric  words that often dismissed or mocked the suffering of others. He described the deaths of American children from school shootings as an acceptable cost of protecting gun rights. He justified the killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, by blaming them collectively for Hamas. He called for the retraction of the Civil Rights Act, and repeatedly spread harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ and trans communities. These were horrific and dehumanising statements.

Kirk and Abaraonye had met during a debate on toxic masculinity held by the Oxford Union in May, the Telegraph reported. Donald Trump, the US president, paid tribute to Kirk as a martyr for truth and freedom after the shooting.

Valerie Amos, the master of University College, Oxford, said on Friday that no disciplinary action would be taken against Abaraonye by the college he attends.

Amos said: Though Mr Abaraonyes comments are abhorrent, they do not contravene the colleges policies on free speech, or any other relevant policy. Therefore, no disciplinary action will be taken.
The Aletsch glacier in Valais canton, viewed from a glade in the Aletschwald. In the 19th century it was 200 metres thicker Photograph: Nicholas JR White

From the slopes behind the village of Ernen, it is possible to see the gouge where the Fiesch glacier once tumbled towards the valley in the Bernese Alps. The curved finger of ice, rumpled like tissue, cuts between high buttresses of granite and gneiss. Now it has melted out of sight.

People here once feared the monstrous ice streams, describing them as devils, but now they dread their disappearance. Like other glaciers in the Alps and globally, the Fiesch is melting at ever-increasing rates. More than ice is lost when the giants disappear: cultures, societies and entire ecosystems are braided around the glaciers.

The neighbouring Great Aletsch, like the Fiesch, flows from the high plateau between the peaks of the Jungfrau-Aletsch, a Unesco region in the Swiss canton of Valais and Europes longest glacier. It is receding at a rate of more than 50 metres a year, but from the cable car above it remains a mighty sight.

The Aletsch glacier viewed from Moosfluh, looking towards the Olmenhorn and Eggishorn peaks

Clouds scud across the sky and shafts of light marble the ice. On the rocky slopes leading down to the glacier from the ridge, there are pools of aquamarine brilliance, the ground speckled with startling alpine flowers. The ice feels alive, with waterfalls plunging into deep crevasses and rocks shimmering in the sun.

Its just so diverse, these harsh mountains and ice, and up the ridge, a totally different habitat, says Maurus Bamert, director of the environmental education centre Pro Natura Aletsch. This is really special.

Participants now pray for the glacier not to vanish, but they once prayed for it to retreat and stop swallowing their meadows

Many of the living worlds in the ice and snow are not visible to the human eye. You dont expect a living organism on the ice, Bamert says. But there is a rich ice-loving biotic community and surprising biodiversity that thrives in this frozen landscape.

Springtails or glacier fleas survive on the snows crust  this year alone, five new species were identified in the European Alps. But there are also algae, bacteria, fungi and ice worms, as well as spiders and beetles, which feed on springtails.

Folds on the glacier showing the sooty crust left on the ice from fossil fuels, wildfires, mineral dust and organic matter. The bare rock shows the retreat of the ice, leaving meltwater pools and rivulets cutting through the ice

As ice melts, this landscape and its inhabitants, human and non-human, are all affected. Along the glaciers path, ice turns to water and the rushing sound of the river becomes audible. In 1859, at the greatest extent of its thickness, the glacier reached 200 metres higher than it does now.

The landscape revealed by the melt is mostly bare rock, riven with fissures that spill across the hillside. Jasmine Noti from Aletsch Arena, the regional tourism organisation, says these widen each year, new cracks appear and routes are redesigned. The ice acts like a massive buttress, gluing the hillside together, and as it melts, slippage and instability increase.

As the edges of the glacial valley descend into the cool cover of the Aletschwald forest, its like walking through time, says Bamert. On the higher slopes, older pines dominate, but lower down the trees thin, and the pioneer species of larch and birch cover the hillside: early signs of newer postglacial reforestation.

It only takes about five to 10 years for plants to colonise the land. Further down yellow saxifrage and mountain sorrel cling to the rocks. All this was once under ice sheets, but the succession of growth tells a story of glacial retreat, historic and recent.

Larch and birch are beginning to cover hillsides laid bare by the retreating glacier, with pines higher up the slopes

Tom Battin, professor of environmental sciences at Lausannes Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, says glacial margins are a transitional landscape where ecosystems are vanishing and appearing. An expert on the microbiology of stream ecosystems, Battin led a multiyear project on vanishing glaciers and what is lost with them.

As he walks down to the Marjelensee, one of the Aletschs glacial lakes, this transition is readily apparent. In this mountain hollow, there was once an expansive lake with ice cliffs around its rim. Today, the pools of water are lit by patchy sun and rain, fish jumping and bog cotton dancing in summer light.

Battin points to aquatic mosses. These, he says, could never live in glacial streams which are fast flowing and extreme. Wading into the water, he searches for the golden-brown blooms of a particular alga, Hydrurus foetidus, which is a keystone species that thrives in glacier-fed rivers, fixing carbon dioxide into organic matter.

Prof Tom Battin inspects a stream near the Marjelensee. He studies the biodiversity that will be lost with glaciers

Lee Brown, professor of aquatic sciences at Leeds University, has studied invertebrate communities in glacier-fed rivers around the world, and says we do not yet know the full importance of those that are likely to disappear.

Its a challenge to communicate, he says, pointing out the crucial roles that tiny organisms have in the trophic networks  the nutrients flowing between organisms within an ecosystem  that connect ice, rivers, land and oceans. Biofilms, or communities of micro-organisms that stick to the surface of ice and rivers, filter the water. Glaciers wash down vital nutrients from the mountain, but their rivers may run dry when the ice melts.

Without this biodiversity which you cant see, all that other biodiversity that people care about might disappear Tom Battin

There are whole worlds in and around the ice, poorly known and understood until recently. Mountains are like high islands, Battin says, with unique ecosystems and endemic species.

Without this biodiversity which you cant see, he says, all that other biodiversity that people care about might disappear.

Pioneering plants and trees such as birch and larch colonising the slopes above the Aletschwald

Francesco Ficetola is a professor of environmental science at Milan University who leads the PrioritIce project examining emerging ecosystems in glacial forelands, or land exposed by the retreating ice. As it melts, he says, theres a powerful combined effort of organisms to create new and increasingly complex habitats.

As something is gained, however, much is lost. Cold-climate specialists such as ptarmigan and Alpine ibex are retreating up mountains, their habitats becoming ever smaller. The Swiss pines, on whose seeds nutcracker birds feed, are also moving upwards. Specialist alpine flowers and other pioneer plants at glacier edges are threatened, pushed out by the succession of forests and meadows.

Admiring the Aletsch glacier. A timeless landscape, but for how much longer?

Local guides, father and son Martin and Dominik Nellen

For the people of this region, too, life alongside the glacier is changing. The guides Martin Nellen and his son, Dominik, have lived with the Aletsch glacier all their life. Martin jokes that the older he gets, the farther he must climb from the ridge to the glacial valley as the ice melts. Its rubbish, he says.

Related: This is ground zero for Blatten: the tiny Swiss village engulfed by a mountain

Martin was instrumental in raising funds for information boards, which he also helped design, that explain the life story of the Aletsch. Dominik says they feel sad, of course about the glaciers retreat, but they are also proud to educate people about glaciers and the distinctive landscape of snow-covered peaks and lush pastures.

Every year at 6am on 31 July people gather for a procession that winds from the church in Fiesch to the Mariahilf chapel in the forest above. Participants now pray for the glacier not to vanish, but they once prayed for it to retreat and stop swallowing their meadows and grazing land.

An altarpiece in the chapel in Ernen, showing the Fiesch glacier

Divine assistance was first requested in 1652. Rosa, one of those gathered for the pilgrimage, remembers the deep snow and cold of past years. I have been going since I was five, she says. There used to be more people.

This procession is special for the reversal of its request, but similar stories exist across the Alps. They are a reminder that something intangible is lost as glaciers disappear. The great rivers of ice have shaped the imaginations of inhabitants and visitors. Not everyone sees the glacier through the lens of faith, but many visitors  whether praying, guiding or educating  worry what the future holds.

At a place called Baseflie, a cross still stands, erected in 1818 to banish the Aletsch glacier when it threatened pastures. Today, the wooden silhouette against a blue sky seems like a memorial to all that may be lost as glaciers vanish.

Cattle above the Aletsch glacier

Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage
Two Oregon restaurants were recently named on the New York Times' list of Americas Best Restaurants of 2025.

To create their list, New York Times writers said they sampled more than 200 dishes in 33 U.S. states to "get a true picture of whats happening in restaurants across the country."

Eugene's Yardy Rum Bar and Portland's The Paper Bridge were both recognized by the New York Times as restaurants in Oregon that "have delicious food and a mastery of craft, but also a generosity of spirit and a singular point of view."

Here's what to know about Yardy Rum Bar and The Paper Bridge.

Yardy Rum Bar, located in Eugene, was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. in 2025.

Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene recognized by New York Times

Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. in 2025.

The Caribbean restaurant focuses on celebrating the culture of the West Indies through food and drinks, according to the Yardy Rum Bar website.

"When you think Oregon, the first flavor that jumps to mind is probably not Caribbean spice. But it should be," said New York Times writer Brian Gallagher.

Nico Centanni making a cocktail at Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene.

Chef and co-owner Isaiah Martinez opened Yardy as a food cart with bartender and co-owner Nico Centanni before ultimately finding a permanent home in a green Victorian in downtown Eugene. Martinez also was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

"Start with a sorrel punch from the cocktail list," Gallagher suggested in the Times article. "Your first stop on the food menu should be the pholourie, heady split-pea fritters sauced with mango, tamarind and peppers. The formidable fried chicken sandwich can be configured to your exact tangy-and-spicy needs with Bajan peppa, tamarind sauce, salsa rosada and the house pepper mix."

Galleher also noted that the Jibarito No. 2 is the "boss" of sandwiches.

Yardy Rum Bar is open 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 837 Lincoln St. in Eugene.

The Paper Bridge is a Vietnamese restaurant in Portland that features northern Vietnamese dishes and is known for its homemade rice noodles and large variety of Phos and noodle plates.

The Paper Bridge in Portland makes New York Times best restaurants list

The Paper Bridge is a Vietnamese restaurant in Portland that features northern Vietnamese dishes and is known for its homemade rice noodles and large variety of Phos and noodle plates.

Quynh Nguyen and Carlo Reinardy, co-owners and spouses, lived in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, and were inspired by a small restaurant they used to visit in the city. When they opened their business, they wanted to bring the authentic flavors they experienced in Vietnam to Portland.

Quynh and I, along with the whole team, were absolutely floored when the article came out, Reinardy told the Statesman Journal. Honestly, we never really saw it coming; we were just this scrappy little restaurant cooking the food we loved from North Vietnam.

The Paper Bridge is a Vietnamese restaurant in Portland that features northern Vietnamese dishes and is known for its homemade rice noodles and large variety of Phos and noodle plates.

The restaurant opened in 2023 and has since become a popular dining spot within the Portland community.

"Bring a group  that way you can also order the Hanoi Van Dinh-style grilled half-duck for the table  since the menu is copious," Gallagher wrote in the Times. "The sapa-style skewers, especially enoki mushrooms enrobed in pork belly, are charred and unctuous, and cocktails like a calamansi gin fizz are pitch-perfect accompaniments."

Gallagher noted that Nguyen and Reinardy's attention to culture and history can be seen in their Dungeness crab spring rolls, which are crafted in a distinctive square shape customary in Haiphong.

We look forward to carrying on highlighting recherche and incredibly nuanced dishes from all of the regions of Northern Vietnam to the Portland area and giving each and every one of our guests what we like to call a mini vacation to Vietnam without leaving the city,'" Reinardy said.

The Paper Bridge is open 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 828 SE Ash St. in Portland.

The Paper Bridge is a Vietnamese restaurant in Portland that features northern Vietnamese dishes and is known for its homemade rice noodles and large variety of Phos and noodle plates.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon restaurants Yardy Rum Bar and The Paper Bridge named best in US
Blair Begbie Rowan Begbie

NEED TO KNOW

A 3-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient in Tennessee received her dream gift: a hot tub

Rowan Begbie of Knoxville loves water, and her parents say she needed a place to relax at the end of days filled with countless medical appointments

Rowan has a rare degenerative condition called Sanfilippo syndrome, which affects less than 1% of the population

A 3-year-old Make-A-Wish kid in Tennessee just received a unique gift: a hot tub.

Rowan Begbie of Knoxville lives with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the brain and central nervous system, per local news outlet WATE 6. Rowan loves water, and on Aug. 26, Make-A-Wish East Tennessee installed a hot tub in the Begbie familys backyard.



Blair Begbie Rowan Begbie in her new hot tub

Her parents, Bryan and Blair Begbie, told the outlet that the tub creates the perfect way for their daughter to unwind amid her countless medical appointments.

She really just needed a place  a respite  every day for her to just do the thing she loves. And thats being in the water, Rowans father said during a video interview with WATE 6.

Shes already spent so much time in it and is gonna love it so much, her mother added.

Blair Begbie Rowan (center) with her parents and siblings

Garrett Wagley, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish East Tennessee, told the outlet that while the organization grants dozens of wishes a year, Rowans stood out.

Shes just a really sweet kid, and [theyre] a great family going through a tough medical journey. And a wish is an opportunity to give hope and joy to a child whos in the middle of that struggle and give them something to look forward to and celebrate them being a child, he said.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Rowan was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome at 2 years old after a member of the community called the Begbies and suggested they get her genetically tested, per WBIR.

"If we hadn't gotten that call, we could've gone years without knowing," Rowans dad told the outlet at the time. "Awareness is everything."

In an email to PEOPLE, Rowan's mom, Blair, said that the family was able to get Rowan into a clinical trial at UNC Chapel Hill, and they currently drive 12 hours round-trip to Knoxville for the weekly treatment. She went on to share further details of her daughter's condition, as well as the implications of the disease for Rowan and children like her.

"[Rowan gets] an infusion of the enzyme shes lacking. That particular enzyme is necessary to remove waste in the human body. Over time, those wastes cause progressive neurological damage," she said. "Sanfilippo is often characterized as childrens Alzheimers. Kids eventually lose the ability to talk, walk and feed themselves. We hope this trial helps slow the progression and gives her a better quality of life."

She added, "This rare disease is heartbreaking, and we hope someday there is an approved treatment or even a cure."

The family has since established a foundation called Rally for Rowan, which aims to "support families impacted by Sanfilippo syndrome through community engagement, charitable programs and funding medical research," per the email.

The family is also currently working toward what they say is urgently needed FDA approval on new treatments for the disease.

Sanfilippo syndrome affects about 1 in every 50,000 to 250,000 children, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Read the original article on People
Getty Police cars and police tape (stock image)

NEED TO KNOW

A North Carolina mom is facing charges after her four daughters died in a house fire

The four children who died were ages 2, 4, 6 and 7

Mom Reagan Powers, 28, allegedly left the children unattended, according to local reports

A mother in North Carolina has been charged after her four young daughters were killed in a house fire.

Police responded to a residence at around 2:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 30, after a woman reported her home was on fire and her four daughters were inside, according to a press release from the Columbus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).

When the first deputy arrived on scene nine minutes after the initial call, the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Due to the severity of the fire, it was not possible to make a safe entry into the home, police said, adding that the four children inside the home ultimately died.

The childrens mother, Reagan Powers, 28, allegedly left the four children, ages 2, 4, 6 and 7, at home and was not around at the time when the fire started, according to WECT 6, WWAY 3 and Columbus County News (CCN). She had reportedly left the children in the care of an 11-year-old, the outlets said.

PEOPLE reached out to the CCSO and the Columbus County Fire Marshal for comment on Saturday, Sept. 13, but did not receive an immediate response.



Megan Varner/Getty Police officer with police tape (stock image)

Powers was later arrested and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse with serious bodily injury on Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to arrest records obtained by WECT 6 and CCN.

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Powers made her first court appearance on Thursday, Sept. 11. At the time, the judge told her she faces a maximum of 59 months for each count of involuntary manslaughter and a maximum of 88 months for each count of negligent child abuse, WECT 6 reported.

Powers' bond was initially set at $400,000, and she has since bonded out, according to WECT 6 and CCN.

In a statement obtained by WWAY 3, the childrens father, Patrick Ellis, said, My heart is shattered beyond words at the loss of my daughters.

Over 100 people showed up to a memorial service for the four children at a funeral home in Chadbourn on Tuesday, Sept. 9, per the outlet.



Read the original article on People
A U.S. Border Patrol agent peers across an expansive valley in the desert near Sunland Park, N.M. on July 17, 2024. Photo: Glenn Fawcett / U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Flickr / United States Government Work

(The Center Square) - As the Trump administration pursues its goal to engage in mass deportations across the country, immigration advocates and researchers are looking to state governments for legal pathways.

The federal government assumed direct control of immigration processes with the Immigration Act of 1891, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This act led to the opening of Ellis Island in 1892, and largely handing over inspecting, rejecting, admitting and processing immigrants coming to the United States.

However, state legislators across the country have introduced proposals to give states a larger role in admitting immigrants and incentivizing more foreign workers coming to the United States.

Since 2007, at least 16 state legislatures have introduced bills, resolutions or other proposals to offer greater partnership with the federal government over immigration controls, according to the Bipartisan Policy Institute.

Michele Waslin, assistant director of the immigration history research center at the University of Minnesota, said she noticed a lot of focus from state legislatures in the last 30 years bringing a shift back to state-based immigration policy.

Our immigration system is outdated, Waslin said. So were seeing states, regardless of party, or rural, urban split or whatever geography, just realizing that the current system isnt working well for them.

Waslin said many state proposals either dont get the support they need from the federal government or the states are outright targeted.

In 2008, Colorado passed a bipartisan bill to create a pilot program that would give the state more power to recruit foreign workers. However, the program needed federal permission to begin recruitment, which was never received.

Additionally, in 2011, the Department of Justice challenged an immigration law in Utah that was designed to give state and local law officers an expanded role in enforcing immigration.

The law creates and mandates immigration enforcement measures that interfere with the immigration priorities and practices of the federal government in a way which is not cooperative with the primary federal role in this area, a 2011 statement from the Department of Justice reads.

The role between state and federal governments in immigration enforcement has recently come under increased scrutiny as the Trump administration looks to expand the role local law enforcement plays in its deportations agenda.

The laws mandates on law enforcement could lead to harassment and detention of foreign visitors and legal immigrants who are in the process of having their immigration status reviewed in federal proceedings and whom the federal government has permitted to stay in this country while such proceedings are pending, the 2011 statement reads.

Waslin said states tend to get the short end of the stick with immigration because the system is controlled through the federal government. She said employers who use programs like the H-2A program for agricultural workers can have more of a say than states in foreign worker recruitment.

States really get the short end of the stick in that they have very little ability to make those decisions about which workers and how many of those workers are going to come to their state, Waslin said.

Jordan Fischetti, an immigration fellow at Americans for Prosperity, said state-based solutions still need collaboration from the federal government. He proposed states focus on visa quotas while the federal government handles security measures.

If they're spending less time worrying about market conditions and more time actually vetting people, they'll do a better job at that, Fischetti said. By definition, every minute they spend not protecting us is a minute they're not protecting us as well as they can.

Fischetti said the Economic Innovation Groups 2024 Heartland Visa proposal would allow states to collaborate with the federal government. The proposal would allocate a minimum of 100,000 visas for areas with little to no population growth.

The proposal also would allow eligible communities to opt-in to immigration pathways for skilled workers that can lead to permanent residency. The visas are set for three years but can be extended by up to six years and are designed to spur economic growth in areas of decline.

The policy proposal was introduced in 2024 by U.S. Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Joe Manchin, I-W.V., but did not pass before the end of Congress session.

Whether state-based or federalized, Fischetti said immigration law must start by allowing communities to have input. Establishing predictable immigration rules is critical in moving forward with legal pathways legislation, Fischetti said.

You need clear laws that people can easily follow and that Americans are confident are being followed, Fischetti said. Thats what Im always going to get back to.
If there were any doubts that Wall Street's long-awaited rebound in initial public offerings is here, they were put to rest this past week.

Six companies went public over five days that each raised more than $100 million  something that hasn't happened since November 2021, according to Renaissance Capital. Collectively, IPOs from these companies raised $4.4 billion.

"The pickup is here," Renaissance Capital director of investment strategies Avery Marquez said in an interview, adding, "Things could change very quickly. Right now, it looks like we're in for a very active fall."

The action pushed total proceeds from all traditional IPOs so far this year to $25 billion, according to Dealogic, which is also the highest since 2021.

The new offerings include a Swedish buy now, pay later lender, a blockchain platform that approves mortgages, a Pacific Northwest coffee bar chain, and a crypto exchange started by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.

Gemini co-founders Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss attend the company's IPO at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City on Sept. 12. (Reuters/Jeenah Moon) (REUTERS / Reuters)

Renaissance isn't expecting another five-day stretch to match that number of big deals, which is defined as more than $100 billion. Currently, it's projecting about three to five such IPOs per week for the next two months.

This past week ended with Friday listings from Gemini Space Station (GEMI), the parent company of crypto exchange Gemini; coffee chain Black Rock Coffee Bar (BRCB); transportation software company Via Transportation (VIA); and building efficiency provider Legence (LGN).

Gemini raised $425 million in its IPO. The crypto exchange's stock was up 18% as of Friday afternoon. Black Rock Coffee Bar, Via, and Legence raised $294 million, $493 million, and $728 million, respectively. Their stocks are up 45%, 3%, and 8%, respectively.

"IPO issuance has exploded post Labor Day," Bank of America head of Americas equity capital markets Jim Cooney said. He noted that IPO road shows held by senior executives and their bankers are currently the busiest they've been since the peak of IPO mania in mid-2021.

Earlier in the past week came public listings from buy now, pay later lender Klarna (KLAR) and Figure Technology Solutions (FIGR), a blockchain platform that offers crypto trading and a marketplace for mortgages.

Figure and Klarna raised $787.5 million and $1.37 billion, respectively, in their public listings. Their stocks were up 7% and down 3%, respectively, as of Friday afternoon.

Blockchain lender Figure Technology Solutions co-founder Mike Cagney walks outside the Nasdaq building in New York City after ringing the opening bell to celebrate the company's IPO on Sept. 11. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz) (REUTERS / Reuters)

Mike Cagney, Figure co-founder and former CEO of SoFi Technologies (SOFI), told Yahoo Finance Thursday that the company plans to use the fresh capital "like a weapon" to outcompete rivals.

"Having that balance sheet is going to allow us to lean in and really push disruptive blockchain use cases in a way that not having that capital would be difficult," Cagney said.

With most of his wealth tied up in Figure shares, Cagney is now a billionaire thanks to his company's IPO, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Not everyone is viewing the return of IPO mania this week with excitement. While their Wall Street operations appear to be humming, some major bankers pointed out more uncertainty when looking at the full economic picture.

"Risk appetite is definitely out on what I'd say is the more exuberant end of the spectrum," Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said Monday.

"We're looking at the back half [of the year] to likely have slowing growth, in 2026 to have slowing growth as well," Citigroup CFO Mark Mason said Tuesday.

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday showed that the US added nearly a million fewer jobs than initially reported in the monthly payroll report for the 12-month period ending in March 2025. The massive revision came only days after the preliminary payroll report showed that the US added just 22,000 jobs in August.

Uncertainty "kind of just seems like something that's on everybody's mind, but not really influencing their risk appetites," Renaissance's Marquez added.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

David Hollerith covers the financial sector ranging from the country's biggest banks to regional lenders, private equity firms, and the cryptocurrency space.

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abc7NY/Youtube Brent Chapman

NEED TO KNOW

A blind man can now see out of one eye after undergoing tooth-in-eye surgery

Brent Chapman, 34, of Canada, lost his vision more than 20 years ago after a rare allergic reaction damaged his corneas

The uncommon "tooth-in-eye" procedure was developed in the 1960s and has only been performed on several hundred people worldwide

A blind man can see for the first time in more than 20 years after undergoing a rare tooth-in-eye surgery.

Brent Chapman, 34, of North Vancouver, Canada, lost his vision when he was 13 years old after experiencing an extremely rare allergic reaction to Ibuprofen, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, per Today.com. The illness left him blind in both eyes, and he spent the next two decades seeking out treatments to restore his vision.

None of the treatments Chapman tried proved successful long-term, which is when he ultimately connected with Dr. Greg Moloney, an ophthalmologist at Providence Health Cares Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver.

Moloney suggested the rare tooth-in-eye procedure on Chapmans right eye. The surgery  which was developed in the 1960s and has only been performed on several hundred people worldwide  entails multiple steps.

The patients tooth is pulled and then flattened, and a small hole is then drilled in the center. A prosthetic lens is fitted over the hole, and the tooth is ultimately placed at the front of the patients eye, where they can see through the new lens.

Moloney explained to Today.com that a tooth from the patient is used because it decreases the chances that the body will perceive the object as a foreign body and reject it.

Usually, the reaction is shock and surprise and frank disbelief that it [the procedure] even exists, Moloney told the outlet while discussing the treatment.

Chapman said that he, too, initially thought the procedure sounded like something out of a movie.

getty Monitor in hospital (stock image)

It kind of sounded a little science fictiony. I was like, Who thought of this? Like, this is so crazy,  he told Today.com.

However, the results spoke for themselves. Chapman told the outlet that he was immediately able to perceive his hands moving in front of him when he woke up from the surgery, and had 20/40 or 20/30 vision in the eye after it had fully healed.

I feel fantastic, Chapman said while speaking about the results of his surgery to WABC, adding, Vision comes back, and its a whole new world.

Chapman also told WABC that the moment he was first able to see Dr. Moloney was an emotional experience for them both.

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.

When Dr. Moloney and I made eye contact, we both just burst into tears. I hadn't really made eye contact in 20 years," he recalled.

PEOPLE reached out to Mount Saint Joseph Hospital for comment on Saturday, Sept. 13, but did not receive an immediate response.



Read the original article on People
Michael Kovac/Getty Bobby Berk (left) and Dewey Do in 2023

NEED TO KNOW

Bobby Berk revealed that he and husband Dewey Do have chosen not to have kids in an interview with PEOPLE at the One House Toast to the Emmys event in Los Angeles on Sept. 11

"We have decided it's not for us," Berk said

The Queer Eye alum and his surgeon husband began dating in 2004 and married in 2012

Bobby Berk is opening up about why he and husband Dewey Do have decided not to start a family.

Chatting exclusively with PEOPLE at the One House Toast to the Emmys event in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 11, the Queer Eye alum, 44, revealed that he and Do, a surgeon, don't plan to have kids.

"We have decided it's not for us," Berk says, explaining, "I mean, in this day and age  and this is not to knock anybody's decision to have or not have kids  but for me, I would just have a hard time bringing any child into the world right now."

He also acknowledged that his busy career is a factor.

"I just don't have enough time to devote [to parenting]," he says.

Phillip Faraone/Getty Bobby Berk (left) and Dewey Do in 2019

Instead, the couple is content to spoil their dog, Bimini, a mini Labradoodle whom Berk first introduced on his Instagram in 2021.

"Bimini is very spoiled," the interior designer tells PEOPLE, sharing that Do, who is "a very good cook," likes to whip up tasty treats for their pup.

"He cooks for her, and it's usually bison or rack of lamb with sweet potatoes and peas and carrots. No processed food for her," he shares, quickly clarifying, "It's not plated. She's not that bougie."

As for married life with Do, Berk  who is set to host the new HGTV series Junk or Jackpot?  says it's "great."

"I mean, 22 years, still going well," he says.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Bobby Berk at the One Host Toast to the Emmys event in Los Angeles on Sept. 11, 2025

The couple began dating in 2004 after meeting online, and tied the knot in 2012. Last year, they celebrated their milestone 20th anniversary  but Berk later told PEOPLE that he and Do take a low-key approach to such occasions.

"[He] and I have never really been like anniversary people or birthday people," he said in a September 2024 interview. "It's funny, we used to always laugh that neither of us knew it was our anniversary until Facebook would tell us."

He said they don't typically remember holidays because they "love to celebrate each other every day."

"You know, we love to just take a little weekend trip here and there," Berk explained. "We did just go to Ireland, and actually, around our anniversary, we were in Asia. So, yeah, I wouldn't say there was one specific thing we did for our anniversary, but we've always been the type of people [who] celebrate each other every day."

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.

When asked what has surprised him the most over the couple's 21-year relationship, Berk joked at the time that it's the fact that Do "has stayed with me this long."



Read the original article on People
According to the American Kennel Club, the Chihuahua dog breed originated in Mexico.

Although, some experts argue that they were brought to Mexico from the island of Malta by the Spanish conquistadors.

But considering they are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, it is fair to say that Mexico is their homeland.

Chihuahuas are even believed to have descended from ancient native dogs that were raised by the Toltec and Aztec civilizations.

These symbols of Mexico deserve to be celebrated, and that is exactly what this sweet little Chihuahua's parents did for her birthday.

In a video posted to the account @phoebeparsons__, a large group of people gathered at a table in a Mexican restaurant.

As the waitresses sing a Mexican birthday song, the camera pans to the middle of the table where Twinky the Chihuahua is being held by her dad as everyone sings to her with a big piece of cake and a candle in front of her.

Her mother captioned the video, "We took our Chihuahua to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate her birthday and the staff understood the assignment."

Now this is the perfect birthday celebration for a Chihuahua!

Though Twinky looks a little confused as to why everyone is clapping around her, she seems to be enjoying it.

The comments for the video came pouring in, including, "I love seeing families respect the cultural heritage of their adopted children!"

Another commenter pointed out that Twinky's awkward face was pretty similar to most people when people sing to them at a restaurant.

Related: Chihuahua Breaks Into Happy Dance After Realizing She's at Grandpa's House

Fun Facts About Chihuahuas

How about a few more fun facts about Chihuahuas?

They are recognized as the world's smallest dog breed by the AKC. The shortest living dog is a Chihuahua named Pearl, according to the Guinness World Records as of 2023. She measures only 3.59 inches tall and 5 inches in length and weighs less than 1.5 pounds. The Aztec people so revered them that when an aristocrat died, a Chihuahua was sacrificed so it could be buried or cremated with the deceased.

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
By Ryan Woo

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's Ministry of Commerce initiated an anti-discrimination investigation into U.S. trade policy over chips on Saturday, as well as a separate investigation into dumping, a day ahead of a new round of U.S.-China trade talks in Spain.

The first investigation would examine whether Washington had discriminated against Chinese companies in its policies on trade in chips. The second would look into suspected dumping of imports of some U.S. analog chips used in devices such as hearing aids, Wi-Fi routers and temperature sensors.

The ministry said in a statement that the United States had imposed a series of restrictions on China over chips in recent years, including trade discrimination investigations and export controls.

Such "protectionist" practices are suspected of discriminating against China and are intended to curb and suppress China's development of high-tech industries such as advanced computing chips and artificial intelligence, it added.

TALKS TO START IN MADRID

A delegation to be led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is due to kick off a new round of dialogue with the United States from September 14-17 in Madrid.

The commerce ministry has said the two sides will discuss economic and trade issues such as U.S. tariffs, the "abuse" of export controls and TikTok. In a separate statement on the talks on Saturday it questioned Washington's policies.

"What is the U.S.'s intention in imposing sanctions on Chinese companies at this time?" the ministry said.

"China urges the U.S. to immediately correct its erroneous practices and cease its unwarranted suppression of Chinese companies. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

On Friday, the United States added 32 entities, 23 of them in China, to a commerce department restricted trade list. They included two Chinese firms accused of acquiring U.S. chipmaking equipment for China's top chipmaker SMIC.

The upcoming U.S-China talks in Spain will be the fourth major in-person meeting this year as the two countries seek to maintain a trade truce that reduced retaliatory tariffs on both sides and restored the flow of Chinese rare earth minerals to the United States.

After meetings in Geneva and London, the two sides largely agreed in late July in Stockholm to extend a tariff pause for another 90 days. President Donald Trump approved the extension on August 12 until November 10.

ByteDance's short video app TikTok, which faces a potential ban in the U.S. unless it moves to U.S. ownership, will be on the agenda in the talks in Spain.

Trump has extended a deadline for TikTok to divest its U.S. assets until September 17. U.S. lawmakers have said TikTok's U.S. user data could fall into the hands of China's government.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and has never and will never require companies or individuals to collect or provide data located in foreign countries for the Chinese government in violation of local laws," China's official People's Daily said in an article on Saturday.

If the United States insists on undermining the legitimate interests of Chinese companies, China will take necessary measures to safeguard national interests and the rights of Chinese companies, the Chinese newspaper wrote.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Peter Graff)
Aaron Judge celebrates after Friday's victory against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. - Paul Rutherford/Imagn Images/Reuters Connect

Aaron Judge walked out at Fenway Park on Friday night knowing that just one home run would see him overtake Joe DiMaggio and move into fourth outright on the New York Yankees all-time list.

He wasted no time.

The two-time American League MVP jumped on the second pitch he saw  a fastball from Lucas Giolito  and crushed his 362nd career homer 468 feet over the Green Monster on the way to a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Only Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig have hit more home runs in the pinstripes than Judge.

Its special, but just like all those guys in front of me and on those lists, they werent playing for records. They were playing to win, Judge said after Fridays game, per MLB.com. So Im just trying to follow in their footsteps. Im here to win. Im trying to help put this team in the best possible position every single night.

Its been quite the week for Judge. The 33-year-old only overtook Yogi Berra for home runs on Tuesday, disrupting a top five of Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra which had stood since 1966.

Judging Judge

Judges home run numbers dont lie  he is the Yankees best slugger since the 1960s.

The 33-year-old has not only cracked the franchises top five, but he has also done so with considerably fewer at-bats than his peers. With a rate of 0.09 home runs per plate appearance, only Ruth  with the same rate  can really rival Judge in terms of slugging efficiency.

Judges career batting average of .292 is very good, but is joint 25th on the Yankees all-time list, some way off the .349 and .340 achieved by Ruth and Gehrig, respectively.

Nonetheless, his on-base percentage ranks fourth, a mark of just how scared pitchers have been of Judge during his decade at the plate.

If you want to dive deeper into the statistics, Judge ranks excellently in WAR (Wins Above Replacement), the metric that estimates the number of wins a player adds to a team compared to the average replacement-level player.

The metric has Judge in sixth place among Yankees position players, behind Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter.

But to focus so much on their individual numbers is to miss one crucial detail. Nine of the top 10 players for WAR in franchise history have won at least one World Series title in the pinstripes. Yogi Berra won 10.

The one who has not is Judge. That is not entirely his fault, of course  the team has only made the World Series once in his career, last years loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

But the California native struggled throughout the postseason and had just one hit and seven strikeouts across the first three World Series games.

Aaron Judge swings at a strike during the fifth inning of Friday night's win over the Boston Red Sox. - Mark Stockwell/AP

When the loss was eventually confirmed, Judge found himself in a reflective mood.

I think falling short in the World Series will stick with me until I die, probably, he told reporters.

Just like every other loss, those things dont go away. Theyre battle scars along the way, and hopefully when my career is over weve got a lot of battle scars but hopefully a lot of victories along the way too.

While his own personal legacy may not have been at the forefront of his mind in that moment, Judge will have known that, without a World Series title to his name, it is difficult to consider him alongside Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Jeter.

He will also know, however, that his first-inning homer against the Red Sox on Friday propelled the Yankees to a 1.5-game lead over Boston, and a much better shot at home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.

Win a World Series this year, and we can start to talk about Judge among the very best hitters in Yankees history.

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BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania scrambled fighter jets on Saturday when a drone breached the country's airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border, the defense ministry said.

Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said the F-16 pilots came close to taking down the drone as it was flying very low before it left national airspace toward Ukraine.

A threat of drone strikes also prompted Poland to deploy aircraft and close an airport in the eastern city of Lublin on Saturday, three days after it shot down Russian drones in its airspace with the backing of aircraft from its NATO allies.

Romania, a European Union and NATO state which shares a 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has had Russian drone fragments fall onto its territory repeatedly since Russia began waging war on its neighbor.

On Saturday, it scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and later two Eurofighters - part of German air policing missions in Romania - and warned citizens in the southeastern county of Tulcea near the Danube and its Ukrainian border to take cover, the defense ministry said in a statement.

It added the jets detected a drone in national airspace, which they followed until it dropped off the radar 20 km southwest of the village of Chilia Veche.

Mosteanu told private television station Antena 3 that helicopters will survey the area near the border to look for potential drone parts, "but all information at this moment indicates the drone exited airspace to Ukraine."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on social media platform X that data showed the drone breached about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes.

"It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia  and this is exactly how they act," he said. "Sanctions against Russia are needed. Tariffs against Russian trade are needed. Collective defense is needed."

NATO announced plans to beef up the defense of Europe's eastern flank on Friday, after Poland shot down drones that had violated its airspace, the first known shots fired by a member of the Western alliance during Russia's war in Ukraine.

Romanian lawmakers approved a law earlier this year enabling the army to shoot down drones illegally breaching Romanian airspace during peacetime, based on threat levels and risks to human life and property, but the bill does not yet have all enforcement rules approved.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard wrote on platform X that the airspace breach was "another unacceptable violation of NATO airspace."

"Sweden stands in full solidarity with Romania as a NATO Ally and EU Member State. We are always ready to contribute further to the deterrence and defence of the Alliance."

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie in Bucharest; Additional reporting by Simon Johnson in Stockholm; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Justin Hill loves honey. The owner of Eastaboga Bee Company in Eastaboga, Alabama, Hill often dips into his own product, adding its multi-layered sweetness to a peanut butter sandwich or enjoying a sticky spoonful straight.

But the millions of busy bees he keepshe callsthem his business partnersbring him the most satisfaction.

They fascinate me, how they communicate, how they find the flowers they need, pretty much everything about them is interesting, he says.

Spending most of his time outside (even in Alabamas sweltering summer heat) also appeals to Hill.

I love being in nature, and my work means Im out there enough to really see and notice the different things about different spots. Its relaxing to me, he says.

Courtesy of Eastaboga Bee Company

A Fourth-Generation Beekeeper

Beekeeping began as a hobby, but the idea of an outdoor office and the chance to stay true to his familys farming tradition led him to make it a career. He founded his business in 2012 on his great grandfather's cattle pastures, making him the fourth generation of his kin to work the same land.

Now almost 15 years in, Eastaboga remains a one-man operation, yet Hill is never lonely. Hes got Jake, his trusty hound-dog sidekick. And, he gets to know his beloved bees well.

They are like people, he says. Different ones have different personalities and moods. Im always learning how to make their lives easier, which is the main part of my job. The better Hill does his job, the more honey his bees make.

The Buzz Around Eastaboga Honey

Hill also connects with the people who love the liquid gold his co-workers produce.

I enjoy meeting folks who want my honey at the markets where I sell, like Pepper Place in Birmingham and the Anniston Farmers Market, he says. I love getting to know the chefs who use it too.

This list includes some of the Souths top culinary talents, like Birminghams Frank Stitt and Rob McDaniel and Auburns David Bancroft, who lend the complex flavors of Eastaboga Bee Companys honey to everything from salad dressings and sauces to desserts and cocktails.

Hills honey shines in all kinds of Alabama eats and drinks, making appearances in ice cream at Big Spoon Creamery, Back Forty Beer Companys Truck Stop Honey Ale, and pastries at Bandit Patisserie.

Last year, Hill got the chance to share his beekeeping knowledge with Hollywood as a member of the team providing technical guidance on the set of "The Rivals of Amziah King." Filmed in Alabama, the movie stars Matthew McConaughey as a beekeeper and is expected to be released later this year.

How Eastaboga Honey Is Made

Hill passed along the methods he uses to keep his bees, work that culminates in the honey harvest, which occurs several times a year, mostly in the summer and early fall. It begins with him coaxing the bees out of the boxes with a scent they cant stand and then taking the bee-free boxes to his workshop, where he removes the individual frames of honeycomb.

Next, he opens each hexagonal cells' wax cap with a small roller before loading the frames in a stainless-steel cylinder that spins them and flings the honey out. The sugary syrup drips into buckets and later gets bottled. The honey is never heated, and nothing is added. Every drop comes straight from the source and remains raw and natural.

But the buzz around Eastaboga Bee Company surrounds more than Hills highly praised honey. He uses beeswax from empty honeycombs to create lip balm, hand lotion, and candles. He makes a rich furniture polish and leather restorer, too.

While interacting with fellow honey lovers keeps Hill happy, he never tires of time on the farm, checking bee boxes, and pulling honey. He doesnt even mind the stings, a minor hazard he calls just part of the gig.

And although often hot and always labor-intensive, his work delivers rewards. I enjoy providing a service through farming. I like the feeling of accomplishment after each harvest, he says. I feel like Ive helped make something people want.

"They are like people. Different ones have different personalities and moods. Im always learning how to make their lives easier, which is the main part of my job."

Justin Hill

Justin Hill's Legacy

Theres something Hill wants as well. I really want people to know how thankful I am, how thankful a lot of the local farming community is, for the people in our state who support us, he says. We are trying to deliver real farm-to-table goodness, and were grateful for those who get that and appreciate that.



Read the original article on Southern Living
Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty The cast of 'The Golden Girls' in season 3. From left: Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, Betty White and Estelle Getty.

Television had never seen anything like it: four female friends living in a major city, frequently sitting around a table discussing their lives and loves over food  with a healthy dose of sex talk thrown into the mix. No, were not talking about Sex and the City. More than a decade before Carrie Bradshaw and her besties first graced our screens, The Golden Girls, which premiered on NBC Sept. 14, 1985, was the first beloved TV series to focus on four female friends.

But heres the twist: Our heroines were all played by actresses over 50. Bea Arthur was top-billed as divorcee Dorothy Zbornak, who shared a house in Miami with widows Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) and Rose Nylund (Betty White) as well as her eighty-something mother, Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty). There was no question that we had something wonderful, Tony Thomas, 76, who executive-produced all seven seasons with Paul Junger Witt, recalls of the first table read with the actresses. It was like watching an all-star game. And it just got better every day.

The Golden Girls was an immediate hit. There was a universality in the show, the series creator, Susan Harris, 84, says. It didnt depend on people being young or pretty, and people really identified with that. Thomas adds of the unprecedented focus on older characters: This is life after your first life. You dont have to slow down. You can create a new family. Life does not end. Thats the promise of the show.

More than 30 years after its final episode in 1992 and nearly four years after the death of the last surviving Golden Girl (White, who died in 2021 at age 99), the reruns  all seven seasons are currently streaming on Hulu  continue to attract young fans whose parents werent even alive when the show began. Its amazing how it appeals to women, young kidsmy grandkids loved The Golden Girls from when they were little, Harris says. It presented real women in a real way.

In celebration of The Golden Girls 40th anniversary, which ABC News will mark with a one-hour special this fall, here are some surprising revelations from behind the scenes.



01 of 07

The Golden Girls was supposed to be about just two older women, and the idea was sparked by . . . Miami Vice.

Night Court star Selma Diamond and Remington Steele actress Doris Roberts were introducing a new show called Miami Vice on The NBC All Star Hour in 1984 when they started arguing about the popular cop shows title. The banter gave two NBC executives an idea. Brandon [Tartikoff] and Warren [Littlefield] turned to each other and said, There might be something in this kind of relationship with older women,  says Thomas. Paul and I and another writer went to a pitch meeting [with them] for another show, and they were not interested, but they told us about the two old ladies thing. The writer who was with us said, I dont write old people.  So Thomas and Witt brought in Harris (Witts wife), who had previously worked with them on the sitcom Soap, to make TV history. The original premise was two women, Thomas adds, so we kind of went a little crazy.



02 of 07

The actress who played the young version of Bea Arthurs Dorothy in flashbacks believes Arthur disliked Betty White because she thought White was phony.

Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank Betty White (left) and Bea Arthur on 'The Golden Girls'

Bea prided herself in her lack of artifice, in the fact that she was a straight shooter, and she didnt suffer fools, and you couldnt bulls--- her, says Lyn Greene, 71, who appeared in four episodes. And I think there were times Bea saw more of Sue Ann Nivens [Whites Mary Tyler Moore Show antagonist] than of Rose Nylund, in that Im not sure she thought that Betty was always sincere. Somebody being overly agreeable can sometimes contrast and make you look like youre an ogre. I dont think it was easy for Bea, who was so serious. That also made getting Arthurs stamp of approval all the more meaningful. Greene remembers being terrified to make her first appearance in 1987. But it got easier with every episode, because I caught Bea looking at a playback of my scene in her dressing room and smiling. I could see she was pleased at the portrayal. That was everything.



03 of 07

An Emmy-winning guest star got booed at the end of taping an episode in which she played an anti-Semitic author.

NBC Bea Arthur (left) and Bonnie Bartlett in season 3's 'Dorothy's New Friend'

I didnt think that much of it, Bonnie Bartlett, 96, says of her first impression after reading the script for season 3's Dorothys New Friend episode, in which she played bigoted author Barbara Thorndyke. But then when we were shooting it, they had three different old gentlemen that came in [to play Sophias Jewish boyfriend], and two quit. Thats when I realized that two old gentlemen gave up a days work because they were offended by the scene. And then when I came out before the show, there was applause [from the live studio audience]. They knew me from Ellen Craig [on St. Elsewhere]. And when I came out after the show, they booed me. My husband [her St. Elsewhere and Boy Meets World costar William Daniels] said, Thats what you get for taking an anti-Semitic part.  Nearly four decades later, she still gets recognized by fans as Barbara Thorndyke.

04 of 07

The man who directed the most episodes of the series initially turned down the gig.

From left: Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan on 'The Golden Girls' in 1992.

I had been approached fairly early on about doing it, and I said no, not having seen it, recalls Terry Hughes, 85, whose pre-Golden Girls credits included episodes of the Sarah Jessica Parker sitcom Square Pegs. I didnt really want to work with four old ladies on a show, and I very casually and stupidly said, No, Im not interested.  When the two directors whod done the 10 episodes after the pilot didnt work out, Bea Arthur suggested they go back to Hughes, who says, I went in and watched the pilot, and I realized how stupid I was just to reject it out of hand and realized how brilliant it was. He took the job and stayed from episode 12 in 1985 until 1990. It was an instant rapport with the ladies. By the end of that first week I felt as if Id been there forever.



05 of 07

Estelle Getty didnt think her scene-stealing character was funny.

Her experience had been in the Jewish theater in New York, and [this] must have been an overwhelming experience that she handled so well, to find herself internationally famous in her 60s, Hughes says. But she had a down-to-earth skill. She didnt always know why what she was doing was funny, but it was, and she would sometimes question it. It must have been hard for her at the beginning to fit in with those ladies. By the end she created an incredible character in Sophia.



06 of 07

Getty, who died in 2008 at age 84 after suffering from dementia for years, struggled with memory issues while on the show.

ABC Photo Archives/Getty Estelle Getty (left) and Bea Arthur on 'The Golden Girls'

She would do 20 takes before shed nail it, so that you were doing it over, and over, and over. By the time you got to 20, you werent so great, but she would get it, Greene says. And I think there was a lot of frustration with her until people realized this was a [medical] condition.



07 of 07

Dorothys ex-husband Stanley Zbornak, played by Herb Edelman, was The Golden Girls secret weapon.

Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Herb Edelman and Bea Arthur on 'The Golden Girls'

I had a fail-safe if ever a script was not up to scratch, or I thought we werent getting the laugh. My go-to was always, Lets get Stan in for a couple of episodes, because he was a surefire laugh riot, says Hughes. I loved that man. And we would sometimes, even if he wasnt in the script  at least on two occasions I remember bringing him in just to bolster a scene and give us some extra comedy because he was so terrific, and the relationship between him and Bea was great, often overlooked. His contribution to the show was enormous.

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The damaged building, left, in the compound housing members of Palestinian militant group Hamas' political bureau, pictured on September 10, 2025. - AFP/Getty Images

For decades, wealthy Gulf Arab states cast themselves as oases of stability in a region mired in conflict, building gleaming capitals with fast-growing economies powered by millions of foreign workers drawn to economic opportunity and a tax-free lifestyle.

But this year, their sense of safety was shattered when two regional powers conducted a direct strike on a Gulf country for the first time. First, Iran targeted an American airbase in Qatar in June after the US struck its nuclear facilities. Then came Israels attack this week, targeting Hamas political leadership in Doha.

Gulf Arab states are rattled as a Gaza war that began thousands of miles from their borders nearly two years ago inches closer to home.

With few viable military options to retaliate, Qatar has vowed a collective regional response to Israels strikes. That response is currently under consultation and discussion with other partners, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told CNNs Becky Anderson on Wednesday. A decision is expected at an Arab and Islamic summit in Doha this weekend.

Perhaps the most visible and immediate reaction came from the Gulf state that has the closest ties to Israel: the United Arab Emirates. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Doha with a large delegation less than 24 hours after the attack. Qatar was his first stop on a Gulf tour to coordinate a response to the attack that also took him to Bahrain and Oman. On Friday, the UAE summoned an Israeli diplomat to denounce what it called Israels blatant and cowardly attack.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, meets Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025. - Abdulla Al Neyadi/Handout/Reuters

Regional analysts told CNN that Gulf Arab states would likely be weighing options that demonstrate regional unity and deter further Israeli strikes, but could be constrained by limited viable options.

We need to take a stand now because if (we) do not, it will be other Gulf capitals next, said Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University, referring to Gulf nations.

Diplomatic options

Analysts say that one of the options could involve the UAE downgrading diplomatic relations with Israel or decreasing its involvement in the Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement between Israel and three Arab states that became US President Donald Trumps biggest foreign policy achievement during his first term.

The UAE had been signaling discontent with Israel even before the strike on Doha. This week, Lana Nusseibeh, a senior UAE official, warned that reported Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank would be a red line that would betray the very spirit of the Abraham Accords.

Qatars prime minister said that part of Dohas response would be in the legal arena, including through international law. On Thursday, it successfully lobbied for a unanimous statement at the UN Security Council condemning the Israeli attack.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani attends an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York City on September 11, 2025. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East Policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, said Gulf states havent previously significantly participated in proceedings against Israel at international courts, and that that could change.

Gulf states so far have not played a key role in supporting these efforts, politically or financially. Gulf states could collectively decide to join those cases, he said.

Another option is for Qatar to withdraw from its role as the go-to mediator between the US and some of its adversaries, analysts say.

Fraternal security

Gulf states have had significant internal quarrels over the years but remain bound by mutual defense treaties signed decades ago.

Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center, said Gulf Arab countries could resort to activating and expanding the Peninsula Shield Force  a 1980s-era military pact intended to deter attacks on their nations.

These clauses have so far been theoretical, Alhasan said, but now they could activate them, by creating a unified Gulf command, integrating air and missile defense system, building a more independent ingenious capability.

Most of the seven Gulf states depend on US military hardware and host American bases, but recent perceived American failures to defend their territories could prompt the Arab nations to diversify their defense capabilities or demand stronger US security guarantees.

Sager said the Israeli attack could push the Gulf region to enter into a serious and structured dialogue with the Trump administration on the terms of their security partnership, and to move beyond just buying arms from the US and toward clearer defense guarantees. These could include accountability when US commitments appear absent or ambiguous.

Still, efforts to find a regional consensus may be limited by competing domestic interests among Gulf states that remain wary of jeopardizing their relationship with the US under a Trump administration that has been Israels biggest backer.

Gulf states now realize that theyre not particularly well equipped to address the threat posed by Israel, because their national security is predicated on the defense partnership with the US  which has an explicit foreign defense policy giving Israel a qualitative military edge, Alhasan said.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomes his US counterpart Donald Trump upon arrival at the presidential terminal in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025. - Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

Economic response

The trillions of dollars in revenue earned annually from the regions oil and gas exports are strategically invested in global assets, which partially leverages the regions soft power to secure influence in the worlds key decision-making centers.

Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE could utilize their vast sovereign wealth funds to impose trade limitations on Israel.

They could decide to use their funds to boycott companies who have significant stakes in the Israeli economy, Alhasan said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar collectively pledged to invest around three trillion dollars in the US economy when Trump visited the region on his first foreign trip abroad during his second term as president.

Those trillions the Gulf states are pumping into the US in the next decade are premised on a secure and safe Gulf space that can benefit from these investments too, al-Saif said.

But if we feel insecure, which is happening thanks to an American ally like Israel, the money can go somewhere else, whether to better secure the Gulf or earn better returns on their investments.

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Metro Transit Police officers, with assistance from federal IRS, Treasury and Border Patrol agents, detain a man at Washington, DC's Anacostia Station on August 28. - Brian Snyder/Reuters

House Republicans are gearing up to consider more than a dozen bills that would further limit Washington, DCs self-governance, impose tougher punishments and roll back criminal justice reforms in the wake of President Donald Trumps federal crime crackdown.

The House Oversight Committee will take up the bills Wednesday in a move aimed at bolstering the presidents push, which has drawn the ire of many city residents and Democrats who argue its unwarranted federal overreach. Republicans argue the legislation would combat crime and empower local law enforcement.

Declaring crime out of control in DC last month, Trump placed the citys police department under federal control and deployed the National Guard. Though the presidents takeover of the DC police department technically ends Wednesday, the administration hasnt put an end date on the surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard troop deployment.

House Oversight Chair James Comer told CNN that the reason his committee is taking up these bills is in part to create a longer-term fix to Trumps use of the National Guard in DC.

Its not sustainable to keep the National Guard here forever. So, we look at the root at why crime is so high here in Washington DC, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said. Weve got a lot of different aspects of how we can make DC safe again and how we can replicate this in other cities.

Rep. James Comer speaks to reporters on Tuesday. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Among the legislation are two bills that would give the president the ability to appoint the attorney general of DC and make judicial nominations to DC court by eliminating the citys judicial nomination commission, respectively.

Another bill would codify parts of Trumps March Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful executive order and create a program to beautify the city through removing graffiti and restoring public monuments that have been damaged.

The Clean and Managed Public Spaces Act would impose a maximum fine of $500 or 30 days imprisonment, or both, for camping outdoors on public property.

The DC Crimes Act, introduced by Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, would also eliminate the citys ability to enact any changes to its criminal sentencing laws, giving Congress the sole authority.

The bill would also lower DCs age for youth offenders from 24 to 18 and require the districts attorney general to publish juvenile crime statistics on a public website.

One of the bills the committee will debate would lower the age that juveniles can be tried as adults for certain violent offenses to 14 years of age.

Another measure would repeal two DC laws that US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro had argued emboldens juvenile criminals: One that lets offenders convicted of crimes they committed as a minor ask for a sentencing reduction after serving 15 years in prison, and another that allows automatic sealing or expungement of certain misdemeanors like marijuana possession.

People participate in the "We Are All DC" in Washington, DC, on September 6, calling for an end to the deployment of National Guard troops. - Amid Farahi/AFP/Getty Images

The committee will also consider a bill that would repeal a DC policing reform law, which banned chokeholds and expanded rules around body cameras, passed in the wake of George Floyds death. Republicans in Congress had previously tried to overturn this DC measure, but then-President Joe Biden blocked their attempts.

Another bill would require pre-trial detention for defendants facing violent crime charges and cash bail or bail bonds for those charged with public safety and order crimes.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on Tuesday said the bills will come to the House floor in the weeks ahead.

When people complain about the revolving door of crime, why is it that some young kid can come and commit a carjacking at gunpoint and walk free the next day? Its because thats what the ordinances in DC allow. They actually allow soft on crime measures. So were reversing that, he said during a House GOP leadership press conference.

Clarification: This story has been updated to specify which provisions are included in the DC Crimes Act.

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When Mateo Niclas prepared for a fishing trip in Alaska, he didnt expect to come face-to-face with a stranded whale. Along the edge of Turnagain Arm, he noticed a large white shape half-buried in the mud.

At first, it seemed like debris, but closer inspection showed it was a beluga in serious trouble. The whale was pinned in glacial silt, unable to move as the tide receded. Knowing how dangerous those mudflats can be, Mateo and another kayaker crossed the water toward the animal. Once there, they immediately began looking for ways to keep it alive.

The Whale Was Trapped in Alaskas Most Dangerous Mudflats

Turnagain Arm, near Anchorage, is infamous for its fast-moving tides and unstable mudflats. When the tide recedes, it leaves behind soft, glacial silt that looks solid but traps anything that steps on it.

The beluga had stranded itself during low tide, and witnesses could see its large white body completely immobilized. According to estimates shared in reporting, the whale weighed over 3,000 pounds, and in that moment, it was sinking further into the silt every minute.

Belugas cant last long once theyre stranded. The weight of their own bodies begins to press down on the lungs, and the risk of dehydration grows quickly. An animal built to float is left pinned against ground that wont give way, with no tide in sight to lift it free.

A Small Group of Kayakers Responded Without Delay

Mateo Niclas saw the whale while preparing to fish. Without calling for assistance first, he and another man paddled across and began pouring water on the whale to keep it cool. They used buckets and whatever gear they had. Throughout this time, Mateo made sure the whale stayed calm and didnt get spooked.

After around 10 minutes, other kayakers and fishermen joined. Together, eight men worked around the animal and formed an improvised response team. They placed a small rope around the whales tail to help reposition it.

One rescuer confirmed they kept it loose to avoid causing harm. Subsequently, the group timed their efforts, using counted heaves to push and pull the whale toward the waterline. The movement was slow, and none of them knew if it would work. Eventually, the whale began to move forward.

The Release Was Sudden

Image via iStockphoto/cmeder

The rope came off just as the beluga reached enough depth to move on its own. As the water lifted its body, it started to swim. The moment was tense but short. The whale disappeared into the deeper channel without resistance.

Experts Later Urged the Public Not to Copy This Rescue

Though the whale survived, wildlife organizations reminded the public that stranded marine mammals need trained care. NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, which handles marine rescues, asks people to report strandings immediately instead of attempting their own interventions. There are several reasons for this.

First, animals like belugas can strand due to injury or illness. Moving them without medical evaluation may worsen their condition. Second, contact with stressed wild animals increases the risk of disease transfer and injury to people. Third, even well-meaning actions, like splashing water near a blowhole, can cause complications if done incorrectly.

Mateo Niclas later acknowledged this and shared the Alaska rescue hotline number in his follow-up. He was clear that his group got lucky because had the tide moved faster or the animal panicked, things might have ended differently.
A twisted New Jersey father shot and killed another man  and then enlisted his wife and son to chop up the victims body with a chainsaw, according to law enforcement officials.

Everton Thomas, 41; Sherrie Parker, 41; and their son Deshawn Thomas, 22, are each being charged for their part in the killing and grisly butchering of Harold Miller, 48, of Deptford, according to a

from the Camden County Prosecutors Office.

The family was charged on Sept. 5 in connection to the killing and dismemberment of 48-year-old Harold Miller. Camden County Prosecutor's Office of New Jersey

Miller was playing cards at a friends house in Camden in the early morning hours on June 12. After leaving the home, Miller entered the Thomas residence, according to cell phone tracking data, the release stated.

Its unclear how or if Miller knew the Thomas family and why he went into the home.

Surveillance footage from outside the Baird Boulevard home showed Miller enter the residence at around 11:30 a.m.  shortly before a gunshot rang out from inside the building, prosecutors alleged.

Miller never emerged from the home and a missing person report was filed on June 14, authorities said.

After the alleged shooting, Parker and Deshawn purchased a chainsaw, containers, trash bags, and other cleaning supplies, according to the release.

The Thomas residence was the site of the alleged shooting and the horrifying body-chopping. Action News on 6abc

Additional surveillance video showed Everton and his son hauling heavily loaded trash bags to dumpsters at Tamarack Apartments in Camden, the prosecutors office said.

A witness who lives at the Thomases home told detectives Deshawn confessed to him that his dad asked for help to chop up a body, Patch reported.

For three days after the shooting, Everton prevented the two people living in the home with the family from entering the basement, according to the outlet.

That witness said Parker told him, a wife got to do what shes got to do and that she was not giving up her husband, according to court papers reviewed by Patch.

On June 20, Camden police conducted a search of the residence, where they observed bloodstains and found the twisted father was in possession of a loaded gun, cops said.

The following day, Everton attempted to flee to Canada despite not yet being charged. He was arrested on Monday at the Port of Buffalo after crossing the border on a commercial bus.

All three members of the sick family were charged in relation to Millers murder on September 5, the release stated.

Everton is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, and tampering with physical evidence in the fourth degree.

Parker and Deshawn are each charged with second-degree desecration of human remains and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, prosecutors said.

Millers body hasnt been found.
NEED TO KNOW

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter reunite for Broadways Waiting for Godot

The longtime friends star as Estragon and Vladimir in Jamie Lloyds revival, pictures from which PEOPLE can debut exclusively

Performances begin Sept. 13 at the Hudson Theatre in New York City

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are kicking off a brand new excellent adventure.

The actors and longtime friends  who first worked together 35 years ago in the 1989 sci-fi comedy Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure  are collaborating again, this time on the new Broadway revival of Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot.

Performances for the production, directed by Tony Award winner Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Boulevard), kick off on Saturday, Sept. 13. But before the curtain rises at the Hudson Theatre in New York City, PEOPLE has an exclusive sneak peek at Reeves and Winter in the stage play.

In a trio of pictures shot by photographer Andy Henderson, the duo offer a perfect portrait of how Lloyd's production plans to embody the acclaimed existential work's vast emptiness.

Andy Henderson Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in 'Waiting for Godot' on Broadway

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Reeves is playing Estragon and Winter, Vladimir. The story follows the two characters as they pass the time with conversation, encounters with strangers and moments of absurd humor and despair  all while they wait by a tree for someone named Godot, who never arrives.

The photographs also capture Soutra Gilmour's striking scenic and costume design, as well as Jon Clark's lighting design.



Andy Henderson

Waiting for Godot is widely considered to be one of the best plays of all time, exploring the themes of uncertainty, hope and the human condition.

The original French text was written in 1948-1949 before making its world premiere in Paris in 1953. An English-language version came to London in 1955 and toured the United States that same year.

Its first Broadway production came to the John Golden Theatre in 1956 starring Bert Lahr and E. G. Marshall. The following year, it was revived at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in a production led by Earle Hyman and Mantan Moreland.



Other revivals have come in 2009, with Bill Irwin and Nathan Lane, and in 2013, with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.

Andy Henderson

This is the first time Reeves, 61, has been on Broadway. Winter, 60, hasn't been on the boards in four decades. He made his debut in the 1977 revival of The King and I, and played John Darling in 1979's Peter Pan.

Joining Reeves and Winter in the cast is Brandon J. Dirden (as Pozzo), Michael Patrick Thornton (as Lucky), Zaynn Arora (as Boy) and Eric Williams (as Boy). Jesse Aaronson and Franklin Bongjio are understudies.



The play officially opens on Sept. 28. Its limited-engagement production is currently scheduled through Jan. 4, 2026.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage Alex Winter, director Jamie Lloyd and Keanu Reeves pose during a press day for the upcoming Broadway production of 'Waiting for Godot' at Zero Bond on Aug. 14, 2025 in New York City

Speaking about the production with PEOPLE on the red carpet of the 2025 Tony Awards back in June, Winter said he and Reeves had "wanted to work together" again and were looking for the perfect project in which to collaborate again.

The two have been lifelong friends since meeting on Bill & Ted. In 1991 and 2020, the pair reprised their roles as Bill Preston (Winter) and Ted Logan (Reeves) for a second and third installment of the cult-classic series.

That experience is something they're bringing to Godot. "We've known each other a very long time," Winter said. "It's a play about two people who have known each other a very long time, which actually matters, I think, to the play. And Keanu had this crazy, inspired idea that suddenly turned into reality, for both of us. ... It became a show we had to do."

"This is the step into the reality," Reeves added. "It's fantastic."

Lee Jeffries Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in the 'Waiting for Godot' artwork

As for what fans can expect, Winter teased, "I think every time the play is done, it's different, because of who's playing it. It's very, very personal, and so we're bringing ourselves to it."

Tickets for Waiting for Godot are now on sale.

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 Getty Images Chandra Levy

NEED TO KNOW

Chandra Levy disappeared just before graduation and was found dead a year later

The 24-year-old's secret affair with Rep. Gary Condit sparked a political scandal

A man was convicted and later cleared, but the case remains unsolved



In the spring of 2001, Chandra Levy was preparing to return home to California. The 24-year-old graduate student had just finished a prestigious internship with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C., and was looking forward to walking across the stage at her graduation ceremony.

But on May 1, she vanished  without a word, a warning, or a clear trail.

What followed was a case that captured national attention. Levy's disappearance would end up destroying a congressmans career, captivating cable news, and ultimately going cold. In 2002, her remains were found in a secluded section of D.C.'s Rock Creek Park. In 2010, a man was convicted  then later cleared.

Twenty-four years after her death, the case remains unsolved.

A Promising Future Cut Short

Born and raised in Modesto, Calif., Levy was known for her intelligence, drive, and curiosity. She was earning her masters degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and had landed a competitive internship in D.C. with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

During her time there, she helped manage media inquiries in the lead-up to the execution of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh  a high-pressure role that gave her a glimpse into federal law enforcement communications.

Her internship ended in April 2001 after her academic eligibility lapsed. She made plans to head home to California on May 5. She never made it.



AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite; Mai/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images Gary Condit and Chandra Levy

The Summer of Suspicion

As soon as Levy's parents reported her missing, police began searching for clues. In her apartment, they found her purse, credit cards, and uncashed checks  nothing that suggested she had planned to leave voluntarily.

Then came a bombshell: reports surfaced that Levy had been romantically involved with Rep. Gary Condit, a married congressman from California.

Initially, Condit refused to comment. He dodged questions from reporters, avoided interviews, and offered little help to investigators. Under pressure, he eventually admitted during his third police interview that he and Levy had been having an affair  though he never acknowledged it publicly.

The media coverage exploded. Night after night, Levy's disappearance dominated headlines. But no arrest was made, and Condit was never named as a suspect.

Meanwhile, theories abounded: Many believed Condit was responsible for her disappearance. A serial killer was blamed. People speculated Levy had died by suicide. There was even a theory floated by Vanity Fair's Dominick Dunne that she was abducted by a Middle Eastern sex ring.

Then came September 11, 2001. The worlds attention shifted  and the Chandra Levy case faded from the spotlight.



SHAWN THEW/AFP via Getty Remains of Chandra Levy were found in Rock Creek Park in 2002

The Discovery in Rock Creek Park

On May 22, 2002  more than a year after she disappeared  a man walking his dog in Rock Creek Park, a sprawling urban forest, found human remains. Dental records confirmed the remains were Levy's.

Her body was found in a remote, steep ravine, far off any trail. Police recovered her sneakers, clothing, and a pair of knotted black tights, which some believed may have been used to restrain her or possibly strangle her. The condition of the remains made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death, but authorities said she was the victim of a homicide.

D.C. Medical Examiner Jonathan L. Arden indicated he did not find conclusive evidence that she had been shot, beaten, stabbed or strangled  all of which often leave detectable damage. One problem was that Levy's neck cartilage, which could show whether she was strangled, had already disintegrated.

Because Levy exercised regularly and her remains were found near a path used by joggers, some speculated shed been out for a run. Friends say she usually ran on a treadmill at her health club, not outdoors. The site was about four miles from Levy's apartment. Former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt noted that an eight-mile round trip would have been a long run even for someone as fit as Levy  unless she was killed elsewhere and her body was moved. Arden, the medical examiner, said he could not determine whether the body had been dumped there.

 Rachel Cooper Rock Creek Park in D.C.

In a review of Levy's laptop, investigators found that on May 1, 2001  the last day she was known to be alive  she (or someone using her account) looked up general information about Rock Creek Park. Police say theres no evidence she searched specifically for the Klingle Mansion  the image on the parks homepage  which undercuts theories that she was headed there or lured there. The mansion is about two miles from where her body was found. Still, the discovery renewed attention on the case. And soon, police had a new suspect.

Tracy A Woodward/The Washington Post via Getty Susan Levy, Chandra Levy's mother, outside D.C. Courthouse after the jury reached a guilty verdict

A Conviction  and a Collapse

In 2009, investigators charged Ingmar Guandique, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who had been convicted of attacking two other women in Rock Creek Park around the same time Levy disappeared.

In 2010, Guandique was convicted of Levy's murder and sentenced to 60 years in prison. But his conviction rested heavily on the word of a jailhouse informant  a man who later admitted to lying.

By 2016, the case against Guandique had fallen apart. Prosecutors announced they could no longer prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charges were dropped, and Guandique was deported in 2017.

And just like that, Levys case was back to square one. "I feel shattered," her mother, Susan Levy, told PEOPLE at the time. "It's hard to accept that my daughter's death is a cold case again."

Around the time Guandique was convicted, some local coverage and online chatter referred to a "Dupont Circle serial killer"  an unconfirmed theory that two late-1990s cases involving young professional women near Dupont Circle were connected: the 1998 homicide of Christine Mirzayan and the 1999 disappearance and death of Joyce Chiang. Police never identified a single perpetrator linking those cases, and the "serial killer" label has no official standing.

Where Things Stand Today

Despite decades of investigation, no one has been held accountable for Levy's death.

Gary Condit, once a rising star in politics, lost his seat in Congress in 2002. He later opened a series of Baskin-Robbins ice cream shops with his wife and children in Arizona and California. He has consistently denied any involvement in Levy's disappearance and has never been charged.

The Levy family has mostly stepped back from the public spotlight in recent years. But for those who remember the case, the questions havent gone away.

"These wounds don't heal," Levy's mother Susan told PEOPLE in 2016. "I only wish we could get the person who killed her. Someone knows something, and they need to come forward."

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The chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors is saying no to Gov. Kim Reynolds' order that flags on public grounds be lowered to half-staff in honor of assassinated conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

Jon Green posted on social media that by his personal authority as Chairman of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors," the county, home of Iowa City and the University of Iowa, will defy the governors order.

While condemning Kirks killing, Green, a Democrat, wrote that he will "not grant Johnson County honors to a man who made it his lifes mission to denigrate so many of the constituents I have sworn an oath to protect, and who did so much to harm not only to the marginalized, but also to degrade the fabric of our body politic.

Johnson County flags will fly as usual. I will accept any consequence, whether legal or electoral, for my decision. It is mine alone, he wrote.

Green was not immediately available for comment. His message sparked quick rebukes from Reynolds as well as Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Its disgraceful that a locally-elected official has chosen to put politics above human decency during a time like this, Reynolds said on her X account.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro outside his residence in Brasilia on Thursday, September 11. - Sergio Lima/AFP/Getty Images

Brazil crossed a line on Thursday that it had never dared before: its Supreme Court convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting to overthrow democracy, sentencing him to more than 27 years in prison. At 70, the verdict leaves him facing the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars.

The decision marks an extraordinary break with the countrys history of deferring justice in the name of peace. For decades, generals, coup-plotters, and torturers walked free under the shield of amnesty laws passed after the countrys 21-year dictatorship. Now, the same institutions once intimidated by authoritarian power have declared that a former commander-in-chief conspired to revoke the 2022 election, assassinate rivals, and eventually unleash street chaos to hold on to power.

The events in Brasilia are reverberating beyond Brazil. The trial has become a global flashpoint, seized upon by right-wing movements in the United States and Europe as proof of what they call judicial overreach. Just days before the verdict, on Brazils Independence Day, a giant US flag was unfurled over a sea of Bolsonaro supporters marching down Sao Paulos Paulista Avenue  a striking symbol of how deeply that slice of the Brazilian population identifies with their counterparts in America and a visual manifestation of the shared language of grievances between the MAGA crowd and Bolsonarismo.

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters on the South Lawn as he departs the White House on Thursday. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

That connection became even more apparent when US President Donald Trump told reporters hours after the decision that he was very surprised by the result and that the trial was very much like they tried to do with me, but they didnt get away with it at all. The White House had already slapped 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports in direct response to Bolsonaros prosecution, with Trump branding the case a witch hunt in a letter to Brazilian authorities in July. Earlier this week, as justices had already begun reading their decisions, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about Bolsonaro during a briefing and said that Trump would not be afraid to use the USs economic and military might to protect free speech around the world.

All of these developments were celebrated by notable Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil and abroad as the result of a years-long campaign to garner support for their cause in Trumps inner circle. For the past few years, MAGA media has every now and then turned its attention to Bolsonaros investigation and trial as a harbinger of things to come to the United States, as the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk said on his YouTube show in March.

Charlie Kirk speaks before former President Donald Trump's arrival during a Turning Point USA Believers Summit conference at the Palm Beach Convention Center in Palm Beach on July 26, 2024. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

What they are doing to Bolsonaro is exactly what they would have liked to do to President Donald Trump, Kirk said. Kirk had railed against the investigation of Bolsonaro for years, with Bolsonaro even speaking at a Turning Points USA event in Florida in 2023, introduced by Kirk himself. In that March broadcast, Kirk directly urged Trump to punish Brazil with tariffs and sanctions over what he called the reckless, immoral behavior of its Supreme Court.

But despite the tariffs and rhetoric from the White House, the court pressed on. The historic ruling in Brasilia unfolded just a day after Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah rally. Justice Flavio Dino, in his own opinion from the bench, called Kirks death a grave political crime as he pondered the impact of offering amnesty to those who swarmed the US Capitol on January 6. There is this idea that amnesty, forgiveness, equals peace. But forgiveness was granted in the United States, and there is no peace.

Following Kirks death, Bolsonaros allies flooded social media with tributes, framing him as a martyr of their same global struggle, another notch on the narrative that their fight and Trumps are one and the same.

The Brazilian Supreme Court during Bolsonaro's trial on Wednesday, September 10. - Eraldo Peres/AP

In Brasilia, though, the courtroom told a different story: months of evidence of a coup in the making, and echoes of a country still haunted by the ghosts of its dictatorship. Brazils reckoning with Bolsonaro is inseparable from its longer struggle to confront its authoritarian past. For four decades, the country has lived under the shadow of a regime that ended in 1985 without trials or jail time for those who presided over torture, forced disappearances, exiles, and executions. In 1979, Congress passed a sweeping Amnesty Law that shielded both the regimes enforcers and their opponents from prosecution. The measure was presented as a step toward national reconciliation, but in practice it meant impunity: coup-plotters, generals, and torturers walked free, many living out their lives with full military honors and pensions.

Democratic government that followed largely left that bargain intact, choosing stability over justice. It was only in 2012, with the creation of the National Truth Commission, that the state attempted to formally investigate past crimes. The commission named 377 officials responsible for torture and killings and documented more than 200 cases of disappearances and deaths. But it carried no prosecutorial power, and its central recommendation, namely revisiting the 1979 Amnesty Law, was ignored. The institutions of the new democracy were fragile, and the military still wielded enough influence to block meaningful accountability.

Brazilian society then produced a culture of forgetting, where turning the page was treated as an act of peace rather than avoidance. The failure to punish past crimes left deep scars, but it also created an appetite for justice in the present.

Supreme Court Justice Carmen Lucia attends the verdict and sentencing phase of Bolsonaro's trial on Thursday. - Eraldo Peres/AP

As Justice Carmen Lucia noted in her decisive vote this week, the Bolsonaro case is an encounter between Brazils past, its present, and its future  a reminder that leaving wounds untreated can make them fester. Our Republic has the melancholy history of having had too few republicans, she added, stressing on the fortieth anniversary of the return to civilian rule, Brazil has to show it is capable of defending its democracy.

The case against Bolsonaro was followed closely in the US because it looked so familiar: an embattled leader, a mob in the capital, claims of election fraud. But Brazils judiciary chose to act decisively. In doing so, it drew an implicit comparison, and perhaps a challenge, to its northern counterpart.

In March, Kirk had said that Brazil is a canary in the coal mine for the United States. With Bolsonaro now convicted and sentenced, that warning has become a rallying cry on the American right  but it also underscores the differences between the two countries. For Brazil, the verdict is proof that even a former president can be held accountable. For the US, it is a reminder of the road not taken.

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This undated combination of images provided provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Federal Bureau of Investigation via AP)

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP)  The family of the young Utah man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk told authorities he had recently become more political and recounted a dinner table conversation where they discussed whether the conservative activist was spreading hate.

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies, according to a probable cause statement filed in court and released Friday. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.

Robinson mentioned Kirk's upcoming visit to Utah Valley University  located about 3 1/2 hours from the family's southern Utah home  at a recent dinner, kicking off a conversation about how he didn't like Kirk's viewpoints, family told authorities. A full picture of his political leanings was still emerging. Utah state records show he is registered to vote, but that he is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he didn't vote in the two most recent general elections.

His listed address in the probable cause statement is the six-bedroom home of his parents, who own a granite countertop business and are registered to vote as Republicans.

State and federal court records do not show any prior criminal cases involving him. It wasnt immediately clear whether Robinson had a defense lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Messages seeking comment Friday from family members, including his parents, received no response.

A shocked community

Window coverings were drawn Friday at the family home in a suburb outside St. George, Utah, as media gathered and police officers blocked both ends of the street.

Many residents of Washington, Utah, and neighboring St. George reacted online with shock and horror that a member of their tight-knit community had been implicated in the high-profile shooting, though several also posted online messages applauding his family for helping turn Robinson in to authorities.

Robinson has two younger brothers and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Posts by Robinsons mother reflect an active family with vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska. They frequently spent time outdoors  boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is shown smiling as he grips the handles of a 50-caliber heavy machine gun.

Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, said church spokesperson Doug Andersen. He didn't share any other details about Robinson or his family's church involvement.

Robert Sylvester has lived on the same tree-lined street as the Robinson family for about six years and said he and the Robinsons are members of the Mormon church. But Sylvester, who said he is at the nearby chapel every day, said he hasn't seen the family there in many years. He last saw Robinson a couple years ago as they both helped fix a leaky pipe at a neighbors home.

He described the family as pretty quiet, adding that the suspects father keeps busy as a contractor.

Theyre not unlike most families, he said.

News of Robinsons arrest was completely unexpected, said Jaida Funk, 22, who also lives in the same neighborhood. It spread rapidly among her friends. I know for some people when their identities come out and theyre labeled as a shooter, everyones like, You could tell. And hes not one of those people.

An honor roll student in high school who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, he was admitted to Utah State University in 2021 on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family members social media account.

He was known for being smart but not necessarily a nerd, Funk said.

After he graduated from high school in 2021, Robinsons mother praised her eldest son for his smarts and academic success, and both his parents helped him move into his dorm at Utah State that fall.

He attended for only one semester, according to a university spokesperson. Hes now enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

His mother didn't have any public Facebook posts after 2022.

Durban Mickelson said Robinson frequently bought supplies from a store where he worked and didn't stand out.

He wouldnt really talk to you unless you said something to him, he said. Just always very quiet, kept to himself.

Family helped lead to an arrest

The break in the case came after a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend with information that Robinson had confessed or implied involvement in the shooting, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters Friday, shortly after Robinson was taken into custody.

Cox said authorities believe that Robinson acted alone. Family members said Robinson had become more political in recent years, Cox said, describing the recent family dinner.

They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints that he had, Cox said, referring to Robinson and an unnamed family member. The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

Authorities then interviewed a friend of Robinsons who showed them a series of messages on the social media platform Discord in which Robinson discussed obtaining a gun.

Discord said Friday it had removed Robinsons account following the shooting but said the messages authorities described following the arrest do not appear to be Discord messages.

These were communications between the suspects roommate and a friend after the shooting, where the roommate was recounting the contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere, a Discord spokesperson told AP, adding there was no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.

When authorities took him into custody, court records show, Robinson also was wearing clothing consistent with surveillance photographs of the person of interest.

Cox said ammunition found at the scene had engravings that reference meme culture and referred to fascism.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the source of some information is a probable cause statement, not charging documents. ___ Biesecker reported from Washington and Mustian from New York. Associated Press journalists Brian Slodysko, Lindsay Whitehurst and Collin Binkley in Washington, Jack Brook in New Orleans, and Ali Swenson and Randy Herschaft in New York also contributed.
GoFundMe Terry Harper

NEED TO KNOW

A London bus driver was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer after he was initially told he had slipped some discs in his back

Terry Harper, 62, was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma in February 2022, and the cancer has since returned after going into remission

Harper said the disease has eaten away at the vertebrae in his spine and caused osteoporosis

A man thought he had normal back pain  only to discover he has an incurable form of cancer.

Terry Harper, a 62-year-old bus driver from London, said he began experiencing back pain in February 2022 after moving a mattress, per The Independent. He sought medical treatment at the Princess Royal University Hospital, where he claims doctors told him he had slipped some discs and should start feeling better within about six weeks.

However, Harper told the outlet that he returned to the hospital in April 2022 when the pain became so severe that he could no longer get out of bed. It was then that further tests revealed he had stage 3 multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer that causes an abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow.

GoFundMe Terry Harper

PEOPLE reached out to the Princess Royal University Hospital for comment on Saturday, Sept. 13, but did not receive an immediate response.

I cant describe that emotional turmoil that you go through when you think youve just got a bad back and are told you've got cancer eating away at your spine, Harper told The Independent.

Harper was further told that the cancer had eaten away at the vertebrae in his back, and that he had 12 tumors on his spine in addition to osteoporosis. He said he had also lost 4.5 inches in height because of collapsed discs related to the cancer.

The bus driver began chemotherapy in December 2023 and later went into remission, but the cancer returned in June, and he has since resumed treatment.

GoFundMe Terry Harper

Now, Harper receives chemotherapy twice a week while continuing to work his job as a bus driver four days a week  a schedule that he admitted has run him to the ground.

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Ive been a bus driver for 20 years, they look after me. I only do five hours a day, but again, I'm earning less than half of what I used to earn. Financially, its hard, the father of three told the outlet.

Harper's long-term partner now works six days a week to help keep up with their bills.

His middle daughter, Olivia, has since set up a GoFundMe to help her dad cover expenses during the nightmare of his diagnosis.

This GoFundMe is purely to allow my dad to pay his bills and take some time out to recover from treatment, Olivia wrote on the fundraising page, adding that she hopes the money will help her father be able to slow down and recover as he attempts to focus on his health.

We need my dad, and I wish I could make this all go away, she added.

As of Sept. 13, the GoFundMe has received $1,055 toward its ultimate goal of $2,440.



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Peter Kramer/HBO Mark Ruffalo

NEED TO KNOW

Mark Ruffalo tells PEOPLE the best lesson that came out of his time with FBI agent Scott Duffey while working on his character in Task

The new crime-drama tells the story of a task force aiming to get to the bottom of "a string of violent robberies" in Philadelphia

Task airs weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max

Mark Ruffalo is reflecting on filming the first season of Task.

The actor, 57, recently spoke with PEOPLE at the premiere of the new HBO original series, in which he stars as FBI agent Tom Brandis. While preparing for the role, Ruffalo consulted with real-life retired FBI special agent Scott Duffey, who he says taught him a meaningful lesson about people who work in the field.

I learned that the best FBI agents have a lot of empathy, he shares.

Peter Kramer/HBO Mark Ruffalo in 'Task'.

Last month, the Marvel star told PEOPLE that when he wasnt with Duffey, he spent most of his time going around Philadelphia, where the show was filmed, eating the citys famous dish.

"I ate a lot of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches," he confessed. "I just put a bunch of weight on!

In addition to Ruffalo, the drama show stars Ozark alum Tom Pelphrey as Robbie, a father-of-two who is embroiled in a life of crime. Other cast members include Emilia Jones, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Raul Castillo, Silvia Dionicio and Phoebe Fox.

"Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, an FBI agent heads a task force to put an end to a string of violent robberies led by an unsuspecting family man," the synopsis reads.

The seven-episode series comes from Mare of Easttowns Brad Ingelsby, who serves as an executive producer alongside Ruffalo.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty (L-R) Sam Keeley, RaAl Castillo, Jamie McShane, Jeremiah Zagar, Tom Pelphrey, Martha Plimpton, Brad Ingelsby, Mark Ruffalo, Silvia Dionicio, Emilia Jones, Alison Oliver, Thuso Mbedu, Mark Roybal and Fabien Frankel

In the trailer, Ruffalos Tom is assigned to the task force by FBI honcho Kathleen, portrayed by Martha Plimpton. She is later heard saying, "We need to find this crew before a turf war escalates."

Meanwhile, Pelphreys Robbie reveals his deeper motive behind the crimes: "Im going to take their money so we can have a better life," the father of two tells his partner.

That dynamic grows tense when she accuses him of ruining their kids lives and decides to leave the family. At the same time, Tom is having issues at home as well, resulting in dinner table arguments and tearful confessions.

In the end, Robbie and Tom find themselves face-to-face at gunpoint.

"Even if I wanted to go home, I dont know the way no more," Robbie admits.

Ruffalo was last seen on the small screen in 2023s All the Light We Cannot See. Three years prior, he won an Emmy for his work as twin brothers in I Know This Much is True, also executive-produced by the actor. His next project is Cooper Raiffs comedy series Hal & Harper, which Ruffalo is set to star in.

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Task airs weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

Read the original article on People
Missouri Democrats see turning to the public as the best way to stop a new GOP-friendly congressional map from taking effect despite their minority status in the state legislature.

Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) is poised to sign the new map into law for the 2026 midterms after the state Senate gave approval on Friday. The map would likely give Republicans one additional seat in the House as the GOP tries to hold its narrow majority, taking out a current Democratic House member.

But Democrats may be able to send the issue to Missouri voters as a veto referendum for them to decide whether the map should be used.

Heres what to know:

How it would work

Democrats legislatively didnt have many options to stop the map other than temporary stalling tactics. But the vote margins that the map received in the legislature can determine whether they have another chance to stop it.

Missouri law has a mechanism for voters to effectively veto legislation passed by lawmakers by gathering support to force a statewide vote.

The legislation for the new map passed this week didnt include a so-called emergency clause, which would have made the bill effective as soon as the governor signs it, local outlets reported. Despite the Republican dominance in both chambers of the legislature, the threshold for approving the emergency clause is higher than the number of seats the GOP has in the state House.

Now, Democrats and other opponents will have 90 days after the map is signed to collect enough signatures  five percent of voters in each of two-thirds of the states congressional districts  to order a referendum, according to the Missouri Secretary of States rules.

If enough signatures are gathered, an election would be held and the publics vote would decide the maps fate.

I think thats kind of the Democrats best bet at this point, that theyll be able to use the referendum to beat it back, said Greg Vonnahme, a political science professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Missouri Democratic Party declared its support for a referendum following the state Senates vote.

They dont care about the will of the people, or about protecting our voice in government, said state party Chair Russ Carnahan about those who voted for the map. Now its up to us to do what they wont.

The nonpartisan coalition People NOT Politicians  Missouri formally filed a referendum petition with the Missouri Secretary of States office on Friday, starting the process of gathering signatures.

Protests, polling signal opposition

Big crowds have reportedly gathered at the Missouri Capitol this week as thousands protested the redistricting plan, signaling a vocal opposition in the Show Me State as observers wonder whether a referendum push could get the support it would need.

Polling is sparse, but a Change Research survey commissioned by the Democrats House campaign arm at the end of August, as shared by Politico, found 48 percent of Missouri voters oppose the redrawing. Another 37 percent supported it, with 19 percent undecided.

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, said the protests suggest people are energized to oppose the map and opponents are in a strong position to block it through the referendum process. The progressive organization works to use ballot measures to strengthen democracy, draw attention to marginalized communities and advance racial equity, according to its website.

Weve had thousands of people at the state capitol speaking out against this illegal gerrymander, she said, adding that groups have a long history of using the initiative and referendum process to ensure that Missourians voices are heard.

But Dan Butler, a political science professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., suggested that it may not be in Democrats best political interest to push forward with a referendum.

When voters go to the polls, maybe there are people who normally vote Republican, but theyre upset about this district map. They want to send a message. If theres not a referendum  theyll vote against the Republicans, in favor of Democrats, Butler said.

But if now they can vote both against this redistricting plan and still vote Republican, it actually, I think, ironically  potentially, it protects Republicans from some of the blowback they might get otherwise.

Voters used referendum to reject law in 2018

Precedent exists for this type of process in the Show Me State to overturn actions from the legislature.

Missouri voters have frequently turned to ballot measures in recent years, legalizing recreational marijuana and protecting abortion rights in the last two cycles, but experts say the referendum process is rarer.

Missouri is pretty active in its initiative use. But  we really dont see the popular referendum used that much at all, Vonnahme said.

Still, voters last used a referendum in 2018 to reject a right-to-work law that passed through the GOP-controlled Legislature. Labor advocates submitted roughly three times the signatures they needed to set up a statewide ballot vote, then rejected the law by a 2-to-1 margin.

Grassroots organizations should use any opportunity available to them to defend direct democracy that has been widely popular in the state, Figueredo said.

Targeted Democrat promises legal fight

Republicans control six of eight districts in the Show Me State, and the new maps would dramatically reshape Rep. Emmanuel Cleavers 5th Congressional District in Kansas City to help Republicans net a new seat.

After the Missouri House approved the maps this week, Cleaver called it deeply disappointing that legislators had put the demands of DC power brokers ahead of the wishes of Missouri families in yet another partisan power grab.

Cleaver, who has been in Congress for two decades, won reelection with 60 percent of the vote last fall, after line changes in 2022.

The Associated Press reported that Cleaver plans to challenge the new map in court - and run for reelection next year, no matter what his district looks like.

I think for opponents, the only shot is legal challenge, or this referendum avenue, said David Kimball, a political scientist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democrats House campaign arm, said all options are on the table.

Missourians hate Republicans plot to gerrymander the state. The voters have pushed back to stop state Republicans from their past attempts to ignore the will of the people, and all options, including legal action and the referendum process, are on the table to ensure fair maps, DelBene said in a statement after the state Legislature approved the maps.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Protestors holding signs advocating for fair maps in Missouri, Image 2 shows Missouri House of Representatives chamber during a session

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Missouri Republicans handed President Donald Trump a political victory Friday, giving final legislative approval to a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in next years elections.

The Senate vote sends the redistricting plan to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who said he will sign it into law soon. But opponents immediately announced a referendum petition that, if successful, could force a statewide vote on the new map.

This fight is not over. Missouri voters  not politicians  will have the final say, said Elsa Rainey, a spokesperson for People Not Politicians, which is leading the referendum effort.

Protestors holding signs advocating for fair maps in Missouri. AP

Missouri is the third state to take up a redistricting effort this year. AP

U.S. House districts were redrawn across the country after the 2020 Census to account for population changes. But Missouri is the third state to take up mid-decade redistricting this year in an emerging national battle for partisan advantage ahead of the midterm elections.

Republican lawmakers in Texas passed a new U.S. House map last month aimed at helping their party win five additional seats. Democratic lawmakers in California countered with their own redistricting plan aimed at winning five more seats, but it still needs voter approval. Other states also are considering redistricting.

Each seat could be critical, because Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control of the House, which would allow them to obstruct Trumps agenda and launch investigations into him. Trump is trying to stave off a historic trend in which the presidents party typically loses seats in midterm elections.

On his social media site Friday, Trump touted Missouris much fairer, and much improved, Congressional map that he said will help send an additional MAGA Republican to Congress in the 2026 Midterm Elections.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver waits to speak against a proposed congressional redistricting plan at a state Senate committee hearing on Friday. AP

Kansas City district targeted

Republicans currently hold six of Missouris eight U.S. House seats. The revised map passed the Republican-led state House earlier this week as the focal point of a special session called by Kehoe that also includes a proposal making it harder for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to win voter approval. That proposal, which still needs voter ratification, would require future initiated amendments to pass in each of Missouris congressional districts instead of by a simple statewide majority. No other state has such a standard.

The Republican-led Senate passed both measures Friday after changing the chambers rules, then shutting off Democratic opponents. Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck said afterward that he plans to help gather the more than 100,000 signatures needed in 90 days to force a referendum on the redistricting plan.

Kehoe has promoted the reshaped districts as a way to amplify Missouris conservative, common-sense values in Washington, D.C.

Missouris revised map targets a seat held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver by shaving off portions of his Kansas City district and stretching the rest of it into Republican-heavy rural areas. The plan reduces the number of Black and minority residents in Cleavers district, partly by creating a dividing line along a street that has served as a historical segregation line between Black and white residents.

Protestors holding signs that say Defend the Constitution and No Gerrymandering. AP

Cleaver, who was Kansas Citys first Black mayor, has served in Congress for over 20 years. He won reelection with over 60% of the vote in both 2024 and 2022 under districts adopted by the state Legislature after the 2020 census. He said he plans to challenge the new map in court and seek reelection in 2026, regardless of the shape of his district.

Together, in the courts and in the streets, we will continue pushing to ensure the law is upheld, justice prevails, and this unconstitutional gerrymander is defeated, Cleaver said in a statement Friday.

Two lawsuits already have been brought, including one filed Friday on behalf of voters that contends mid-decade redistricting isnt allowed under the Missouri Constitution. A hearing is scheduled for Monday on another lawsuit previously filed by the NAACP.
Clovis Police Department/Facebook Onesimus Skywater, Donna Phillips

NEED TO KNOW

The parents of 1-year-old Calian Skywater were arrested on charges of child abuse that resulted in his death on Wednesday, Sept. 10

According to the Clovis Police Department, Donna Phillips alleged that her son was injured as a result of "rough play with a sibling"

An autopsy report stated that Calian suffered major blunt head trauma and was bruised 70-80% of his body

A New Mexico mother accused of fatally abusing her infant son has insisted that his injuries were from rough play with a sibling, according to police.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Donna Phillips, 22, and Onesimus Skywater, 33, were arrested and charged in connection with the death of their 1-year-old son, Calian Skywater, the Clovis Police Department said in a news release. The child was pronounced dead after being taken to Plains Regional Medical Center unresponsive with extensive injuries on his head, face and arms on Nov. 27, 2024.

An initial autopsy found that Calian had bruising on 70-80% of his body and trauma to the head, while a final autopsy report in April 2025 noted major blunt trauma to Calians head and other physical injuries.

Calians mother, Phillips, allegedly told detectives that his injuries were caused from rough play with a sibling and a fall from a high chair, according to police.

Clovis Police Department/Facebook Donna Phillips

New Mexico OMI logged her son's death as undetermined." However, a doctors review concluded that Calians injuries were a result of child abuse.

Calian Skywaters body showed multiple injuries that did not correspond with the statements provided by his parents, said police. The doctor communicated that their totality of the findings present are diagnostic of fatal physical abuse inflicted upon Calian. 

Phillips previously alleged Calian had fallen three days prior, causing his injuries," and a pediatric physician had seen him," according to an earlier police news release.

The infant's death occurred just weeks after he and his siblings returned to their mom after being in foster care, according to the Sept. 10 police news release. The children had previously been "seized" at the time of Cailan's birth in Nov. 2023 by the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Division (CYFD).

Clovis Police Department/Facebook Onesimus Skywater

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Following their arrest on Wednesday, Phillips and Skywater were each charged with Intentional Abuse of a Child Resulting in the Childs Death. They were taken into custody at the Curry County Adult Detention Center.

Calians siblings are currently in the custody of a foster family in New Mexico, said police.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
written on Aug. 19th, 2025.

The Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska could have far-reaching consequences, undermining the global effort to hold Russia accountable and increasing the risks for Ukraine. The damage would come not only from the concrete outcomes of the meeting, but also from the signals it sends and the narratives it reinforces.

1. Propaganda and Narrative Control: The Russian state-controlled media could use the meeting as a sign of Putins strength and influence, and to portray Putin as a powerful and respected leader, capable of engaging with world leaders on equal footing, despite Western criticism. This strengthens his image domestically and bolster his domestic support.

2. Legitimacy and Recognition on the world stage: this meeting, especially on U.S. soil, elevates Putins status and signals that hes still a relevant player on the world stage, despite international condemnation for the war in Ukraine.

3. Breaking Isolation: Putin has faced increased isolation from Western leaders. A meeting with a prominent figure like the president of US, even if controversial, could be portrayed as a step towards breaking that isolation and signaling that Russia still has important relationships and influence.

4. Leverage in Negotiations: A meeting sets up a direct channel for communication and negotiation between US and Russia. Some might argue that Putin is skilled at using these situations to his advantage, potentially extracting concessions or spreading misinformation.

5. Undermining Western Unity: this meeting could be used to sow discord and division within the Western alliance. If Trump expresses views that are sympathetic to Russia or critical of Ukraine, it could create further cracks in the united front against Russian aggression.

6. opportunity for Influence: this meeting allows Trump and Putin to collude and shift the blame for the lack of a ceasefire onto Ukraine: Ukraine is portrayed by Trump as unwilling to negotiate in good faith and prolonging the conflict unnecessarily. Trump and Putin could coordinate blaming Ukraine for the continued bloodshed.

7. From this meeting on, Putin got a direct channel to communicate with Trump which provides an opportunity to directly influence Trumps thinking or actions, potentially leading to policies that are more favorable to Russia. This is particularly relevant given past concerns about Russian interference in U.S. elections.

1) Challenging the Status Quo: The very act of meeting, despite international condemnation of Russias actions, could be seen as a challenge to the existing international order and a signal that Russia is not bound by Western norms that underpin the sanctions regime and the broader effort to isolate Russia. It sends a message that aggression and violations of international law can be tolerated or even rewarded.

8. The meeting greatly weakens the achievements of European countries in sanctioning and internationally isolating Russia in recent years:

2) Signaling a shift in US policy: this meeting sends a powerful signal that US policy towards Russia is changing, regardless of the actual outcomes of the meeting. this undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime.

3) Encouraging sanctions evasion: US engaging with Russia, instead of exposing sanctions on Russia, is a sign to other countries which might encourage other countries to ease their sanctions or increase trade with Russia through loopholes, weakening the overall economic pressure on the kremlin.

4) Normalizing relations with Russia: the meeting could be seen as a step towards normalizing relations with Russia, even without any concrete changes in Russia behavior. This normalization undermines the principle that Russia should be held accountable for its aggression and violations of international law.

5) Creating divisions within the EU: the meeting could exacerbate existing divisions within the European union and NATO over how to deal with Russia, weakening the EUs collective response.

6) Diminishing the impact of international tribunals: it can weaken the efforts made in various international tribunes and criminal justice systems to accuse Russia of war crimes. If two countries are having a meeting to promote peace, then it looks more like the war crimes are being forgiven, lessening the significance of any international tribunal process.

At the same time, this meeting put Ukraine in a more vulnerable position. This vulnerability stems from the potential erosion of Western support, the undermining of Ukraines negotiating position, increased pressure to make concessions, etc.

1. Weakening of Western Support: Trump expressed views sympathetic to Russia, which might undermine Western or US resolve to support Ukraine with military aid, financial assistance, and sanctions against Russia. It could also create divisions within NATO and the EU, making it more difficult to maintain a united front against Russian aggression. Some countries might become hesitant to continue supporting Ukraine if they perceive a shift in U.S. policy.

2. Undermining Ukraines Negotiating Position: Ukraine could be used as a bargaining chip in any potential negotiations between Trump and Putin, potentially leading to outcomes that are detrimental to Ukraines interests. For example, Trump might pressure Ukraine to make concessions on territory or political alignment in exchange for a ceasefire.

3. The meeting could send a message that Ukraines own voice and perspective are not being prioritized, undermining its sovereignty and agency in determining its own future.

4. Increased Pressure on Ukraine to Negotiate on Unfavorable Terms: The perception that Western support is wavering could weaken Ukraines leverage in any future negotiations with Russia, forcing it to accept less favorable terms.
NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during - Clipped From Video

NATO has launched an initiative to reinforce the defense of Europes eastern flank after a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace this week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Friday.

The Eastern Sentry operation will commence in the coming days and will involve assets from Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others, Rutte said.

Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture and make clear that, as a defensive alliance, we are always ready to defend, he added.

Rutte said that Russias dangerous and unacceptable drone incursion on Wednesday was not an isolated incident.

Russias recklessness in the air, along our eastern flank, is increasing in frequency, Rutte said.

NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, said the operation, which will be flexible and agile, will include enhanced capabilities, integrated air- and ground-based defenses, and increased information-sharing among NATO partners.

Grynkewich noted that it will take some time for the entire operation to come together, but the first steps will begin immediately.

Among the equipment dedicated to the operation are two F-16 fighter jets and an anti-air warfare frigate from Denmark, three Rafale jets from France, and four Eurofighters from Germany, according to a press release from the alliance.

Although the immediacy of our focus is on Poland, this situation transcends the border of one nation. What affects one ally affects us all, Grynkewich said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a press conference on the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on Friday. - Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty Images

The initiative is modeled after the Baltic Sentry operation that NATO launched earlier this year in response to the sabotage of cables in the Baltic Sea, Grynkewich said.

Poland and citizens from across the Alliance should be assured by our rapid response earlier this week and our significant announcement here today, he said. NATO will continue to defend every inch of its territory.

The operation will cover the entire eastern flank of NATO states, from the high north to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Grynkewich said. Across the eastern flank, well constantly adjust and change our posture in a manner that keeps the adversary off guard but also responds to specific threats as we see them emerging, he said.

Drone incursion wasnt a mistake

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday called the Russian drone incursion into his country an attack and said it wasnt a mistake, just hours after US President Donald Trump suggested the airspace violation could have been accidental.

We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasnt. And we know it, Tusk said in a social media post.

Poland has information indicating that Russia launched as many as 21 drones at the country on Wednesday, but not all were found, the head of Polands presidential International Policy Office, Marcin Przydacz, told local media. Its possible that some drones went back and forth crossing the airspace, Przydacz said in an interview with Radio ZET on Friday.

Polish officials previously said that there were 19 intrusions of the countrys airspace, and that a large proportion of the drones entered from Belarus. A total of 16 drones were found throughout the country, Polands interior minister said on Wednesday. The locations where the debris was found span an area of hundreds of square miles.

It comes after Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that it could have been a mistake, but regardless, Im not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation, but hopefully its going to come to an end.

Ahead of a Friday UN Security Council meeting on the incursion, the US joined dozens of other governments in signing a statement expressing grave concern over Russias actions.

Such a provocation is profoundly disrespectful toward the collective and tireless efforts of the international community to bring an end to the war and to restore peace and stability in accordance with international law, Polands Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki said on Friday from New York.

Dorothy Shea, the US Ambassador to the UN, told the Security Council that Russias intensified strikes on Ukraine and violation of Polish airspace show immense disrespect for good faith US efforts to bring an end to this conflict.

Russias UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said Poland hastily blamed Russia without providing evidence. The maximum range of the drones used in this strike did not exceed 700 kilometers, which makes it physically impossible for them to have reached Polish territory, Nebenzya said.

Earlier that day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot summoned the Russian Ambassador to France, Alexey Meshkov, over the issue. During the meeting, Meshkov categorically rejected the unfounded accusations against Russia of deliberately violating Polish airspace, Russian state media TASS reported.

Rutte said that NATOs assessment of Wednesdays incursion is ongoing.

Whether or not Russias actions were deliberate, Russia violated NATO airspace. Therefore, we must, as NATO, make clear our resolve and our ability to defend our territory, he said. And that is exactly what Eastern Sentry is designed to do.

CNNs Darya Tarasova, Antonia Mortensen and Nick Paton Walsh contributed to this report.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that getting rid of Hamas chiefs living in Qatar would remove the main obstacle to releasing all hostages and ending the war in Gaza.

Israel targeted the Hamas leadership in Doha in air strikes that were condemned by Qatar, which has served as one of the venues for ceasefire talks.

Hamas has said five of its members, including a son of its exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, were killed in the attack, but its senior leaders and members of its negotiating team survived. Qatar has said a member of its internal security forces was also killed.

"The Hamas terrorist chiefs living in Qatar don't care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war," Netanyahu said in a post on X.

Hamas has described the Doha attack as an attempt by Israel to derail the ceasefire negotiations, and said it would not change the group's terms for ending the war in Gaza.

Israel has demanded Hamas free all remaining hostages held in Gaza and disarm. Hamas says it will not free all hostages without an agreement that would end the war, and will not give up its weapons until Palestinians have an independent state.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Peter Graff)
Office Depot is facing backlash and even boycott calls after a Michigan store allegedly refused to print a poster of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk for a vigil, with a GOP official blasting the company online and calling the move censorship.

Matthew DePerno, an attorney and Republican activist, said the Kalamazoo County Republican Party ordered the poster at 2:24 p.m. Friday from the Office Depot in Portage, MI, for a vigil honoring Kirk scheduled for that evening.

But around 5:30 p.m., DePerno said a store print supervisor named Beryl called and told organizers the order would not be completed because the poster was propaganda.

Today at 2:24 PM, the Kalamazoo County Republican Party #KGOP placed an order for a poster of #CharlieKirk for a vigil tonight. At 5:30 "Beryl" the print supervisor (guy on left) called and said they are refusing to print the poster because it is "propaganda." Hey @officedepot pic.twitter.com/pKHAQ2OQda  Matthew S. DePerno, Esq. (@mdeperno) September 12, 2025

A customer records inside the Office Depot in Portage, MI, where staff allegedly refused to print a poster for a Charlie Kirk vigil. IngaSpringman/X

Video posted online shows a print worker at the Portage Office Depot accused of rejecting the order for a Kirk poster. IngaSpringman/X

Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Wednesday during an outdoor event on a college campus in Utah.

Hey @officedepot @OfficeMax do you think this is acceptable? DePerno wrote on X, posting video taken inside the store and a receipt for the canceled order.

The attorney shared a clip of the encounter alongside a photo of a receipt that shows payment of $56.17. It is unclear if Office Depot refunded the money.

DePerno said the group then went to FedEx, where staff apologized and printed the poster free of charge.

An image of the vigil poster for Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated Wednesday in Utah. eryn martinez/X

His post quickly racked up more than 100,000 views by Friday night.

Office Depot apologized for the encounter and said it has since fired the employee involved and reached out to DePerno to rectify the situation.

The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot. We sincerely apologize to the customer affected and to our community for this regrettable situation, a spokesperson for the company said in a statement to The Post.

Upon learning of the incident, we immediately reached out to the customer to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction. We have also launched an immediate internal review and, as a result, the associate involved is no longer with the organization.

X users online demanded that consumers boycott the chain.

The image above is a file photo of an Office Depot location. The retailer faces calls for a boycott after the Michigan incident. Christopher Sadowski

HOLY CRAP. A customer put in an order and paid for a poster for a vigil for Charlie. @officedepot REFUSED to print it because they said its propaganda. WTF @officedepot?! Libs of TikTok wrote on X.

Inga Springman added on her X page: Disgusted and disappointed at the local Portage, MI Office Depot that refused to print a picture of Charlie Kirk, for a prayer vigil tonight. Im asking every American that sees this to boycott Office Depot. #boycottofficedepot.

Another user, Onedovealone, posted on X: WTF @officedepot

#BoycottOfficeDepot they dont want our business so lets shut em down! Lets put them mainstream!! We can do this! Anti-American P.O.S!!

An X user who goes by the name Freebird USMC wrote: @officedepot could have learned something from this. Now theyll learn something else #boycottofficedepot.
(Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration has drafted a proposal to deploy 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to conduct law enforcement operations in the state's urban centers, the Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Pentagon planning documents it obtained.

Trump has made crime a major focus of his administration even as violent crime rates have fallen in many U.S. cities. His crackdown on Democratic-led municipalities has fueled legal concerns and spurred protests, including a demonstration by several thousand people in Washington D.C. last weekend.

Democratic leaders have said that the massive deployments are more a show of power by Trump, rather than a serious effort to fight crime.

More than a dozen residents of Shreveport, Louisiana, told Reuters they viewed any deployment as more of a political stunt than a serious crime-fighting solution, and a way for Trump to blunt criticism that he's only targeting Democratic-controlled cities and states.

A Pentagon spokesperson did not comment in detail on the documents but a spokesperson said "Leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise.

The planning documents, according to the Post, state that the plan would allow the military to supplement law enforcement in cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The Pentagon's plan outlines a mobilization lasting until September 30, 2026, though no start date was specified in the documents.

Among the documents is an unsigned, undated draft memo from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, which highlights the "unique advantage" of the Pentagon's proposed approach to law enforcement in Louisiana, according to the Post.

The proposal, which hinges upon a request from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who, like Trump, is a Republican, has not been confirmed as approved by federal or state officials, the Post reported.

The Pentagon's Louisiana plan suggests a robust operation is under consideration, with National Guard personnel "supplementing" the law enforcement presence in high-crime neighborhoods. They could also help with drug interdiction and by providing "logistical and communications support" to local authorities, according to the Washington Post report.

On Friday, Trump said he would send National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee.

(Reporting by Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Joe Bavier and Aurora Ellis)
Milwaukee Brewers' Quinn Priester throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

MILWAUKEE (AP)  Quinn Priester pitched 5 1/3 strong innings to win his 12th straight decision and Christian Yelich homered as the major league-leading Milwaukee Brewers snapped a three-game skid by beating the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 on Friday night.

The Brewers have won the last 18 games in which Priester has pitched, a stretch that includes 15 starts and three performances in which he followed an opener.

Priester (13-2) carried a shutout into the sixth inning. He ended up allowing two runs and five hits while striking out five and walking one.

According to Sportradar, the last pitcher to win at least 12 consecutive decisions within a single season was Gerrit Cole, who won 16 straight with the Houston Astros in 2019.

The Brewers won in their return home after getting swept in a three-game series at Texas. The Cardinals dropped their fourth straight.

Yelich hit a two-run homer off Jorge Alcala in the seventh inning. His 28th homer of the year was a 432-foot blast off the center-field scoreboard.

The Brewers broke a scoreless tie with four runs in a third-inning rally that featured just one hit, on a bunt single.

Andre Pallante (6-14) started the inning by walking Jake Bauers and Caleb Durbin. After a bunt hit from Joey Ortiz loaded the bases, Pallante walked Sal Frelick to bring in one run.

Jackson Chourio then hit a sacrifice fly to right fielder Jordan Walker, who threw to the plate to try to retire Durbin. Walkers throw instead hit the sliding Durbin in the back and rolled toward the Brewers dugout, enabling Ortiz to also score.

Frelick raced home from third on Brice Turangs bouncer to first.

Key moment

Trailing 5-2, the Cardinals loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh to put the potential tying run on first. Brewers reliever Aaron Ashby escaped the jam by getting Alec Burleston to hit a inning-ending grounder.

Key stat

Priester has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 appearances, including each of his last five.

Up next

Sonny Gray (13-8, 4.45 ERA) starts for St. Louis and Jacob Misiorowski (5-2, 4.09) pitches for Milwaukee on Saturday night.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
Hearst Owned

Baking sourdough bread became an even more popular hobby for home bakers a few years ago, but this style of bread has been around for thousands of years. It was allegedly discovered in Ancient Egypt and is considered to be one of the oldest forms of leavened bread. Sourdough bread is characterized by its slightly tangy flavor and crusty exterior, as well as its slightly complicated baking process. It turns out that there are a few reasons why sourdough tastes, well, sourand some amount of its flavor is actually within your control as a baker. Heres what you need to know about making sourdough taste more or less sour.

What Does Sourdough Taste Like?

Before you can understand the science behind why sourdough tastes the way it does, it's important to understand what exactly it tastes like. Its name will give you a good hint as to what it tastes like. Sourdough has a tangy, sour flavor and chewy texture that makes it distinct from most other types of bread you'll find at the grocery store. It's not sour or lip-puckering like citrus or certain types of candy, but it has a complex, unique flavor that most people either love or hate. Whether you make your own sourdough or purchase it at a bakery, you'll also find that it has a hard, chewy crust rather than the soft exterior of traditional sandwich bread or dinner rolls.

Why Does Sourdough Taste Sour?

It might sound like a silly question, but theres a reason why sourdough has such a distinct flavor from other types of sandwich bread or boules. Sourdough isnt typically made with commercial yeast but rather a starter, a combination of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This starterand the bacteria in itis what gives sourdough its tangy flavor. Some people make their own starter using a combination of flour and water, while others use a pre-made fresh or dried starter. And the tradition of sharing your starter with other hobbyist bakers is about as time-honored as the bread's roots.

While nearly every sourdough recipe will start with starter, there are a few things you can do to manipulate the flavor of your loaf. The first is temperature. One way to make your sourdough have an even more distinct flavor profile is by allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator overnight. While this prolongs the time between when the dough rests and when its time to bake it, it will give you an even more flavorful, sour slice. Refrigerating the dough also means that more acetic acid will be produced, which is one of the types of bacteria found in starter. Its even tangier than lactic acid bacteria, so encouraging its production will help develop the flavor of your bread. On the flip side, if you want a more mild tasting loaf, a shorter fermentation time will help to reduce the intense sour flavor.

Of course, don't discredit the type of flour that you use either. Whether you use all-purpose flour, a high-protein bread flour, whole wheat flour, or a combination, that will also impact the overall flavor of your bread.

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Dateline NBC Shannon Burgess

NEED TO KNOW

Shannon Burgess was reported missing in December 2014

Six months later, her husband, Joshua Burgess, confessed to police that he killed her to get her to "stop talking"

Police found Shannon's body buried in their backyard and Joshua was sentenced to life in prison

Dateline has investigated many missing and murder cases, but the death of Shannon Burgess was especially devastating.

The 25-year-old aspiring Canadian actress disappeared from Calgary, Alberta, in November 2014. Though her car and belongings were found at home, her husband, Joshua Burgess, told police that he didn't suspect any foul play, as she frequently left town for auditions.

"It didnt feel like any alarm bells had been set off, Calgary Police Detective Christina Witt said in Oxygen's 2019 docuseries A Wedding and a Murder. But as the months passed, Shannon never resurfaced  and authorities became increasingly suspicious of Joshua.

When police presented him with a warrant to search their cars and cell phones in July 2015, Joshua made a shocking confession: he had killed his wife and buried her body in their backyard.

Here's everything to know about what happened to Shannon Burgess and the motive her killer gave police.

Shannon went missing in November 2014

Dateline NBC Erin Madill

On Dec. 1, 2014, Shannon was reported missing after she missed a scheduled dinner with her brother. Though her car and personal belongings were at the home she shared with Joshua, the actress was nowhere to be found.

"I was really concerned that something bad had happened," her sister, Erin Madill, told Dateline in a sneak peek. "And that's why we couldn't find her anymore ... I became really obsessed with trying to find her, and it became all-consuming for me."

Joshua, then 29, initially told authorities that he wasn't concerned about Shannon's disappearance because she often traveled for auditions. The year she went missing, she appeared in a number of short films, including Scared Stiff and Ascension. Erin described Joshua as "phenomenal" for the support he showed toward her sisters ambitions.

Shannon and Joshua had an open relationship, but she wanted to close it

Dateline NBC Ian Wallace

Shannon's husband also told police that they were in an open marriage and that they often spent time with other partners, including Shannon's boyfriend Ian Wallace. Police later learned that the couple had argued about a woman he was dating weeks before she vanished.

During that fight, Shannon allegedly told Joshua that she wanted to close their marriage, per A Wedding and a Murder. But he continued to date the other woman.



Police and Shannon's family found Joshuas behavior suspicious

Dateline NBC Lisa Madill

When interviewed by police, Joshua's memory of the night Shannon disappeared was fuzzy, and his behavior grew increasingly suspicious as time went on.

According to A Wedding and a Murder, he allegedly found his wife's phone in a pair of her pants four days after she went missing  even though it was continually ringing with calls and texts from worried loved ones.

Though the last time she was seen alive was on Nov. 27, 2014, Shannon's cell phone records show that her phone had gone outside her residence the following day. "Her phone had done a walkabout in the alley behind their residence," Witt told Dateline. "But who was with this phone? Was it Shannon?"

Joshua confessed when he was confronted with a search warrant

On July 8, 2015  six months after Shannon had vanished  investigators brought a search warrant to Joshua's home for their cars and his wife's cell phone. After stalling, Witt called him and within minutes, he confessed.

"Within the first 10 minutes of our conversation, he became very emotionally upset and crying, she said on A Wedding and a Murder. And then he blurted out to me that I killed my wife. 

When Joshua came out of the house, he was covered in blood, having tried to cut his own throat. He recovered at a local hospital and was taken into police custody the next day.

He said he strangled Shannon to get her to stop talking

Joshua allegedly told police that he asked Shannon if she wanted to have "angry makeup sex." They did, but afterward, he learned she had thought he said "break-up sex" and that she "regretted" marrying him.

I just wanted her to stop talking," he allegedly told police, per A Wedding and a Murder. "She said she was disgusted touching me ... I put my hand over her mouth."

After strangling and killing Shannon with his hands and a belt, Joshua said he placed his wife's body in a Rubbermaid container. He allegedly moved her remains multiple times, including on the deck of their house, and eventually buried her in the front yard.

Police located Shannon's body after the confession.

Joshua was sentenced to life in prison

When prosecutors charged him with second-degree murder, Joshua initially pleaded not guilty. However, he changed his plea to guilty the day before his trial in December 2017 and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

"I'm very sorry for the vows that I made, that I promised to look after her, no matter what the circumstances were," Joshua told the court during his sentencing. "I failed her in that."



He continued, "For several months afterwards, everybody stood by me, unquestionably  I failed all of you in that and I am so very sorry for that and so very sorry that I didn't say something earlier."

Read the original article on People
Will Dickey

Everyone knows the phrase "as American as apple pie." It's a warm, golden, buttery badge of patriotism that's served up at Fourth of July picnics, Thanksgiving tables, and small-town diners across the country.

But did you know the star-spangled sweet isn't really American at all? In fact, if this pie had a passport, it would have stamps from England, France, the Netherlands, and a few centuries of travel under its crust.

Surprising, right? Well, if you're curious to know the astonishing un-American history of homemade apple pie, and how the apple dessert came to be an American icon, just read on.

jonathansloane - Getty Images

Starting with the apples, the crisp, juicy varieties that many hands across the country slice for pie aren't even native to North America. Early settlers brought seeds from Europe, and it took years of careful grafting and cultivating before America could even produce an apple fit for dessert. The only apples that grew here before colonists arrived were crabapples, tart little guys that definitely weren't meant for a lattice-topped legacy.

And those cozy spices associated with homemade apple pie? Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloveall imported from Asia via European spice trade routes. In other words, even the flavor of apple pie had to take a long journey to get here.

Christine_Kohler - Getty Images

Then there's the pie part. The idea of encasing fruit in flaky pastry was being done centuries before Betsy Ross ever got to stitching. Yep, the concept of wrapping fruit in dough dates back to medieval Europe. The first recorded apple pie recipe appeared in England around 1390. It included apples, figs, raisins, pears, andoddly enoughno sugar. (Back then, sugar was a pricey luxury, so dried fruits pulled double duty as sweeteners.)

The French had their tarte Tatin, the Dutch had their streusel-topped beauties, and the Swedes had apple desserts that could rival anything cooling on an American windowsill. And by the 18th and 19th centuries, apple pie was simply part of the broader European culinary toolkit that immigrants brought to the United States.

LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Despite its international roots, apple pie slowly earned its place in American kitchens. By 1796, the first American-published cookbook, American Cookery by Amelia Simmons, included two apple pie recipes. Over the next century, the pie became a staple on U.S. tables.

But its image as an all-American icon didnt solidify until the 20th century when it was embraced as a symbol of comfort and national pride. In 1928, The New York Times mentioned the phrase "as American as apple pie" in reference to First Lady Lou Hoover. And during World War II, American soldiers famously said they were fighting for "mom and apple pie." Suddenly, the humble dessert became shorthand for all things wholesome and patriotic.

So, there's your slice of history! Apple pie is technically a delicious, flaky, cinnamon-scented treat from overseasbest served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. But whether it's American or not, it sure tastes like home!

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Children look at the Star Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the lyrics of the American national anthem, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, on June 10, 2025. - Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The Smithsonian Institution is facing a deadline to hand over information to the White House related to a review of its exhibitions by Friday, as it navigates an unprecedented degree of scrutiny of its museums.

The review is part of an ongoing effort from the Trump administration to align prominent institutions with his cultural agenda, which has raised questions over whether the White House should have a say on content showcased at the nations leading museums.

While the Smithsonian, a unique public-private trust, does not consider itself an executive agency, President Donald Trump, through an executive order, has tasked aides with rooting out woke ideology and what it considers anti-American propaganda at the institution.

Lindsey Halligan, the Trump aide leading his review of the Smithsonian, told CNN that it considers White House oversight appropriate because the Smithsonian is not an autonomous institution, as 70% of its funding comes from taxpayers.

In an August letter from the White House, the Smithsonian was asked to turn over a wide array of materials, from gallery labels to future exhibition plans and internal communications about artwork selection.

Friday is the first of three deadlines given by the White House for its review of the Smithsonian and its planned programming for Americas 250th birthday, to be celebrated next July.

The Smithsonian, which is conducting its own review, has assembled a team to respond to the administrations requests.

It comes as the leader of the nearly two-century-old institution, Lonnie Bunch III, treads a fine line between maintaining a cordial, working relationship with the White House and defending the organizations independence, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter who asked not to be named as they were not authorized to speak publicly.

One source with knowledge of internal conversations at the Smithsonian told CNN that, from their perspective, Bunch appears to be holding the line as much as he can.

Leadership at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which has been targeted by Trump for focusing too much on how bad slavery was, told staff earlier this year that programming is not expected to shift despite the executive order, according to several of the sources who spoke to CNN.

However, even as Bunch is being urged by members of the Smithsonians Board of Regents, which governs the institution, to continue to assert its independence, artists who spoke to CNN have noted that the environment is already driving controversial decisions affecting the Smithsonian.

Bunch could not immediately be reached for comment.

Halligan called the White House review non-negotiable, saying in a statement: The American taxpayers deserve nothing less, which is why the White House will ensure the audit is conducted impartially.

The Smithsonian under pressure

While the Smithsonian has faced criticism over its exhibitions over the years, it has never been subject to a White House review. Still, the Smithsonian is not immune to pressure from the federal government, which funds two-thirds of its billion-dollar budget.

Since Trumps second term, the Smithsonian has made moves that have prompted concerns from artists and independent arts organizations about whether the museum complex will be able to maintain its independence.

On Friday, two artists who were scheduled to speak at a Smithsonian symposium on its exhibit, The Shape of Power, withdrew from the program, citing concerns that the event had been clouded by censorship. The symposium had originally been planned as an open event, but was changed to invite-only, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

One person with knowledge of the Smithsonians decision told CNN this was partly to stay off the radar and partly out of safety for artists and speakers who are afraid of MAGA people showing up.

President Trump specifically took aim at The Shape of Power in the executive order directing the Smithsonian review, where he took issue with the exhibition in part because it promotes the view that race is not a biological reality but a social construct.

In a statement shared with CNN, Nicholas Galanin, one of the artists who withdrew from the symposium, said: I cannot participate in the symposium and remain in alignment with my moral convictions. The decision to make the symposium a private event with a curated guest list and request that we not record or share it on social media effectively censors those of us who would be participating.

A Smithsonian spokesperson said registration for the event was always by invitation only.

The spokesperson said that the symposium was a venue for scholarship and never designed as an event for the general public, but that participants were encouraged to share the invitation with their networks.

Because not all participants consented to being recorded, the decision was made not to document in this manner, including on social media, she said in a statement, adding: We are disappointed that Nicholas Galanin will not participate in the symposium but respect his decision and thank him for his important contributions to this groundbreaking exhibition.

In January, the Smithsonian eliminated its Office of Diversity after Trump issued an executive order threatening federal investigations for illegal DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).

Months later in March, Trump targeted what he called improper ideology at the Smithsonian via executive order, putting Vice President JD Vance in charge of stopping government spending on exhibits that dont align with his agenda.

A visitor browses an exhibition about "The Battle Over Lynching" in The United States of America at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on August 28, 2025. - Alex Wong/Getty Images

Sasa Aakil, an artist and poet, said some of her and her colleagues work was cut before a poetry reading at a NMAAHC event in May commemorating Malcolm X. She said she was told by event organizers that the institution had cut some of poems, which were about racial justice and other related things, because the institution was very cautious due to increased scrutiny from the White House.

The Smithsonian did not return CNNs request for comments on the incident.

In June, Trump claimed that he was firing the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery director, Kim Sajet, over her alleged partisanship and support for DEI. Later, the Smithsonian publicly stated that the president has no authority over personnel decisions, but Sajet resigned a few weeks after being targeted by Trump.

Then, in July, artist Amy Sherald canceled a major Smithsonian exhibition of her work that had been due to run this fall, citing censorship over one of her paintings depicting the Statue of Liberty modeled after a transgender artist. The Smithsonian denied that it had censored Sherald and said that they had asked to include a video that would contextualize the painting, before Sherald ultimately decided to withdraw her show.

And in August, the Smithsonian faced public outcry after the National Museum of American History removed a temporary placard referencing Trumps two impeachments from an exhibit related to the presidency.

In follow-up statements, the museum system insisted the removal was temporary and denied it had been pressured by any government official to make changes to its exhibits. It was reinstalled days later with some changes.

Looking towards the future

Amid Trumps dissatisfaction with the Smithsonian will come an opportunity to reshape its leadership, though indirectly. The Board of Regents selects the Smithsonians leader, and some of its 17 members are supposed to be ultimately approved by the president.

The other members include six lawmakers from Congress and regents from the public, with Vice President Vance serving as an ex officio member. Chief Justice John Roberts serves as the head.

Six of the nine general public regents spots have terms that end in 2026, giving Trump a chance to expand his influence on the board before the midterm elections shake up Congress. New board members are appointed via congressional joint resolutions, which the president must sign into law.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat who sits on the board, told CNN he believes Bunch is doing a very good job, and insisted that the Smithsonian already goes out of its way to make sure its exhibits are free of bias.

In a letter last week , Peters, along with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who is also on the Board of Regents, and two other Senate Democrats urged Bunch to safeguard the institutions independence. They also asked the Smithsonian to share any materials given to the White House with Congress.

House Democrats have also echoed support for the institution. Rep. Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the House panel that oversees the Smithsonian, told CNN in a statement that Bunch and Smithsonian experts objectively and accurately tell the American story.

Bunch, a historian and curator who is well-regarded throughout the museum world, navigated rough political waters before as the founding director of the NMAAHC.

He even wrote in a 2019 memoir that the Smithsonian could easily become a pawn in larger political debates.

He also detailed what it was like when Trump visited the NMAAHC for the first time in 2017. Trump showed enthusiasm during the parts of the tour that highlighted the contributions of neurosurgeon Ben Carson and boxer Muhammad Ali. Trump later praised the museum for sharing the great struggle for freedom and equality that prevailed against the sins of slavery and the injustice of discrimination.

An exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on August 28, 2025. - Alex Wong/Getty Images

But in his second term, the president changed his tune. Last month, he escalated his attacks on the Smithsonian, claiming in a post on social media that everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been  Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future.

Yet a White House official said Trump had a productive and cordial lunch meeting with Bunch a few days later. He struck a positive tone on the Smithsonian this week, declaring the institution was in the process of making big changes.

You know, they were also told what to do by people that came before me, in all fairness, but theyre making changes, he said.

The institution has yet to announce any changes to its exhibitions. The Trump His administration has given the Smithsonian until December to implement any corrections to its content. Its unclear at this moment how the White House could enforce that request.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Michael Williams contributed to this report.

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NEED TO KNOW

Tom Pelphrey told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that he and fiancee Kaley Cuoco are "interested" in working together if the "right thing" comes along

"It will probably take a while," he said of finding the perfect project to team up on



Pelphrey and Cuoco got engaged in August 2024, more than a year after welcoming their first child, daughter Matilda

Tom Pelphrey says he and fiancee Kaley Cuoco are keen to share the screen  if the right circumstances present themselves.

"We are interested in that," the Ozark star, 43, says of working with Cuoco, 39, in an exclusive PEOPLE in 10 interview. "But it's gonna really have to be the right thing, so it will probably take a while."

"Kaley tends to live more comedically, whereas, you know, often people don't let me within 10 feet of a comedy," he explains with a laugh.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco at the Golden Globes on Jan. 5, 2025

Pelphrey went on to note the pair's differing work styles.

"I have so much respect for her and admiration, but I know enough  I know myself well enough  to know I could never work like she does. Likewise, sometimes she sees me work intensely and she's like, 'What are you doing?!' " he tells PEOPLE.

The actor says that while he and Cuoco both "do the same thing," they agree that it "feels like we have different jobs." Although that means that they are able to discuss their work and offer each other "helpful" feedback, it has also made it challenging to find the right project to team up on.

"The approach is so different, it feels like we're talking about two different things," Pelphrey explains. "Figuring out how those different things can come together and what the right, like, vehicle for that would be  we're definitely interested in doing it, but so far we haven't found what we felt like was the right thing."

Kaley Cuoco/Instagram Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco with their daughter, Matilda

Pelphrey and the Big Bang Theory star got engaged in August 2024, more than a year after the pair welcomed their first child, daughter Matilda.

He tells PEOPLE that Cuoco and Matilda, now 2, had an opportunity to be with him on the location of his new HBO miniseries, Task, which premiered on Sept. 7 and also stars Mark Ruffalo. The show was primarily filmed in Delaware County, Pa., near Philadelphia.

"This was one of the great things about the job," he says, explaining, "Where we were filming, I rented a house, and Kaley and Matilda were with me."

In addition to having his fiancee and daughter there, his mother, grandmother and aunts, as well as several friends, came to visit.

"It was a very special job for me in that sense," Pelphrey says. "I really felt a sense of home."



The Outer Range actor previously told PEOPLE that since welcoming Matilda, spending time with the toddler has become "the priority."



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.



"Spending time with her is a nonnegotiable. It's very important to me," he said.

Reflecting on the moment he's in with respect to his family and career, Pelphrey told PEOPLE, "If you wouldve told me 15 years ago that I could be with the love of my life and have the most perfect baby and get to do what I love, its wild. Youre living your dream. And Im very conscious of that."



Read the original article on People
FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a press conference at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, on September 12. - Cheney Orr/Reuters

Stepping to the microphone at a news conference Friday morning in Utah, FBI Director Kash Patel wasted no time explaining what led to the capture of a suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

This is what happens when you let good cops be cops, Patel said.

Over the next six minutes, Patel lauded the work of the FBI in leading the investigation into Wednesdays assassination and its coordination with state and local law enforcement  while also twice saying the decision to release photos and videos to the public, which led to the arrest of suspect Tyler Robinson on Thursday evening, were made at his direction.

But Patels upbeat tone contrasted with frustration and anger, both inside and outside the FBI, over his handling of the most high-profile moment of his tenure so far. Some FBI employees told CNN they found it galling for Patel to claim personal credit for the most successful parts of the investigation.

After all, it was Patel who had posted on Wednesday that a subject was in custody, a claim he had to walk back less than two hours later. Patels style also struck the FBI employees as not in keeping with how previous FBI directors handled similar situations, normally trying to credit employees instead of themselves.

Other FBI employees found it ironic that Patel thanked some of the bureaus support staff key to investigations  since he has overseen moves to decimate those ranks.

Patels response during the rapid-fire series of events surrounding Kirks horrific murder has led some allies of President Donald Trump to question both publicly and privately whether he is equipped to handle the countrys top law enforcement agency.

A MAGA loyalist and member of the first Trump administration, Patel was a controversial pick to lead the FBI from the start, with many Trump critics questioning whether he was qualified for the job. But now some of those concerns have begun seeping into conservative circles that Patel is a fixture of.

Christopher Rufo, an influential right-wing activist and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, posted on X Friday that it was time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI.

We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done, Rufo wrote. Ive been on the phone the last few days with many conservative leaders, all of whom wholeheartedly support the Trump Administration and none of whom are confident that the current structure of the FBI is up to this task.

Conservative commentator Erick Erickson responded in support of the sentiment. Hes right. The FBI situation is concerning, he wrote on X.

Patel visits the scene at Utah Valley University where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Orem, Utah, on September 11. - Cheney Orr/Reuters

The criticism over Patels actions in the Kirk investigation isnt the first time Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, have faced blowback for their handling of a high-profile episode. The pair got into a spat with Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House earlier this year over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the administrations about-face in its decision not to release all of the documents.

An FBI official defended Patel to CNN, noting that the suspect was only eventually apprehended after a family member saw photos of him released by the FBI. The official also pointed out that the arrest of Robinson came quicker than other recent high-profile manhunts, including that of Luigi Mangione, who was on the run for five days after allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Over these last few days, what has mattered isnt ignorant criticism or petty assumptions  its been the pursuit of justice, said Erica Knight, a spokeswoman for Patel. Justice that was promised, and justice that has now been delivered.

There is no indication that Patels job is at risk. A source familiar with the matter said Patel had spoken with the president after the arrest and noted that the president was pleased with the quick work.

The FBI is working with our law enforcement partners in Utah to bring to justice the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, the FBI said in a statement to CNN, and we will continue to be transparent with the American people with real time updates as we are able.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement, Anyone who doubts (Patels) resolve and dedication  especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him  simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship.

Trump himself praised Patels handling of the case, telling Fox News Digital on Saturday, I am very proud of the FBI. Kash  and everyone else  they have done a great job.

A premature social media post

It was just hours after Kirk was shot at a Utah university that Patel made his most significant misstep of the investigation. In a social media post, the FBI director said the bureau had a subject for the horrific shooting in custody.

But the post on X came just minutes before officials in Utah stood in front of cameras at a press conference and announced the shooter was still at large.

The FBI was, in fact, questioning someone in relation to the shooting, and state and federal officials at the press conference scrambled to course correct to be in line with Patel. Still, soon after the conference was over, Patel backtracked by posting that the subject had been released.

Leaders at the Justice Department saw the posts as embarrassing, privately criticizing Patel for using social media to prematurely announce that investigators had made a breakthrough only to walk it back less than two hours later, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

Initially, Patels post that the subject for the horrific shooting was in custody prompted some White House officials to breathe a sigh of relief. After following the investigation closely and contacting every person who might have knowledge, sources told CNN they were pleasantly surprised the investigation was wrapping up so quickly.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a press conference, attended by Patel, in Orem, Utah, on September 11. - Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

But as time dragged on without an update, some began to privately question whether Patel was absolutely certain that they had the suspect  fears that were confirmed by Patels follow-up clarification.

Its unacceptable, one source close to Kirk told CNN after Patels backtrack.

But shortly after the announcement of the arrest, Kirks inner circle was thanking Patel and the FBI. Thank you, Kash and thank you, Dan. You told us you wouldnt stop, you wouldnt sleep until you got him. You were men of your word, Andrew Kolvet, Kirks executive producer and spokesperson, posted on X.

An expletive-ridden outburst

Patels rush to social media  followed by an embarrassing walk back  only added to the intense pressure already bearing down on him as the hours stretched on after the shooting and no suspect was identified. A close personal friend of Kirk, Patel felt the weight personally and professionally, sources said.

That pressure appeared to be on display a day later, when Patel lashed out at agents during an intense and expletive-ridden virtual video meeting Thursday afternoon with FBI teams across the country, according to sources familiar with the matter. The episode was first reported by the New York Times.

Patel accused agents of not giving him information fast enough, including not waking him in the middle of the night when images were first discovered of the suspect, the sources said. He focused his anger at the Salt Lake City special agent in charge, who had only recently taken over the job after his predecessor was forced out.

One source defended Patel, pointing to his relationship with Kirk and noting that it showed how passionate he was about catching the killer.

Several current and former law enforcement officials told CNN that Patel and others in the administration may have also hampered the effort to find Kirks murderer by firing dozens of senior-level officials who had decades of combined knowledge into the FBIs sophisticated tactics in finding and arresting criminals.

That included the former head of FBIs Salt Lake City field office  whose jurisdiction covers the university where the shooting took place and who was one of the people forced out during an early-August purge.

Three of those fired FBI agents on Wednesday sued Patel, as well as the FBI and DOJ, alleging that Patel carried out political firings at the behest of the White House or in reaction to online criticisms.

Missteps compound

After Patels social media backtracking Wednesday, officials at the Justice Department, FBI and US Marshals Service became hesitant to say anything about the investigation to avoid another public misstep, sources familiar with the matter said.

But criticism of the investigations handling went beyond Patels social media gaffe. There was frustration from some officials who thought precious time was wasted the first day after the shooting, including by the FBI not immediately releasing images of the shooter to the public. While its not necessarily unusual the agency held off, sources say, the officials believed that the bureau could have acted faster.

The FBI Salt Lake City bureau's X account posted two photos saying officials were asking for the public's help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University." - FBI Salt Lake City

On Thursday morning, the FBI released its first photos of a person of interest, which showed a man in sunglasses and a dark blue cap wearing a black T-shirt with a large American flag and bald eagle on the front walking up a stairwell.

Another misstep, according to people close to the investigation, was that the FBI held onto the rifle Robinson allegedly used until late Thursday before turning it over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to begin analysis. Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had to intervene, insisting that the weapon be sent immediately, the sources said.

As the chaotic investigation continued, a series of unverified, preliminary tips from the ATF were leaked to the public that claimed agents found engravings that they interpreted as expressing transgender and anti-fascist ideology on ammunition inside a weapon believed to be the one used by Robinson.

None of the bullet casings recovered alongside the gun appear to have been engraved with statements or symbols related to transgender people, despite earlier reports that they expressed transgender ideology.

Officials who spoke during a news conference Friday did not address whether the inscriptions included references to trans people, but none of the writings they described appear to have any connection to that community. One law enforcement source told CNN that some of the markings instead appear to be a reference to video games.

On Thursday evening, Patel and Bongino personally traveled to Utah and toured the scene of Kirks assassination. The FBI director then stood silently behind state officials as they played new security footage of the shooter fleeing that scene.

Later that night, the suspect would be brought into custody. Robinson was identified by his father in FBI photos and confessed to his father when confronted, officials said.

The next morning, the news was announced first by Trump during an appearance on Fox and Friends.

This story was updated with additional details.

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composite image left audrey burns, age 15, in a white dress and white necklace, smiling right james lidestri in a suit with a blue tie looking at the camera

A poverty-stricken Oklahoma girl turned unwitting child sex star is trying to turn the tables on the New York man she accused of grooming and raping her  demanding $150,000 for every one of the hundreds of risque photos and videos of her that he allegedly posted online.

Audrey Burns was just 14 and desperately trying to avoid homelessness when she began modeling to earn money, after her mother was seriously injured in a car accident.

It was rough, Burns, now 29 and a pregnant, single mother of three. This was the summer of my eighth-grade year. I didnt want to start high school in a shelter and my mom couldnt come home from the hospital in a shelter. So I had to do something.

Burns, seen here at age 15, was a desperate kid when she turned to modeling for money, she said. Obtained by the NY Post

After one photo shoot, a photographer connected the young teen to Dutchess County resident James Lidestri, who she claimed quickly began urging Burns to send sexy photos of herself and bought other pictures of her nearly nude and in suggestive poses, she said in a Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit.

Lidestri, 65, posted photos of Burns and other girls on his web site, TeenStarlet.com, and in April 2013  when she was just 16  flew her and her mother to the Big Apple for a photo shoot with him at his Hudson Valley home, she claimed.

When Audrey and her mother got to their room, they found at least ten $100 bills lined up on the bed alongside a bag from Juicy Couture, according to the lawsuit.

Once at his house, he plied her still-recovering mom with beer and whisked Burns away to different bedroom, where he gave the girl booze and constantly groaned while photographing her on the bed, she said.

Eventually Lidestri pinned her on the bed and assaulted her, then told her not to tell anyone about what had just happened, explaining they could both get in trouble for the past photoshoots, Burns claimed.

Lidestri sued Burns for defamation earlier this year, insisting in court papers his business was above-board. Getty Images for Music Business Association

When she gained a following online, Lidestri  who also made a web site for her under a pseudonym  allegedly forced Burns to answer vulgar messages from adult fans and chastised her when the high schooler didnt spend enough time doing so.

I didnt understand the things they were saying, she recalled.

He also encouraged the girl to send him pictures of herself in exchange for cash hed send via Western Union, Burns alleged.

Eventually, Burns online life caught up with her in high school  forcing her to drop out as she was taunted by peers, according to court papers.

Burns fled the state, later cutting ties with Lidestri altogether. Penniless, she became a stripper to survive, she said. And she is still haunted by fans of her teenage images.

Audrey is still contacted by men who remember her and possess images and videos of her as a minor and who implore her to send them unreleased content from when she was a child, she said in legal papers.

At least two of these men have informed Audrey that they purchased and possess the video of Lidestri performing oral sex on her when she was a child.

When she spoke publicly about Lidestri and the assault, Lidestri sued her for defamation. The case is ongoing.

Lidestri insisted in his own court papers everything with his web sites was above board and that he did not know Burns before she turned 16.

Burns, now 29, said men still approach her about the sexualized images of her younger self that have been posted online. Courtesy Audrey Burns

Burns alleges that I gave her mother alcohol and told her that she could not be present during the photoshoot. This is untrue, he said in the filing, adding I never became aroused at any point and most importantly, I did not come into physical contact with her at any time.

Burns, who said she forbids her oldest child from social media because of her own experience, labeled Lidestris lawsuit an abusive litigation tactic.

She continues to do OnlyFans content to survive.

It does not feel good, she said.

Burns has asked a judge to dismiss Lidestris defamation case, said her lawyer, Daniel Szalkiewicz, who added that she decided to file her own suit as a way to fight back.

Its a testament to somebody who has overcome every hurdle in life, he said, adding, She deserves justice against this individual.

A lawyer for Lidestri did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Joe Raedle David Parker Ray

NEED TO KNOW

David Parker Ray told women they were here against their will and would be raped, tortured, and killed when he tired of them

Investigators found a gynecological chair, surgical tools, and a ceiling mirror inside Rays trailer

Ray died in prison before revealing where any bodies were  and the FBI still cant match the 400-plus trophies he left behind

Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions of sexual assault.

David Parker Ray called it his toy box  a soundproof trailer packed with whips, chains, saws, and surgical tools, all meticulously arranged. A gynecological chair sat at the center, flanked by clamps and restraints, and a mirror was mounted to the ceiling  so his victims couldnt look away.

News outlets later called it a chamber of horrors, but to Ray, a maintenance worker at Elephant Butte State Park in New Mexico, it was a laboratory of control and sadism. Inside, he recorded tapes for his victims to hear once they regained consciousness  after being drugged, kidnapped, and chained.

My name is David, one such tape began. Youre here against your will Youre going to be kept chained in a variety of different positions You will be raped thoroughly and repeatedly."

According to CBS News, Ray used sedatives like sodium pentothal and phenobarbital to disorient his victims, who were often picked up by Rays girlfriend, Cynthia Hendy, or  in some cases  lured with the help of his own daughter, Glenda Jean Ray (aka Jessie).

AP Photo/Russell Contreras Cynthia Vigil Jaramillo

Ray didnt always act alone. Per The New York Times, investigators believed he sometimes invited friends to join in the assaults  and accounts even describe animals being involved.

To keep victims from remembering what happened, Ray gave them heavy barbiturates and other drugs that caused amnesia, according to authorities. Thats why many of his victims didnt recall the full extent of their captivity  or even that theyd been kidnapped  until they saw his face on the news years later.

It all unraveled in March 1999, when a woman named Cynthia Vigil managed to escape. According to The Albuquerque Journal, Vigil had been held captive for three days when she grabbed keys from a table as Ray momentarily stepped away. Naked and chained, she bolted from the trailer and ran to a nearby mobile home to call 911.

Authorities were stunned by what they found. Not just the trailer  which contained surgical instruments, video cameras, and detailed torture devices  but also Rays personal writings, which KRQE reported included entries describing assaults on as many as 60 women over several years.

FBI

Despite the scale of the evidence, Ray was never convicted of murder. No bodies were found. Per ABC News, cadaver dogs were brought to Elephant Butte Lake and several properties, but none of the remains located were definitively linked to him.

Ray himself agreed to a plea deal in 2001 to avoid the death penalty and protect Hendy from a capital sentence as well. Before investigators could press him to lead them to burial sites, he died of a heart attack in his cell  just hours after being transferred to the state penitentiary.

FBI

Ray was sentenced to 224 years. Hendy, who testified against him, was sentenced to 36 years and released on parole in 2019. His daughter Jessie was granted immunity in exchange for cooperation, according to CBS News.

Only a few survivors were ever identified. Cynthia Vigil, Kelli Garrett, and Angelica Montano all came forward  two of them after seeing Rays face on the news and realizing their fragmented, dreamlike memories were real.

I couldnt believe what I was seeing, Garrett told KRQE. I knew it had happened, but I buried it. When it came on TV, I lost it.

Joe Raedle

Ray had spent years building the trailer. He kept blueprints, supply logs, and pre-recorded warnings designed to break his victims psychologically the moment they woke up.

One tape warns that if a captive doesnt cooperate, he will use threats, torture and drugs to break them; the recording goes on to threaten prolonged captivity, repeated abuse, and death.

Investigators identified at least 14 women Ray is believed to have abducted and tortured  and they suspect some may have been killed. But his journals hinted at dozens more, and the FBI later catalogued more than 400 pieces of jewelry and clothing suspected to be trophies.

With no bodies and Ray long dead, the true number of his victims may never be known.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



Read the original article on People
Stephen King apologized for a false accusation he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at a college campus in Utah on Sept. 10.

"The Long Walk" author claimed in a now-deleted X post that the 31-year-old political commentator previously advocated for the act of throwing stones to kill gay people. He later retracted the statement and expressed regret for taking a comment Kirk made on his podcast last year out of context.

In 2024, Kirk criticized children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel for arguing that the bible verse "love thy neighbor" in the Leviticus 18 scripture should apply to gay people. On the podcast, Kirk said, "By the way, Ms. Rachel, you might want to crack open that Bible of yours. In a lesser reference, part of the same part of scripture, is in Leviticus 18, is that 'thou shall lay with another man shall be stoned to death.' Just saying."

"I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages," King wrote on X on Sept. 12.

More: Jimmy Kimmel pulled off-air following FCC threats over Charlie Kirk's comment

Stephen King attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on May 22, 2018 in New York City.

Among those who condemned King's initial post was Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who responded to the post, calling the "It" writer a "horrible, evil, twisted liar."

"The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes," King replied. "This is what I get for reading something on Twitter (without) fact-checking. Won't happen again."

Cruz later responded on X, adding that he appreciates King's apology and for deleting the post. "All of us  on both sides of the aisle  should treat each other with respect & decency, even if we disagree on politics," Cruz wrote. "Charlie did that every day, and I admired him for it."

Stephen King's career in photos: Look back at the King of Horror and his books Bestselling author Stephen King, shown in a 1970 file photo.

King repeatedly apologized in three other X posts in response to criticisms, including one from biologist Colin Wright, who wrote, "It's exactly this kind of extreme rhetoric that encourages people to commit violence."

The apology came after President Donald Trump blamed rhetoric for Kirk's death in video-taped remarks released on Sept. 10. He said the "radical left" was "directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today."

TV host Jimmy Kimmel condemned Trump for blaming Democrats for their rhetoric instead of trying to bring Americans together after a tragedy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stephen King apologizes for claim about Charlie Kirk
Road Red Runner/Adobe Stock A long line of passengers waits at an airport gate.

Key Points

Airlines routinely overbook flights based on historical no-show data, which can result in passengers being involuntarily bumped.

Travelers who check in late, book basic economy, or fly solo are more likely to be denied boarding, according to our aviation expert.

Bumped passengers may be entitled to compensationup to $2,150if their new flight is significantly later.

The only thing worse than fighting for overhead bin space on a fully packed flight? Finding out youve been denied boarding altogether. Unfortunately, this frustrating experience is more common than you might think. Sometimes, airlines sell more seats than they can actually offerleaving unlucky passengers without a spot on the plane, in a situation often referred to as bumping.

While the practice may seem questionable, its actually a routine part of airline operations, especially during peak travel seasons. The good news? Youre not entirely powerless in these scenarios. Heres what to knowand what to doif it happens to you, plus how to reduce your chances of getting bumped in the first place.

Are airlines allowed to overbook flights?

While it may sound surprising, it's completely legal for airlines to overbook flights, and, according to Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, they do so "all the time." He continues, telling Travel + Leisure, "Airlines are legally allowed to sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane because they know some people won't show up." Think of it as a numbers game based on historical data. "Most of the time, it works out, but every now and then, too many people show up, and someone has to get bumped."

Who is most likely to get bumped?

If no one volunteers to give up their seat, airlines follow specific criteria to decide who gets bumped. "It's not random," says Neugarten, who tells T+L that those who checked in last, booked basic economy fares, or don't have assigned seats are usually first in line. Solo travelers are also more likely to be selected since they're easier to rebook.

On the flip side, he says, "If you have elite status, paid a higher fare, or checked in early, your chances of being bumped are much lower."

Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Passengers sitting on a plane.

What should I do if I get bumped?

If you do get bumped, don't fret. Instead, remain calm and stay at the gate. Neugarten recommends asking the gate agent for a written explanation of your rights, as they're required to provide one. Then, check the airline's app for alternative flights. "In many cases," he says, "you can rebook yourself faster than waiting in line."

Youll also want to ask the gate agent about compensation and what they can offer to help get you to your destinationwhether that's a seat on the next available flight, a meal voucher, or even a hotel stay if you're delayed overnight.

Ultimately, Neugarten encourages anyone who gets bumped to speak up and ask questions. "You have more power than you think," he tells T+L. And remember: just because you're bumped doesn't mean you have to stick with the same airline. "Always ask if they can put you on another airline," he adds. "Many gate agents can do it, but they won't unless you ask."

Another important thing to keep in mind, per Neugarten: "If the new flight arrives more than an hour later than your original one, you may be owed money." Here's the gist: If the airline gets you to your destination within an hour of your original arrival time, you won't receive any form of compensation. However, under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, if you're delayed by one to two hours on a domestic flight (or one to four hours on an international flight), you're entitled to 200 percent of your one-way fare, up to $1,075. Delays longer than two hours domestically (or more than four hours internationally) can earn you 400 percent of your one-way fare, up to $2,150.

It is important to note that this compensation only applies to passengers who are involuntarily denied boardingin other words, bumped. "If you're asked to volunteer your seat, that's a different story," says Neugarten. In those cases, you can (and should!) negotiate. "Ask for cash instead of a voucher, and don't be afraid to request meal or hotel accommodations if needed," he advises.

But why push for cash? It's simple: Vouchers can expire, come with blackout dates, or be loaded with restrictions that make them harder to use. And finally, Neugarten emphasizes: "Always get the deal in writing."

Will travel insurance help?

This is where things get a bit complicated. "Most travel insurance won't cover overbooking directly," says Neugarten. "But if getting bumped causes a domino effectlike missing a prepaid hotel night or a connecting flightyou might be able to file a claim under trip delay or trip interruption coverage."

For frequent travelers, he recommends looking into providers like SafetyWing, which "offer monthly coverage and can help with some of the headaches that come from delays or rebooking." As with anything travel-related, read the fine print carefully so you know exactly what's included.

Tips to Avoid Getting Bumped

1. Check in early.

One of the simplest ways to protect your seat is to check in as early as possible. "The earlier you check in, the less likely you are to lose your seat," says Neugarten. This is especially important if you're flying basic economy, traveling solo, or don't have an assigned seatall of which, as previously mentioned, can make you more vulnerable to getting bumped.

2. Select your seat in advance.

As stated above, having a confirmed seat helps keep you off the dreaded bump list. Selecting your seat ahead of time signals to the airline that your spot is claimed, potentially helping to keep you off the bump list. That said, there are no guarantees, and you could still get bumped.

3. Fly during off-peak hours.

Neugarten explains that "busy travel days like Sundays and holidays are more likely to be overbooked." So, if your schedule allows, opt for less popular travel times, like midweek flights or early-morning departures. Not only are these flights typically less crowded, but you're also less likely to face overbooking-related disruptions.

4. Stick with one airline.

It pays to be loyal, especially when it comes to avoiding getting bumped. "Frequent fliers and elite members are less likely to be bumped," says Neugarten. Even entry-level loyalty status can sometimes offer an edge when seats are limited.

5. Book a higher fare class.

"Even within economy," says Neugarten, "basic fares are at the bottom of the priority list," which means passengers in this fare class are among the first to be involuntarily denied boarding when a flight is oversold. If you're especially concerned about getting to your destination on time, it's often worth paying a bit more for a standard economy ticket. You'll get more flexibilityand a higher chance of keeping your seat.



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Charlie Kirks heartbroken widow said her husband sacrificed his life for his country and family  and that the evildoers who publicly assassinated the conservative activist have only fanned the flames of his patriotic mission.

A teary-eyed Erika Frantzve Kirk, wife of the slain founder of Turning Point USA, addressed mourners for the first time Friday in a live-streamed speech from her husbands Arizona podcast studio just two days after he was shot dead during an outdoor college campus event in Utah.

My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children, Erika said as she stood behind a podium bearing a sign of her late husbands face with the text: May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.

Erika Kirk paid tribute to her husband in a tearful speech. Turning Point USA

Erika recalled Charlie as a man of faith who was devoted to his family and country. Instagram/mrserikakirk

Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his saviors side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.

The bereaved wife  wearing an emerald green shirt, white blazer, and silver cross  paused several times to catch her breath, wipe away tears and speak directly to her departed husband during her roughly 16-minute remarks.

After thanking first responders for trying to save her sweetheart and law enforcement for catching his killer, she firmly vowed to uphold Kirks legacy and not let those who took his life silence his mission and voice.

The evildoers responsible for my husbands assassination have no idea what they have done, she said.

JD and Usha Vance escorted Charlies body home to Phoenix on Air Force Two, Kirk thanked them in the emotional speech. REUTERS

They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of Gods merciful love. They should all know this: if you thought my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea, you have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country and this world, she said passionately.

You have no idea the fire you have ignited within his wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It wont, I refuse to let that happen.

No one will ever forget my husbands name, Erika declared. I will make sure of it.

Kirk, 31, was ruthlessly gunned down with a single bullet to the neck at Utah Valley University while addressing thousands during the inaugural stop of his American Comeback Tour Wednesday afternoon.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of firing the fatal shot roughly 200 yards away from the pop-up tent where the right-wing influencer was answering questions about mass shootings committed by transgender people during the outdoor event on the Orem campus.

Charlie and Erika Kirk have two young children. Instagram/mrserikakirk

Robinson, a devout Mormon and trade student in Utah, was taken into custody Thursday night after a massive manhunt and is expected to face aggravated murder and other state charges, according to a probable cause affidavit released Friday.

Erika, the 2012 Miss Arizona, married the MAGA icon in 2021, and they share two young children  a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

In her remarks Friday, she remembered Kirk as the perfect father and husband, recalling how she broke the news of his death to their young daughter by telling her that he was on a work trip with Jesus.

The shattered wife, host of devotional podcast Midweek Rise Up, escorted her husbands body to Phoenixs Hansen Mortuary Chapel Thursday after it was flown from Utah on Air Force Two.

Vice President JD Vance arranged the flight after Wednesdays savage execution and, along with Second Lady Usha, stayed by the grieving widows side following her husbands death.

Erika also announced that Charlies work with Turning Point USA will continue. Turning Point USA

Vance, 41, then helped carry Kirks wooden casket to Air Force Two during a private ceremony at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.

I want to thank my husbands dear friend, Vice President Vance, and his phenomenal wife, Usha, for their love and support, Erika said while fighting back tears.

You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home. You both are tremendous.

Erika, who said she hasnt slept since her husbands merciless killing, also expressed her gratitude to President Trump and his family for their friendship and love.

Erika said Charlie was the perfect husband and father. Instagram/mrserikakirk

The 79-year-old commander in chief was the first to publicly announce Kirks death and also said he would posthumously award his close ally the Presidential Medal of Freedom  the nations highest honor.

Mr. President, my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too, Erika said.

Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.

Trump said Friday that he plans to attend Kirks funeral in Arizona, calling it an obligation.

Funeral plans have not yet been announced.
by Martin Purbrick

The Chinese Communist Party has recruited the Bamboo Union to promote unification with the People's Republic. Chang An-lo and other key figures have been exploited to boost Chinas political influence on the island through intelligence gathering and psychological operations. Meanwhile, Taiwan is cracking down on a pro-Beijing party and prosecuting its members.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has increasingly co-opted Taiwanese organized crime groups, particularly the Bamboo Union, using them to promote unification with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and undermine Taiwan's democratic institutions.

Through figures like Chang An-lo and affiliated groups like the Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), criminal networks are exploited for political influence, intelligence gathering, and psychological operations. They often do so with the support or under the direction of Chinas intelligence and propaganda agencies.

Taiwan has responded intensifying its crackdown on pro-China gangs and influence networks, including efforts to disband the CUPP and prosecute members linked to espionage, recognizing the hybrid threat posed by political-criminal co-operation.

We publish here extensive excerpts from an article courtesy of the Jamestown Foundation.

In late August 2025, YouTubebased Taiwanese TV channel Formosa TV Thumbs Up posted a segment on fifth column activities in Taiwan. The program interviewed a range of experts, as well as Chang An-lo, a man also known as White Wolf. Chang is a long-time member of the Bamboo Union, a prominent Taiwan-based criminal organization. He is also the founder of the Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), a Chinese nationalist political party with little public support but a claimed membership of around 30,000 people. The CUPP openly advocates peaceful reunification with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) under the one country, two systems framework (Facebook/CUPP, accessed June 7). In the interview, Chang denied he was part of any fifth column but, sitting in his office in front of the flag of the PRC, he argued in favor of embracing the PRC, saying that he wanted to act as a bridge for cross-strait peace (YouTube/Formosa TV Thumbs Up, August 25).

For years, the CCP has incorporated Taiwans triadsChinese secret societies that have evolved into resilient criminal enterprisesinto its united front work, using them to mobilize grassroots support for unification. This complements broader efforts, including cultural outreach through social media influencers, intelligence-driven infiltration of Taiwans military, and leaning on Hongmen (mutual aid associations from which triads historically emerged) to disseminate patriotic messaging aligned with CCP priorities (China Brief, January 13, May 9, June 7). Together, these activities aim to manufacture the appearance of widespread societal support within Taiwan for unification with the PRC. Although little research currently traces the links between the united front system and organizations such as the Bamboo Union, its role and influence in Taiwanese domestic politics make it worthy of study to better understand the ties it has with the CCP.

Bamboo Unions Connections to Taiwanese Politics

Allegations that link PRC united front organizations and Taiwanese criminal gangs have persisted for years. In 2017, former Taiwanese President Lee Teng Hui warned that the PRC had expanded its united front tactics by recruiting pro-unification supporters and sponsoring organized crime in Taiwan to stir ethnic tensions and destabilize society (Taipei Times, October 5, 2017). More recently, Taiwanese triads have sought to undermine President Lai Ching-te and apply internal pressure on his administration in pursuit of a pro-unification agenda. Lai has publicly noted these efforts, citing recruitment from gangs in a list of CCPs efforts to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within during a national security address in March (Office of the President of the Republic of China, Taiwan, March 13).

The Bamboo Union gang, also referred to as the United Bamboo or Chuk Luen Bong, is perhaps the best example of a Taiwanese criminal gang that Beijing has coopted as part of the united front system. Established in Taiwan in 1957, it was initially comprised of the children of Mainland Chinese refugees fleeing the communist takeover in 1949 (Taiwan Cultural Memory Bank, accessed September 4).

In the decades since, the Bamboo Union has developed relationships with other organized crime groups, including the Wah Ching in the United States, Yakuza groups in Japan, and several triad societies in Hong Kong.

Today, it maintains a broad presence across Taiwan, with an estimated membership of at least 10,000 and an extensive criminal portfolio. In August 2025, Taipei prosecutors indicted 18 members of a criminal ring affiliated with the Bamboo Union for alleged financial fraud and cryptocurrency schemes affecting more than 200 people. According to the indictment, the scheme allegedly had made illegal profits of more than NTD 770 million ( million) in fraud schemes since May 2024 (Taipei Times, August 21).

The Bamboo Unions ties to Taiwanese lawmakers today appear to remain strong. After the organizations former leader Huang Shaocen passed away in February 2025, a large funeral was organized.

One of the contenders to succeed Huang as leader, Liu Zhennan, is also well connected, having been hired as deputy head of an advisory group (for Hou You-ihs) successful mayoral campaign for New Taipei City (Liberty Times, October 4, 2018; Yahoo/Sanlih News, February 4). (Hou was also the KMTs presidential nominee in 2024.)

Chang An-lo Ties Bamboo Union and CUPP to the CCP

The restaurant booking for Bamboo Union members was made by Chang An-lo, indicating his continued role as a power broker within both the gang and perhaps even political circles. Changs long history and ties to elites in both the PRC and Taiwan has made him an ideal vector of influence for the CCP.

Changs acceptance among CCP elites is likely related to his espousal of the Partys views on the political status of Taiwan, which have also been reflected in the stance of prominent Bamboo Union members for decades. A Phoenix TV report from May 2011 that interviewed Chang recalls a former Bamboo Union leader (and a lifelong friend of Changs) saying in 1981 that he would rather the CCP rule Taiwan than have Taiwan taken away by Taiwan independents (YouTube/huxudaji, September 1, 2011).

Chang himself has actively promoted unification for at least 20 years. In September 2005, he created a civil organization in Guangzhou called the Defending China Alliance. This organization later moved to Taipei, rebranding as the CUPPTaiwans first party to openly support unification under the one country, two systems framework. As Chang has discussed in interviews, part of his goal in returning to Taiwan was to cultivate red voters who describe themselves as Chinese (Liberty Times, April 2, 2014; RFA, February 2, 2021).

Changs activism has included disrupting protestssometimes violentlyas well as engaging in protests of his own, such as during U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in 2021.

CUPP may present itself as a political party, but its personnel has overlapped substantially with the Bamboo Union. Beyond Chang himself, prominent Bamboo Union figure Li Tsung-kuei is a former CUPP vice chairman who has been active on pro-unification issues, though he now claims to be apolitical (163, February 5; Mirror Media, March 25). Earlier this year, reporting noted that Li had helped Terry Gou collect signatures for his failed presidential campaign, for which he was given a suspended sentence and a substantial fine (Yahoo News; UDN, April 28). Li is also closely associated with Hongmen organizations, which are also vectors for CCP influence in Taiwan and elsewhere (China Brief, June 7).

Taiwan responds with crackdown on organized crime and influence activities

In recent years, authorities in Taiwan have tried increasingly to crack down on criminal and subversive activities, including by targeting the Bamboo Union and CUPP. In November 2024, the Ministry of Justice announced that police suspected 134 CUPP members of involvement in illegal activities, including obstruction of justice, human trafficking, and homicide. That same month, prosecutors charged two CUPP members with receiving New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) 74 million (.3 million) from the CCP to make propaganda promoting Beijings political agenda and to influence elections in Taiwan (Taipei Times, November 6, 2024). In March, following the attempting meeting in the Legislative Yuan, Taipei Police issued a statement explaining that the National Police Agency had instructed units to investigate and prosecute Bamboo Union and other gang members for using criminal organizations as a front for political parties (Yahoo/Taiwan News, March 28).

In response to ongoing pro-PRC political influence campaigns, Taiwans Ministry of the Interior moved in January this year to dissolve the CUPP, submitting the case to the Constitutional Court of the Judicial Yuan for a final decision.

Although no direct links were found between the former military officers and the Bamboo Union, Chang An-lo was identified as the intermediary who introduced Wen to the chief clerk of the Zhuhai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office, who in turn connected Wen with a military officer of the Political Department Liaison Bureau (Liberty Times, March 28).

Conclusion

The activities of the Bamboo Union in conjunction with the CUPP are intended to subvert the authority of the Taiwanese government. The CCPs use of triad gangs such as the Bamboo Union is a core component of its united front strategy, which is designed to sow internal divisions and erode public trust in state institutions. As President Lai noted in his March speech, these efforts seek to create the illusion that China is governing Taiwan (Office of the President, March 13).

The continued existence and financial success of triad gangs such as the Bamboo Union remain a thorn to civil society in Taiwan. If left unchecked, these groups will continue to erode the authority of the democratically elected government. Internationally, such gangs benefit from the tacit support of PRC united front and intelligence agencies, which overlook their criminal activities in exchange for advancing pro-unification messaging. However, while public intelligence disclosures and criminal cases implicate certain gang members, there is little evidence to suggest that Taiwans criminal networks constitute a coordinated fifth column prepared to assist a PRC takeover. Rather, their involvement reflects the CCPs broad united front strategy, which seeks to co-opt actors across all sectors of society.
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13 September 2025 10:35 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Board meetings of SOCAR Turkiye and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) were held in Istanbul, Azernews reports, citing SOCAR Turkiye.

During SOCAR Turkiyes board meeting, participants conducted a comprehensive review of the companys annual performance. They discussed major projects, progress in fulfilling strategic objectives, and investment plans for the near future.

Board members highlighted the impact of regional and global energy trends on the companys operations, reaffirming SOCAR Turkiyes commitment to sustainable growth, the adoption of innovative solutions, and strengthening its market position.

At the TANAP board meeting, the focus was on the projects achievements and its significant contribution to ensuring energy security for Turkiye and Europe. Participants noted TANAPs operational successes and its strategic role in shaping the regional energy landscape.

The board also outlined the goals and priorities for TANAPs future development, including potential new areas of activity and long-term objectives.
13 September 2025 11:40 (UTC+04:00)

From September 15, 2025, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) will introduce a revised timetable for trains operating on the Absheron circular railway route to better meet passenger demand, Azernews reports.

Under the new schedule, the number of weekday trips on the Absheron route will increase from 92 to 104.

BakuKhirdalan and KhirdalanBaku trips will rise from 36 to 40 on weekdays,

BakuPirshagiSumgayitBaku trips will increase from 56 to 64.

On weekends, trips between BakuKhirdalan and KhirdalanBaku will grow from 16 to 22, while 34 trips will run on the BakuPirshagiSumgayitBaku line.

These changes are expected to make daily commuting easier, particularly for residents of Khirdalan and Bilajari, while offering greater comfort and travel options on the Sumgayit route. Overall, passenger transportation is forecast to rise by 10% as a result of the new schedule.

In addition, as part of the State Program on Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas (20252030), construction will begin on a new road underpass beneath the KhirdalanGuzdek railway section. This will connect Khirdalan to the M-1 BakuQuba (Russia border) and M-4 BakuShamakhiYevlakh highways. During construction, passenger trains on the KhirdalanSumgayitKhirdalan line will be temporarily suspended and rerouted via BakuBilajariKhirdalanBaku.

ADY also completed major repairs on the "Bagirov Bridge" area in the BakuKeshla section to improve infrastructure and ensure safe, uninterrupted train operations. Works included waterproofing, installation of drainage pipes, renewal of protective layers, asphalt resurfacing, and installation of new curbs, strengthening the railways durability.

Continuous reconstruction and maintenance efforts aim to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and comfortably.
13 September 2025 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

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13 September 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On September 12, the Economic Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan held its latest meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Azernews reports, citing the Cabinet of Ministers.

The agenda focused on key national economic matters, including the draft state and consolidated budgets for 2026, as well as projections for the consolidated budget over the following three years. Participants also reviewed global economic trends, key assumptions behind budget forecasts, the current economic situation, and the updated macroeconomic outlook for 20252029.

Other major topics discussed included the main goals, directions, and targets of fiscal policy for 20262029; funding for the reconstruction and revitalization of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur; implementation of the Great Return program; the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework; expansion of results-based budgeting mechanisms; and targets for fiscal rule parameters. The current state of macroeconomic and financial stability and related policy directions were also examined.

The meeting featured reports from Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev, Governor of the Central Bank Taleh Kazimov, and Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anar Aliyev. Council members held in-depth discussions on the topics presented.

At the conclusion of the meeting, instructions were issued to the relevant agencies to submit all documents and data related to the 2026 budget package to the Cabinet of Ministers. These materials will then be presented to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, taking into account the opinions and proposals of the Economic Council members.
13 September 2025 14:21 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan and Iran will hold reciprocal cultural days in various cities of both countries, Azernews reports, citing the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The announcement followed a meeting in Baku between Abdolreza Rashid, Deputy Head for International Affairs of Irans Organization of Culture and Islamic Relations, and Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan.

During the discussions, officials from both countries agreed to organize cultural days in the capitals, Baku and Tehran, as well as in other cities, strengthening cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
13 September 2025 14:48 (UTC+04:00)

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Board (CMB), will travel to Kazakhstan on September 15, Azernews reports, citing the CMB.

During his visit, Sheikh Pashazade will participate in a joint meeting of the UN Alliance of Civilizations and the Astana Congress on the protection of religious sites on September 16, where he will deliver a report and address the attendees.

On September 17, he will take part in and speak at the 8th Astana Congress of World and Traditional Religions.

On September 18, Sheikh Pashazade will address youth and offer blessings at the Forum of Young Religious Leaders. The theme of the 8th Astana Congress, a prominent international interfaith dialogue platform, is Dialogue of Religions  Synergy for the Future.

Sheikh Pashazade has been a permanent participant of the Astana Congresses for 23 years and serves as a standing member of the Congress Secretariat.
13 September 2025 06:21 (UTC+04:00)

The open court hearing in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of ArmeniaArayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and otherswho are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes, stemming from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on September 12.

The court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova), provided each accused person with an interpreter in their native language, as well as representatives for their defense.

The session was attended by the accused individuals, their defenders, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution.

The court hearing continued with the announcement of documents.

One of the documents announced concerned the attack on a bus traveling along the KhojavendGaradaghli road on January 12, 1991. The bus, driven by Rahimov Kamal Bakhish oghlu, a resident of the Khojavend district, and carrying 2530 residents of the village of Khojavend, was shelled by Armenians with weapons of various calibers on the 6th kilometer of the KhojavendKishGaradaghli road in Khojavend.

Another document related to the murder of Farana Nariman Nazarova on January 28, 1991. She was shot dead in the village of Khojavend, Khojavend district.

The following document indicated that 7th-grade student Mammadov Azer Ispandiyar oghlu, a resident of the same village, was wounded in the stomach on January 29, 1991, while playing with his peers on the street.

Another criminal case document stated that on February 15, 1991, Nabiyev Jamal Abbasali oghlu was killed as a result of shelling with automatic weapons and other gunfire from a distance of 4050 meters at a pass near the village of Buzlug while traveling along a mountain road from the village of Bash Gishlag in Goranboy district, where he lived, to the village of Sarisu in Khanlar (now Goygol) district.

Another document made public concerned the shelling of a bus. It was noted that on February 24, 1991, at the 99th kilometer of the YevlakhLachin highway in the eastern part of the city of Khankendi, unknown persons attacked a passenger bus, driven by Z.Aliyev, a driver of the Shusha Automobile Transport Enterprise, using explosive devices and automatic weapons. Several civilians were injured to varying degrees, and the bus was rendered unusable.

In addition, a document on the murder of Muradov Gorkhmaz Murad oghlu was also read out. It was reported that Muradov, an employee of the Aghdam District Police Department, was taken hostage by Armenians on February 25, 1991, and a day later was killed in the village of Hajili (Hasli) in Khojavend district.

The documents announced also included materials from criminal cases related to the intentional killing of Yusifov Hagverdi Shafi oghlu, a resident of Khojavend village in Khojavand district, by Armenians on March 2, 1991, the murder of Guliyev Akbar Mammad oghlu and Huseynov Zulfugar Demir oghlu, residents of Garadaghli village in Khojavand district, by gunfires on March 8, as well as criminal case materials related to other facts.

Another document made public concerned to the shelling of a helicopter during the flight on April 4, 1991. A helicopter belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, carrying deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was damaged as a result of shelling during a flight to the village of Goytala in Shusha district, made an emergency landing in the village of Turshsu and crashed, injuring some passengers.

Documents and photos regarding the shooting of a "GAZ-469" vehicle on February 20, 1991, and the killing of Imanov Dashdemir Teyyub oghlu and Musayev Gurzali Oruj oglu were also presented.

In addition, facts were presented regarding the killing of Azerbaijanis, the establishment of armed groups for the purpose of destroying their homes and other purposes, the shelling of the village of Nabiler in Shusha district on April 18, 1991, the city of Shusha on April 23, and the attack on a car convoy traveling along the Shusha-Aghdam route on April 19.

Another document mentioned that on April 26, 1991, police officers Khametov Azer Aliyulla oghlu and Rahimkhanov Salimkhan Rahimkhanovich, as well as Verdiyev Najaf Ashraf oghlu, a resident of the village of Sarisu, were killed as results of grenade launchers, machine guns, automatic rifles, and snipers, while Bayramov Emin Mikayil oghlu was wounded.

According to another document announced, from April 26 to 28, 1991, Sadarak came under artillery and mortar fire from the Armenian settlements of Arazdayan and Parursevak and from the foothills of Mount Kyzyldash, hundreds of shells and "Alazan-2M-ICT" type missiles hit the settlement, as a result of which 26 villagers, including 3 police officers, received various degrees of bodily injuries.

The proceedings also highlighted the facts of mass riots held in the settlement of Karkijahan in 1988-1991, the destruction of Azerbaijani residents' houses and the killing of civilians.

Then, accused David Babayan asked the court to take his statements given during the court investigation into account as he commented on his statement given during the preliminary investigation.

Subsequently, the lawyer of accused Gurgen Stepanyan in court requested that his participation in the trial be terminated, citing the fact that he is currently undergoing treatment.

The judge asked whether the accused had any objections, and G. Stepanyan stated that he had no objections.

By the court's decision, the participation of the defense lawyer of accused Gurgen Stepanyan in the trial was terminated.

It was mentioned that a copy of the decision will be sent to the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the appointment of a new defense lawyer for G. Stepanyan at the public expense.

The court proceedings will continue on September 15.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
13 September 2025 12:50 (UTC+04:00)

Under the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation continues. In line with the resettlement program, the first families have returned to Seyidbyli village in the Khojaly district, Azernews reports.

In the initial stage, 9 families (30 people) were relocated from the Dord Yol area of Aghdam district, where they had been temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings across the country.

The returning residents expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support provided to them. They also thanked the valiant Azerbaijani Army, soldiers, and officers for liberating their lands, and honored the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this cause.
13 September 2025 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans Defense Minister, General-Colonel Zakir Hasanov, has extended his condolences to General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following a brutal terrorist attack in Pakistans northwestern region, Azernews reports.

In his message, Hasanov expressed deep sorrow over the news of the martyrdom and injuries of several Pakistani Armed Forces personnel as a result of the treacherous assault.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and share in their grief. We pray for the souls of the departed and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, the statement read.

May God have mercy on the deceased and grant patience to their loved ones, he added.
13 September 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The government will provide comprehensive policy support to domestic artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics companies, aligning with its ambition to transform the country into a global AI powerhouse, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

The minister made this commitment during a meeting with leaders from AI, robotics, and automotive industries, along with officials from related ministries and agencies. The meeting took place at Hyundai Motor Group's Robotics Lab headquarters in Uiwang, just south of Seoul.

This gathering is part of the governments proactive engagement with emerging technologies, following the release of the Lee Jae Myung administrations five-year economic development plan. The blueprint highlights AI as a key driver of growth and aims to establish a super-innovation economy, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Koo emphasized the unprecedented speed of change, noting that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep pace. He warned that the global economy is entering a phase where only the winner survives.

The government will deploy every available policy tool to fully support our companies, enabling them to develop world-class products and services in AI, robotics, and automotive sectors, he said.

Participants also agreed that physical AI sectorssuch as humanoid robots and autonomous vehiclesrepresent critical future growth industries. South Koreas strong manufacturing capabilities and advanced infrastructure provide it with a competitive edge in these fields.

Interestingly, experts at the meeting highlighted that South Korea's unique blend of cutting-edge technology and manufacturing prowess positions it to potentially lead the global AI robotics market within the next decade, provided that policy support and innovation continue to accelerate.
13 September 2025 18:21 (UTC+04:00)

In a bold new statement, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed sweeping economic measures targeting China and Russia, linking them directly to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Azernews reports.

In a message shared Saturday on his Truth Social platformframed as a letter to all NATO member statesTrump urged the alliance to impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Chinese imports. These tariffs, he suggested, should remain in place until the war between Russia and Ukraine is fully resolved.

Trump also signaled his willingness to impose severe sanctions on Russia, but only under specific conditions: full agreement among NATO nations on a unified sanctions package and an immediate halt to Russian oil purchases by all member countries.

I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thingand when all NATO nations stop buying oil from Russia, Trump wrote. I believe that this, plus NATO placing 50% to 100% tariffs on China, to be fully withdrawn after the war ends, will help bring this deadly, but ridiculous, war to an end.

Trumps proposal reflects his long-standing strategy of leveraging economic pressure to achieve foreign policy goals and comes amid renewed debate within NATO on how to approach the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A Unique Window to World of Syriac, History, and Tradition in India

SEERI director Rev Dr Jacob Thekeparampil with students. ( Manorama) SEERI is not Syriac, but for those who follow the language, it is essentially linked to the language.

The St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute -- SEERI -- at the Baker Hills in Kottayam, is the only institute in India studying and researching Syriac, an Eastern Aramaic language, developed in Edessa (southeastern Turkey). Closely related to Aramaic spoken by Jesus and his disciples, the ancient Syriac and its dialects are used in seven Churches in Kerala.

SEERI, founded as an Ecumenical Centre in 1980, became the only Indian research institute dedicated to deepening the understanding of Syriac heritage and literature in 1985.

Today, the institute has students from China, Ethiopia, and other countries. The SEERI library holds an immense wealth of knowledge, holding 80 per cent of Syriac literature and 50 ancient manuscripts. Realising SEERI's potential, the Mahatma Gandhi University recognised it as a post-graduate and research institute in 1995. Dr A Sukumaran Nair was then the Vice-Chancellor of the university.

So far, 165 students have earned post-graduate degrees, and 11 other scholars have PhDs from SEERI. More than 1,500 students have completed its Certificate Course in Syriac. Additionally, the institute has hosted 10 international Syriac-related conferences.

Rev Dr Jacob Thekeparampil, the Founding Director of SEERI, said Zachariah Mar Athanasios, the Bishop of the Thiruvalla Malankara Catholic archdiocese, sent him abroad to teach Syriac. Fr Thekeparambil realised the potential and beauty of Syriac while visiting the British Museum in London.

Baselious Marthoma Mathews I, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, inaugurated the institute on September 14, 1985. Arch Bishop Benedict Mor Gregorious presided over the inaugural function.

Father Dr KM George suggested the name SEERI, in memory of Mar Ephrem, a noted Christian theologian and writer. Fr Thekkeparambil said his participation in the first World Syriac Symposium held in Rome in 1972 encouraged him to organise the World Syriac Conference in 1987.

"I attended the third World Syriac Symposium held in Germany in 1980. Arch Bishop Mar Aprem of the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East, Isaac Mar Youhanon, Fr Baby Varghese of the Orthodox Church, and the current Catholicos led the discussion to start a Syriac institute here. I returned in 1984, and the next year, SEERI was launched," Fr Thekkeparambil said.

Arch Bishop Mar Aprem was the first to earn a PhD from the institute. SEERI has two publications, 'The Harp', and 'Moran Etho'. Father MP George has composed musical notes to sing Syriac songs in eight different ways (following the West Syriac Beth Gazo tradition). The notes are available in the SEERI library.

Several scholars from across the world, including Dr Sebastian Brock, Head of the Department of Syriac in Oxford, had visited the institute.

Fr Thekkeparambil said SEERI has been functioning based on the suggestions provided by Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, Thiruvalla Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, and under the supervision of Syriac experts.

World Syriac Conference

The World Syriac Conference will be held as part of SEERI's 40th anniversary in Kottayam from September 14-18.

Vice-Chancellor Dr CT Aravind Kumar of the Mahatma Gandhi University will inaugurate the conference at 2.30 pm on Monday. Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis will preside over the function.

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos will preside over the valedictory function at 2.30 pm on September 18.
13 September 2025 18:55 (UTC+04:00)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry has announced that it will host an emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday, September 15, in response to a recent Israeli airstrike on the Qatari capital, Azernews reports.

The summit will bring together leaders and diplomats from Arab and Islamic nations to address what Qatar has described as a violation of its sovereignty and international law.

The summit will discuss a draft resolution on the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, submitted by the preparatory meeting of foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries, which will be held tomorrow, Sunday, said Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Tuesday, Israel launched a strike on Doha, claiming it targeted high-ranking Hamas members, including Palestinian negotiators involved in ongoing ceasefire talks regarding Gaza. Qatar strongly condemned the attack, calling it a breach of international norms and a direct threat to regional diplomacy.
13 September 2025 19:23 (UTC+04:00)

Hundreds have begun assembling in central London hours ahead of two major opposing demonstrations set to take place on Saturday, Azernews reports, citing Sky News.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson is leading the "Unite the Kingdom" march, which is expected to attract over 25,000 participants. In response, anti-racism group Stand Up To Racism is organizing a counter-protest under the banner "March Against Fascism," which is anticipated to draw around 5,000 demonstrators.

The Metropolitan Police has deployed more than 1,600 officers to manage the situation, including 500 reinforcements brought in from outside the force. Around 1,000 of those officers will be tasked specifically with preventing clashes between the opposing groups.

Authorities have warned of potential disruptions in the city and are urging participants to demonstrate peacefully.
In what has become a common occurrence, the adults in the room at the US Court of Appeals have shot down an attempted power grab by a crooked Obama district court judge. Obama Judge Talwani had ordered the Trump administration to disregard a law passed by Congress and signed into law that banned federal funding of Planned Parenthood. Talwani ordered the administration to keep funding Planned Parenthood in spite of that law.

The left thought they had it made when the draw of judges at the First Circuit Court of Appeals gave them three Biden judges. However, Talwani's power grab was too much for even Biden judges. They unanimously reversed her order, leaving Planned Parenthood twisting in the wind.

https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/09/12/appeals-court-tosses-ridiculous-ruling-that-kept-money-flowing-to-planned-parenthood-n2193879

On the same day another panel of three judges of the same federal Circuit Court of Appeals reversed another Talwani power grab, also by unanimous ruling. In that case, Talwani had blocked the Trump administration from ending a Biden parole program for 500,000 migrants from Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba. The appeals court, also composed of all Democrats, reversed Talwani and allowed the revocation of that parole to proceed so that those migrants could be sent home.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/huge-win-trump-appeals-court-overturns-judges-block/

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26090923-doevnoemca1091225/
by Rev. Mark Creech

Return America

The recent murder of a young Ukrainian woman on a commuter train in Charlotte is more than another tragic headline. It is a grim reminder that evil is not a theory but a terrible reality prowling our cities. When evil takes on flesh and blood, whether in a commuter train car or in the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, society has not only the right but the responsibility to restrain it with the full force of justice.

In North Carolina, the death penalty remains on the books, but for nearly two decades it has lain dormant. Legal wrangling, endless appeals, and political timidity in the legislature have rendered it ineffective. Yet the blood of innocents continues to cry out from the ground (Gen. 4:10). And the Word of God still speaks: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image (Gen. 9:6).

This mandate came directly after the universal flood God sent to cleanse the earth of its violence. It was His first command to human government after judging the world, showing that even before the Mosaic Law, capital punishment was universal and binding for all nations. It is not barbarism. It is divine retribution  rooted in the sacredness of human life.

Critics insist the death penalty does not deter crime. But even if one accepts their statistics  and many reputable scholars argue otherwise  the execution of a murderer remains the ultimate safeguard: he will never kill again. A society that refuses to carry out such a penalty gambles not only with future victims but with the safety and stability of the entire community.

Moreover, the death penalty has a moral dimension that transcends numbers. It declares with clarity what our culture has grown foggy about: human life is so valuable, so sacred, that to take it unlawfully demands the highest price. To forfeit capital punishment is to whisper, however unintentionally, that life is cheap.

Dr. William H. Baker, in Worthy of Death, wrote: Retribution is properly a satisfactory or, according to the ancient figure of justice and her scales, a restoration of a disturbed equilibrium. As such, it is a proper, legitimate, and moral concept.

In September of 2015, a group of North Carolina conservatives, calling themselves NC Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty, held a press conference urging repeal. A well-known Raleigh lawyer in the group, once a supporter of capital punishment, declared that he could no longer endorse it after prayer and reflection. He said, We do not have the right to take away a persons life if theres any chance that God can redeem them. Mine is a matter of faith. I feel that as a Christian, I cannot support the death penalty anymoreI still consider myself a very strong law and order person.

Yes, God can redeem the vilest sinner, but redemption in Christ does not eliminate the necessity of a proper punitive measure. On the Cross of Christ, mercy kissed justice: Jesus bore the penalty for our sins, satisfying the demands of Gods righteous order while extending grace to the guilty. If God Himself exacted the ultimate penalty for sin through the death of His beloved Son, why should the state be denied its solemn duty to exact righteous retribution on those who take innocent life?

Execution does not block redemption. The thief on the cross found salvation in his final moments (Luke 23:3943), yet the punishment of death remained. Many death-row inmates have turned to Christ precisely because the certainty of death focused their hearts on eternity. Execution may be, and has been, the circumstance that drives the guilty to Christ in repentance and faith.

The church is called to proclaim grace and reconciliation. The state is called to wield the sword. Romans 13:4 reminds us civil authorities are, The minister of God[they] beareth not the sword in vain. They are a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. The two roles shouldnt be confused. Sparing a murderer may seem merciful and good, but it is cruel to the victims, their families, and society itself. Proverbs 17:15 warns: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. Compassion that cancels the penalty owed to victims and their families for the atrocity of murder is not biblical. It is a perversion of righteousness  a moral failure masquerading as virtue. A faithful Christian may simultaneously believe that God can save a murderers soul and that the state must exact justice by taking his life.

Consider the death of Charlie Kirk, gunned down in an act of ideological hatred. Whatever one thought of his politics, his murder was a direct assault on free speech, faith, and the very principles that undergird our Republic. Worst still, it was a brutal and bloody assault on the image of Almighty God. Would his assassin have acted so brazenly if he knew with certainty that the sword of justice awaited him and would be swift? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But a culture that tolerates murder and doesnt meet it with the proper consequences invites more of the same, leaving society increasingly exposed.

The young woman on the Charlotte commuter train and a public figure assassinated for his convictions are not unrelated tragedies. They are warnings  loud warnings! A society that shrinks from enforcing the death penalty invites the normalizing of violence and desensitizes itself to evil. When the state refuses this solemn duty, it abandons its divine mandate, leaving the people as prey.

North Carolina needs to awaken from its paralysis. America needs to awaken to this universal truth. The death penalty is not a relic of a crueler age  it is the sober recognition of a holy God and a fallen world. If we will not enforce it, then let us at least admit the inevitable costs  costs that we are paying now: more senseless and gross violence, more victims, more families shattered, more blood demanding recompense.

It is time for lawmakers, judges, and citizens alike to remember that mercy to the murderer often becomes cruelty to the innocent. Justice delayed has become justice denied. A state that refuses to wield the sword in righteousness bleeds under the blade of lawlessness.

https://revmarkcreech.org/bleeding-under-the-blade-of-lawlessness
After 15 years of silence, I finally told the PSNI I was raped my case didnt even make it to court

Sexual violence harms more women each year than Covid-19 ever did at its peak. But victims are left to fight on uneven ground while governments look away, writes Anna Kahill

Anna Kahill's memoir examines sexual violence and neurodivergence

Anna Kahill Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 08:00

Approaching Portadown Police Station in August 2023, I felt less like a victim seeking justice and more like someone unarmed walking onto a battlefield.
From Jennifer Aniston to the IRA Army Council: Charting a con artists act and the Hollywood producer who stopped her

From Jennifer Aniston and Sugar Baby to the IRA Army Council, Kurtis Reid charts a con artists final act and the Hollywood producer who stopped her

Johnathan Walton and Marianne Smyth

Kurtis Reid Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 09:10

In the hushed courtroom of Downpatrick, a name is spoken just loud enough for Marianne Smyth to hear. It is not the name of a victim giving evidence or a lawyer addressing the jury  it is Johnathan Waltons.
Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has spoken of a physically difficult existence as he is mostly confined to a wheelchair nowadays.

One of the best-known TV personalities in the UK, the 65-year-old has suffered from long-term difficulties, previously telling of his battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three slipped discs.

The star appeared on UTV Life as he reflected on his career and spoke about his upcoming tour, This Is My Life.

Holmes told host Pamela Ballantine he was homesick when he left Belfast in 1986 and its never changed.

She said she uses Holmes as an example to young people who want to enter the media industry as she recalled starting her own career at UTV in 1984 when her guest was on the payroll.

Pamela admitted she was scared of Eamonn because he sat there so focused as she revealed she advises aspiring broadcasters seeking to imitate his success that they have to graft.

Over the last two years hes been unable to travel home much because of his disability. He said its due to a disc operation which went wrong in my back and it means I cant walk other than 50 yards or something with a stroller device, but basically Im wheelchair bound.

He added: Its a physically difficult existence.

Holmes said he was lucky with everything he did on Ulster Television and was poached by the BBC with this programme called Open Air. It was amazing, he said, but he didnt want to go, believing he had the best job in Northern Ireland, hosting Good Evening Ulster five nights a week.

He added: But I had this foreboding that, what if it changed? What would you do? You have the top job. Where do you go? Theres only one way? Im 26 years of age. The only one way to go is down.

So I thought, Ive got to go. And I was very homesick when I went to Manchester.

Manchesters a beautiful city. Its like Belfast in many, many ways. So it was friendly, it was welcoming. London is different. It was colder. You say hello to somebody and they look at you like, you know, why did you do that for me? I dont know you.

He shared fond memories of presenting Farming Ulster, saying it was my favourite programme ever of all the things that Ive done.

On the November tour about his life, Holmes said hes a bit frightened that nobody will turn up.

Its a stroll through my life. Its also looking at the Troubles, its talking about the influence of the Troubles and growing up in Belfast.

And, you know, people ask you what makes you you. I can only think of a mixture of a number of things and Im not really sure why, but I know my education in primary and secondary schools had a big impact on who I was and who I was supposed to be.

And if you had a talent, it was your duty to see it through, whatever that talent was, whether it was a sporting talent or whether it was an intellectual talent or whatever it is.

So in my case it was, I always wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to be a broadcaster.

Eamonn Holmes

Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken?

He spoke of his college lecturer Joan Fitzpatrick phoning him up to say: You always wanted to be on the TV, didnt you? Well, Ulster Television are looking for reporters.

And I said, well, what sort of reporter, Mrs Fitzpatrick?

She said, farming reporters. And I went, I dont know anything about farming, Mrs Fitzpatrick, Im a city boy, born and bred.

And she said, rule one of journalism, Eamonn, find out. And she put the phone down.
NI school governor who made rape remark to female colleague is no longer in Chairs role

The school said a replacement had taken over temporarily

Maurice Frew (72)

Liam Tunney Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 08:17

A Belfast school governor whose tourist employer upheld claims he made inappropriate sexual and sectarian remarks is no longer in the role, the school has said.
Department of Justice attempts to ease concerns about the welfare of Bailey  who has been introduced as a comfort dog to the prison population at Magilligan  have failed to dampen concerns about the former family pet.

A top dog rescue charity is leading a new campaign to free cocker spaniel Bailey.

Department of Justice attempts to ease concerns about the welfare of Bailey  who has been introduced as a comfort dog to the prison population at Magilligan  have failed to dampen concerns about the former family pet.

The department has failed to address a series of concerns about Baileys welfare. And now a leading animal welfare champion has revealed she has written to the prison governor, the Department of Environment which has legislative control over animal welfare, the South Eastern Health Trust, and Causeway and Glens Council, whose animal welfare is administered by East Antrim Council.

And a Free Bailey campaign is growing momentum.

A second dog has been introduced to the prison population  neither Bailey or the other dog have been sourced from a rescue or animal rescue home, which turned down Prison Service requests to supply dogs.

Tara Cunningham, CEO at Causeway Dog Rescue, said attempted assurances from prions chiefs failed to address serious concerns over Baileys welfare.

The dog had been placed in block H2, which houses some of the most vile and sickeningly violent sex offenders in Northern Ireland.

Sources close to the prison said he had been put in the care of a violent offender serving a sentence for violent familial sexual abuse.

Tara told the Sunday World that platitudes from the department would not paper over the cracks.

Tara Cunningham, CEO at Causeway Dog Rescue

I am shocked and disturbed, she said, I have tried to raise serious concerns about Baileys welfare and safety  firstly he should not be in the care or vicinity of a violent sex offender.

Lets be frank  this is a prison, they have put Bailey in prison, he has been transitioned from a family life to prison. Where is the training? Who owns Bailey, because he cant be owned by a prison.

She revealed animal welfare legislation in Northern Ireland lags way behind the rest of the UK.

There is no legal definition of a therapy dog in Northern Ireland, she said.

Our legislation does not set out minimum standards for therapy or emotional support dogs, leaving animals in this position totally unprotected.

She said there was a focus on what having such a dog in jail can do to benefit prisoners but no attention given to Baileys welfare.

It was revealed last week that initially Bailey had been taken home by a member of prison staff and that he was locked up for 12 hours in a windowless room.

There is complete ambiguity about what duties Bailey is expected to fill, what training and safeguards are in place and what standards his care must legally and practically meet, Tara said.

She has demanded the prison assures people Bailey is never left unattended with prisoners, and is seeking clarification over who on the staff is in charge of enforcing welfare issues such as walking and how Baileys stress is being monitored. The local council Animal Welfare unit has visited the jail and have said Bailey has adequate shelter and is well fed and looked after.

Case closed! Ive been involved in animal welfare for a long, long time and Ive never seen an investigation started and finished in four days.

The lack of oversight leaves Baileys future welfare very vulnerable, she claimed.

It is understood at least one and possibly two dog rescue charities on the north coast backed out of supplying a dog when approached by authorities at Magilligan.

Its unclear where Bailey was sourced and there is considerable concern among prison staff.

The Sunday World was also approached last week by two other sources who have raised animal welfare issues, including claims that a member of prison officer staff has a conviction for animal cruelty.

Magilligan Prison

The individual was handed a fine after he was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in his care. He was reported after a member of the public witnessed him beating his dog.

The Sunday World also understands that a second dog has been introduced to the prison population with no indication from management where it was sourced.

Ironically, Justice Minister Naomi Long was pictured this week with support dog Sebastian aimed at easing stress of young people facing court.

Tara said: A dog owner bringing their pet in for a couple of hours a week, with the proper training and checks, I can understand. Bailey is in jail.

Last week the Sunday World issued a series of questions to the Department of Justice which they chose to ignore.

They issued a statement to the Belfast Telegraph in an attempt to play down the Sunday World story and reassure people about Baileys welfare.

The Sunday World issued a set of questions, none of which were answered by the Department of Justice  instead they referred us to a report from Mid and East Antrim Council which stated: Bailey was not rehomed from a charity or rescue organisation. His placement in the prison was arranged through appropriate channels, and the process was fully compliant with required procedures.

Concerns raised by external groups regarding his origins are therefore unfounded. Bailey is fully licensed. The program continues to meet its intended aim of providing emotional support.

calling

There was no clarification on what the appropriate channels were.

Tara said Causeway Coast Dog Rescue was calling for immediate transparency, a full and independent investigation into Baileys case, and an urgent review of the policies surrounding the use of animals in prison and care settings across Northern Ireland.

We will not stand by while dogs are used without proper safeguards, legal accountability or welfare standards. Their welfare matters, not just in principle, but under law.

What are the long-term plans for Bailey, including retirement and rehoming? Bailey needs to get out of jail.
Jamie Bryson demands unconditional surrender of Sinn Fein minister over Irish language signage

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins aiming to avoid legal action and unnecessary use of public funds as loyalist activist is seeking to judicially review her decision

Jamie Bryson is seeking to judicially review Ms Kimmins decision to approve the installation of Irish signs at Grand Central

Garrett Hargan Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 16:55







Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has insisted he will accept nothing less than a halt to Irish language signage at Grand Central Station, after Stormonts Infrastructure Minister said she is willing to engage in dialogue with Executive colleagues to reach a resolution.
Heather Humphreys launching her campaign at the Monaghan Peace Campus (Fergus Phillips/Fine Gael/PA)

Heather Humphreys has said she wants to use the Irish presidency to facilitate reconciliation and understanding.

The Fine Gael candidate launched her campaign in her home county of Co Monaghan on Saturday.

She said the three pillars to her campaign are community, unity and opportunity.

Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris was among those attending the launch event.

Heather Humphreys is Fine Gaels presidential candidate (Fergus Phillips/Fine Gael/PA)

Ms Humphreys told the event that the president represents our values and our hopes as a country  not simply those from any one political tradition or set of beliefs  but all of our hope.

She added: I put myself forward conscious of those who have served with such distinction before me and I do not pretend to be perfect.

I want to bring my life experience and the values that have shaped me as a person to the office of the president.

She said: Throughout my life I have always sought to break down barriers and reach out the hand of friendship.

I want to focus on using the presidency to listen to people, hear their story and where there is division try and facilitate reconciliation and understanding.

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She added: I believe every citizen should have the opportunity to achieve their true potential. Ive seen what people can achieve when theyre given a fair chance.

My own story is living proof that regardless of your background, Ireland is a country of opportunity.

As president, I want every child growing up on this island to know there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Mr Harris said Ms Humphreys was a Presbyterian Republican showing us all what true republicanism means.

He added: Seeking to unite instead of divide, giving us a shared past instead of a contested one.

Helping to build a shared future.

Mr Harris said it was fitting that the launch event was taking place at the Monaghan Peace Campus.

I am very conscious that we are just a stones throw away from the border between north and south on our island.

And on that short journey towards the border, and beyond, you travel through communities that bear the scars of conflict and division.

Communities, and indeed, families, who lived through a period where at times peace never felt further away.

It is this very venue  the Monaghan Peace Campus  that symbolises just how far we as a society have come.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said Ms Humphreys was seeking to unite people (Brian Lawless/PA)

He added: For Heather Humphreys, her story, as a politician, and indeed as a person, is all about connections.

Connecting communities the length and breadth of the country, bringing them together, making them feel welcome, supported and included.

She still burns with that same passion to help and serve our nation and make a difference.

There were a number of speeches in support of Ms Humphreys at the event including from Joe Healy, former president of the IFA; Aogan O Fearghail, former president of the GAA; and Julie Sinnamon, the former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland.

She described Ms Humphreys as a bridge-builder and peacemaker.

The presidential election will be held on Friday October 24 to replace outgoing president Michael D Higgins.

Former Dublin gaelic football manager Jim Gavin is the Fianna Fail candidate, while independent candidate Catherine Connolly has secured the backing of a number of smaller parties.

Sinn Fein has not yet decided if it will run a candidate in the election.
More than 20 people were arrested at Tommy Robinsons Unite the Kingdom rally in London (Lucy North/PA)

At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured  including four who were seriously hurt  at Tommy Robinsons Unite the Kingdom protest, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers faced a barrage of physical and verbal abuse from demonstrators who wanted to breach cordons at the London protests, which saw between 110,000 and 150,000 people turn out, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers.

Elsewhere, around 5,000 anti-racism campaigners mounted a counter-protest.

Both events began largely without incident but violence later flared at the protest, which featured a guest appearance from Tesla and X owner Elon Musk.

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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned protesters who attacked and injured police and vowed that anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.

People were arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.

People taking part in a Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march (Lucy North/PA)

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said police faced a wholly unacceptable level of violence, adding: Officers went into todays operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.

There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.

The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously  among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.

He warned that more arrests are likely, adding: Our post-event investigation has already begun  we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.

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A stage was set up to hear a series of speeches from far-right personalities and politicians and included an interview between Robinson and Musk, who accorded with the overriding theme of the day by proclaiming the destruction of Britain because of massive uncontrolled migration.

But, police said, the Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall and confrontation happened when police tried to stop them from encircling counter-protesters and accessing the area from different routes.

Some people turned off onto Victoria Embankment to get out of the crowds, which the police described as understandable.

Projectiles were thrown by Robinson protesters towards the counter-demonstrators as thousands from both sides stared each other down on Whitehall.

Police officers with dogs and mounted police on horses patrolled the area (Lucy North/PA)

A line of police horses faced the sea of Union flags and at one point, a glass bottle appeared to smash against a horse, causing the horse and rider to stagger backwards.

Scuffles broke out as police used batons to try and push back thousands of Robinson supporters gathered on the top of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square in order to allow counter-protesters to leave safely.

Later, more than a hundred helmeted officers, along with dozens of mounted police, pushed Robinson supporters, by this point largely dispersed, back further from Trafalgar Square and towards Embankment station.

Katie Hopkins and Tommy Robinson take part in the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally (Lucy North/PA)

As well as Musk, the Unite protest featured speeches from Robinson and other activists, including former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, along with musical performers.

It also featured far-right French politician Eric Zemmour, who came in fourth place in the first round of the 2022 French presidential election; leader of the Danish Peoples Party Morten Messerschmidt; Petr Bystron of the far-right Alternative for Germany party; Polish right-wing politician Dominik Tarczynski; Belgian anti-immigration activist Filip Dewinter; and television personality Ant Middleton who is running to be Mayor of London.

The Unite the Kingdom rally overran the 6pm cut-off time imposed by police under the Public Order Act, while the Stand Up To Racism counter-protest had been due to finish at 4pm.
Business / Companies

by Staff reporter

Fastjet Zimbabwe is strengthening its regional network with the launch of an additional daily frequency between Johannesburg and Harare, aimed at catering to business travellers.Effective 29 September 2025, the airline will introduce an early morning departure from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport at 06:55, arriving in Harare at 08:40. The return leg will leave Harare at 19:00, giving travellers the flexibility of a full business day in the Zimbabwean capital. The service, operated with Fastjet's Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, will run daily except Saturdays.Announcing the development at the Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo, Fastjet officials said the move is in direct response to growing demand for convenient same-day connections."We are always looking at providing our customers with flexible flight times to better suit their travel needs. In the past months, we have witnessed a growing demand from businesspeople for an early morning departure from Johannesburg to Harare. Our Fastjet flight FN8220 now allows our customers an early morning departure from Johannesburg, resulting in a full business day in Harare," said Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe's chief commercial officer.The expansion comes on the back of other recent network enhancements. In April, Fastjet introduced a thrice-weekly service between Harare and Lusaka, Zambia. More recently, the airline launched flights linking Victoria Falls and Bulawayo four times a week.Privately owned and steadily growing, Fastjet Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a key regional connector, with the JohannesburgHarare corridor remaining one of its busiest and most competitive routes.
Kemi Badenoch has accused the Prime Minister of lying over what he knew when about Lord Peter Mandelsons messages to Jeffrey Epstein that led to him being sacked as US ambassador.

The Conservative Party leader said Sir Keir Starmer has very serious questions to answer and called for full transparency.

If Downing Street had the emails for two days before Lord Mandelson was removed from his post, it means Sir Keir lied when he backed him on Wednesday, she said in a post on X.

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Sir Keir, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UKs representative in Washington, made the decision to withdraw him after emails were published showing Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The Foreign Office received a media inquiry outlining details of the messages on Tuesday, which was passed to No 10, the PA news agency understands.

A Government source said Sir Oliver Robbins, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, asked Lord Mandelson about the emails and did not hear back until Wednesday afternoon.

Lord Mandelson and Sir Keir Starmer during a welcome reception at the ambassadors residence in Washington, DC (Carl Court/PA)

The Prime Minister is understood not to have been aware of the contents of the emails until Wednesday evening  after he told the Commons he had confidence in Lord Mandelson during Prime Ministers Questions at midday.

The decision to sack Lord Mandelson with immediate effect was taken on Thursday morning and announced shortly afterwards.

The Government said at the time that the published emails brought to light new information about Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein.

Mrs Badenoch said: Looks like the Prime Minister and Labour MPs spent the week lying to the whole country about what they knew regarding Mandelsons involvement with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

She added: If No 10 had those emails for 48 hours before acting, it means he lied at PMQs and ministers lied again about new additional information. These are yet more errors of judgment.

The Prime Minister has very serious questions to answer. The only way to clear this up is full transparency about who knew what, and when.

Downing Street and the Foreign Office have said the emails showed the depth and extent of Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.

Jeffrey Epstein (US Department of Justice/PA)

The emails were sent from an account which had long been closed and were not available during the vetting process.

Allies of the peer told The Times that he admitted in his vetting interview that he continued his relationship with Epstein for many years.

Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, has demanded answers from the Foreign Secretary on the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.

His friendship with Epstein was known before his appointment, but reports in The Sun and Bloomberg showed their relationship continued after the financiers crimes had emerged.

Dame Emily Thornberry (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Emails published on Wednesday afternoon included passages in which Lord Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

Sir Keir is under pressure after the second scandal-hit departure for the Government in a week after Angela Rayner quit over her tax affairs.

Downing Street said on Friday that Sir Keir has confidence in his top team when asked whether questions had been raised over the judgment of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who was reported to have lobbied for Lord Mandelsons appointment.

Backbencher Olivia Blake said it was really embarrassing if Sir Keir was not told about Lord Mandelsons emails to Epstein soon enough.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We saw through the welfare reforms that they did the same again. They didnt tell Keir, they didnt tell the Prime Minister how bad it was on the back benches.

So, you know, he was putting statements out saying, oh, some people can sound off.

Well, the strength of feeling in the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) was much, much deeper than that. And again, I just think that whoevers gatekeeping the information to the Prime Minister needs to stop. They need to be getting stuff to him much earlier.

It came after another Labour MP, Clive Lewis, publicly questioned Sir Keirs leadership, telling the BBC the Prime Minister does not seem up to the job.

Barry Gardiner, another MP from the partys back benches, said toxic resentment was festering among the partys MPs and rank and file members.

Lucy Powell, one of two candidates in the race to take Ms Rayners place as the Labour Partys deputy leader, called for a change of culture.

Weve got a bit of a groupthink happening at the top, that culture of not being receptive to interrogation, not being receptive to differing views, she told The Guardian.

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said during a trip to Ukraine that the decision to sack Lord Mandelson was rightly taken and backed Sir Keirs strong leadership.

Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander told BBC Breakfast he understood why Labour MPs were despondent after the last weeks events, but said action had been taken and the Government was looking forward to moving on.
Members of the New York Young Republicans Club respect a minute of silence for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk during a vigil at Madison Square Park (Kena Betancur/AP)

Charlie Kirks widow has said her cries will echo around the world like a battle cry in a pointed message for the evildoers responsible for the assassination of the conservative activist.

On Friday, Erika Kirk delivered her first public remarks since the shooting, from the office where her late husband hosted his podcast.

She said he loved America, nature and the Chicago Cubs.

But most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart, she said.

Addressing her husbands killer, she said: You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife.

The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.

She also thanked US President Donald Trump, saying through tears that her husband loved the president, and vowed to keep her husbands work alive, continuing his campus tour, radio show and podcast.

It came after authorities said the man accused in Mr Kirks assassination had earlier expressed to family his opposition to Mr Kirks viewpoints.

Tyler Robinson, 22, had become more political in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterwards that he was responsible, Utah governor Spencer Cox said.

Robinson is believed to have acted alone (Utah Governors Office via AP)

Mr Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed to have been used in the attack, as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect which a roommate shared with law enforcement.

The Republican governor called Mr Kirks killing an attack on the American experiment, and he urged a new generation to choose a different path.

Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit.

A judge ordered that he be held without bail. Formal charges are expected early next week.

Robinson is believed to have acted alone and the investigation is ongoing, Mr Cox said.

Authorities have yet to reveal a motive, but they did describe evidence they said shed potential light on the killing.

That includes engravings on bullet casings recovered from the high-powered rifle believed to have been used in the attack, including one that said Hey, fascist! Catch!, Mr Cox said.

In addition, a roommate shared with authorities messages from the chatting app Discord that involved a contact named Tyler and discussed a rifle wrapped in a towel, engraved bullets and a scope, the governor said.

A Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle was found in a towel in a wooded area along the path investigators believe Robinson took after firing a shot from a distant roof and then fleeing.

Utah governor Spencer Cox speaks at a news conference, as Utah department of public safety commissioner Beau Mason, left, and FBI director Kash Patel listen (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

The clothes the suspect wore when confronted by law enforcement late on Thursday were consistent with what he had on when he arrived on campus a day earlier, and a family member confirmed that he drove a grey Dodge Challenger like the one seen in surveillance video that recorded Robinson driving to the university on the day of the shooting, Mr Cox said.

Robinsons father recognised him from the photos released by the FBI and told him to turn himself in. Robinson refused at first, but then changed his mind, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.

His father asked for help from their youth pastor, who also occasionally works with the US Marshals and called the agency so he could turn himself in.

Meanwhile, investigators continued to dig into the background of Robinson, who was admitted to Utah State University, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City, on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family members social media account.

However, he attended for only one semester in 2021, a university spokesperson said.

Robinsons address was still listed as his parents home and he is registered as an unaffiliated voter, according to Utah state records. He does not appear to have a prior criminal record.

The family lives in a suburb of the city of St George in southern Utah, about a three-hour drive south of the Utah Valley University campus where Mr Kirk was shot.

Family members of Robinson did not immediately return messages seeking comment. It was not clear if he had a lawyer.

At his familys home, window coverings were drawn and a pick-up truck blocked access to the driveway. There was a heavy police presence, with several police vehicles parked along the street, which was closed at both ends.

Robinsons arrest early on Friday morning was disclosed by Mr Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, with a high degree of certainty, we have him.

News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the persons whereabouts.

Mr Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utahs governor called a political assassination.

He co-founded the nonprofit political organisation Turning Point USA, based in Arizona.

He had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesdays shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.

He wanted to help young people, and he didnt deserve this, Mr Trump said on Friday. He was really a good person.

Mr Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Mr Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the US.

Vice president JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited with Mr Kirks family on Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Mr Kirks coffin was flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, where his non-profit political youth organisation is based.

Mr Trump told reporters he plans to attend Kirks funeral. Details have not been announced.
Belfast ex-bar manager who wanted to kidnap, decapitate and rape a child booked hotel after 'UDA' threat, court told

Having been granted bail last Wednesday, Robert John Parke was back in court today in the aftermath of a threat against him. He is facing another 28 charges and has now been remanded in custody.

The court has heard previously that, even seasoned detectives were shocked at the material and chat logs they uncovered on devices seized from Parke (stock image)

Paul Higgins Sat 13 Sep 2025 at 20:52

An east Belfast man accused of being a dangerous individual with extreme paedophilic tendencies including kidnapping, drugging and raping a child, is to face a further 28 charges, a court has been told.
In recent articles, I described some of the most popular baby boomer toys that are still available today, 60 plus years later.

The post World War II time was often described as the Golden Era of Toys. This was a time of optimism. Parents shared that optimism with their children by providing experiences and things that they themselves lacked as children. Affordable and innovative new toys were a reflection of these good times.

In this article I profile some of these toys that my family shared in the 1950s and 1960s. Over the years most of these toys have been acquired by the larger toy makers that have made very few changes. The stories of their creation and evolution are interesting. Although there is no ranking of these gems, baby boomers have them high on their list of most popular toys.

One of our favorites was the Magic 8 Ball, which was about 4 inches in diameter, slightly larger than a softball, and made to look just like an oversized 8 ball found on a pool table. The plastic ball is basically hollow and filled with an alcohol solution dyed blue and a 20-sided plastic die floating around in the liquid.

On each side is written a few words to answer a question posed by the use. The question would need a yes, no or neutral response with one of the 20 choices visible through a transparent window on the flat bottom. For example, affirmative responses include or you may rely on it, while the negative responses include outlook not good or very doubtful,

The neutral responses include reply hazy, try again, or cannot predict now. My young teen sister was infatuated with teen heartthrobs and the new music groups like The Beatles. She would often ask a question like, Someday will I marry Beatle Paul McCartney? She would then turn the ball over for the answer and of course, her favorite reading was, without a doubt.

This fortune-telling toy was invented in 1944 by a man named Albert Carter, the son of a Cincinnati clairvoyant. Before the Magic 8 Ball was patented in 1948, the inventor had assigned the rights to it to a small company. Many acquisitions by bigger toy makers followed and Mattel now owns the Magic 8 Ball and continues to sell millions of them worldwide.

Another baby boomer item originating in Cincinnati is Play-Doh. This putty-like modeling compound was invented in the 1930s by Noah McVicker and his nephew, Joe McVicker, owners of a soap-making company. They developed the original item to clean coal residue off of wallpaper.

By 1955 fewer homes were using coal, and the new easy to clean vinyl wall coverings were replacing paper. The putty-like reuseable substance was reworked with coloring added. It was found to be ideal for school art projects as an alternative to clay.

Since the 1950s, Play-Doh was acquired by a number of companies and is now owned by the Hasbro Co. Over 3 billion cans of Play-Doh have been sold in the past 60 years in over 80 countries. In the 1980s its cardboard can with a metal bottom was replaced by a more durable and cost-effective plastic container.

Interestingly, Play-Doh is said to be made mostly of a mixture of water, salt, flour, boric acid, a lubricant, preservatives, coloring and fragrance. Though nontoxic, most kids were not enthusiastic about the taste, so few parents feared Play-Doh becoming their youngsters' go to snack.

My dad had been a mechanical engineer in the Navy which meant my earliest toys had some relationship to mechanics. One of these was a Slinky, which was developed in 1943 by another naval engineer, Richard James.

The Slinky is basically a helical spring that can travel down a staircase moving end over end based on gravity and its own momentum, once started. James had knocked a spring off a work desk and observed the stepping phenomena and the spring landing vertically.

After a year of experimenting and fine-tuning he created the final Slinky with 80 feet of wire, 98 coils and standing 2  inches tall. Richards wife, Betty came up with the name Slinky.

The couple established their own firm, the James Spring & Wire Co., to produce and sell this novel toy for a dollar. The company remained with Betty as the CEO from 1960 until 1998, when she sold it to its current owner, an international firm called Just Play. Since its inception in 1945 over 400 million Slinkys have been sold worldwide.

Over the years colorful plastic versions were created as well as a toy dog whose body was a Slinky. The coiled toy has also been used as a radio antenna including by the military in the Vietnam War.

As an adult, I have also discovered a great use for the toy. By putting it around the pole to my bird feeder it effectively discourages squirrels from climbing the pole to empty the feeder.

Perhaps the most interesting baby boomer toys with long-standing popularity are marketed by a company called Wham-O. The company was founded in Pasadena, Calif. in 1948 by Arthur Melin and Richard Knerr. The partners first made and sold a slingshot and chose to name their company Wham-O for the sound of a slingshot hitting its target. However, their first really big product was the Frisbee.

The earliest Frisbee was actually an empty pie tin from the Frisbie Pie Co. in New Haven, Conn. In the 1920s college students from nearby Yale University would throw and catch the empty pie tins as a sport. If a throw got too close to a bystander, the students would yell, Frisbie.

The first plastic version of the pie tin disc was called a flying saucer and was made after World War II by a veteran, Walter Morrison, who sold the rights to the Wham-O company in 1957. Based on the college student sport, Wham-O named the plastic disc Frisbee. The company owners intentionally spelled the name differently than the pie company name to avoid copyright issues.

The Wham-O partners sold the manufacture of Frisbee in 1982, then in 1984 it was purchased by Mattel and sold again in 1997. The current owners and investment group brought back the Wham-O company and focused on innovative toys as did the original owners.

Well over 300 million of the discs have been sold since its inception. By 1967 the Frisbee evolved into becoming a college sport called the Ultimate Frisbee and is now an official sport in world games. It is destined to become an Olympic sport in the future.

Wham-Os second most successful product was the Hula-Hoop, which partners Melin and Knerr created in 1958. Their hoop was made of a durable plastic called Marlex. It was modeled after a ring made of bamboo that Australian children used for exercise in gym classes.

The action of making the hoop twirl around the hips was akin to Hawaiian hula dancing. Hence, the name of the creation became Hula-Hoop. When it hit the market the Hula-Hoop became an instant hit, with U.S. sales of over 100 million in its first two years.

Kids were very good at keeping the hoops going around their hips. Adults thought the Hula-Hoop would be a passing fad. However, over the years it has also proven to be used by adults in fitness and dance programs and is still popular.

The Guiness Book of Records even has about 20 categories for Hula-Hoop feats. The most humorous I saw was on the March 16 TV episode of Americas Got Talent. A woman named Andrea, slightly bent forward, set the world record for Hula-Hooping around her bum or butt, going for 1 hour, 15 minutes and 6 seconds.

Interestingly, Andrea holds, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Princeton, but gave up a career as a scientist to be a full-time Hula-Hooper. She now holds nine world records in this new career. And here I still cant do more than five twirls around my waist!

These five toys are examples of the most popular playthings from this Golden Era of Toys, and they have remained popular for over the past the 60 plus years. In this age of electronics and computers, these toys still bring joy to young people and offer memories to us aging nostalgic boomers of simpler times and the technology of our early years.
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Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including Dubious Doublets: A Delightful Compendium of Unlikely Word Pairs of Common Origin, from Aardvark/Porcelain to Zodiac/Whiskey, The Covid-19 Zeitgeist: Fifty Essays, and An Alphabetical Romp Through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden from Agave to Zinnia.
Lifestyle / Travel and Tourism

by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole

MUTARE - National Handling Services (NHS) and the country's airline, Air Zimbabwe have emerged as the overall winner (and winner respectively) at the Sanganai Hlanganani Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, held in Mutare this Friday.

This prestigious award recognizes NHS's exceptional contribution to Zimbabwe's tourism industry, particularly in providing top-notch ground handling services that enhance the visitor experience.The NHS's victory is a testament to its dedication to delivering seamless airport experiences, from aircraft marshalling and baggage services to customer care at check-in counters and boarding gates. With a strong presence at major airports in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, NHS has consistently demonstrated its ability to support the growth of Zimbabwe's tourism sector.On the other hand, Air Zimbabwe takes the Airline Winner Title. The Air Zimbabwe has been crowned the airline winner at the expo, further solidifying its position as a key player in Zimbabwe's aviation industry.Speaking during an interview (then) during the launch of national airline's Harare-Mutare-Harare flight route, Air Zimbabwe CEO Edmund Makona said that the move will uniquely place the country as the best tourism destination with convenience and efficiency."As the national airline, we have noted that there is need for launching this flight route in our quest to ensure ease of doing business within the proximity of tourists, investments and crucial engagements while prioritizing convenience and efficiency as best airline practices," Makona said then."Air Zimbabwe is more than an airline. We are a bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities. These Harare-Mutare flights are proof of our dedication to growth, our belief in Zimbabwes tourism potential, and our determination to keep the nation flying high," Makona added then.The airline's commitment to improving domestic connectivity and expanding its route network has made it an attractive option for tourists and business travelers alike. Notably, Air Zimbabwe recently launched daily return flights between Harare and Mutare, catering to the increased demand generated by the expo.The Sanganai Hlanganani Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo has been instrumental in promoting Zimbabwe's tourism potential, attracting international visitors, and showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With NHS and Air Zimbabwe leading the charge, Zimbabwe's tourism industry is poised for further growth and development.Amongst the list of this year's categories and edition of Sanganai Hlanganani Kumbanayi world tourism expo winners and runners awards in Mutare include best overall stand (National Handling Servic, NHS), best public institution stand National Handling Services (NHS), best airline stand being Air Zimbabwe, while best hotel stand was awarded to African Sun.Winner for the best lodges stand was Sahwira Africa Safaris whilst this year's best tour operator and ravel agent stand was won by Wild Horizons.Manicaland was awarded the best provincial stand while the best international stand was awarded to Namibia Tourism Board.The best local authority stand was awarded to the City of Bulawayo whilst the best publicity association stand was awarded to Harare Publicity Association.
TV presenter Davina McCall has got engaged to hairdresser Michael Douglas, her representative confirmed to the PA news agency.

The announcement comes months after McCall (57) said her final MRI shows her benign brain tumour was removed in full during surgery and is not coming back.

The former Big Brother host underwent an operation in November 2024 to remove a colloid cyst, which was found after she was offered a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work.

After her surgery, McCall spent time in intensive care before recovering at home with the help of her partner Douglas.

Davina McCall at the recent National Television Awards in London (Ian West/PA)

The couple met on Big Brother in the early 2000s when Douglas styled her hair, according to The Sun, who was first to report on the engagement.

McCall and Douglas co-host the Making The Cut podcast and McCall is often seen having her hair styled by Douglas in posts on his Instagram page.

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The couple recently made an appearance together at the UK's National Television Awards (NTAs), where McCall presented the prize for authored documentary.

McCall, who won the special recognition award in 2024, told the 2025 winners room that the prize meant so much because she wasnt sure where I was going to be six weeks later.

She added: It was mega, it was the best ever and Hannah [Waddingham] giving it to me, I love Hannah, Hannahs such a friend of mine and everything and I ugly cried.

McCall had received the award in September 2024, two months before she revealed she would be undergoing brain surgery.

According to the doctors, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in people over the age of 50, and symptoms include headaches, blackouts, behavioural changes and loss of consciousness.
The swarm of nearly 20 drones across Polish borders this week triggered deep anxiety among Nato members who, for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, fired on a Russian target, violating the alliance's airspace.

Just as worrisome, said European diplomats, has been US president Donald Trump's refusal so far to publicly hold Moscow accountable for Wednesday's incident, coupled with the lack of US participation in fending it off.

Many alliance members already question Trump's commitment to their defence in the event of an actual Russian attack.

Trumps muted response was widely seen as another example of his America First push for European allies to take more responsibility for their own security and shoulder the cost of helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

But some analysts said Trump also could be wary of antagonising Russian president Vladimir Putin, who they say may be testing both Natos military capabilities and US resolve more than three-and-a-half years after Moscow invaded Ukraine.

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This episode underscores that Trump, in contrast to every president since Roosevelt, does not see Europes security is fundamental to American security, said Ivo Daalder, the US ambassador to Nato from 2009 to 2013, who is now a senior fellow at Harvards Belfer Center.

The White House did not reply directly to questions about Trump's response.

But a White House official said on condition of anonymity that the president "wants this war, which was brought on by Joe Bidens incompetence, to end as quickly as possible" and that it is up to Russia and Ukraine to halt the conflict and for Europe to "do its part by putting economic pressure on countries that finance the war.

Poland, backed by aircraft from other Nato members, shot down at least 19 drones that had entered its airspace on Wednesday, the first time a member of the Western military alliance is known to have fired during Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russia said its forces had been attacking Ukraine at the time and that it had not intended to hit any targets in Poland.

In any other era since the dawn of the Cold War, such an incident likely would have set off alarms in Washington, triggering a swift response, diplomats and analysts say.

But Trump, who has a history of questioning the Nato alliance that Washington has led since its creation after the second World War, answered with what some European officials privately said amounted to a public shrug.

Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? Here we go!, Trump posted cryptically on his Truth Social platform.

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A day later, pressed by reporters about the Russian drone incursion, Trump said: "It could have been a mistake."

But Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, in a rare contradiction of the US president from one of Washington's closest European allies, on Friday flatly rejected the notion that the drones could have entered Poland in error.

Later on Friday, the US joined Western allies in a joint statement to express concern about the incursion and accuse Moscow of violating international law and the founding UN Charter.

Tepid response

Trump's initial response to the Russian drones contrasts with previous US reactions to threats against the alliance.

When initial reports suggested that a stray Russian missile had struck a Polish village in November 2022, president Joe Biden quickly convened an emergency meeting of world leaders as he and his advisers shifted into crisis-management mode.

Biden cautioned against jumping to conclusions, and it was later determined to have been a Ukrainian air-defense missile that had misfired during a Russian attack.

Trumps language this week was also milder than the condemnation by several European leaders and even that of his ambassador to Nato, Matthew Whitaker, who in a post on X pledged the defence of every inch of Nato territory.

Trump did speak late on Wednesday with Polish president Karol Nawrocki, who said the US leader reaffirmed solidarity with Warsaw. But Nawrocki's post on X made no mention of any offer of new weapons or equipment. The White House provided no readout of the phone call.

On Friday in Brussels, Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, announcing plans to beef up the defence of the alliances eastern flank, said Trump had made absolutely clear that we all stand together on this and that he was satisfied with the US response.

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Despite that, the view in Europe of Trumps handling of the incident has ranged from dismay to confusion and unease, according to multiple diplomatic sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A senior German official said the US had been involved in drone discussions with Nato allies but appeared to be hesitant. With this US administration, we cant rely on anything. But we have to pretend that we could, the official said.

An Eastern European diplomat said: No one in Nato has been particularly reassured by the US at this point. Washingtons silence has been almost deafening."

An Italian official, whose countrys AWACS surveillance planes helped detect the drones over Poland, said alliance members had a mostly negative impression of the US response so far but they were avoiding open criticism.

Wake-up call

At the same time, some European officials and analysts portrayed the drone incursion, which many saw as a Russian attempt to probe Nato defences, as a wake-up call for the continent.

"The drone attack showed that we are not ready for defense against drones, the senior German official told Reuters. We have to develop capabilities as soon as possible."

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Nato secretary-general from 2009 to 2014, acknowledged that Europe is uneasy but said there is recognition that now is the moment for Europe to step up.

"That means deploying real assets, investing directly in Ukraines defence industry, and providing concrete security guarantees and a reassurance force inside Ukraine, he said. Still, the United States must remain engaged.

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Other issues have been competing for Trump's attention this week.

On the same day as the Poland drone incursion, he and much of his staff were stunned by news of the killing of a leading conservative activist ally, Charlie Kirk. Trump delivered a video message from the Oval Office that night.

Russia was clearly back on Trumps agenda on Friday, as he told Fox News that his patience with Putin was running out fast  though he stopped short of threatening new sanctions over the Ukraine war.

Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Moscow to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine or face new sanctions, only to row back. He warmly welcomed Putin at what was billed by the White House as a peace summit in Alaska in mid-August but failed to secure major concessions.

US warplanes played no role in shooting down the drones that violated Polish airspace, US officials said. It was an absence that some European diplomats found worrisome but which US officials said was because the Dutch military was responsible for Polish air space at the time under Natos air policing mission.

Trumps apparent decision to let the Europeans take the lead in the ongoing response echoes his recent approach on Russia sanctions. He has pressured European countries to do more before the U.S. will further tighten the economic screws on Moscow.

While Nato says it is still assessing the intent behind the drone incident, Trumps commitment to European security could be further tested if Putin does not heed the alliances warnings.

Poland said on Wednesday it had activated Article 4 of Nato's treaty, under which alliance members can demand consultations with their allies when a members territorial integrity or security, is threatened.
A wide range of stories feature across Saturday's newspaper front pages, including the capture of the Charlie Kirk murder suspect in the US.

The Irish Times reports that the mother of a child at a south Dublin creche saw CCTV footage of her daughter being dragged across the floor as if she was a rag doll by a staff member who has since been sacked.

The Irish Examiner reveals that the uptake for the free GP visit card remains low, with just 12 per cent of the 430,000 people eligible taking them up.

The chair of one of the country's biggest hospitals has resigned after a row with the Minister for Health, according to the Irish Independent.

The Pope was physically attacked during a visit to Ireland, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

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The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star report on the capture of Charlie Kirk murder suspect in Utah, who was "turned in by his Dad".

The Herald says the father of a missing boy presumed dead is willing to return to Ireland to assist.

A pensioner may have been stabbed to death in his Tyrone flat in a row over a drug debt, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The Irish News reports that a paedophile priest with a "dark side" was found guilty of sexual abusing pupils at a school in Enniskillen.
Charlie Kirks widow has said her cries will echo around the world like a battle cry in a pointed message for the evildoers responsible for the assassination of the conservative activist.

On Friday, Erika Kirk delivered her first public remarks since the shooting, from the office where her late husband hosted his podcast.

She said he loved America, nature and the Chicago Cubs.

But most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart, she said.

Addressing her husbands killer, she said: You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife.

The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.

She also thanked US president Donald Trump, saying through tears that her husband loved the president, and vowed to keep her husbands work alive, continuing his campus tour, radio show and podcast.

It came after authorities said the man accused in Mr Kirks assassination had earlier expressed to family his opposition to Mr Kirks viewpoints.

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Tyler Robinson (22) had become more political in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterwards that he was responsible, Utah governor Spencer Cox said.

Mr Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed to have been used in the attack, as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect which a roommate shared with law enforcement.

The Republican governor called Mr Kirks killing an attack on the American experiment, and he urged a new generation to choose a different path.

Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit.

A judge ordered that he be held without bail. Formal charges are expected early next week.

Robinson is believed to have acted alone and the investigation is ongoing, Mr Cox said.

Robinson is believed to have acted alone (Utah Governors Office via AP)

Authorities have yet to reveal a motive, but they did describe evidence they said shed potential light on the killing.

That includes engravings on bullet casings recovered from the high-powered rifle believed to have been used in the attack, including one that said Hey, fascist! Catch!, Mr Cox said.

In addition, a roommate shared with authorities messages from the chatting app Discord that involved a contact named Tyler and discussed a rifle wrapped in a towel, engraved bullets and a scope, the governor said.

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A Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle was found in a towel in a wooded area along the path investigators believe Robinson took after firing a shot from a distant roof and then fleeing.

Utah governor Spencer Cox speaks at a news conference, as Utah department of public safety commissioner Beau Mason, left, and FBI director Kash Patel listen (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

The clothes the suspect wore when confronted by law enforcement late on Thursday were consistent with what he had on when he arrived on campus a day earlier, and a family member confirmed that he drove a grey Dodge Challenger like the one seen in surveillance video that recorded Robinson driving to the university on the day of the shooting, Mr Cox said.

Robinsons father recognised him from the photos released by the FBI and told him to turn himself in. Robinson refused at first, but then changed his mind, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.

His father asked for help from their youth pastor, who also occasionally works with the US Marshals and called the agency so he could turn himself in.

Meanwhile, investigators continued to dig into the background of Robinson, who was admitted to Utah State University, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City, on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family members social media account.

However, he attended for only one semester in 2021, a university spokesperson said.

Robinsons address was still listed as his parents home and he is registered as an unaffiliated voter, according to Utah state records. He does not appear to have a prior criminal record.

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The family lives in a suburb of the city of St George in southern Utah, about a three-hour drive south of the Utah Valley University campus where Mr Kirk was shot.

Family members of Robinson did not immediately return messages seeking comment. It was not clear if he had a lawyer.

At his familys home, window coverings were drawn and a pick-up truck blocked access to the driveway. There was a heavy police presence, with several police vehicles parked along the street, which was closed at both ends.

Robinsons arrest early on Friday morning was disclosed by Mr Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, with a high degree of certainty, we have him.

News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the persons whereabouts.

Mr Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utahs governor called a political assassination.

He co-founded the nonprofit political organisation Turning Point USA, based in Arizona.

He had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesdays shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.

He wanted to help young people, and he didnt deserve this, Mr Trump said on Friday. He was really a good person.

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Mr Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Mr Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the US.

World Suspect in Charlie Kirks killing had become more political, authorities say Read more

Vice president JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited with Mr Kirks family on Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Mr Kirks coffin was flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, where his non-profit political youth organisation is based.

Mr Trump told reporters he plans to attend Kirks funeral. Details have not been announced.
Downing Street officials were aware of emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein when Keir Starmer defended the former US ambassador during a parliamentary question session.

The British prime minister, who picked the former Northern Ireland secretary to be the UKs representative in Washington, made the decision to withdraw him after emails were published showing Mr Mandelson sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The UK Foreign Office received a media enquiry outlining details of the messages on Tuesday, which was passed to No 10, the PA news agency understands.

A British government source said Oliver Robbins, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, asked Mr Mandelson about the emails and did not hear back until Wednesday afternoon.

The British prime minister is understood not to have been aware of the contents of the emails until Wednesday evening  after he told the UK parliament he had confidence in Mr Mandelson during Prime Ministers Questions at midday.

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The decision to sack Mr Mandelson with immediate effect was taken on Thursday morning and announced shortly afterwards.

Downing Street and the Foreign Office said the emails showed the depth and extent of Mr Mandelsons relationship with Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.

Jeffrey Epstein (US Department of Justice/PA)

The emails were sent from an account which had long been closed and were not available during the vetting process.

Allies of the peer told The Times that he admitted in his vetting interview that he continued his relationship with Epstein for many years.

Mr Starmer and the Foreign Office are facing questions over what they knew and when about the ex-ambassadors ties to Epstein.

Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of the UK parliaments foreign affairs committee, is demanding answers from the UK foreign secretary on the vetting process for Mr Mandelson.

His friendship with Epstein was known before his appointment, but reports in The Sun and Bloomberg showed their relationship continued after the financiers crimes had emerged.

Emily Thornberry (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Emails published on Wednesday afternoon included passages in which Mr Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

Mr Starmer is under pressure after the second scandal-hit departure for the British government in a week after Angela Rayner quit over her tax affairs.

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Downing Street said on Friday that Mr Starmer has confidence in his top team when asked whether questions had been raised over the judgment of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who was reported to have lobbied for Mr Mandelsons appointment.

Backbencher Clive Lewis publicly questioned Mr Starmers leadership, telling the BBC the British prime minister does not seem up to the job.

Barry Gardiner, another MP from the partys back benches, said toxic resentment was festering among the partys MPs and rank and file members.

Lucy Powell, one of two candidates in the race to take Ms Rayners place as the Labour Partys deputy leader, called for a change of culture.

Weve got a bit of a groupthink happening at the top, that culture of not being receptive to interrogation, not being receptive to differing views, she told The Guardian.

Newly appointed foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said during a trip to Ukraine that the decision to sack Mr Mandelson was rightly taken and backed Mr Starmers strong leadership.
Donald Trump has said he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Russia, and also placed tariffs on China of 50% to 100% for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

The US president posted on his social media site that Natos commitment to winning the war has been far less than 100% and the purchase of Russian oil by some members is shocking.

It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia, he added.

Nato member Turkey has been the third largest buyer of Russian oil after China and India, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.



Oil terminals in Kalmykia, Russia (Alamy/PA)

Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

Mr Trumps post comes at a tense moment in the conflict after the recent flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Moscow as it was entering the air space of a Nato member.

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Poland shot down the drones, yet Mr Trump played down the severity of the incursion and Russias motives by saying it could have been a mistake.

While Mr Trump as a candidate promised to end the war quickly, he has yet to hit the pressure points needed to end the violence and has at times been seen as reluctant to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Congress is currently trying to get the US president to back a bill toughening sanctions, after Mr Trump last month hosted Mr Putin in Alaska for talks that failed to deliver on progress towards peace.

The US and its allies are seeking to show a firmer degree of resolve against Russia.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Friday, acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea said America will defend every inch of Nato territory and that the drones entering Poland intentionally or otherwise show immense disrespect for good-faith US efforts to bring an end to this conflict.

Britain on Friday also took steps to penalise the trading of Russian oil, including a ban on 70 vessels allegedly used in its transportation.

The UK also sanctioned 30 individuals and companies, included businesses based in China and Turkey, that have supplied Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives and other weapons components.

In his post, Mr Trump said a Nato ban on Russian oil plus tariffs on China would also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR.

The president said Nato members should also put 50% to 100% tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that was launched with Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.

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World Britain's Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine Read more

China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, he posted, and powerful tariffs will break that grip.

The US president has already imposed a 25% import tax on goods from India, specifically for its buying of Russian energy products. He has placed in total a 50% tariff on India, though Mr Trump has indicated that negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could help settle differences.

Mr Trump said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not include in that list Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion.
Thanks for following our coverage of the four different rallies in the Melbourne CBD today. The live blog has now concluded.

The rallies comprised the Indigenous rights anti-racism Rally against racism and Sovereignty never ceded protests, and the anti-government Save Australia and Australia unites against government corruption demonstrations.

Similar events were held in cities across Australia.

Protesters from the Sovereignty never ceded rally near police officers in the CBD. Justin McManus

Victoria Police said 600 officers were deployed to patrol the rallies and created a bulwark between the groups near Parliament House in a bid to avoid violent scenes like those led by neo-Nazis at the March for Australia rally two weeks ago. No members of the National Socialist Network were visible at todays protests.

A couple of small scuffles flared after the rallies dispersed. Police used capsicum foam at pro-Palestine protesters, and they were afterwards helped by fellow demonstrators.
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NationalVictoriaProtests This was published 2 months ago Scuffles break out as four competing rallies converge on Melbourne Bianca Hall and Carla Jaeger September 13, 2025  7:45pm 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

Chaotic scenes unfolded across Melbourne on Saturday as scuffles broke out between agitators from largely peaceful rallies that drew thousands of people to the CBD. Victoria Police said 600 officers patrolled four separate protests, including two anti-racism marches sparked by the prominence of neo-Nazis at last months March for Australia demonstrations, and two anti-government rallies. Sovereignty never ceded protesters march along Swanston Street on Saturday. Luis Enrique Ascui Public transport was brought to a standstill across every tram line in the city for hours, while shops closed their doors and bemused locals and tourists watched. Outside the Victorian parliament, anti-authoritarian rallies were staged under the banners of Save Australia and Australia unites against government corruption, but organisers said the groups were not connected.

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At Flinders Street Station, thousands joined two anti-racism rallies under the Rally against racism banner, and a separate Sovereignty never ceded demonstration, which demanded an end to attacks like last fortnights assault on Camp Sovereignty in Kings Domain. Police turned out in force to keep rival protest groups separate, forming a no-go zone on Spring Street outside the Princess Theatre between the anti-racism protesters who had marched from Flinders Street, and anti-government demonstrators outside parliament. But minor scuffles broke out, with some anti-government protesters yelling racist profanities, and anti-racism protesters denouncing people as Nazis. Victoria Police said a 29-year-old man was arrested for criminal damage after an alleged graffiti incident, before being released on summons. A man is helped by other protesters after police pepper sprayed him as the protest dispersed outside Flinders Street Station. Luis Enrique Ascui

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Anti-racism rally organisers claim as many as 10,000 people gathered outside Flinders Street Station, but police estimate 2500 people joined the separate marches across the city. Both protests splintered into smaller groups by mid-afternoon, funnelling down Bourke and Little Bourke streets, before facing off on Swanston Street where there were several altercations. Police deployed capsicum spray several times, including on one man sprayed in the face at close range. Anti-Stop Mass Immigration protesters in the CBD. Luis Enrique Ascui The anti-racism rallies, organised by a coalition of groups, opened with messages of unity from speakers as thousands gathered at the steps of Flinders Street Station. We love everybody, we have no division, we welcome everybody, an organiser said.

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The vast majority of protesters who marched from Flinders Street to the edge of Spring Street were peaceful, waving Aboriginal, Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags, and leading chants including Nazi scum off our streets and always was, always will be Aboriginal land. Similarly, the overwhelming majority of protesters outside parliament were peaceful, although agitators were present in both groups. Loading Omar Ahsan, an activist and organiser, said the anti-racism rally was co-ordinated in response to the terrifying mobilisation of neo-Nazis and far-right extremism demonstrated at the March For Australia on August 31, and involved different groups to those who had organised todays anti-government rallies. Ahsan was concerned by the large police presence. Its fairly shocking that people have been stopped and searched simply for attending a demonstration against the assault on Camp Sovereignty and [in support of] pro-migration and anti-racism, he said.

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Ive never seen that happen in my 20 years as an organiser and activist. Many protesters leading the anti-racism rallies disparaged police, including one individual who held a paper mache pig dressed in a Victoria Police uniform. There were also accusations of officers unfairly targeting protesters. Some officers from the public order response wore protective gear and carried guns that fire rubber bullets. Previous victims of rubber bullets have suffered serious injury, disability and death, and the use of so-called less lethal weapons has attracted fierce criticism for years. Protesters outside parliament waved the Australian flag and wore Australian flag-themed apparel. Luis Enrique Ascui Outside the Victorian parliament, protesters packed the intersection of Bourke and Spring streets. Most carried Australian flags, were draped in them, or wore garb and accessories bearing the flag. Several described themselves as white and proud.

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Fringe views dominated the rallies outside parliament. One speaker described fugitive and alleged police murderer Dezi Freeman as a good man, while others espoused conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines, the World Health Organisation, governments and the media. One of the leaders of the rally summoned the crowd to chant f--- the media, and called for journalists to be arrested and charged. Former Liberal upper house MP Bernie Finn told one of the anti-government rallies he planned to again run for parliament at the next state election. Finn was a member of the Victorian Liberal Party but was expelled in 2022 for saying abortion should be banned, even for rape survivors. In 2023, Finn joined the Family First party as a Senate candidate. Editor's pick Magazine

Good Weekend The September 13 Edition September 13, 2025 Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece slammed those who attend rallies in the city looking for conflict.

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Im sure most people coming into these protests are people with very good intentions, but there are also a lot of ratbags that are involved as well, and the collective consequence of all that protest activity is millions of Melburnians dont get to enjoy their city, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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PoliticsNSWNSW State Parliament This was published 2 months ago Independent voters, 13 candidates and the spectre of Ward: Polls open in the battle for Kiama Jessica McSweeney and Max Maddison Updated September 13, 2025  11:10am ,first published September 13, 2025  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

A nervous Premier Chris Minns admits he doesnt know if Labor has done enough to win over loyal Gareth Ward supporters as Kiama voters head to the polls for a byelection brought about by scandal. I get nervous at elections, and we dont take anything for granted  weve got a great candidate whos run a really strong campaign, he said. Labor candidate Katelin McInerney cast her vote at Mount Terry Public School. Janie Barrett Minns once described the voters of Kiama as independently minded. They returned Ward to parliament as an independent even while he faced sexual assault charges. On Saturday, with their former MP in jail as a convicted rapist, voters will choose between 13 candidates to replace him.

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Labor candidate Katelin McInerney cast her vote at Mount Terry Public School on Saturday morning. She woke up on election day as the firm favourite, but with 13 candidates and NSWs optional preferential voting system, a Labor victory isnt guaranteed. I think this community wants someone working with the government in order to keep achieving for this area, she said. If Liberal candidate Serena Copley loses on Saturday, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman may be in the firing line. Janie Barrett A Liberal loss would also increase the pressure on Mark Speakmans leadership. Were taking nothing for granted, Minns said. My sense is that its going to be a close election, every bit of information that Ive got, and my being on the ground here talking to voters, is that theyre weighing up their minds.

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A government byelection victory would be a rare achievement. The last time a NSW government wrestled a seat it didnt hold was in 1996, when Labors Harry Woods beat the National Geoff Knight in Clarence Valley. Kiama is a changing place, with wealthy sea-changers on the coast and tree-changers in Kangaroo Valley. According to Domain, the median house price in Kiama has risen 77 per cent in the past five years. While the result of the byelection will have ramifications in the halls of Macquarie Street, several candidates said voters were more concerned about housing affordability, an unreliable train service and access to health services. With a state election 18 months away, the Liberals are increasingly jittery about their chances of toppling the Minns Labor government. The May federal election result rattled them, and a July Resolve poll compounded jitters among MPs. For the first time in 18 months, Labor was ahead in the polls, putting Speakmans leadership in the firing line.

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Several Liberal sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, were bracing for a terrible result on Saturday. MPs doubts had been compounded after door-knocking in the Kiama electorate over the past few weeks. One Liberal source said there were two kinds of voters: those who blamed the party for being associated with Ward, and those who blamed them for expelling him. Related Article Analysis

NSW State Parliament Its a Kate versus Goliath kind of battle: Inside the next challenge for the teals Two MPs suggested the Liberals gaining less than 30 per cent of the primary vote would almost certainly be a death knell for Speakman. Who in their right mind wants to be NSW opposition leader right now? a Liberal source asked.

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Speakman said he wasnt distracted by the mischief-makers in his own party. We are the underdogs, but this election isnt about me, this is not about the Liberal Party, tomorrow is about fighting for Kiama, he said. A big question going into election day is where will the loyal Ward supporters take their votes? Labor held the seat after its creation in 1981, until Ward scooped it for the Liberals in 2011, and it was his personal popularity that helped him keep the seat blue until his downfall. According to Labors McInerney and Liberal candidate Serena Copley, the voters of Kiama are ready to move on from the spectre of Ward. Teal-style independent Kate Dezarnaulds said the chaos and disarray of the Liberal Party made the race tougher to call, but she pitched to voters that aside from his personal failings, she would emulate Wards commitment to the community and his availability to hear local concerns.

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Even though Gareth and I certainly had some different views on things, there are many qualities that I have which are familiar to people that were fans of Gareth Ward, she said. She said if she won the seat on preferences, she would be very sorry if that meant an end to Speakmans leadership. With so many candidates and a potentially broad spread of preferences, the result may not be known on Saturday night. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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PoliticsVictoriaLiberal Party This was published 2 months ago Liberal president re-elected, warns infighting puts party in crisis Rachel Eddie Updated September 13, 2025  6:12pm ,first published September 13, 2025  1:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Victorian Liberal president Phil Davis has told members the party will never be able to govern if members cant stop infighting and kiss, shake hands and make up. Davis survived a challenge from his predecessor Greg Mirabella on Saturday and was re-elected president. He urged those gathered at Moonee Valley Racecourse for the partys state council to set aside their differences. Victorian Liberal Party president Phil Davis was re-elected on Saturday. Joe Armao The party has been fractured over a loan to former leader John Pesutto. Separately, former state director Stuart Smith resigned this week over derogatory WhatsApp messages leaked to the media. The last week has not been the highlight of my life, or the presidency, to be blunt. And I hope we dont see the likes of it ever again, Davis told party faithful on Saturday afternoon once votes were counted.

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Davis was re-elected with 493 votes out of about 900, Liberal sources unable to speak publicly said. He acknowledged some members would be unhappy with the result but said the party needed to work together to be ready to govern. Former state president Greg Mirabella launched a challenge. Joe Armao The reality is we have to work together, Davis said. The only way we can be ready to govern is to work together to seek that end. That is the only way we will form government. He conceded the result of the November 2026 election would be critically important to the future of the party.

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If we are incapable of governing ourselves and being able to win in 2026, in my view, we will be in a crisis, he said. All of us need to do the best we can. And I know sometimes in politics  Ive been in politics now for 50 years  the elbows go out, and its very hard to get over it. But youve got to set those differences aside, kiss, shake hands and make up. Davis, who is aligned to Smith, said the partys state executive would begin recruiting for Smiths replacement next week. A motion put to the state council on Saturday calling on the parliamentary party to support the legalisation of cannabis in a regulated market failed comprehensively.

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He pledged to introduce Jacks Law, giving police and protective service officers power to screen people for knives with hand-held metal detectors in all public places, including transport zones and shopping centres. It was introduced in Queensland in 2023 after the stabbing death of Jack Beasley in 2019, and has so far taken 1200 weapons off the streets. Opposition Leader Brad Battin with his frontbenchers on Saturday. Joe Armao Jacks Law has been criticised by some experts as being largely symbolic rather than tackling the root cause of knife crime, with fears it would unfairly target minorities. Battin also announced plans to establish a Victorian-first residential and responsibility program called Restart.

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Another perspective Analysis

Naked City From worlds most liveable city to Gotham: How crime is changing Melbourne The bootcamp-style initiative would be a structured, live-in program for serious and repeat offenders aged between 12 and 17, and feature mandatory physical and emotional activities to build discipline and confidence. Federal opposition deputy leader Ted OBrien also addressed the crowd. He joked about former premier Daniel Andrews attendance at a Chinese military parade earlier this month. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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by Staff reporter

The Government has issued a four-month ultimatum to private schools operating without official registration, warning that non-compliant institutions will be shut down from January 2026.Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo announced the directive on Wednesday in the National Assembly, saying the grace period is intended to protect learners currently preparing for or sitting their examinations."We have given illegal schools a grace period of four months because we did not want to close those schools haphazardly, as this disadvantages the learners," Minister Moyo said. "By so doing, we would have violated their fundamental right, the right to education."He added that the Government is appealing to school directors to follow proper registration procedures. "We have given them a grace period until December 31 so that come January, we can invoke our circulars and close those schools," he said.The decision comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of unregistered private schools in the country. Some of these institutions are reportedly employing unqualified teachers and operating without Government oversight, raising questions about the quality and safety of education provided.Minister Moyo urged school owners to use the grace period to regularise their operations to ensure compliance with educational standards and protect the interests of their learners.
Days of violent protests have left the Himalayan former kingdom without a functioning government and with many of its institutions in ruins.

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The Hilton hotel was still in flames. Carcasses of government buildings gaped, their innards exposed. The few motorcycles and cars that dared to break a curfew had to navigate a series of checkpoints patrolled by soldiers, their fingers on the triggers of their rifles. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is normally a city of noise and commerce, where gods survey the jammed traffic from brightly lit roadside temples. On Thursday, soon after clashes between security forces and protesters claimed dozens of lives and ripped the institutional heart out of the city, much of Kathmandu was swaddled in suspense and silence, save the crunch of shattered glass underfoot. Nepal is now a country without a functioning government. No one seems to know where the president is. The prime minister has resigned. Following negotiations between the army and the young Gen Z protesters, former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepals interim prime minister on Friday, becoming the first woman to lead the country. She is tasked with holding fresh elections to the lower house of parliament by March. Nepali army personnel and firefighters outside the Hilton Kathmandu hotel after it was burned during days of riots and political upheaval. Atul Loke/The New York Times Many of the capitals mighty institutions  a palace complex turned seat of government, the Supreme Court, ministry buildings  lay in ruins. Reams of documents, banknotes and official finery were turned to ash. A former prime minister and his wife, who is the foreign minister, were attacked by a mob. Another former prime ministers wife suffered extreme burns and underwent surgery on Thursday. I never imagined this, no one could have imagined this, said Lance Corporal Ramesh Tamang, who stood outside the Hilton hotel, where flames still spurted out of blackened rooms. He had not slept in four days, he said, having been deployed to fight blazes at a succession of buildings. At the Hilton, the firefighting soldiers had already used up 25 tankers worth of water to power their hose, but the flames had not yet been extinguished. Panes of glass broke off the building and crashed onto the road.

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Former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki (right) greets Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel after taking the oath as interim prime minister on Friday. AP Also at risk of going up in smoke were the dreams of the Gen Z protesters, who began their rallies on Monday to uproot corruption and halt the revolving door of leadership that has kept power in this Himalayan country shifting among three old men for the past decade. What started as youthful pushback against a government ban on social media platforms turned into a bloodbath. At least 51 people have been killed and more than 1300 injured. Outside the gate of the Maharajgunj Medical Campus on Thursday evening, a few dozen mourners gathered soon after sunset, during a brief reprieve from the curfew, to light candles on the pavement and remember those who had died three days earlier. Portraits of 11 young people were set behind a small field of candles as grieving relatives took turns to speak. Fresh graffiti on an underpass near the hospital asked in English: What to do with police who murder? Protesters celebrated as Kathmandus parliament building was set alight on Tuesday. AP If anyone is in charge in Nepal today, it is the army, which, unlike many others in Asia, has little history of direct military rule and has so far refrained from taking the reins of power. Much of Nepals leadership is now under army control, their associates said, being kept in various army barracks. It is not clear whether the reason is to protect the ministers or to keep them confined. The nations army chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, has met repeatedly with the Gen Z protesters. Two of the protesters said they first mentioned Karki as their preferred choice for leader of an interim government on Wednesday. Karki is seen as an anti-corruption crusader untethered to the political old guard.

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Related Article Protests Nepo kids: Politicians bashed, presidential palace burned as Nepal protests intensify On Thursday, students representing the Nepali Congress party defied the nationwide curfew to chant anti-army slogans and call for President Ram Chandra Poudel to appear. Make our president public, they shouted. We wont accept a military coup. Later in the day, a group of senior lawyers met the president to discuss his plan for a political future, according to one of the lawyers who did not want to be identified because of the confidential nature of the discussions. Poudel, 80, had not been seen in public since Mondays violence, but in Nepals constitutional system, his role includes endorsing the head of any interim or caretaker government. Observers say supporting Karki, the Gen Z choice, is not his preference. On Thursday evening, 8000 soldiers from 15 districts across Nepal arrived in Kathmandu, intelligence sources said, provoking more fear and uncertainty in a capital accustomed to both emotions. Loading

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Nepal has suffered through a vicious civil war and the massacre of its royal family in 2001, both of which eventually led the country to exchange its constitutional monarchy for a parliamentary democracy. King Gyanendra Shah was dethroned in 2008. But royalist parties have been lobbying for the restoration of the monarchy, and people loyal to them took part in the recent anti-government protests. The curfew was suspended on Thursday for a couple of hours in the morning and late afternoon, allowing residents to buy groceries, breathe the air still smoky from the widespread arson attacks, and exchange gossip about the current political cataclysm. For some Gen Z students, the suspension of the curfew also allowed them to undertake another key mission: cleaning the citys streets. They were dismayed at how the movement had metastasised into a frenzy of arson, vandalism and looting. The Gen Z protesters said that did not come from their ranks. In one stretch of asphalt near a burned-out department store, a dozen teenagers squatted to scrape away an oily mound of ash spreading out from under the skeleton of a city bus. Nepalese army personnel stand guard in Kathmandu, Nepal, after days of riots and political upheaval. NYT Im a real Gen Z, we all are here, and this is not what we wanted, said Swarnab Chowdhury, 18, a student whose surgical gloves were black from the sticky filth he and his friends were scooping away.

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WorldEuropeProtests Celebrating murder: Far-right protest turns violent as Musk blames the left for Charlie Kirks death David Crowe September 14, 2025  4:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

London: More than 110,000 protesters have joined a London rally led by activists who chanted support for slain American conservative Charlie Kirk and heard strident calls to blame the left for celebrating his murder. Members of the huge crowd turned violent as the rally spilled through the streets around the British parliament, with protesters accused of assaulting police and leaving 26 officers with injuries ranging from broken teeth to concussion. A person with a bloodied face and clothing confronts police officers during the protest. AP The protest organiser, controversial far-right activist Tommy Robinson, has gained support for his campaigns against migration and asylum seekers, and he promoted the rally as a Unite the Kingdom march to defend free speech. While the march began without violence and most demonstrators were peaceful, some of the protesters assaulted police, who arrested 25 people and are expected to arrest more in coming days.

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Billionaire Elon Musk told the crowd in a video address that Britain was being destroyed by uncontrolled migration and that left-wing movements should be held responsible for the assassination of Kirk in Utah on Thursday. Theres so much violence on the left, with our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week and people on the left celebrating it openly, he said. The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder. Musk attacked what he called the woke mind virus of the left and called for a shift in power in Britain to remove Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government. Theres got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held, he said. The protest in London turned violent as police made several arrests.

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Starmer was elected in July last year and the next general election is not due until 2029. While the protest was arranged weeks ago as a rally for free speech, it turned into a show of force for a British variant of the Make America Great Again movement as protesters held up photographs of Kirk and chanted his name. The start of the revolution is on, Robinson said in a video before the march. Later, he claimed 3 million people attended the rally, but police said it ranged from 110,000 to 150,000. A demonstrator stands on the head of one of the lions of Westminster Bridge during the protest on Saturday. AP Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has served five prison terms and was most recently jailed last October for contempt of court for making false allegations about a refugee despite an injunction.

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He was arrested in August over allegations he punched a man at a London train station, but he was not charged because the alleged victim declined to make a statement to police. Charlie Kirk speaks just before he was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. AP Speakers at the Saturday rally included right-wing commentator Katie Hopkins, a former reality television contestant who was deported from Australia in 2021 for refusing to follow quarantine rules during the pandemic. There was no endorsement, however, from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has split with Robinson because of his criminal convictions. Were a political party aiming to win the next general election, Farage said in January. Hes not what we need.

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Musk, however, strongly backed Robinson and attacked Farage earlier this year, while also breaking with US President Donald Trump, highlighting the rifts on the conservative side of politics. Related Article Analysis

UK politics The razzle-dazzle politics of Britains rising Right Steve Bannon, a key adviser to Trump, was said to be speaking at the event, after saying in an interview three days ago that the UK was heading toward a civil war where citizens fought the rise of what he called socialism. He did not appear. The numbers proved too great for the streets around the Palace of Westminster, highlighting the scale of discontent in Britain and drawing parallels with similar movements elsewhere in Europe. The crowd heard from politicians from far-right German party Alternative fur Deutschland, or AfD, as well as similar speakers from France and Denmark.

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On a Saturday afternoon marked by sunshine and occasional rain, the crowd converged on Parliament Square in numbers that were larger than anticipated and put pressure on police lines created to ensure safe exits. The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured at the rally, with some of the protesters punching and kicking police, as well as throwing projectiles such as bottles and flares. By the time the protest was over, the Met Police had made 25 arrests for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage. Others were identified as having committed offences, and the police said, we will find them in coming days. Loading In a post before any signs of violence, the Met Police said they were using a mobile CCTV van to help monitor the crowd but were not using live facial recognition.

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We estimate the attendance at that event to have been between 110,000 to 150,000, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers, the police said. Related Article Violence Torn in the USA: How Charlie Kirks death exposed Americas extreme divide A rival protest organised by a group called Stand Up To Racism had at least 5000 people. While the Met Police sent 1000 local officers to keep the peace, another 500 had to be drawn from outlying areas as support for the event appeared to grow in the wake of Kirks assassination. Most of the violence appeared to come from Robinsons supporters among the far-right, including reports that some threw bottles at female police on horseback, but there were also accounts of violence from anti-fascist protesters.

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There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence, said Met Police assistant commissioner Matt Twist. The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun  we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks. 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.
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WorldNorth AmericaViolence This was published 2 months ago Teachers pet to wanted man: Who is Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirks murder? Andrew Hay , Nathan Layne and Joseph Ax September 13, 2025  11:56am 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

Washington, Utah: Eighteen-year-old Tyler Robinson seemingly had a bright future ahead of him. The Utah teen had scored in the top percentile on his college entrance exam and earned himself a four-year scholarship to Utah State University in Logan. His proud mother posted a video on Facebook in which her firstborn son, the eldest of three, read aloud the schools letter offering him the grant. Mugshots of Tyler Robinson, who has been identified as the gunman in the Charlie Kirk shooting. AP Hes so excited to start his journey and its going to be so amazing for him! she wrote in another post. Four years later, authorities say, Robinson fired a rifle shot on Tuesday from atop a building at another university campus, killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk and triggering a new round of national anxiety over rising political violence.

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Investigators are still working to understand what allegedly led Robinson to that rooftop. Officials have not yet identified a precise motive for the shooting, though they offered some clues on Friday morning in announcing his arrest. Related Article Updated

Violence Battle cry: Charlie Kirks widow speaks out after arrest of suspected assassin Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters that a family member interviewed by law enforcement said Robinson had recently mentioned Kirks scheduled appearance at Utah Valley University, where he was shot. They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints he had, Cox said, without offering further details. Robinson had also become more political in recent years, the family member told investigators, and authorities said he had engraved what appeared to be anti-fascist messages on bullet casings they found with the suspected murder weapon.

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Robinson, now 22, was arrested for aggravated murder and other charges. He has no criminal history, according to state records reviewed by Reuters. He was a registered voter but was not affiliated with a political party, according to voter records. He is listed as an inactive voter, which indicates he did not cast a ballot in last years presidential election when Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. Law enforcement officials examine a silver Dodge outside the Robinson family home in Washington, Utah on Friday. AP The New York Times reported that at the time of the shooting, Robinson appeared to have been living with a roommate in an apartment complex in St. George, about a 10-minute drive from his parents house in Washington, a farming and residential community of about 28,000 people near Zion National Park in south-western Utah. His parents, registered Republicans, have active hunting licences in a part of the country known for its outdoor life, the Times reported. Social media photos show Robinson and his two younger brothers shooting and posing with guns.

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Robinsons grey Dodge Challenger  the vehicle that authorities say he drove to the site of the shooting on Tuesday  was parked on Friday outside the two-storey stucco home, in a relatively new housing development built among alfalfa fields. Related Article Violence Torn in the USA: How Charlie Kirks death exposed Americas extreme divide Dozens of media members were gathered outside, along with half-a-dozen police cars parked along the street. Officers were stopping reporters from approaching the home. A neighbour, Steven Green, said he knew the family from attending the same Mormon church down the street. Great family, good kids, he said, though he added he did not know Tyler Robinson well.

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Canaan Timothy, 21, said he was in the year below Robinson at high school. Robinson, he said, was just a regular student with an interest in music, who hung out with members of the school band. I knew him in passing. Just your average kid, said Timothy, who lives two blocks from the Robinson family. Tyler, he was quiet, but not too quiet. Loading Jaida Funk, 22, who went to elementary and middle school with Robinson, told The New York Times that he was an excellent student, was into computers and had the personality of a teachers pet. Hes the kind of kid that even if you are not friends, youd ask him to be in your group project, she said. Hes someone youd expect to get the award for perfect attendance.

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Adrian Rivera, 22, who had been in a high school woodworking class with him, told the Times that Robinson was a massive Halo guy, referring to the popular science fiction game, and that he also liked Call of Duty and other shooter games. Related Article US politics We have to find an off-ramp: Utah governors powerful speech after Kirk suspect caught Robinson was arrested late on Thursday without incident after a family friend called authorities and said Robinson had either confessed or implied that he was responsible for Kirks murder, officials said. Robinson graduated in 2021 from Pine View High School in St George, Utah. A video online of the commencement ceremony shows him carrying his diploma on stage as attendees cheer. He briefly attended Utah State University in Logan for one semester that year, the school confirmed to Reuters.

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It was not immediately clear why he left, but Dixie Technical College, part of Utahs public university system, confirmed that Robinson is a third-year student in the schools electrical apprenticeship program. A Facebook post from his mother said Robinson had earned a score of 34 in high school on the American College Testing college entrance exam, which would put him in the top 1 per cent of test takers, according to the Princeton Review test preparation company. Charlie Kirk in the minutes before he was shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. AP Robinson has two younger brothers, according to his parents Facebook posts. His mother listed her job online as a social worker at a non-profit healthcare company, while his father is the principal of a company that makes stone counter tops, according to state records. His mothers Facebook posts over the years  most of which were deleted on Friday  mostly doted on her family: documenting trips to Alaska, the Caribbean and Disneyland; celebrating school plays, Halloween costumes and adopted pet rabbits; expressing pride as the three boys moved up in school.

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None of the posts appeared overtly political. Robinsons arrest on Thursday night capped a 33-hour manhunt for Kirks killer, which included the detention of two other persons of interest on Wednesday who were later released. Robinson was booked into the Utah County jail in Spanish Fork, about 20 kilometres south of the university where Kirk was shot. He has not yet been formally charged. Its really sad that someone with his mind put it to that sort of use, Keaton Brooksby, 22, a former high school classmate of Robinson, told The New York Times.

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by Staff reporter

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is set to undertake a State Visit to Zimbabwe later this year, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.The announcement was conveyed by Minister Maimbo, Co-Chair of the Ministerial Segment of the Mid-Term Review of the 18th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), on behalf of President Hichilema.The upcoming visit will reciprocate earlier trips by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to Zambia, highlighting the mutual respect and commitment of the two leaders to deepen cooperation and advance shared development goals.Officials said the visit is expected to focus on enhancing trade, investment, and regional collaboration, reflecting the longstanding partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
A BIKER who was clocked by gardai travelling at 185kph was last week convicted and sentenced in Carlow District Court on a dangerous driving charge. Fire security engineer Michael Rees had contested the charge earlier this year when he appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy after he was spotted speeding by gardai at Rathattin, Hollywood, Co Wicklow on 6 April last year.

Investigating garda Maxwell told the court that Mr Rees (54) overtook two cars in the 100kph zone, at one stage travelling at 185kph.

Solicitor Chris Hogan had told Judge Carthy that his client worked as a fire security engineer and that he needed his licence for his livelihood but also because a family member had cancer and he brought him for treatments.

Last week when Mr Rees was before the court for sentencing, Mr Hogan requested the judge to reduce the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving, because the more serious charge carried a mandatory driving ban. Judge Carthy replied that there was no doubt that he is guilty of dangerous driving and that she could not in all conscience reduce the charge.

She then put Mr Rees, 11 Woodlawn Court, Santry, Dublin 9 off the road for two years and fined him 1,000. Mr Hogan said that his client would be appealing the sentence.
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by Staff reporter

The Corporate Governance and Accounting Institute of Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) will hold its highly anticipated annual conference next week in Victoria Falls, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals from September 17 to 20 to discuss strategies for Zimbabwe's economic recovery.The conference, themed "Inspire, Innovate, Sustain: Charting the Course for Zimbabwe's Economic Rebound," will focus on the critical role of governance, ethics, and sustainability in strengthening institutions and unlocking national potential. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of strategic dialogue, expert insights, and collaborative action.Honourable Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, will deliver the keynote address. Other confirmed speakers include Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group CEO Sam Matsekete, NSSA General Manager Dr Charles Shava, ZB Financial Holdings Group CEO Dr Shepherd Fungura, CZI CEO Sekai Kuvarika, and ZNCC CEO Chris Mugaga.CGAIZ Chief Executive Dr Lovemore Gomera highlighted the significance of this year's theme, noting that Zimbabwe is at a pivotal moment. "We must inspire bold leadership, innovate across sectors and sustain reforms that drive inclusive growth. Corporate governance is not a luxury but the backbone of economic resilience. This conference is a rallying point for professionals who believe in rebuilding with integrity and foresight," he said.Dr Gomera added that the event will convene key voices from regulators, entrepreneurs, sustainability champions, and financial experts to explore how ethical leadership and strategic partnerships can transform the economy and restore public trust.In addition to plenary sessions, the conference will feature professional development programs, networking opportunities, and celebratory events. "We are not just gathering to talk, we are gathering to act. The future of Zimbabwe's economy depends on how well we govern today. Let this conference be the spark that ignites sustainable change," Dr Gomera said.With its focus on ethical leadership, collaboration, and practical solutions, the CGAIZ annual conference is poised to play a defining role in Zimbabwe's journey toward economic resilience and growth.
Gary Littrell is a native of Henderson, Kentucky. His mom died when he was just five, so he was taken in by his grandparents on a nearby farm.When he was nine, an uncle drove him down to Fort Campbell to watch a parachute demonstration by airborne soldiers. He says he was hooked then and there.In 1961, a day after turning 17, he enlisted in the Army. A year later, after his initial training, he was deployed to Okinawa with the new 173rd Airborne Brigade. He married a Japanese native, Mitsue, and they had two boys.In 1965, Gary was reassigned to the 82nd Airborne and returned to the U.S.to deploy with the 82nd to the Dominican Republic. He then returned to Fort Benning to complete Ranger School, graduating in 1966 and remaining there as an instructor until 1969, when he deployed to Vietnam.Eight months into his deployment, 25-year-old then-1SG Littrell was with the Military Assistance Command, Advisory Team 21, at a base camp in central Vietnam not far from the Laotian border. He was serving as an adviser to the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army.On 4 April 1970, Garys 23rd Battalion, consisting of 473 South Vietnamese soldiers and three other American advisers, was moving southward toward Cambodia, searching for enemy units in order to call in air strikes against them. It was after dark on that day when Gary realized his men were surrounded by an estimated 5,000 North Vietnamese troops.Soon after the 473rd set up a defensive perimeter, the enemy NVA forces started unloading an endless barrage of mortar fire, killing the 473rds South Vietnamese commander and an American adviser. The remaining two American advisers had suffered severe injuries. Fortunately, Gary had learned to speak Vietnamese at the Defense Language Institute before his deployment and was able to effectively communicate command and control orders. He recalls, My primary job was just command and control, trying to get the Vietnamese to stand and fight.According to his Medal of Honor citation: After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on 4 April, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, one adviser, and seriously wounded all the advisers except Sfc. Littrell.His citation continues: "During the ensuing four days, Sfc. Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance as he singlehandedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the units location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by Sfc. Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded, and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. Sfc. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position."His citation concludes: Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sfc. Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.Along his five-mile withdrawal path to return to friendly lines, they had to fend off numerous ambushes. Of the 476 men with whom he began the mission, only 41 survived.In the aftermath of four days of intense combat, he says the events were hard to piece back together.He says: When  our missions were declassified, a young historian went to the Pentagon and got the actual operations report and some of the witness statements for my award. I started reading them, and it came back: Oh my God, I do remember that happening. It was, of course, some interesting reading, but  you get so fatigued that you just  you dont remember everything that went on. You just remember you had your hands full.It was three years after his actions at Kontum Province that he received a call to report to the 101st Airbornes Commanding General. He recalls, Back then, I was a little wild and pulled some crazy things every now and then, so the first thing that went through my mind was, Oh, my God, what the hell did I do now?But in this case, the call was to advise Gary that he would receive the Medal of Honor. And on 15 October 1973, he was presented with his medal by President Richard M. Nixon.Gary retired from the Army in 1985 as a Command Sergeant Major. In 1993, he was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia. The mission of the RHF is to honor and preserve the contributions of the most extraordinary U.S. Rangers in American history, to identify and highlight individuals as role models for current era Rangers, and to educate the public on the culture of the U.S. Army Rangers. That is Gary.Today, he says: Im wearing this medal for the 400 and some people that died those four days. Im their representative. They won this medal. I was selected to wear it for them.He has devoted his life to the next generation of American Patriots, promoting the six core values of the Medal of Honor (courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment) to high school students across the nation. He emphasizes the significance of leading a virtuous life, highlighting that Integrity is the most important word in the world.He tells his students, If you live your life in these core values, you will be an outstanding person.In October 2024, Gary joined other Medal of Honor recipients with a rare public presidential endorsement  for Donald Trump.CSM Gary Lee Littrell: An ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances, he summoned the greatest measure of courage to place his life in imminent peril to save others. Your example of valor  a humble American Patriot defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty  is eternal."Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et FidelisPro Deo et Libertate -- 1776Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform -- Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harm's way in defense of American Liberty, honoring their oath "to support and defend" our Constitution, and for the families awaiting their safe return. Pray also for our Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our historic hometown National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Make a check payable to National MoH Sustaining Fund and mail to:Generosity Trust,345 Frazier Avenue, Unit 205Chattanooga TN 37405.Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. ( https://www.MOHHC.org
The McCaysville Police captain who was shot in the face when answering a call for service is due to be released from a Chattanooga hospital on Tuesday.

Authorities said Capt. Brantley Worley has been making good progress since he was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital.

He underwent surgery for a nose fracture.

The suspect in the shooting was taken into custody about 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Timothy Craig Ramsey had been wanted on charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer.

Capt. Worley was responding to a call near First Street at 11:10 p.m. on Friday

Police Chief Michael Early said earlier, "Late last night, one of my officers was shot while answering a call for service. That officer is currently in critical condition and in need of our prayers.

"I ask that you please keep my department, the officer, his family, and his children in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

"This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and a formal press release will be issued later as we work to apprehend the individual responsible."
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred on Fort Loudoun Lake on Friday.



At approximately 11:18 a.m., TWRA dispatch received a call reporting a possible drowning near the mouth of Georges Creek. Wildlife officers responded to the scene and found a victim floating face down in the water near an unmanned vessel that was circling nearby.

The Blount County Rescue Squad recovered the victim from the water, while TWRA officers were able to bring the vessela Ranger bass boatunder control and stop it.

The victim has been identified as Terry Alexander, 63, of Maryville.He was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, where he was pronounced deceased.

This marks the 19th boating-related fatality on Tennessees waterways in 2025. The incident remains under investigation by TWRA.
Charlie Kirk. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Washington County, Utah, has been identified as the shooter who killed Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday around 12:20 p.m. MT.

Robinson was taken into custody after a family member, believed to be his father, reported him to authorities.

At a press conference held around 8 a.m. local time Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox explained that a family member of Robinson stated he had become more political in recent years and provided an example from a family dinner prior to the shooting.

In a conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU, Cox recounted. They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints that he had.

Investigators also interviewed Robinsons roommate, who guided authorities to messages the alleged shooter made on Discord.

The messages referenced retrieving and leaving a rifle, as well as engraving bullets.

Cox read out various engravings found on the bullet casings, including one that said Hey fascist! Catch! with Cox noting that catch was as in catching a ball.

Another unfired casing had the phrase Bella Ciao, which is likely a reference to an Italian ballad known for its anti-fascist anthem. A separate engraving on a bullet casing featured Furry sexual memes, such as Notices, bulges, OWO, whats this?

Cox stated that the investigation is ongoing, but officials generally believe Robinson acted alone, and no further arrests are expected.

In a related development, President Donald Trump announced that a man believed to be the shooter responsible for killing Christian conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a TPUSA college event in Utah has been arrested.

During an interview on Fox News Friday morning, Trump said, I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him  in custody ... everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job.

He expressed hope that the suspect is going to be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty. What he did, Charlie Kirk, was the finest person, but he didnt deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him. Ive been watching, even the Left is having a hard time, the president added.

Kirk, an influential conservative activist, was 31 years old and was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday when a gunman fatally shot him in the neck at 12:20 p.m. Mountain time.
Home News Christian leaders sign letter claiming 'Christian Zionism' is being used to justify oppression

More than 100 American Christian leaders and faith-based organizations have signed a declaration opposing the war in Gaza that accuses Western Christians who support Israel of using Zionism to justify the oppression of Palestinians.

The coalition of pastors, theologians, scholars and activists released the letter amid the 2025 Church at the Crossroads conference in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, which ran from Thursday through Saturday.

According to the signatories, Palestinian Christians are "deeply grieved" by Western Christians' support for Israel, claiming that they're ignoring Palestinians and "this war's roots in Israel's military occupation of Palestinian land and ethnic cleansing beginning in 1948."

"Our siblings lament that our response to this war compromises our witness to Jesus' gospel and harms the unity of his body," the letter states. "They cry out for an immediate ceasefire, return of all Israeli and Palestinian hostages, unimpeded entry of aid for Gaza, and accountability for Israel's unjust actions."

In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, a spokesperson for the Church at the Crossroads said the event and declaration are a response to two open letters issued by Palestinian and Middle East church leaders in October 2023 and August 2024.

"Our aim is to provide a space to learn from Palestinian Christians, hear about their lived experiences, identify where we have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to their suffering, repent when our complicity has harmed them, and engage in a time of lament and participation in the suffering of other members of the body of Christ," the spokesperson said.

Among those who signed the document are several progressive Christian activists, scholars and thinkers. Signatories include author and activist Shane Claiborne, Sojourners President Adam Taylor, bestselling author Jemar Tisby, VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer, "Theology in the Raw" host Preston Sprinkle and the Rev. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Peter Beinart, a Jewish author and well-known critic of Israel, also signed and endorsed the letter.

The signatories called for an end to the war, which began after the terror group Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, slaughtered at least 1,200 people and abducted over 240 others, including 40 Americans, in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza to eradicate the terror group and recover the hostages. The Hamas-run Gaza health authorities say over 64,000 people have died since the war began.

"Our Palestinian Christian siblings are telling us that they are devastated by the extreme violence the Israeli military and Israeli settlers have inflicted upon their people since Hamas' unjust attack on October 7, 2023," the letter claims. "Israel's military has killed or maimed tens of thousands of children and innocents; leveled entire cities; destroyed hospitals, schools, and places of worship; displaced millions of people; and deprived the population of food and water."

"We confess that many of us have used the Bible in ways that excuse oppression, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and other forms of violence while ignoring the teachings of Jesus," the letter continues. "We have justified the strong and abandoned Christ's call to the vulnerable."

As a sign of "repentance in action," the signatories vowed to challenge Christian Zionism, a theological view that affirms God's covenantal relationship with the Jewish people and their providential connection to the land of Israel. The document argues that beliefs like Christian Zionism justify harming Palestinians, contending that these views damage Christian witness.

The Philos Project, a pro-Israel nonprofit organization promoting Christian engagement in the Middle East, contends that Christian Zionists are often grouped with Jews and Israelis as scapegoats because the position is seen as unpopular.

In its statement to CP, the nonprofit asserts that Christian Zionism is not in the minority "among most Americans of goodwill."

"In whatever ways Israel acts  perfectly or imperfectly  there is one truth that is too often overlooked: Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians not only survive but are free to worship, to vote, to serve in government, and to contribute openly to society. However complex the political situation, this reality cannot be dismissed," The Philos Project stated.

"No true Christian Zionist  and the case can be made that the phrase is redundant  would ever use the gospel for the sake of unjust violence, nor would they embrace the ideology of pacifism as an absolute, since such an approach is not consistent with a fully Christian disposition."

Jonathan Kuttab, a Palestinian Christian who grew up in Bethlehem and is the executive director of Friends of Sabeel North America, argued that Christians in places like Gaza have had their houses and churches bombed or their lands stolen.

"My hope is for Christians to be Christians, to follow the teachings of Christ. Somehow, Christian Zionism takes a political ideology, Zionism, and dresses it up in religious language," Kuttab told CP. "But if we were to follow Christ rather than Zionism, then we have to show love to everyone. We have to favor peace, not war."

The Palestinian also believes that Christian Zionism conflicts with the Bible, which teaches that "God loves the whole world."

"God does not favor a particular tribe or a particular people over others. His love and compassion [are] for all his creatures," Kuttab added.

Anton Deik, a Palestinian theologian, also criticized Zionism, claiming that the purpose "is to establish an exclusively Jewish state on lands inhabited by others, in this case, the Palestinians."

"How could that be done? Surely not by flowers and balloons, but by forcibly displacing people and ethnic cleansing," declared, who believes Christians are safer in Jordan or Lebanon than in Israel, which he claimed is "not a place of flourishing for Christians."

The Rev. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian pastor, claimed that the Jews came to the area not as refugees, saying, "It was clear that they came as colonizers."

My simple question is, what would it look like to put yourself in the shoes of Palestinians? Someone is making it clear that theyre coming to colonize your land. And then the world decides, let's divide the land: you take half of it," Isaac told CP. "Let them establish a state on your homeland, and we're just supposed to say, 'Yeah, of course.' So how would you respond to that? Impossible."

The Philos Project maintains that criticism of Israel is quick to arise whenever there is tension between Palestinian Christians and Israeli settlers.

"[Meanwhile], the widespread persecution of Christians in places like Syria or Egypt is often met with silence. The gravest challenges for Christians in the Middle East do not come from Israel, but from the pressures of living as a vulnerable minority within majority-Muslim societies," The Philos Project declared.

"This is one of the chief reasons Christianity is in such steep decline across the region," the group continued. "It is an 'open secret' that Palestinian Christians cannot safely speak the full truth about their circumstances."

Regarding reports on the number of casualties throughout the war in Gaza, Deik said that the count is unreliable and acknowledged that the Palestinian government lacks the resources to find and report the exact number of casualties. However, he believes that the actual casualty figures are higher than what has been reported.

CP has previously published articles detailing reports of Hamas conducting military operations and storing weapons in civilian areas, in addition to reports of Hamas stealing aid from Gazans.

Legal experts with UK Lawyers for Israel and urban warfare experts like John Spencer have also raised concerns about the reliability of casualty reports from sources like the Gaza Health Ministry, which they, and others, have noted is controlled by Hamas. Experts have also noted that casualty data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Kuttab said that the death count in Gaza is difficult to obtain but expressed confidence in the ministry's data, describing it as reliable.

"Now, the Israeli saying [is] that they [Hamas' Ministry of Health] don't distinguish between fighters and civilians. That's true, because we don't know who's a fighter, who's a civilian, and Israelis will be right to question whether our designation of a certain person as a combatant or non-combatant is correct," Kuttab stated. "But they do designate who are women, and who are children, and what are the ages of the victim. So in that respect, the Palestinian health ministry figures are very reliable."

In response to CP's question about how a ministry controlled by Hamas could be considered a reliable source of information, Kuttab argued that politics shouldn't matter.

"Regarding numbers, were evaluating the quality of the facts, not the political orientation of the people doing the counting," he said. "We are interested in the accuracy of the documentation."

"The same with the Israelis  we ask the same questions of them," the Palestinian Christian added. "Are they reporting accurately, or are they lying? We want to see the facts, not evaluate whether we like their politics or not.

Those who oppose Zionism and Israel's existence as a Jewish state typically argue that the Jews have no historical connection to the land.

Archaeological and historical evidence shows that Israel was under Jewish leadership over 3,000 years ago.

Even after the Romans exiled the Jews in 70 A.D., there were Jews who remained in Israel, and Jewish people throughout the world maintained a connection to the land, hoping that they would one day return.

Multiple empires, including the Ottomans and the British, occupied the land throughout history, but after the Holocaust, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181 in November 1947 that proposed dividing the land into two, granting an independent State to Jews and Arabs.

Jewish leaders accepted, while Arab leaders rejected the plan. Following the declaration of Israel's independence in May 1948, Israel's Arab neighbors attacked. After Israel won the war for its independence, over 100,000 Arabs remained and became Israeli citizens, while an estimated 700,000 were displaced, many of them leaving at the urging of Arab leaders.

Arab countries did not integrate these refugees or give them rights.
Home News Diocese of Rochester reaches $246M settlement with abuse survivors

A Roman Catholic diocese has reached a settlement with sexual abuse survivors after several years of proceedings in bankruptcy court, marking the latest example of Catholic dioceses in the United States shelling out large sums as fallout from sex abuse scandals continues.

In a letter to parishioners published last week, Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester in New York announced that the diocese had reached a $246 million settlement with survivors of clerical sexual abuse. Matano clarified that $55 million of the settlement will be covered by contributions from the Diocese of Rochester and its affiliated entities, while the remaining amount will be covered by insurers.

With profound sadness, I apologize to the survivors, the victims of such sinful and tragic acts for which they were not responsible, Matano wrote. The Diocese has accepted responsibility for the damage caused by abuse. I ardently pray that this conclusion will bring to the Survivors, and to our Diocesan family, peace, healing, and tranquility, and, please God, a renewed restoration of faith in Jesus Christ, who never abandons us, especially in our darkest hours, and heals hurts where humanity fails.

Last weeks settlement, approved by Judge Paul Warren of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York, comes six years after the Diocese filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. The Dioceses 2019 bankruptcy filing followed a flood of sexual abuse lawsuits filed following the passage of the New York Child Victims Act, which gave those who claimed clerics abused them as children a one-year window to file a lawsuit without a statute of limitations.

The Diocese of Rochester is one of several Roman Catholic dioceses that have made headlines in recent years for paying massive settlements to survivors of clerical sexual abuse. A study published by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University earlier this year revealed that from 2004-2023, Catholic dioceses paid $5 billion in settlements to those harmed by acts of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy.

The figure included in the Georgetown report does not include more recent settlements reached last year, such as the $323 million settlement reached between the New York-based Diocese of Rockville Centre and sexual abuse survivors last year and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreeing to pay $880 million to abuse survivors.

These agreements, along with the New York-based Diocese of Buffalos $150 million settlement with victims of clerical sexual abuse reached earlier this year, bring the total amount Catholic dioceses have paid in settlements with abuse survivors to over $6 billion.

Filing for bankruptcy to cover the costs of anticipated settlements, like the Diocese of Rochester did, is not unusual. Last year, the Diocese of Fresno filed for bankruptcy, and the Diocese of Sacramento took a similar course of action.
Home News Texas A&M fires lecturer, administrators over classroom gender discussion caught on video

Texas A&M University (TAMU) has fired a senior lecturer and two administrators after a Republican lawmaker shared a video of a classroom discussion on gender identity in violation of state law.

The controversy erupted after state Rep. Brian Harrison shared a hidden-camera video online on Sept. 8 showing English lecturer Melissa McCoul dismissing a student who objected to the lesson, which was discussed as part of a childrens literature course.

In one of the undated videos, an unidentified female student is engaged in a discussion with McCoul over content related to gender identity. This also very much goes against not only myself but a lot of peoples religious beliefs. And so, I am not going to participate in this because its not legal and I dont want to promote something that is against our presidents laws as well as against my religious beliefs, the student says in the video.

If you are uncomfortable in this class, you do have the right to leave. What we are doing is not illegal, McCoul responds.

After the video went viral, TAMU President Mark A. Welsh III initially removed the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department on Sept. 8, citing deviations from the course's published description.

In a follow-up statement Sept. 9, Welsh announced he had ordered the professor to be fired effective immediately. He also said he was previously made aware of the LGBT curriculum.

This summer, a childrens literature course contained content that did not align with any reasonable expectation of standard curriculum for the course, he said. After this issue was raised, college and department leadership worked with students to offer alternative opportunities for students to complete the course, and made changes to ensure this course content does not continue in future semesters.

Welsh was heard in another video defending the course curriculum, telling the student who complained about McCoul that LGBT-related courses are currently at TAMU and have been for a long time.

Following McCouls firing, the TAMU Board of Regents announced the board will not tolerate actions that damage the reputation of our institutions and confirmed an audit was underway to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws.

Free-speech advocates, however, decried the firing as a violation of First Amendment protections, including Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Director of Campus Rights Advocacy, Lindsie Rank, who called the move alarming and argued that Welshs justification for firing McCoul was flawed.

In his statement, Welsh justified the firing by asserting that McCoul taught content that was inconsistent with the published course description, Rank said. However, the current publicly available description of the course in Texas A&Ms Undergraduate Catalog is Representative writers, genres, texts and movements. This is hardly inconsistent with a faculty member conducting a classroom discussion of gender identity in childrens literature.

In 2023, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law, which amended the state education code prohibiting public colleges and universities from engaging in specific diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities on campus.

President Donald Trump's January executive order, titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," threatens federal funding for public institutions that promote "gender ideology," such as allowing access to single-sex spaces based on gender identity. However, the order does not explicitly address university coursework discussing more than two genders.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The process of amending or repealing statutory levies and fees across multiple sectors of Zimbabwe's economy has begun, as the Government seeks to ensure that reductions are formalised into binding legal instruments, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has confirmed.In a statement yesterday, Minister Ziyambi emphasised that until Parliament formally amends or repeals the existing statutory fees, levies, and charges, they remain enforceable. This clarification follows the Government's recent announcement of a series of fee reductions aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.Sectors identified for reform include agriculture, transport, retail licensing, and local authority services. Minister Ziyambi noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and relevant line ministries, is working to ensure that the policy decisions are translated into legally binding instruments.Among the reforms, parking fees, clamping, and towing penalties have been cut by 50 percent across local authorities, while the cost of vehicle number plates has been reduced from US$500 to US$50. Plates are now produced locally, making the new fee both affordable and sustainable.Significant changes have also been implemented in the agriculture sector. In the dairy sub-sector, for instance, farmers previously required up to 25 permits across 12 agencies. Similarly, feed manufacturers, beef cattle farmers, abattoirs, and dairy processors faced multiple licences and fees. The reforms aim to remove duplication, reduce costs, and simplify compliance, thereby promoting efficiency, competitiveness, and formalisation. Farm and processor registration fees, including those by the Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA), have been standardised to a flat fee of US$1, significantly lower than the previous tiered structure.Minister Ziyambi stressed that the reforms form part of broader efforts to strengthen the business environment and attract investment. "It is in the public interest that we draft and enact laws that enhance the investment climate and facilitate the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe," he said, citing the constitutional mandate under section 114.The Government believes that moderating high fees and levies will encourage new investments while motivating existing investors to expand operations, creating employment and contributing to national development. These initiatives align with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 blueprint, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.Business leaders have welcomed the policy intent but emphasised the need for legal certainty. Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu noted that reducing levies could ease operational costs and boost competitiveness once formally enacted. Similarly, the Zimbabwe Taxpayers Platform called for clear timelines for the reforms to take effect to minimise uncertainty for businesses.The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs continues to work closely with the Attorney-General and line ministries to draft the necessary legal instruments, signalling a cautious yet committed approach to reducing costs while adhering to established legal procedures.
Home News Trump's week in review: Probing and prosecuting murder of Iryna Zarutska, remembering Charlie Kirk

This week has been defined by the assassination of Christian conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. In addition to addressing Kirk's murder in a special Oval Office address, President Donald Trump and his administration took steps this week to investigate the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on a train in North Carolina by a career criminal, as well as advance the causes of religious liberty and prayer, and tackle concerns about chronic childhood disease.

Here are five highlights from the past week.
Home News Amid tough times for humanitarian aid agencies, World Visions CEO is absorbing fear and exuding hope

NEW YORK  Earlier this year when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a significant majority of programs funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development would be canceled, it sent shockwaves of uncertainty through the global community of non-governmental organizations.

For World Vision, one of the worlds largest Christian humanitarian operations with more than 34,000 people working in nearly 100 countries, the move created what the organizations president and CEO, Edgar Sandoval Sr., called a meaningful disruption.

It was meaningful because in 2023 alone, according to financial statements from World Vision, the U.S. government contributed some $661 million in grants of food and cash to their more than $1.5 billion life-saving and development work. This represented more than a third of operating revenue. In 2022, that contribution was $491 million, while in 2021, it was $421 million.

Though the disruption was short-lived  as the State Department granted waivers to keep funding much of the organizations relief and emergency assistance work  World Vision was forced to stop work in 20 countries, resulting in about a million people not receiving emergency help, according to Sandoval.

We have a portfolio of funding sources that include the U.S. government, private donors, major donors, sponsors, churches [and] corporations. [While] the vast majority does not come from the U.S government, a meaningful chunk does, Sandoval told The Christian Post in an interview on the 19th floor of an office tower in Midtown, Manhattan, on Tuesday. With the initial stop work orders, we weren't exactly sure how much was at stake. Some were stopped, but they were reinstated.

Sandoval explained that funding from government grants is generally used for relief and emergency assistance, and development work. Most of the cuts in funding were development-related grants.

The relief and the life-saving assistance programs were the ones that the vast majority were able to stay, Sandoval said. The development programs, which are a smaller percentage of what we do with the government, were the ones that were mostly affected and stopped.

Sandoval said he had to go deeper in his faith to steer the Christian organization, which has been saving lives for 75 years, through the period of uncertainty.

When the challenges come, it's like storms with strong winds. So you need to be rooted in solid ground. And that solid ground is our faith, and Christ is our calling by God to serve the most vulnerable, Sandoval told CP. You've got to remind yourself every day of why youre here.  Then remind the rest of the staff of the organization, they have the same calling that I do.

While World Vision ended up cutting about 11% of its staff, Sandoval said he pointed to Gods sufficiency as a provider and communicated regularly with employees as they dealt with the confusion and uncertainty that unfolded over the last several months.

I like to say that I learned from one of my mentors that strong leaders absorb fear and exude hope. And in a time of challenge, that's a really good recipe. It's a good recipe for any time, but particularly for a time of challenge, he told CP.

We're committed to this mission. In an interesting way, it's a perfect time for us to remember that God has been faithful to World Vision for 75 years. We've worked with 15 different administrations. We've been through highs and lows, but our God is the same, and He's a good God.

And its because of this commitment to the organizations mission, along with their faith in God, that Sandoval says they have launched the most ambitious fundraising campaign in World Visions history, called Everyone Needs a Believer. It calls on more of the American public, the faith community in particular, to step into the gap and help.

Everyone Needs a Believer hopes to reach 300 million people in more than 70 countries by 2030. The campaign seeks to empower people with LIFE (Water and Health); HOPE (Child Protection, Christian Discipleship, and Emergency Response), and a FUTURE (Economic Empowerment and Education).

There's no more timely moment in history to do that than at a time where the needs are increasing and the funding is decreasing, and we're excited to do that, Sandoval said. We're calling on all people, caring and compassionate people, to create a movement and let's go do some really good stuff for the precious, vulnerable children of the world.
Home Opinion Charlie Kirk and Americas turning point

When will it end?

That was the question a legacy media commentator asked after conservative talk show host and thought leader Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Another lamented, Is this how we solve our political differences in America? From the shattered stained glass of Annunciation Catholic School to the crowded fields of Butler County, Pennsylvania, the heartbreaking answer is too often yes.

And yet evil, whether it slinks across a rooftop or slams into twin skyscrapers, is not new. Two thousand years ago, the prophet Hosea watched his own nation, awash in idolatry, turn its back on God and declared a warning from the Lord, For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind

The admonition was as timely then as it is now. Lawlessness, violence, and bloodshed have become so frequent in American life that very little shocks our collective conscience. Yet the assassination of 31-year-old Charlie Kirk, as he peacefully engaged in dialogue on a university campus, is a loss that has stunned millions of Americans across the political spectrum.

As with tragedies before, the responses are predictable  calls for gun control, demands for more government programs, and appeals for prayer. I, too, call for prayer. Not because prayer is a slogan to calm emotions, but because genuine prayer positions us to hear God  and when we listen, He reveals the way forward.

This is an incredibly charged moment for our country, but that should not distract from the fact that America is reaping what it has sown. Since the 1960s, a long march through the institutions sought to drive God, His word, and His authority from public life. The aim was to relegate faith to the private corners of society, never to influence the classroom, courtroom, or public square. Charlie Kirk and the movement he sparked stood up to the Lefts assault on college campuses, working tirelessly to challenge the godless influence on this generation. Other courageous thought leaders like Rush Limbaugh, Phyllis Schlafly, and Dr. James Dobson also gave voice to truth in a lost world. And while their work stalled the march, it has not stopped it.

So, how do we stop it and return civility to our nation? First, we must recognize that while our struggle is waged in political and cultural arenas, its roots are spiritual. Without confronting the spiritual decay at the heart of our crisis, no policy or program will suffice. Scripture provides clear understanding to the people of God: the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to pull down strongholds.

This requires courage  to stand unapologetically for truth, yet to resist the temptation to mirror the bitterness of our age. We must speak truth with conviction, but also with love that disarms hatred.

In another time of turbulence, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded America that if we truly want to change the environment fueling violence, we must choose a better way. He declared, Love has within it a redemptive power that eventually transforms individuals  love is the only way. He lived those words, saying, I would rather die than hate you.

If our nation is to heal, we cannot let our righteous indignation at this unspeakable tragedy rule. We must not answer anger with anger or bloodshed with more bloodshed. Justice must be upheld, lawlessness restrained, and truth defended  but the cycle of hatred must be broken. That can only happen when love  rooted in eternal truth  guides our actions.

Only then can America find the healing it desperately needs.
Home Opinion Why abortion isnt good for anyone

In a recent article in National Review, Wesley J. Smith described a new study of over one million women in Quebec from 2006 to 2022. The study found that, Compared with live births and stillbirths, patients with induced abortions had a greater risk of admission for psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts over time. 







"Abortion was associated with the long-term risk of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts in models adjusted for age, comorbidity, preexisting mental illness, material deprivation, rural residence, and time period. Abortion was more strongly associated with eating disorders, hallucinogen use disorders, and cocaine use disorders."

This isnt the first study to find that abortion, in addition to killing an innocent preborn child, is harmful for women. Back in April, the pro-life group LiveAction reported on another study which indicated that 11% of women who undergo chemical abortion suffer serious adverse events, a number far higher than reported by the FDA:

This means one in 10 women experience at least one serious complication from taking mifepristone within 45 days  22 times higher than the less than 0.5 percent serious adverse events rate reported by the FDA on the mifepristone label, according to this study. The study authors state that serious adverse events in multiple categories were accounted for in the reported rate.

If abortion is truly about womens health, as advocates claim, they should immediately demand more regulations and limits on the practice. That they do not, but rather double down on demanding abortion as a right demonstrates that abortion sits at the center of their worldview. After all, if it were discovered that a common prescription drug, medical procedure, or food had this same likelihood of negative side effects, there would be an immediate call to act and to ban the offending substance. There would not be nationwide rallies claiming whatever it was, was a human right. Yet, in this way and many others, abortion goes unquestioned, treated as if it is the fundamental right of a free people.

In a recently posted video, Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, shared an encounter with a Michigan State student who approached her and declared, I love abortion. When asked what she liked about abortion, the young woman replied, I like that people dont die through birth, and also, babies arent being born to people who dont want babies. Unwanted babies, she continued, burden the foster care system. When asked if that meant it would be good to kill kids presently in foster care to alleviate the burden on the system, the woman was shocked anyone would suggest killing children.

Like so many, she refused to connect obvious dots and instead regurgitated talking points. Her response illustrates how challenging it has become to change hearts and minds about abortion, even when the facts are so clearly on the pro-life side. In fact, even as the facts of the matter become more obviously pro-life, commitment to abortion has grown. According to the General Social Survey, agreement with the statement women should be able to get an abortion for any reason if she wants one increased from 42% in 2012 to 57% in 2022.

This is how deeply held beliefs work, especially those held at a foundational worldview level. When absolute autonomy, especially sexual autonomy, is the fundamental source of human value, abortion must become an absolute. Christians who want to move the needle on abortion must understand how worldview works. Its the only way to make sense of those who refuse the facts about abortion and those who dont like abortion but refuse to vote to restrict it. The most dominant idea over American culture right now is that nothing should prevent people from living as they please, not even the consequences of reality.

Unless we engage, counter, and unseat this first principle of this cultures dominant worldview, it will not matter how many studies we present or how clever our rhetoric. Yes, we should pass as many laws as possible restricting this horror, but we must also pray for God to intervene, love and serve those who are most vulnerable, and seek to persuade as many as we can.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bulawayo was shaken yesterday by two daring armed robberies that left victims reeling from losses totaling more than US$30 000.Police sources reported that the first incident occurred at a businessman's home in the city centre. A female employee, tasked with depositing US$1 000 from the day's takings, walked into a terrifying ordeal when six armed men confronted her upon entering the flat."She went to her employer's place of residence but did not find him home. The house was not locked. As soon as she entered, six armed robbers appeared and demanded all the money she had. Terrified, she handed it over," a police source said. The gang then ransacked the flat, locating an additional US$25 000 before fleeing the scene.Later the same day, a Micro Finance outlet along Herbert Chitepo Street was targeted, with robbers making off with US$7 000 in what police describe as a well-coordinated spree."I can confirm that we had two armed robbery cases in Bulawayo yesterday. Police will share the finer details later in the day," said Commissioner Paul Nyathi, national police spokesperson.The suspects remain unidentified as investigations continue. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant while intensifying patrols in the affected areas.
Unlike most other Canadian immigration programs, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) has a publicly posted schedule of planned draws throughout the year.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams



What is the PEI PNP schedule?

The PEI PNP schedule for Expression of Interest (EOI) draws has four more planned for 2025:

Draw Number Draw Date 8 September 18, 2025 9 October 16, 2025 10 November 20, 2025 11 December 18, 2025

The PEI PNP advises candidates that the above is an Anticipated Invitation to Apply schedule and is provided for information purposes. The province does not guarantee that it will hold immigration selections on these dates.

To date, the PEI PNP has kept to this schedule, holding draw numbers 1-7 on their publicly stated dates.

Candidates interested in applying to the PEI PNP should note that their EOIs will remain valid in PEIs intake system for six months after the date of submission. EOIs are considered for future draws based on program requirements and the availability of nominations.

How many nominations will the PEI PNP issue this year?

Like all other provincial immigration programs, the PEI PNPs nomination allocation was halved in 2025. The province received a total of 1,025 immigration spaces for the year.

According to the totals listed on PEIs official page, the province has issued 792 ITAs through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2025.

Notably, these ITAs are invitations to apply for provincial nomination, and not nominations in themselves. It is possible, due to application inventories, candidate rejection, and program requirements, that the total number of issued ITAs this year does not align with the number of allocated nominations.

All the draws so far have been focused on the Labour Market Category and the PEI Express Entry streams.

Given the restricted number of nominations available, the PEI Office of Immigration is now prioritizing skilled workers in high-demand sectors including (but not limited to)

Healthcare;

Trades; and

Manufacturing.

The province has also indicated that individuals working in the sales and service sectors may not be invited to apply.

Is it possible that the PEI PNP will be able to issue more than 1,025 nominations this year?

While it is impossible to say with certainty whether PEIs provincial allocation will rise in 2025, other provinces have had success in raising their provincial allocation in 2025.

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador successfully negotiated an additional 1,000 nomination spaces for its 2025 provincial immigration allocation with Canadas federal government. The province achieved this by agreeing to admit more humanitarian immigrants through its immigration programs within the next two years.

Before these negotiations, the province had seen its annual PNP allocation reduced to just 1,050a 50% cut from 2024aligning with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canadas (IRCCs) policy of halving all PNP admissions.

Newfoundland and Labradors current allocation for 2025 stands at 2,525 nominations.

Under the new Immigration Minister Lena Diab, other PNPs have seen an increase in their nomination allocation, including New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams


Gov. Mike DeWine made a promise to the voters if they rejected redistricting reform on the ballot last year. He broke it. And today, he shrugs off his promise as if he never made it. (Courtesy of the governor's office)

When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged voters to reject a redistricting reform measure last year, he made solemn promise  defeat this proposal, and he would personally lead the charge for a better solution.

Fast forward to today, and that commitment has evaporated like morning dew, leaving Ohioans with the same broken system and Republicans preparing to draw yet another set of gerrymandered maps. Today in Ohio podcast hosts Chris Quinn and Leila Atassi tore into DeWines betrayal Friday, calling it reprehensible and suggesting it adds to a legacy that has become dumpster fire.

This wasnt some passing thing, Quinn said. He guaranteed us, everybody in Ohio, that he was going to make sure we have a solution.

Quinn said DeWines shrugging off of such a promise in unprecedent.

Mike DeWine is the first governor I think weve had that makes a promise like that, a solemn promise, and then as soon as he gets what he wants, abandon it.

What makes the betrayal particularly galling is that DeWine himself was part of the redistricting commission repeatedly found by the Ohio Supreme Court to be violating the state constitution with its maps. Now, instead of the Iowa-style independent system he promised voters, DeWine claims its too late to change the process before this years map drawing and hints vaguely about possible reform by 2030.

The podcasters also discussed the money trail behind the campaign to kill last years reform initiative. The Haslam family, owners of the Cleveland Browns, were major funders of the effort to defeat the redistricting reform  and were subsequently rewarded with $600 million in public financing for their stadium.

"Everything about the effort to kill that ballot initiative ended up being crooked, and thats a sin," Quinn observed. Mike DeWine lied to Ohio -- or he told the truth and then broke his promise. And big money played a role, and the peoplewho provided it got a big reward. Ugly, ugly business.

The discussion about DeWines betrayal of voters who believed his promise comes as Ohio Republicans prepare to draw new congressional maps that will likely cement their disproportionate advantage. Without the reforms DeWine promised, the same broken system that produced unconstitutional maps in the past will be used again.

When a governor can make such a clear, public promise to secure a policy outcome and then simply walk away from it with an unapologetic shrug, what faith can voters have in those who lead.

Listen to the discussion here.

Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston.
An Office Depot store manager in Portage, Michigan, refused to print a poster for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, labeling it political propaganda. Alan Diaz/AP

PORTAGE, Michigan  Office Depot has fired an employee at its Portage, Michigan, store after a video surfaced showing a refusal to print a poster for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, WWMT reported.

The order had been placed by the Kalamazoo County Republican Party for a poster featuring Kirk to be used at a prayer vigil held at Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo, according to WWMT.

The customer asked staff to print the poster, but the employee, identifying herself as the manager on duty, declined, saying the store didnt print propaganda, Fox Business reported.

Fox Business further reported that when pressed by the customer, the manager explained the refusal by saying Kirk was a political figure. Another employee present said the general manager would address it Monday.

Office Depot responded to the video that was posted on X by Matthew S. DePerno, an attorney in Michigan.

We are deeply concerned by the unfortunate customer experience that occurred at Store 3382 in Portage, Michigan, an Office Depot spokesperson told Newsweek.

The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot. On behalf of the company, we sincerely apologize for this regrettable situation.

Newsweek reported the Kalamazoo County Republican Party later had it printed without charge at a FedEx location.
Members of the Ohio Senate Government Oversight Committee hear testimony on a proposed congressional redistrictin map in this file photo from Nov. 16, 2021, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Legislative leaders are gearing up for another round of congressional redistricting this fall, though there are differing opinions about how much of that process should be done in view of the public. (AP Photo/Julie Carr Smyth, File) AP

COLUMBUS, Ohio  While it remains to be seen this fall how Ohio leaders will redraw the states congressional maps, its likely that whatever redistricting plan they end up passing will be negotiated and drawn behind closed doors.

That raises the question of exactly how transparent Ohios much-maligned redistricting process should be.

Ohio Republicans have authored the states congressional and legislative lines for the last two decades in private  sometimes with such secrecy that even some GOP officials directly involved in the redistricting process were kept in the dark about map-drawing efforts .

But while Democrats and good-government groups have unceasingly criticized Republicans for not passing redistricting maps in a more open way, the Ohio Constitution only has limited requirements about transparency. And opinions differ as to exactly how much of Ohios redistricting process should be in the public eye.

On one hand, one prominent redistricting reform activist argues that the district boundaries should be negotiated, if not drawn, entirely in view of the public, to ensure politicians are drawing districts for the benefit of the public, not themselves or their political party.

On the other hand, though, legislative leaders from both parties say that, in their minds, Ohios redistricting process requires negotiations behind closed doors.

Deliberation in the public eye

Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio and a prominent critic of Ohio GOP redistricting efforts, said in an interview that she would like to see every part of Ohios redistricting process conducted in the public eye -- from the tedious step-by-step process of drawing draft maps to every minute of negotiations over a final plan.

Ideally, any of the kinds of decision making that goes into map making should be held in public, she said. If all the decisions are made secretly behind closed doors and then they just hold votes, youre actually violating the spirit -- and certainly the law -- when it comes to open records and open meetings.

Turcer said she is less concerned about livestreaming the map-drawing process itself (as the Ohio Supreme Court ordered at one point during the states contentious 2021 redistricting process) as she is about ensuring that the public can witness redistricting leaders discussing and negotiating each part of a final redistricting plan.

Whats important, actually, is a discussion about, If we move this line to keep this community together, how does that affect the rest of the map? How does that affect competition? How does that affect proportionality? Turcer said. Those kinds of conversations in public would be really meaningful and would help the public understand the creation of the map (and) why decisions were made.

It would also give redistricting officials more incentive to incorporate Ohioans suggestions in their redistricting plan, rather than ignore them as they have in recent redistricting efforts , she said.

Turcer noted that part of Issue 1, a proposed redistricting reform measure last year, would have forbidden redistricting officials from talking with any outside person about the map-drawing process or proposals, except during designated public meetings and via official avenues for public input.

While Ohio voters rejected Issue 1 last November, she said, That type of public deliberation would certainly focus mapmakers on doing what is good for voters and not focusing on themselves and the political careers of their friends.

Public input, private output

House Speaker Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican who coauthored Ohios current congressional redistricting rules in 2018 and has played a key part in every subsequent GOP redistricting plan, told reporters Wednesday that he also wants public hearings and opinions on a new congressional map.

However, Huffman said, Republican and Democratic leaders would then ideally take that public input into consideration while hammering out a deal among themselves in private.

The spirit of what we did in 2018, if not almost directly written in the (Ohio) Constitution, is that the parties, separate political parties, would come together in the month of September and attempt to come up with a map that they both could agree on, Huffman said, referring to how the state constitutions initial congressional redistricting phase has a deadline of Sept. 30.

Huffman said that, during Ohios 2011 congressional redistricting process, Democratic lawmakers offered to provide some Democratic support for the final GOP-authored map if Republicans would tweak it to help U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Toledo Democrat who was about to be drawn into the same congressional district as then-U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland.

For the next decade or so, I was blamed for the Snake on the Lake, even though I didnt draft it, said Huffman, referring to critics nickname for the shape of Kapturs new district along Lake Erie , which she held onto after beating Kucinich in the 2012 Democratic primary. But the point is, that kind of negotiation is supposed to be going on.

Working under a microscope

Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat, backed Issue 1 and has certainly been no fan of how Ohio Republicans have passed redistricting plans in the last few years.

But Antonio, who joined then-House Minority Leader Allison Russo in voting for GOP-authored legislative redistricting maps in 2023 in exchange for some concessions, echoed Huffmans opinion that the redistricting process ultimately requires negotiations out of public view.

At some point we have to have conversations with each other, she said in an interview. And I dont know how real it ends up being if were working under a microscope. I dont know how successful that would be.

Antonio noted that the U.S. Constitution was negotiated and drafted behind closed doors, as are business deals and real-estate transactions on a regular basis today.

Plus, under Ohios system of representative government, its elected officials job to make decisions on behalf of their constituents.

Sometimes people think negotiation somehow gets interpreted as promising something or other. Nothing could be farther from the truth, Antonio said.

If you said you wanted us to be your representatives and your voice and have your best interest as we represent you in the legislature, she continued, then I would also believe that that means that you trust us to go into a room, and take all of the information that weve seen and heard and have with us together, and then sit at the table and hammer out whats best for the people of the state of Ohio.

Antonio said that lawmakers need to hear from the public about their opinions regarding redistricting and to emphasize the need for fair districts.

She also said that her first-hand experience with the redistricting process has taught her that its not an easy process, given all the constitutional restrictions in place about districts size, shape, and population, as well as how often cities and counties can be split into multiple districts.

I know people think that by now we should just be able to push a button and have some kind of algorithm spit out our districts, she said. But its not as easy as all that when you get down to the granular level.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Twenty years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the emotional and political aftershocks continue to ripple through American society, according to a Pew Research Center report done in 2021 that is now being brought to light.

The study, based on two decades of public opinion data, reveals that while the initial unity and patriotism following the attacks were profound, many of those sentiments faded over time. In the immediate aftermath, 71% of Americans reported feeling depressed, and nearly half struggled to concentrate. Yet 63% said they could not stop watching the news coverage.

Support for military action was overwhelming in the early days. According to the report by the nonpartisan research group, in mid-September 2001, 77% of Americans backed deploying ground forces to retaliate, even if it meant thousands of U.S. casualties. But more than two decades later, 69% say the U.S. failed to achieve its goals in Afghanistan, and only 54% supported the final withdrawal of troops.

In October 2001, 60% of Americans said they trusted the federal government. That trust faded, dropping to 31% by 2005 and just 24% in 2021, the report says.

Religious sentiment surged in the weeks after 9/11, with 78% of Americans saying religious influence was growing, the report says. Meanwhile, views of Muslims and Islam became increasingly polarized. In 2002, only 25% of Americans said Islam encouraged violence more than other religions. By 2021, that number jumped to 72% among Republicans.

The report also highlights how the attacks reshaped Americans sense of personal safety. A year after 9/11, nearly half of adults said they felt more afraid, more careful or more vulnerable, the report shows. In major cities like New York and Washington, D.C., over 60% said their lives had changed.

This story was written with the assistance of AI.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Shiradza family of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, is appealing to the public for help in finding their 15-year-old daughter, Jestina Shiradza, who went missing last Wednesday.According to her father, Mr. Wellington Shiradza, Jestina left home that morning intending to go to Khumalo Barracks Secondary School, where she is in form three. Initially, the family assumed she might have been delayed at school or with friends, but hours passed without any word, prompting growing concern."She left home on Wednesday morning, of which we thought she was headed to school, but we are now finding out that she did not make it to school. In fact, those who last saw her say she was wearing black jeans and a white t-shirt, not her school uniform," Mr. Shiradza said.The family is urging anyone with information on Jestina's whereabouts to come forward. "We are worried about the safety of our daughter and just want her back home safely," Mr. Shiradza added.Anyone with information can contact Mr. Shiradza on +263 783 098 748 or +263 713 579 650.
Protesters are clashing with authorities in Nepal during violent demonstrations that are ending in deaths, injuries and curfews. Travelers are urged to reconsider visits. Sunil Pradhan/Getty Images

KATHMANDU, Nepal  Travelers are being urged to reconsider trips to Nepal following violent protests that erupted in major cities, causing deaths, injuries and emergency curfews, the U.S. Department of State announced this week.

The department issued a Level 3 travel advisory after demonstrations in the countrys largest urban centers turned violent Monday and Tuesday. Several hotels were set on fire, and authorities have imposed curfews that could be extended with little warning.

Emergency services are strained, and response times may be delayed, the advisory said. U.S. officials cautioned that their ability to provide emergency assistance is limited.

Travelers have been urged to avoid protests and crowded areas, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and confirm travel plans with airlines and hotels before departing.

Reports indicate that the demonstrations stem from residents anger over corruption and a lack of employment opportunities for the young. A government attempt to ban social media also touched off fighting with police, according to reports. Nearly two dozen people have been killed.

U.S. citizens facing emergencies can contact the American Citizens Services at +977-1-444-202-501 from abroad or dial 888-407-4747 from the U.S.

The advisory also strongly recommends that travelers have evacuation plans that do not depend on U.S. government assistance and secure travel insurance covering emergencies, medical needs and trip cancellations.
2nd Golden Panda Awards kicks off

People's Daily Online) 15:58, September 12, 2025

The 2nd Golden Panda Awards, an international film and television culture awards ceremony, is being held in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province from Sept. 12 to 13, 2025.

Co-hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the People's Government of Sichuan Province, the event has already unveiled its list of nominees. On the evening of Sept. 13, a total of 27 awards will be presented across 4 major categoriesfilm, TV drama, documentary, and animationalong with a Special Jury Award.

This year's Golden Panda Awards features three main events: the Golden Panda Night, the Golden Panda International Culture Forum, and the Golden Panda Awards Ceremony, along with supporting activities.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Du Mingming)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe and South Africa are accelerating plans to establish a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Beitbridge, a development expected to boost regional integration and improve trade efficiency along one of Southern Africa's busiest transit corridors.The announcement came during a bilateral meeting on Friday in Beitbridge between Zimbabwe's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Ronald Lamola.Beitbridge Border Post serves as a key gateway linking Southern Africa to the continent, and its modernisation has transformed it into a hub for regional commerce. Technology-driven systems, including drones, have also strengthened efforts to combat smuggling. "This technology has enabled us to fight smuggling, as you can see from the screenit's a smuggling suspect who's being pursued by our team," said Mr Robson Ngwenya, Manager of drones.The two ministers emphasised the importance of infrastructure in facilitating regional integration. Professor Murwira noted, "Our main theme today has been regional integration, and for us to integrate, we need infrastructure. Beitbridge Border Post is one such infrastructure. Zimbabwe and South Africa share a lot in common, and this should be exploited for the benefit of the two countries. Integrating infrastructure and removing trade barriers has been one of our major topics. South Africa is the largest trade partner of Zimbabwe, and we are reaffirming the excellent relations that exist between our countries."Honourable Lamola highlighted the OSBP as a flagship project aimed at encouraging trade among SADC members. "Our engagement today was informed by the One Stop Border Post project, which aims to promote regional integration and trade among SADC members. Zimbabwe is one of our very good trade partners, and we are here to deepen that relationship. South Africa would like to congratulate Zimbabwe on the massive infrastructure and modernisation we have seen on the Zimbabwean border side," he said.The meeting also saw South Africa reaffirm its support for Zimbabwe's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.The establishment of the OSBP at Beitbridge is expected to streamline border operations, reduce congestion, and facilitate smoother cross-border trade, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.


The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi is pleased to present an India-Singapore 60th anniversary cultural diplomacy event - an art exhibition by famous ???????? artist Kumari Nahappan titled "Chromatic Currents".

Check out some of the scenes from the exclusive opening reception pic.twitter.com/ksBwb8n9zV



 Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) September 12, 2025

An art display at the Chromatic Currents exhibition in New Delhi.

A captivating art exhibition by renowned Singaporean artist Kumari Nahappan has opened in New Delhi, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. Titled "Chromatic Currents", the show is being hosted at Pristine Contemporary and will run until October 30, 2025. The exclusive opening reception on September 12 drew diplomats, cultural figures and art enthusiasts, who experienced some of Nahappan's most acclaimed works.Organised by the Singapore High Commission, the exhibition is part of a broader cultural diplomacy effort to highlight the ties shared between both nations. First Secretary (Political) Zacchaeus Lim said, "The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi is pleased to support this exhibition as part of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore in 2025. Chromatic Currents celebrates the shared colours and traditions of our region, reminding us that art is a bridge connecting communities across borders, especially through the deep historical and people-to-people ties between our two nations."The exhibition follows the visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to India, during which both sides outlined a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation across multiple sectors.Areas identified during deliberations include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, urban water management, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.The two countries also agreed to review the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN, signalling further economic integration.As part of the visit, the two prime ministers virtually inaugurated a container terminal in Maharashtra, backed by over $1 billion in investment from the Port of Singapore Authority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Singapore's position as India's largest trade partner in South-East Asia and acknowledged its continued role as the biggest source of foreign direct investment for the seventh consecutive year, with inflows of about $15 billion in 2024-25. He stressed on the importance of strengthening defence ties and people-to-people links.Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation to Singapore for its solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, noting that both countries share concerns about terrorism and the duty of like-minded nations to fight it together.Against this backdrop, the cultural initiative and the strategic commitments reached during the visit highlight the breadth of the India-Singapore partnership, combining shared heritage with a forward-looking vision for growth.
US President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to adopt sweeping measures against China and Russia, insisting that coordinated action could bring a swift end to the war in Ukraine.In a letter issued to NATO nations on Saturday, Trump said he was ready to impose major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA.Criticising what he described as NATOs lack of resolve, Trump added: As you know, NATOS commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?He further pressed NATO to impose punitive tariffs on Beijing: I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip.Trump, who last month imposed additional 25% tariff on Indian goods over its continued imports of Russian oil, stopped short of imposing similar penalties on China, though he warned that secondary sanctions could follow.Framing the conflict as a failure of current leadership, Trump declared: This is not TRUMPS WAR (it would never have started if I was President!), it is Bidens and Zelenskyys WAR. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives  If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly  If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.


I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13 congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming the head of Nepals interim government, reaffirming Indias support for the peace, progress and prosperity of the neighbouring country.In a message on X, Modi lauded Karki a day after the former chief justice was sworn in as Nepals first woman prime minister.On September 12, Karki took oath as prime minister to head an interim government, bringing an end to days of political turmoil after KP Sharma Olis administration was forced to step down following a nationwide agitation against a social media ban.President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to the 73-year-old leader three days after Oli resigned, capping a period of unrest described as the worst Nepal has seen in decades.According to President Paudel, the new caretaker government led by Karki has been tasked with conducting parliamentary elections within six months.The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Nepals chief justice, senior government officials, security chiefs, and representatives of the diplomatic community.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Three Masvingo City councillors are facing imminent recall after being accused of supporting an independent candidate linked to former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, in a development that has once again exposed deep fractures within Zimbabwe's opposition.Councillors Esther Zishiri, Alaica Time, and Bernad Muchokwa allegedly campaigned for Struggle Nyahunda, an independent candidate in the upcoming Ward 7 by-election, who is widely believed to be aligned with Chamisa.The recalls are said to be driven by the camp of self-proclaimed interim CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, whose faction is backing rival independent candidate Prosper Tiringindi. The by-election has effectively become a proxy battle for control of the opposition in Masvingo.The CCC failed to field an official candidate, a lapse that has intensified internal blame-shifting. The Tshabangu-led camp has branded the councillors' support for Nyahunda as open defiance and grounds for expulsion.According to sources, recall letters have already been served, though the matter has not yet been formally tabled."This is purely a power play to show who is in charge. Their fate doesn't lie with the electorate but with the Tshabangu-led team, and here in Masvingo, that power ultimately rests with Rocky Kamuzonda," a source claimed.The vulnerability of Zishiri and Time is heightened by their entry into council through the proportional representation quota system, making them more dependent on party structures than the electorate."These two are especially exposed. They weren't directly elected by voters but seconded by the party, which makes recall threats an effective weapon," the source added.Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe stressed that the recalls are a party issue:"The recall of councillors is not within the jurisdiction of the local authority. This is a party process that follows its own procedures."Kamuzonda, the CCC Masvingo Secretary for Elections alleged to have authored the recall letters, declined to comment, referring inquiries to the divided national executive.The looming recalls underscore the turbulence rocking Zimbabwe's opposition, where recalls have become a common tool for factional purges. Under the constitution, only political partiesnot voterscan recall elected officials, leaving councillors and MPs vulnerable to internal power struggles rather than accountable to citizens.For Masvingo, the fallout threatens to weaken opposition representation in local governance, while raising concerns over the erosion of democratic accountability in favour of factional loyalty.
Legendary comedy film director Rob Reiner would never dig up an ancient classic just to cash a second paycheck  again.

Today marks the release of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the sequel to the 1984 cult-hit mockumentary about a declining rock band stumbling through what threatens to be their final tour. While  spoiler alert  David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls and Viv Savage managed to pull together and revive Spinal Taps live show in Japan by the end of This Is Spinal Tap, fans of the film and its fictional band have long assumed that, given the nearly half-century hiatus since their last public appearance, Spinal Tap was done with the big screen once Marty Di Bergi wrapped filming.

That all changed when Reiner and his collaborators won the rights to Spinal Tap and all its trademarks in late 2020, setting the stage for another comeback tour that launches tonight. However, Reiner promised in an interview with PEOPLE that his decision to direct Spinal Tap II: The End Continues does not mean that his other beloved films from the 1980s are in danger for their own geriatric sequel.

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Still, Reiner teased, look out for a certain Harry Burns making a cameo in Spinal Tap II.

When asked if When Harry Met Sally II: She's Still Having It is next on his list of projects, Reiner, 78, shot down the idea, and he somewhat unconvincingly claimed, I never wanted to do sequels. I dont like them. But, for the latest (and possibly not last) Spinal Tap film, Reiner has a caveat, as he added of the new release, To me, this is more of a 'Lets see where they are now,' than it is a sequel.

What kind of sequel do you have 41 years after the first? Oh, were trading on it. Its not that, Reiner insisted of Spinal Tap II. Like I said, its got to be a standalone. No, I dont usually think of that. Reiner then vaguely said of how he decides to start projects, I try to figure out where is my mind at that point, and can I find a way to push my own mind and sensibility into whatever it is Im trying to do. If I can figure out how to do that, Ill make a film.

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Whatever that means, its clear that When Harry Met Sally hasnt satisfied the undefined criteria that would earn further consideration from its director. However, star Billy Crystal doesnt stray far from his old pal Reiner, as the latter revealed that, after Crystal made a brief cameo as a waiter dressed as a mime in This Is Spinal Tap, the now-77-year-old film legend has another blink-and-youll-miss-it appearance in Spinal Tap II. I still see Billy  I had breakfast with him two days ago, Reiner revealed.

Hopefully Meg Ryan never joins them for that breakfast  we need to convince her that Reiner and Crystals breakfast spot only has whipped cream out of a can.
John Cleese got an operation and a show during a trip to the doctors office.

The Fawlty Towers star shared an unexpected fan interaction, recalling the moment his dermatologist invoked Monty Python and the Holy Grail after removing a small patch of pre-cancerous skin from his arm.

He sliced it off and sewed it up, very mild, Cleese explained during an interview with Florida radio station, WOKV. Instead of bandaging the actor up and sending him back to his usual routine of decrying the state of British comedy and beefing with his former co-stars, the doctor couldnt help but broach the Black Knight on his way out.

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He said, Tis only a scratch, Cleese remembered.

Surprisingly, the notoriously curmudgeonly comic wasnt annoyed by this interaction. Its lovely when things that youve said kind of become public property, Cleese explained, noting he hears Tis only a scratch more than any of his other lines while engaging with fans. Its a very great compliment.

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The actor, who is currently promoting his ongoing tour, Not Dead Yet: John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50, shared that he also enjoys interacting with fans from the stage. Its great to see an audience rocking with laughter, he said, noting that he experienced this during recent performances of his Fawlty Towers-inspired stage show in London.

I love getting there and just watching an audience laughing together, and I tell you something, its good for us, he continued. When we laugh, particularly when we laugh with other people, it lifts our spirits.

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Considering all of Cleeses recent statements about his former castmates and TV broadcasters, were just happy hes still able to look on the bright side of something.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Veteran Zimpapers journalist George Maponga has been re-elected president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) after defeating NewsDay's Jairos Saunyama by 37 votes to 19.The elections, held during the union's congress, also saw changes in other key posts. For the vice presidency, Mary Taruvinga won ahead of Skies Metro FM's Sibonginkosi Maphosa.The Organising Secretary post went to Emmanuel Kafe, who edged Newshawks journalist Brenner Matendetere 2725 in a runoff after an initial 2828 tie. Another runoff decided the second committee member slot, with Siphathisiwe Mpofu securing 25 votes against Miriam Mangwaya's 19.The congress adopted a leaner national executive structure and approved a new constitution aimed at revitalising ZUJ.General Secretary Perfect Hlongwane, re-elected unopposed, pledged to continue championing journalists' welfare."I am pleased to be re-elected and will work hard to find solutions to the issues affecting the lives of journalists," Hlongwane said.In his acceptance speech, Maponga promised to strengthen ZUJ's engagement with stakeholders."The union will continue working to transform the media sector and address pressing challenges," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The UN General Assembly approved a resolution advanced by France and Saudi Arabia on Friday, which supports the advancement of an "irreversible" path to Palestinian statehood.The resolution was approved by a majority of 142 countries, with 10 voting against and 12 abstaining, on the "New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution."The declaration endorsed by the resolution says the war in Gaza "must end now" and support the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission mandated by the UN Security Council.The United States described the vote as "yet another misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt" that undermined serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict."Make no mistake, this resolution is a gift to Hamas," US diplomat Morgan Ortagus told the General Assembly. "Far from promoting peace, the conference has already prolonged the war, emboldened Hamas and harmed the prospects of peace in both short and long term."Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded to the resolution, stating, "This one-sided declaration will not be remembered as a step toward peace, only as another hollow gesture that weakens this Assemblys credibilityThis is not diplomacy. It is theatre."The only beneficiary is HamasWhen terrorists are the ones cheering, you are not advancing peace; you are advancing terror.The resolution calls for the Palestinian Authority to assume leadership of a Palestinian state with appropriate international support and demands Hamas end its control of Gaza.The seven-page declaration condemns the attacks by Israel against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, siege and starvation, "which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis."French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the resolution secured the international isolation of Hamas."For the first time today, the United Nations adopted a text condemning it for its crimes and calling for its surrender and disarmament," he said in an X post.The issue of Palestinian statehood gained new momentum over the past two years as numerous countries voiced their criticism of the war in Gaza.Israeli authorities have been vocally critical of plans to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing such a move would reward Hamas for its terrorism and perpetuate future violence.International bodies have expressed a preference that the Palestinian Authority would take over leadership of a Palestinian state, despite having been ousted from the Gaza Strip nearly 20 years ago. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the PA would not have a role in governing the Strip.
'Courage is committing yourself to the correct course of action, regardless of the cost associated to it.'

Those were the words of the late Charlie Kirk, when asked by a 13-year-old girl at one of his rallies what advice he had for her.

'Aristotle said that courage is the ultimate virtue,' he told her with his usual eloquence. 'Without it, there are no other virtues. If people aren't courageous, you don't have honesty. You don't have justice.

'So at age 13, I want you to commit yourself to a life of courage. Courage is doing the right thing when you don't know how it's going to work out.'

Sadly for Kirk and his family  his wife Erika and their two young children  he paid the ultimate price for that courage. Yesterday the FBI confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, whom they allege was his killer.

Kirk, whether you agreed with him or not, was always fearless in his commitment to expressing his views and to the rights of others to challenge him.

There was no arena he would not enter, no stage he would not brave in his desire to openly confront the most thorny and contentious issues of our time, from abortion and trans rights to gun control, 'critical race theory' and religious faith.

He could be extremely provocative, and some of his opinions were definitely hard to stomach.

Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University shortly before his assassination

For example, however much one queries positive discrimination, it doesn't help your cause to say things such as: 'If I'm dealing with somebody in customer service who's a moronic black woman, I wonder: is she there because of her excellence, or is she there because affirmative action?'

Or: 'If I see a black pilot, I'm going to be like, boy, I hope he's qualified.'

Likewise, he had no truck with notions of sexual equality.

When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged last month, he urged her: 'Submit to your husband, Taylor. You're not in charge.'

And as for the idea that if his young daughter were raped at the age of ten and became pregnant he would force her to carry the baby to term, I'm afraid I just thought that was deeply odd.

But that's not really the point. Just because you disagree with someone does not mean you should shut them down, otherwise life becomes one big pointless echo chamber. Everybody has the right to be offended.

Arguably it's better to have these views out in the open than suppressed and festering  and that was what Kirk was really about.

He believed trouble begins when people stop talking. In that respect, he was utterly devoted to keeping all channels of communication wide open, regardless of the vitriol he faced or the reactions he elicited.

And part of the reason he was so inflammatory was because he knew that was often the only way to get people to engage. He was happy to debate anyone about anything, and his quick-thinking, clear-sighted logic and his mastery of the facts often reduced his opponents to gibbering wrecks.

Charlie Kirk with his wife Erika and their two young children

He was a ruthless skewerer of flimflammery, wokery and intellectual indolence, which made many people very angry.

Entire careers and reputations can be (and are) destroyed in a matter of seconds by mindless mobs where bigotry masquerades as compassion.

Moral cowardice is often the easiest and safest course of action, but he had the courage to stand up and be counted warts and all. And for that, he was killed.

The fact he died for what he believed in will be little consolation to his grieving family. But if you believe that freedom of speech is the battleground of our time, Kirk was not only a fearless warrior, he was also a hero.

He belongs up there with the likes of JK Rowling, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Salman Rushdie, Douglas Murray and Jordan Peterson.

Like all these people, he dared to say what many could not admit and didn't want to hear  and still don't want to hear.

That is why in the wake of his death so many on the Left have been celebrating, with no regard for the fact he was a father of young children, nor that this was an unprovoked attack on a defenceless man.

The important thing to them was that someone who had repeatedly and successfully challenged their narrative had been eliminated.

A powerful and persuasive voice of dissent had finally been silenced.

Hence the glee of the Oxford Union President-Elect George Abaraonye who, having debated Kirk earlier in the year on the subject of toxic masculinity, posted 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f***ing go' to a WhatsApp group, plus on his Instagram account wrote 'Charlie Kirk got shot loool'.

Or the peevish response of author Nels Abbey, who compared Kirk to David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, on Good Morning Britain.

To them  and to the many others gloating and celebrating  this is vindication. They are so blinded by their righteousness they cannot see the man, the husband, the father, the human being  they only see the politics.

His refusal to subscribe to their worldview made him sub-human, Untermensch, in much the same way that to hardline supporters of Palestine, the murder, rape and mutilation of Jewish women and festival-goers on October 7 remains an irrelevance.

Liberals are right  and anyone who dares challenge them is not only wrong, but also evil.

That is a fundamental distinction and it informs so much of the current political climate. For decades, those to the Right in politics have been characterised as closed-minded, short-sighted, bigoted and uncaring. The assumption has been that if you are a liberal, you are automatically good and kind, whereas if you hold more traditional views, you are intellectually and emotionally rigid.

But that trope no longer applies, if it ever did.

The most intransigent bigots these days are to be found in the ranks of the so-called liberal Left, those whose ideological entitlement leads them to insist they have a right to impose their beliefs on others.

Anyone who disobeys or pushes back against them must be punished to destruction, as we have seen time and again with the likes of Graham Linehan and others.

That is what Kirk set out to challenge. Except Kirk did not believe his detractors were evil (although his religious faith meant he saw them as lost souls), he simply thought they were wrong and wanted to explain to them why. He didn't jeer or mock his opponents, as so many have done in the wake of his death, he didn't rub his hands in glee at their discomfort or lose his temper at their insults.

He would just continue to press his case calmly and respectfully  which only seemed to enrage his opponents more.

There were inevitably moments where he lost his patience, but usually only under extreme provocation. He also took his fight to a sector of society that few dared to challenge: the self-assured callow youth, the intellectual equivalent of the petulant toddler who won't eat his or her peas.

He calmly and steadily spoon-fed them an alternative narrative  and in many cases they swallowed it.

Many still reviled him for his views, but others were convinced. This made him an extremely powerful ally of US conservatism but also extremely dangerous  especially to the American Left.

Republicans had all but given up on capturing younger voters, but Kirk willingly led them to the conservative cause.

Meanwhile, the Democrats  who, like the Labour party here, always considered the young to be 'theirs'  found their assumptions challenged. The one thing they thought they could rely on  the youth vote  was no longer a slam-dunk.

Kirk's actions led to large-scale political disruption. He challenged the status quo and in so doing rewired the political landscape.

Whether his actions were right or wrong depends very much on one's point of view, but what is undeniable is he built a huge following through his organisation Turning Point USA and arguably reshaped the views of an entire generation. He has been called a 'Cicero for the TikTok age', and in many ways that's true.

But he was also a kind of Pied Piper: someone who, with his tens of millions of online followers, knew how to make the youth dance to his tune.

He spoke their language and understood how to engage them, making full use of explosive short-form clips, memes and other 'grabby' content.

Crucially, by framing conservatism and conservative views as a form of youthful counter-culture, he managed to make traditional ideas seem cool and edgy.

He mounted relentless incursions into territory that had previously been the domain of the Left.

He not only invaded their 'safe spaces' on college campuses, but also played them at their own game online by deploying many of their own tactics against them.

He also gave shy conformists cowed by an intimidatory and intolerant Left a voice.

Young people finally had permission to reject the prevailing narrative, the relentless peer pressure around incendiary issues such as trans rights and the Middle East.

He was in many ways a liberator of opinions, a freedom fighter for ideas. His assassination won't end any of that.

Indeed, if anything, it will reinforce his influence posthumously. And there will inevitably be many queuing up to take his place.

Which is why, of course, many of his detractors are suggesting his death was engineered by his own side to make him a martyr, just as they thought the assassination attempts on Donald Trump were staged by Republicans for similar reasons and Israel engineered the October 7 massacre in order to give itself an excuse to launch an all-out attack on Gaza.

Such victim-blaming is the stock response of the liberal bigot when they can't accept the notion of their own side being in the wrong.

Kirk's death could be an opportunity for America's political poles to move closer, for opposing tribes to lower their weapons, take a few steps back and take stock.

Sadly, we have already seen from the response of his critics that is not to be.

America's culture war is on the brink of becoming a civil war, one which threatens to divide the nation at a time when, more than ever, it needs to come together.

And the same is true of the UK. The less the voices of dissent among us are tolerated, the more people's opinions  however unpalatable  are silenced, the deeper the dissatisfaction grows.

The roots of discontent burrow into the soil of our national consciousness, quietly growing in the dark. Kirk fearlessly shone a light on all that.

He practised what he preached, and as per his advice to that 13-year-old girl, he was courageous to the very end. Regardless, as he said himself, of the cost.
Can it be three years since I queued almost all night to see the late Queen Elizabeth lying in state? It is. I hope I shall never forget that heartsore evening of mixed feelings, the kind and friendly people, the beautiful autumn light over the Thames in flood, fading into a soft darkness as we trudged for miles.

And then the deep silence as I finally entered Westminster Hall, footsore and genuinely reverent, filed past the catafalque and stepped out into the darkness of the new age, with one glance over my shoulder at the rapidly receding past.

It had not really sunk in, even then. I had been in Strasbourg in France when the news came and was surprisingly moved by the response of the French, who are, if anything, more monarchist than we are.

The tricolour over the city hall sank to half-mast. The mighty bell of the cathedral boomed out 96 times, once for each year of her life, loud enough to be heard in Germany across the Rhine.

It took the Queens actual funeral, and above all the moment when the sceptre, orb and crown were lifted from her coffin, to bring it home. A little shudder went through me  a shudder of knowledge that something good had gone out of the world and that something else, grey, dank and small, had taken its place.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her funeral in 2022

This is little or nothing to do with the people involved. I am a hard political monarchist, not a sentimental royalist. I rejoice in the way the awful James II was chased out of the country and have never felt an ounce of sympathy for the petulant Edward VIII. Good riddance. I am as uninterested in the personal lives of the Royal Family as they are uninterested in mine.

But Elizabeth II, simply by continuing to live for so long, had kept something alive in the country, something that had existed when she was crowned but had been under determined attack for most of the years since then. As long as she lived, a benevolent spell kept the small-minded, sour future at bay. A little trace of chivalry, of justice, of honour, had lingered around the streets and squares of the capital. And now it was dispersing, fading, breaking, leaving us under a new, more worldly dispensation. As I walked very slowly homewards after the lying-in-state, Tennysons lines:

How thin and clear,

And thinner, clearer, farther going!

O, sweet and far from cliff and scar

The horns of Elfland faintly blowing

came to mind. I have often heard people say, in the last few months, they feel the country has become rudderless since the Queens death. I think that is about right.

A strange silence on Trump's gunman

The unspeakable murder of Charles Kirk reminded me of how little we still know about the attempted assassination of Kirks friend Donald Trump in July 2024.

I assumed we would eventually learn everything we needed to know about Thomas Crooks, who was shot dead at the scene.

I suspected he was, like most such killers, crazy, probably thanks to marijuana. But I know from experience that most big news organisations are either not interested in such stuff or actively suppress it.

Can anyone direct me to the origin of a claim reported back then that Crooks had lived with his grandparents for a time before moving on after they caught him using drugs and told him off?

Thomas Crooks shot at Donald Trump during a pre-election rally in Pennsylvania last year

Why I'm nostalgic for the Cold War

A few unconventional thoughts about Russia and Poland, after Russian drones entered Polish airspace and lots of silly people predicted a Third World War.

A much bigger and riskier event took place in the sea off Poland in 2022, when persons unknown blew up the concrete-sheathed undersea Moscow-owned Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.

The man who is now Polands Foreign Minister, former Bullingdon Club member Radek Sikorski, drew the same conclusions as every other informed person in the world. He tweeted exultantly: Thank you, USA!

But alas for the very anti-Putin Radek, his words were seized on by the Kremlin propaganda machine. Far too late, he deleted the tweet. Perhaps his American wife told him off. The US government has been denying ever since that it had anything to do with these explosions, just as Russia is denying that it deliberately sent drones into Polish airspace. I do enjoy a good denial.

But I invite you to wonder what would happen if Russias decrepit navy managed to blow up an American oil pipeline in, say, the Gulf of Mexico, even if the Kremlin then denied it was them.

Poland hated the pipeline because they saw it as an alliance between Germany and Russia, something they quite understandably fear. There is more than one Big Bad Wolf in the forests of Europe, as Poland has good reason to know.

A couple of weeks ago, on the exact spot in Gdansk where Germany started the Second World War, Polands fiercely nationalist new president Karol Nawrocki called on Berlin to pay reparations for its brutal invasion of Poland in 1939.

The whole of Europe is scarred by resentments and memories of this sort. Modern statesmen seem strangely ready to revive them. I am increasingly nostalgic for the Cold War.
To properly understand the crisis that has detonated beneath Keir Starmers government with the firing of Peter Mandelson, you first have to understand this. It isnt actually Keir Starmers government at all. Look around his administration and you will notice a common thread running through it. One that leads all the way back to Tony Blair and the New Labour administration of 1997.

First, there is Mandelson himself. The common perception is he returned from the political wilderness last December to become Starmers man in Washington. But in reality, he was already exerting his Machiavellian  his critics would say malign  influence via his close friendship with Starmers senior aide Morgan McSweeney. Morgan and Peter were in constant contact, a minister told me.

Officially Mandelson was ambassador to the US. But in truth he had control over huge swathes of British foreign policy. Inside the Foreign Office people began to call Mandelson the real Foreign Secretary, one official recalled.

In fact, he nearly was Foreign Secretary. Im told that prior to the election, serious consideration was given to formally appointing him to the role, in a parallel of Lord Camerons shock appointment by Rishi Sunak. But it was reportedly opposed by Sue Gray, Starmers then chief of staff, who had a number of concerns, including issues over security vetting.

Im told that prior to the election, serious consideration was given to formally appointing Peter Mandelson, pictured left with Starmer, to the role of Foreign Secretary

As a result of which he had to content himself with again pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Though they were significant strings. On the day of Angela Rayners resignation, he was seen slipping into Downing Street. Officially, it was for a pre-arranged meeting to discuss Donald Trumps state visit. But according to ministers, it was actually to assist McSweeney with the reshuffle.

So former senior Blairite adviser Peter Mandelson sat across British foreign policy. And to assist him, a month before his own appointment, former senior Blairite adviser Jonathan Powell was drafted in to take charge of the national security apparatus, replacing Sir Tim Barrow as National Security Adviser.

On the same day as Powells appointment, it was also revealed former senior Blairite adviser Liz Lloyd had been appointed to direct the development and implementation of the Governments policy agenda.

And Lloyd was in good and familiar company. Because the day after the election it had been announced that former senior Blairite adviser Pat McFadden had been placed in charge of the Cabinet Office, responsible for aligning the Governments political and delivery strategy.

The three most important people in the Government are Morgan McSweeney, Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden, a minister told me. After Keir Starmer? I enquired. No, they replied.

And that isnt the end of it. Two weeks ago it was announced former senior Blairite adviser Tim Allan had been drafted in to take up the role of Downing Street director of communications. It also emerged that close friend and ally of Peter Mandelson, Peter Kyle, had just been given the role of Business Secretary. Meanwhile, another close ally and friend of Mandelson, Wes Streeting, was being installed as the bookies favourite to replace Starmer as next Labour leader following Rayners departure.

Under Keir Starmers premiership, former senior advisers to Tony Blair, pictured, have been placed in charge of British foreign policy, national security apparatus and more

You can see the pattern here. Under Keir Starmers putative premiership, former senior advisers to Tony Blair have been placed in charge of British foreign policy, Britains national security apparatus, Britains national policy development and implementation, the management of Britains political and delivery strategy, and the direction of the British Governments communications strategy. By proxy, former senior advisers to Tony Blair have also been placed in charge of Britains global business strategy, the nations health policy, and are being lined up as a likely replacement for Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Oh, and Tony Blairs former fundraiser Lord Alli  also a good friend of Peter Mandelson  has been running around buying the Prime Ministers suits.

Over the past few days, ministers and MPs have been watching with increasing bemusement and horror at Starmers attempts to lash himself to Mandelson, even though it was becoming clear to everyone with half a political brain cell he would have to go. How can he not see how disastrous this is? said one despairing minister.

But Keir Starmer could see. The problem was, his entire government had basically become a giant Blairite Jenga Tower. And by pulling out and discarding the brick that was Mandelson, he risked bringing the whole facade crashing down around him.

As he still might. This weekend the Prime Minister is waiting in trepidation to see if Mandelson will wreak revenge for his sacking. The fear is Peter has decided to take Keir down with him, one official told me. So how has Starmer got himself into this mess? Why did a man who didnt really have ideological synergy with the Blairites sub-contract his own political project to them?

Partly its because he has very few allies in government. And those who were with him at the start of his political journey  such as his first Shadow Chancellor, Anneliese Dodds  have quickly fallen by the wayside.

Another explanation is that for all their faults  and Peter Mandelson has had enough for three full-blown scandals all of his own  the Blairites provided the hands-on experience that Starmer and other members of his team were lacking. Though the boast the grown-ups are back in charge now looks laughably  or tragically  misjudged. But the main reason is that Keir Starmer simply has no coherent vision or strategy.

As the first tortuous year of government has brutally exposed, the Ming vase he carefully curated during his journey into government was empty. There is nothing there. Starmer literally has no idea what he wants to do with power, save for keeping it out of the hands of Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch. So its really no wonder he fell under Peter Mandelsons seductive spell.

Soon after Starmer was elected, Mandelson was telling friends he believed Labours new leader had come badly unstuck. But as the polls started to turn, Mandelson again began demonstrating the knack for aligning himself with wealth and power that would ultimately prove his downfall.

Even though they were not close socially, in 2023 Starmer was one of only a small number of serving politicians to attend Mandelsons wedding. And by the time Labour entered power, Mandelson had again manoeuvred himself into a position where he was a senior  if discreet  member of the Labour inner circle. With the disastrous results everyone can now see.

There is now speculation the Mandelson affair could prove a crisis too far for Starmer. The deputy leadership election triggered by Rayners resignation has become a de-facto referendum on his premiership.

The scandal has driven a wedge between the Prime Minister and McSweeney. And questions remain about the vetting process surrounding Mandelsons appointment, and why the full nature of his relationship with Epstein was not revealed.

But those looking on with bemusement at the implosion of Keir Starmers government are missing the point. It has never really been his government. And now it probably never will be.
There's only one place where you can expect to find jellyfish, dolphins and elephants altogether: the school gates.

Throw into the mix tigers, helicopters and lawnmowers, and there can be no doubt that the topic in question is 'parenting tribes'.

Shorthand for different approaches to raising children, these titles are used to 'break down complex parent-child dynamics,' according to psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani, author of 'High Functioning Anxiety'.

And, while many parents claim not to be aligned with any of these tribes - instead believing a child's development demands an approach that is, above all, flexible - that hasn't reduced their currency either online or offline.

If helicopter and tiger parents - or, specifically, 'tiger-mums' after the 2011 Sunday Times bestseller 'Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother' - are now easily identifiable, some of the other tribes are more novel.

The different approaches to childrearing exist on a spectrum that, to put it simply, runs from free and easy (jellyfish) to utterly overbearing (lawnmowers and helicopters).

While there is some overlap, dolphins, elephants and tigers generally occupy the space between the two.

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Mail, Dr Suglani, who is based in Birmingham, deciphers the different terms, helping mothers and fathers better understand their own parenting style - and look at ways to adjust.

The different approaches to childrearing exist on a spectrum that, to put it simply, runs from free and easy (jellyfish) to utterly overbearing (lawnmowers and helicopters) (stock photo)

Jellyfish

In a video that's been viewed more than 400,000 times, US 'parenting educator' and mother-of-two Dr Vanessa Lapointe contrasts a very strict parent and an extremely relaxed one.

All those familiar with a jellyfish - distinctive for its squishiness, pliability and lack of backbone (it has no skeleton) - will understand why the marine animal was selected to describe a 'looser' parenting style.

Vanessa characterises the jellyfish parent as someone who is 'easily overwhelmed' and is 'spineless and passive'.

In the video she says jellyfish parenting is to be avoided - along with the bully or, more crudely, 'a******' who 'barks' at their children.

According to the educator, who has 158,800 followers on TikTok, jellyfish parents are similarly 'guilt-ridden and worried'.

She says: 'Your children will be in the lead of you. You're not growing them up. You're running from behind and trying to catch up with them.'

In terms of how they behave with their children, jellyfish parents might not plan their kids' schedule, instead championing independence and freedom.

Dr Suglani agreed that the jellyfish metaphor 'captures a parenting style that lacks boundaries, rules and consistency,' but also acknowledged some positive traits.

While there is some overlap, dolphins, elephants and tigers generally occupy the space between the two (stock photo)

'Emotionally warm, but permissive, [jellyfish parents have] few expectations or consequences,' she said.

And, given that they tend to 'avoid conflict or discipline', their approach to parenting 'can leave a child without the structure they need to feel secure and learn limits.

Tiger

When Yale Law professor and mother-of-two Amy Chua published 'Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother' in 2011, she received both enthusiastic support and vehement criticism.

The book soon popularised the term 'tiger-mum', which, almost 15 years on, has become a synonym for a very strict parent.

Dr Suglani says: 'Tigers are powerful, strict, and fearsome, and they demand excellence and control.'

Tiger parents adopt an authoritarian approach to raising their offspring and, driven by success, they are extremely demanding.

They are focused on discipline and achievement and, as such, have low emotional responsiveness to their children, according to Dr Suglani.

Drawing attention to the risks that tiger parenting can pose to a child, she added: 'Like a tiger preparing its cub to survive in a harsh world, this approach may create external success, but often at the cost of emotional connection and self-worth.'

Tiger parents adopt an authoritarian approach to raising their offspring and, driven by success, they are extremely demanding (stock photo)

Dolphin

Dolphins are known to be intelligent, friendly and collaborative creatures.

This style of parenting, Dr Suglani pointed out, reflects healthy balance, with dolphin mothers and fathers generally 'playful but protective, communicative but independent.'

Indeed, the Canada-based psychiatrist Dr Shimi Kang - who coined the term with the 2014 book 'The Dolphin Way: A parent's guide to raising healthy, happy and motivated kids without turning them into a tiger' - described the dolphin as being 'the balance' of the permissive jellyfish and authoritarian tiger.

Writing in Psychology Today, she said: 'Like the body of the dolphin, these parents are firm yet flexible. Dolphin parents have rules and expectations but also value independence.'

Their key characteristics include their 'high warmth and high guidance,' added Dr Suglani.

They tend to encourage 'autonomy with structure' and are responsive and emotionally attuned.

The UK psychologist said: 'Like dolphins swimming in synchrony, this parent works with their child, not above or beneath them.'

And, while she believes that 'no one style is universally best', Dr Suglani pointed out that dolphin parenting 'aligns closely with authoritative parenting' - not to be confused with authoritarian parenting.

Authoritative parenting 'consistently supports positive developmental outcomes such as confidence, empathy, resilience and secure attachment.'

Elephant

'Think gentle giant as opposed to stampeding beast,' said the website Fatherly when discussing elephant parenting.

Experts agreed that this approach - somewhat confusingly - belies the image of the world's largest land animal lumbering around, stamping out whatever lies in its way.

Rather, its elephants' other characteristics which have earnt the huge mammal a place in the modern parenting ecosystem.

'Elephants are known for strong family bonds, emotional intelligence and protective instincts,' explained Dr Suglani.

'The elephant parent is deeply nurturing and attachment-focused, sometimes to the point of overprotection.'

Elephant parents, according to Dr Suglani, tend to be 'highly involved' with their children and capable of providing emotional support.

Fatherly added: 'When kids are younger, elephant parents are more likely to rush to their childs aid when they take a tumble on the playground and more likely to co-sleep or, at the very least, cuddle their child to sleep longer than other parents.'

While their emphasis on closeness and security may help children to feel at ease and comfortable in their own shoes, the tribe can be slow to encourage independence.

What's more, this approach may be masking unresolved issues from the parent's own childhood.

Dr Suglani said: 'This parenting style often stems from a deep desire to shield children from the pain the parent may have experienced.'

Helicopter

Helicopter parents - like the aircraft they are named after - hover constantly over their children, said Dr Suglani.

'Always nearby and ready to swoop in,' helicopter parents are 'hyper-vigilant and overly involved in every aspect of their child's life.'

A form of micromanaging, which sees mothers and fathers exert control over every aspect of their offspring's experience, helicopter parenting is equally 'anxious and fear-driven'.

It may, therefore, limit a child's ability to develop autonomy, Dr Suglani added. She said: 'Constant surveillance might make a parent feel reassured but, for the child, it can feel like distrust, preventing them from building independence and confidence.'

Lawnmower

Just as a lawnmower powers through long grass, smoothing the path ahead, lawnmower parents seek to remove any and every obstacle their child may encounter.

While their instinct to make life as frictionless as possible for their offspring may appear to be a good one, their particular brand of overprotectiveness prevents kids from learning naturally through experience, according to Dr Suglani.

She added: 'While the short-term effect is safety, children raised this way may struggle when real-life difficulties arise because they were never allowed to face them.'

Is there a better approach?

'Start with connection, not perfection,' Dr Suglani suggested to parents. 'Whats often most effective is attuned or conscious parenting, where you are emotionally responsive (not reactive) and developmentally appropriate while setting age-appropriate boundaries.'

Parents should equally be aware that children will highlight their shadow parts - the parts of themselves that have not healed - and should avoid projecting their own unmet childhood needs onto their offspring.

'What matters most is repair, consistency and being present enough to learn with your child', the psychologist said. 'Children don't need perfect parents - they need authentic ones, who reflect, attune and grow alongside them.'

Dr Suglani was eager to point out that all parents will get things wrong - and that's fine. After all, being a parent does not come with a definitive manual.
Pret a Manger this week revealed its plans to roll out a meal deal in the UK in the final three months of this year.

The announcement marks the chain's latest strategy to 'double down' on delivering strong value in a bid to win over customers following an arguably tumultuous past few years for the company.

Opening its first store in London in 1986, it quickly became the go-to spot for office workers in the city, thanks to its combination of quick service, fresh sandwiches, and organic coffees, which helped revolutionize the traditional lunch break.

In the years that followed, it enjoyed skyrocketing popularity, serving, at its peak, 1.4 million coffees a day in the UK alone, building 450 stores, and expanding its empire across the world.

However, customer loyalty may have come under threat in recent times, including after the tragic death of a teenage girl in 2016 who suffered a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a mislabeled Pret baguette.

The lunchtime chain later delivered a blow to vegetarians after it shut all of its vegetarian-only stores and converted them into normal outlets after a slump in demand for meat-free sandwiches.

Changes continued earlier this year when Pret revealed it was scrapping its popular loyalty scheme that allowed customers free coffees up to five times a day and a 20 percent discount on food.

Now, no doubt in a bid to keep fans happy, the brand will roll out a meal deal format from next week, which will include deals for customers to buy a croissant and a drink, as well as a deal for a sandwich, drink, and crisps.

Pret a Manger is attempting to keep customers happy by launching a new meal deal from next week (stock image)

The company's darkest moment came in 2016 when teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died after suffering a severe allergic nut reaction to sesame seeds contained in a Pret baguette.

She was travelling home with her father and her friend from a dream trip to Nice on July 17, 2016.

She had an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette just before boarding the British Airways flight but within an hour she had lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.

The high-street chain had failed to label its packaging and disclose that the sandwich contained sesame seeds - a fatal ingredient for Natasha.

The coroner at the inquest into her death criticised Pret's 'inadequate' food labelling and said the business had not taken the issue of food allergies seriously enough.

Natasha's Law was passed in the fallout of the tragedy, which has forced all food retailers to clearly label all foods packed and produced on their premises with a complete list of ingredients.

Before the law came into place, there was a gap in legislation which meant producers did not have to put ingredient or allergen labels on food that was made on-site.

Following her death, Pret released the following statement, 'We are deeply sorry for the loss of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died after eating a Pret baguette containing sesame. I said we would learn from this tragedy and ensure meaningful changes result from it.'

Since opening its first store in 1986, Pret has enjoyed skyrocketing popularity, serving at its peak 1.4million coffees and day in the UK alone (stock image)

The chain made a shock announcement that it would scrap its 'too good to be true' Club Pret subscription scheme (stock image)

The wildly popular membership used to give customers five barista-made drinks a day for 30 a month - but it has now been scrapped

The brand outlined the allergen label changes that it planned to roll out before concluding, 'I hope this sets us on course to drive change in the industry and ensure customers with allergies are as protected and informed as possible. Nothing is more important to Pret right now.'

Pret was later forced to close all of its vegetarian-only stores and convert them into normal outlets due to a slump in demand for meat-free sandwiches.

The move marked an end to the concept that was introduced nine years ago as veganism's popularity continues to wane.

At its peak, there were 10 Veggie Prets across the UK and, in 2019, the High Street brand had been planning to convert more until the pandemic grounded their ambitions.

But perhaps Pret's biggest challenge came in 2020 when Covid struck - killing off dozens of businesses that relied on workers on their daily commute.

A wave of lockdowns saw the closure of offices, and in turn, a steep drop in Pret's regular footfall - putting a hole in its finances.

In 2020, the chain warned of 'material uncertainties' as sales plummeted causing them to permanently closed 74 outlets in the UK and 22 in the US.

Pret's chief executive said the impact of social distancing had been 'severe' and has changed consumer habits.

Since it was founded in the 1980s, co-founders Julian Metcalfe, an old Harrovian, and his university friend Sinclair Beecham, have spent decades building up the brand and its reputation

Pret's UK managing director Clare Clough message to subscribers about the changes to its subscription model

The British sandwich market is worth 7 billion a year, still smaller than its pre-pandemic levels of 8bn. Many workers are continuing to work from home on Mondays and Fridays in particular.

Then came the wildly popular membership that gave customers five barista-made drinks a day for 30 a month.

The coffee chain broke the news in an email to Club Pret subscribers in which they told customers it was 'time to rethink how it works', with the current deal having been running for the previous four years.

Launched at the height of the pandemic in September 2020, it was aimed at enticing customers working from their homes back out and into the store.

But the scheme proved more popular than bosses had ever imagined, piling strain on the firm's workers. Initially, Pret's chief executive, Pano Christou, expected 2-3,000 people to sign up on the first day, but by 3pm that day the figure was already 16,500.

By April 2023, according to the company's own figures, the subscription scheme was being used a staggering 1.25million times per week.

Business chiefs claimed the scheme was so popular it was actually denting business - with some claiming it echoed the Hoover free flights fiasco three decades earlier, when the vacuum cleaning firm offered trips to America worth 600 for every purchase over 100.

On this occasion, the company had to row back on the offer when customer engagement far outstripped expectations.

The company's darkest moment came in 2016 when teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse (pictured) died after suffering a severe allergic nut reaction to sesame seeds contained in a Pret baguette

Natasha had an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette (pictured on the flight, moments before she died) just before boarding the British Airways flight but within an hour she had lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest

The price for drinks listed at the Pret store at High Street Kensington station, West London, last year

Pictured: Julian Metcalfe, who set up the Pret a Manger shops in the 1980s

Julian Metcalfe pictured at The Connaught in London in October 2013. He sold his shares in Pret in 2018

For Pret, a similar struggle was on the cards. With coffees costing upwards of 3 per drink, its Club Pret initiative meant customers could guzzle their way through 450 worth of drinks for just 30 a month.

In reality, it is unlikely anyone claimed the full offer. However, the more industry subscribers could potentially offer out their leftover drinks to friends and family who aren't paying to be part of the 'club'.

And that is precisely what happened, prompting Pret to clampdown on it and demand customers log in to its own app every day if they wanted to claim their allocated drinks - no longer allowing screenshots of the codes to be used.

However, the app update caused some customers to mysteriously lose their loyalty bonuses sometimes when they logged in - inspiring a wave of complaints.

The huge demand created by the app reportedly forced Pret's staff to go into overdrive in a desperate bid to keep up with customers.

There were even stories of some staff members switching off the iced coffee machines and telling customers they were broken because they didn't have time to make them all.

One former Pret employee claimed it put workers under 'unbelievable pressure'.

'They suddenly threw thousands of extra people at the staff without the right equipment to cope with the demand,' the worker said, reported the Telegraph.

Pret was also forced to close all of its vegetarian-only stores and convert them into normal outlets due to a slump in demand for meat-free sandwiches. Pictured: The Veggie Pret store on Broadwick Street in Soho, London, in 2017

The remaining Veggie Pret stores are all now selling meat products like this Chicken and Butternut Risotto Soup

The Veggie Pret on Great Eastern Street in London's Soho was reopened as a standard Pret a Manager

'It has been heartbreaking for the staff and for the customers because trust and loyalty between them were always very important. Now the staff are having to deal with a good many people feeling upset.'

But Pret is not the only cafe-style store to struggle to make a subscription service work. Krispy Kreme, which is owned by the same parent company, has just scrapped its own Sip & Save subscription scheme, launched in May 2021.

The director of the British Sandwich & Food to Go Association Jim Winship said he does not expect other companies to follow Pret's example of a subscription scheme.

But Pret faced opposition as soon as it was founded in the 1980s from a failed independent shop in Hampstead. It was three years before the co-founders managed to open its second outlet.

Since then co-founders Julian Metcalfe, an old Harrovian, and his university friend Sinclair Beecham, have spent decades building up the brand and its reputation.

The pair wanted staff to be chosen for their cheery disposition rather than experience, and allowed employees to give away coffees at random to customers they felt deserved it.

Customers also felt they were part of a social movement because unsold food was given away to homeless people and food banks - something that is still done today.

Metcalfe sold his stake in Pret in 2018, and the company is now 90 per cent owned by JAB, the Luxembourg-based investment vehicle of the Reimann family of Germany.

Pret's chief executive said the impact of social distancing had been 'severe' and has changed consumer habits. Pictured: Customers adhere to social distancing as they queue to enter a recently re-opened Pret-A-Manger

He recently told The Telegraph the company has 'let down' the customers he worked so hard to attract.

But Pret remains positive about its future and has claimed the business is in good health and has recovered well since the pandemic.

In July last year Pret, returned to profitability for the first time since 2018, with revenue reaching 790m.

In the first half of 2023 sales reached 429m, up 20 per cent from 2022.

In September last year, Pret reported that sales rose by 10 per cent in the first half of 2024.

And since 2021, the company has opened in seven new markets (now operating in 18), beating its target of five new entries by end-2023.

This year, Pret is expected to open just under 150 locations globally, and it will be the second year in a row where Pret has opened more shops outside of the UK than in the UK.

Internationally, Pret plans to reach 1,000-1,500 locations in the coming years and will have over 500 shops in the UK by the end of 2024.

A Pret spokesperson said: '2024 was another year of growth for Pret, with sales up 10 per cent reaching 1.2bn for the first time. This follows sales growth of 22 per cent during 2023.'

Now, the sandwich and coffee chain has said it will test the meal deal format in the final three months of this year amid efforts to 'double down' on delivering strong value for customers.

It will start trials from next week, which will include deals for customers to buy a croissant and a drink, as well as a deal for a sandwich, drink and crisps.

Pret said it will test the deals at different prices to see how consumers react.

Boss Pano Christou said Pret's priority will be 'offering great value for money' as part of its medium-term strategy to grow the brand and return to sustainable profits.

Major supermarkets, such as Tesco, have offered meal deals including sandwiches, snacks and drinks, for many years.

Tesco recently increased the price of its meal deal from 4 to 4.25 for non-club card holders.

While the price of a main, snack and drink has gone up from 3.60 to 3.85 for those with the membership.
Ania Grabowska, 43, goes to far-flung destinations to keep her from going 'mentally crazy' while looking after her child with autism

A mother-of-two has hit back at trolls who send her online hate for choosing to go on holiday without her children, saying it helps her 'keep sane'.

Ania Grabowska, 43, makes full use of her two months of vacation as a self-employed teacher and often heads to far-flung destinations without her two boys, Kuba and Maciek, who has autism.

The teacher, from Olkusz, a town in Poland, says she has faced many challenges while dealing with her son's condition and going on child-free holidays helps keep her from going 'mentally crazy'.

Travelling is her true passion, Ania says, as well as a 'huge mental escape'.

'It allows me to recharge my batteries and become someone else for a moment, and that's invaluable to me,' she says.

'I travel to avoid going mentally crazy; it's my way of dealing with stress. Life can be tough. I have my own worries about Maciek, but also those everyday, ordinary problems we all know.

'Travel recharges me with so much energy that when I return, I can once again fight for Maciek and for a better world for him.'

But her need to spend time away from her children has attracted online criticism from people who say Ania is 'irresponsible', she reveals.

'I hear all sorts of comments, some absurd and sometimes downright malicious. People often don't understand that when you have a sick child, you can and should take care of yourself to be in a position to help.

Ania Grabowska (pictured), 43, says she needs to spend time away from her two sons - one of whom has autism - because of how challenging it can get

But she defended her vacations and said that taking her solo holidays regularly have given her 'the strength and peace to be a good mother'. Pictured with her sons Kuba and Maciek

'I've heard that I'm "irresponsible" and that I'm "abandoning my children" because I'm going away, completely untrue and hurtful judgments,' she says.

But Ania insisted that taking her solo holidays regularly have given her 'the strength and peace to be a good mother'.

'Sometimes people fail to understand that support and time for myself are the foundation for loving and helping even better,' she adds. 'You have to be a little selfish to avoid going crazy.

'If we have a happy mother, the children are happy, that's why it's important to think positively about ourselves and find time to pursue our passions.'

Ania explained that being self-employed, she has to 'make the most of' her two months of holiday time.

'My teaching budget isn't a fortune, but it's enough to fulfil my travel dreams thanks to saving, planning, and buying tickets in advance.'

Ania's solo trips, which sometimes include her partner Marek, are in addition to travelling with her whole family as much as possible.

She believed that it is 'incredibly valuable for children to travel', so that they can 'experience other cultures and places, learn the language in natural settings, and gain memories that will stay with them for a lifetime'.

The teacher, from Olkusz, a town in Poland, said her solo travels have attracted 'hurtful judgements' from trolls

Some of Ania's child-free holidays include her partner Marek (pictured), and are taken in addition to time away with the whole family

Ania said that while she does not earn a 'fortune' from being a self-employed teacher, it is enough to 'fulfil my travel dreams' thanks to careful planning

Ania, pictured with one of her sons, also believes that travel is important for children to 'experience other cultures and places'

It was especially important for Maciek to travel, Ania added, because he 'thrives in an environment of change and novelty'.

She describes travel as a 'strength and inspiration for the entire family', and clarified that she travelled most often with her partner and children, but mainly with Maciek.

'He's not content with just packing; he wants to fly right away!' she said, whilst her eldest son Kuba prefers to travel 'in a more leisurely way'.

Ania adds: 'The most important thing is that everyone is happy, and so am I.'

Her travels took her far and wide across the world and she has already been to 'almost every country in Europe', as well as the US, the Dominican Republic and Bali in Indonesia.

She added that a weekend trip to Dubai in November was in the midst of planning, and that for Christmas, she had plans to fly to Egypt with Maciek.

Ania has already been to 'almost every country in Europe', as well as the US, the Dominican Republic, Bali in Indonesia, and Zanzibar

Addressing those who criticise her, Ania said that sometimes, 'You have to be a little selfish to avoid going crazy'

In terms of her travel goals for 2026, Ania said she would like to go to Sri Lanka and the Seychelles

Ania said her son Maciek (pictured) loves to travel and 'wants to fly right away', while her eldest son Kuba prefers travelling 'in a more leisurely way'

In terms of her travel goals for 2026, Ania says she would like to go to Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, but that 'the final decision will be made later'.

Ania's advice to people who want to travel as much as she does is that ' good planning and saving are key'.

'I buy my tickets in December for the summer vacation because that's when they have the lowest prices,' she said.

'I have my own struggling teaching finances, but that doesn't stop me from fulfilling my dreams.'
The Duke of Sussex displayed signs of 'inner anxiety' before his long-awaited reconciliation with King Charles, a body language expert has claimed.

However, after the meeting, Prince Harry's 'self-comfort anxiety rituals' disappeared, indicating that the face-to-face reunion at Clarence House, London, went well.

Harry, 40, enjoyed a 55-minute tea with his father on Thursday, marking their first meeting in 19 months since the Duke flew to the UK to see Charles, 76, in February 2024.

Before the event, the husband of Meghan Markle visited the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London, where he was seen to constantly touch his stomach, chest, and belt area.

Body language expert Judi James has told the Daily Mail how the gestures indicate a person experiencing feelings of anxiety.

She said, 'The stomach touch is a signature self-soothing gesture for Harry, who has been known to use it when he's in a more 'vulnerable child' state.

'His other belt and jacket touch rituals looked like self-comfort barrier checking gestures hinting at inner anxiety.'

Later in the day, Harry was spotted being driven into the royal residence in a black Range Rover at 5.20pm.

The Duke of Sussex showed signs of 'inner anxiety' before meeting his father at Clarence House on Thursday, a body language expert has claimed

'His status and 'adult' signals were seen to increase in the car on the way to his meeting with his father, as though his confidence was building at the thought of seeing him again,' James said.

55 minutes later, Harry emerged outside of Clarence House having met with his father, but in the time since, he has shown signs of relief, the expert claimed.

James explained, 'The lack of self-comfort anxiety rituals since suggests he feels either relief or self-assured or both. It would imply the meeting went well.'

Harry's signs of relief appeared to continue on Friday during his surprise trip to Kyviv, Ukraine.

The prince was joined in Ukraine by a contingent from the Invictus Games Foundation, including four veterans who have been through similar rehabilitation experiences.

The centre offers prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and psychological help free of charge.

Elsewhere, Prince Harry 'loved' being back in the UK and 'catching up with old friends' this week, his aide revealed.

Concluding his four-day trip with an event to highlight The Diana Award, yesterday a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex suggested he saw it as a success.

Prince Harry arrived for his surprise trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, and showed different signs to before

Pictured: David Henson and Prince Harry during their visit to the Centre For Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London

The Montecito-based royal was seen to repeatedly touch his stomach area during his engagements that took place before his meeting with Charles

On Wednesday night, the prodigal prince managed to secure himself a 55-minute meeting with his father, King Charles  the first in 19 months.

But his choice of final engagement  a charity both he and his estranged brother, Prince William, have been involved with over the years  only served to emphasise the gulf that remains between them.

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, indicated she didn't expect a joint engagement from them any time soon, saying: 'You know what, people are fascinated about seeing them together. I've had the pleasure of working alongside them for 25 years and they've always done things separately.

'The one time we brought them together was the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death.'

Harry, she said, has been having meetings on a monthly basis over Zoom with Diana Award staff and has been to events in America. It was one of five events packed into what was dubbed a 'pseudo royal tour' for the Prince  and one clearly aimed at trying to reset his relationship with the British people.

The icing on the cake, however, was being driven into Clarence House for an almost hour-long meeting with his father. While those in royal circles say it was not a reunion per se, it is being considered a positive step forward.

There is no suggestion of any such thawing in relations with his brother, who had borne the brunt of many of Harry's most vicious attacks on his family in recent years.

It is not clear whether he has any plans to return to Britain soon.

Pictured: The Duke of Sussex arrives on central railway station in Kyiv region, Ukraine, on Friday

Harry visited a makeshift memorial for Ukrainian and foreign soldiers at Independence Square Maidan in Kyiv on Friday

According to UK body language expert Judi James, Harry gesturing to his stomach is way of 'self-soothing'

Harry is seen after arriving in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he presented new initiatives to support the rehabilitation of the wounded

However, his spokesman strongly suggested he was buoyed by how well he felt this one had gone, saying: 'He's obviously loved being back in the UK, catching up with old friends and just generally being able to support the incredible causes that mean so much to him.'

Harry spent around an hour on Thursday at what appeared to be a specially created event for him, talking to young people about mental health and social action. In an impromptu speech, he spoke about how young people can feel isolated if 'lost and separated from a group'.

Harry also gave a warm hug to his father's former press secretary Colleen Harris, who worked for Charles when he was the Prince of Wales, from 1998 until 2003.

She is now a trustee of the King's Charitable Fund.

Afterwards, the Duke headed straight to the airport and now it has emerged that instead of heading back to Los Angeles, he went to Ukraine instead.

On Monday, Harry marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death by privately laying flowers at her grave in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

But he remained apart from William, with the Prince just seven miles away visiting a Women's Institute branch in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in his grandmother's honour.

Harry and Charles last met face-to-face more than a year and a half ago when the duke made a transatlantic dash to see the monarch on February 9, 2024, after hearing of his cancer diagnosis, but they spent just over 30 minutes together before the King left to recuperate in Sandringham.

Charles (pictured earlier this month in Scotland) had not seen his youngest son in person for 19 months before this week

Pictured: King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending the Christmas Day Church service at the Sandringham estate in 2018

The Duke, who stepped down as a senior working royal along with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, does not carry out official royal duties on behalf of the monarchy and remains estranged from much of the Royal Family.

Harry claimed in his controversial memoir, Spare, that William had physically attacked him in a row over Meghan, and that his brother and Kate encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005 and 'howled' with laughter when they saw it.

The Duke - who levelled other accusations at William, Kate and the King and Queen Camilla in his Oprah interview, Netflix documentary and his autobiography - 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'.

Harry is reported to have not been offered a place at a royal palace and is said to be staying at a hotel at his own expense.

The Duke has previously spoken of his hopes for a 'reconciliation' with his family, saying: 'Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things.'

He added: 'But you know, I would love reconciliation with my family,' and said there was 'no point in continuing to fight anymore'.

Senior aides to the King and the duke were pictured together in London this July in what was reported to be an initial step towards opening channels of communication between the two sides.
A new BBC documentary shows the previously unseen last recorded sighting of missing British woman Sarm Heslop, hours before she vanished from the luxury catamaran owned by her boyfriend.

The grainy colour CCTV footage was filmed the evening before her disappearance on March 7th 2021 and shows her walking along a jetty in Cruz Bay on the US Virgin Island of St. John with her boyfriend Ryan Bane.

Former flight attendant Heslop, 41, described as 'adventurous' and a 'free spirit' by those closest to her, has not been seen since Bane discovered her missing from his 500,000 catamaran Siren Song. She left her passport, phone and money behind.

BBC2 documentary, Missing in Paradise: Searching for Sarm, which airs over three nights next week, sees investigative journalist Tir Dhondy travel to the Caribbean to examine Sarm's case, including interviewing Ryan Bane's lawyer David Cattie.

Her mother Brenda and Sarm's close friends say they won't stop shedding light on the case until they can 'lay her to rest' and find out the truth about what happened to her.

Sarm, who's described as a strong swimmer, had left her home in Southampton in 2019 to sail across the Atlantic and live her dream life in the US Virgin Islands.

In 2020, she matched with Bane, an American boat captain from Michigan, on a dating app and the pair embarked upon a long distance romance after she was offered work in Malta.

Upon her return to US Virgin Islands in 2021, she became a cook for guests onboard Siren Song. But things took a dark turn after the couple completed their first charter together.

The last recorded sighting of British woman Sarm Heslop, 41, on March 7th 2021 from her boyfriend Ryan Bane's 500,000 catamaran. The footage has been released by police on the US Virgin Island where she vanished, St. John, with police chief Stephen Phillip saying: 'We are at a dead end road and we need help'

A new BBC2 documentary, Missing in Paradise: Searching for Sarm, examines unanswered questions in the case. Despite a massive search operation, Sarm's body has never been recovered

American Ryan Bane, pictured walking his dog on the US Virgin Islands in 2021 after his girlfriend's disappearance. He has never been formally questioned by police after pleading his US amendment rights

Bane has said he was awoken up by the anchor alarm going off on Siren Song at 2am, at which point he first noticed his girlfriend was no longer onboard the vessel. He claimed to have reported her missing to the police just half an hour later.

No suspects are wanted in connection with her disappearance and Ryan Bane has never been questioned by police after he pleaded his US amendment rights.

The missing person case remains open but the police investigation is now filed as a 'cold case'.

Sarm's friends hope the previously unseen new footage will help finally solve what happened to her.

In the new documentary, Stephen Philip, Chief of Police for the US Virgin Islands, shows the missing Brit's last recorded moments on land, in the lively Caribbean town of Cruz Bay.

The CCTV video shows Sarm and Bane walking on a path near the town's dinghy dock, with Bane's arm on Sarm's lower back as the pair stroll along the pier.

The couple had spent the evening at a bar named '420 to Center', just a two-minute walk away.

Sarm is seen wearing what appears to be a monochrome patterned dress or a top with a matching skirt or short, whereas Bane appears to wear a short-sleeved patterned white shirt with shorts and flip flops.

Bane gets onto his dinghy first while Sarm waits on the wooden walkway, before following her boyfriend onto the small boat. They make the short journey from Cruz Bay back to Siren Song, which was anchored in the next bay along, Frank Bay.

The footage shows the couple walking towards the dinghy dock in Cruz Bay with Sarm wearing a dress and her boyfriend in shorts and a t-shirt

Hours before the 'strong swimmer' disappeared from Siren Song, she was seen walking towards the small boat owned by Bane that would transfer the couple to the luxury catamaran

The grainy footage shows Bane getting into the small boat first before his girlfriend follows

Sarm Heslop, 41, left her home in Southampton to sail across the Atlantic and live her dream life in the US Virgin Islands, where she met Ryan Bane

Sarm was described by police following her disappearance as a 5ft 8" Caucasian female of slim build. She has a bright coloured tattoo on her left shoulder featuring a seahorse, bird, butterfly and a pink flower.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, Sarm's close friends Kate Vernalls and Zan Lawther, told presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty that it had taken too long for the footage to come to light.

Lawther said: 'If she'd have gone missing here, the CCTV footage would have been released immediately as part of the search for her.'

Vernalls added: 'The family was told there wasn't any CCTV footage, right back in the early days - then, through the grapevine, you hear there was CCTV footage.'

She continued: 'You're almost blindfolded, you don't know where to turn next. The last four-and-a-half years we've tried to open as many doors as possible and do our own research and investigation and keep the story out there in the hope that another door will open.

'But ultimately more doors close than open so it is incredibly frustrating.'

When asked in the documentary why the islands' police department had finally decided to release the footage to the public, Chief of Police Philip said: 'We are at a dead end, if anybody could look at this video and see something and say something, it could help. We are at a dead end road and we need help.'

Ryan Bane's luxury 47-foot catamaran, named Siren Song, sits in Frank Bay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands

The police file released by the US Virgin Islands police department documenting the details of the disappearance of Sarm Heslop: the case is now deemed 'cold'

Bane originally told police at the time that the pair arrived back at the boat at 10pm, however, the CCTV footage of them leaving the area is timestamped at 8.45pm.

The trip back to Siren Song in the dinghy would have taken them approximately ten minutes, meaning the pair would've got back to the boat at 8.55pm, leaving an hour and five minutes unaccounted for, according to the BBC.

Widespread searches for the British citizen have turned up nothing in the past four-and-a-half years and despite the mysterious circumstances of her disappearance, police never searched Ryan's boat.

A private investigator hired by Sarm's family says her boyfriend replaced the freezer on their catamaran after she disappeared in 2021.

Speaking to Fox News last year, private investigator David Johnston, who is working the case on behalf of the Sarm's family, said Bane had parts of the boat changed out following her disappearance.

Sarm vanished after she completed her first charter as a chef onboard Ryan's 500,000 catamaran Siren Song in 2021. The couple had been dating since 2020 after they met on a dating app

Sarm's mother Brenda tells the documentary that she won't stop fighting until her daughter's case is solved

Johnston told the outlet: 'We know he went to Grenada afterwards and had the freezer replaced on the boat. Why? We know he had other parts of the forecabin replaced. Why?'

Local police failed to get a search warrant for his catamaran, Siren Song, before Bane sailed it out of their jurisdiction.

In the early hours of March 8, Bane called police from his 500,000 yacht to report Heslop missing. The call was not recorded.

He then met with police who took a statement and told him to call the Coast Guard, but did not do so until nine hours later - a decision the police commissioner for the territory later said meant crucial hours were lost in their search.

Ryan has since refused requests to co-operate with authorities. Under US law Bane is classified as 'a person of interest' as he was the last person to see Sarm.

However, he is not classified as a suspect and officers need to show a 'probable cause' for a search warrant.

BBC investigative journalist Tir Dhondy travelled to the US Virgin Islands to speak to coastguards, police and Bane's lawyer David Cattie

Lawyer David Cattie was appointed by Bane to represent him just hours after Sarm went missing

Ryan Bane is seen with his dog in March 2021, after Sarm vanished in the dead of night

Sarm Heslop - who was last seen on March 7, 2021, is pictured with her father Peter Heslop and his partner Lynn

Brenda pictured with Sarm's friend Zan Lawther, who told the BBC documentary 'We want to bring her home'

Coast Guard officers asked if they could search the 47ft vessel when they arrived on March 8.

Ryan, who was heavily drunk according to agents, blocked the doorway and became uncooperative, invoking his right to silence after. He was handed a citation, which does not result in a criminal record.

Lawyers representing Bane had previously said he was 'devastated' over the disappearance of Heslop.

Brenda Street, the mother of Heslop, told The People newspaper that she believes her daughter was murdered.

Speaking to the outlet, Street said: 'I don't believe Sarm just went missing. I believe she was murdered. I want justice for her.'

After three years without answers, Street says she feels 'let down' by police on the Caribbean tourist hotspot and 'hatred' for Bane, whom she accuses of not doing enough to help find her daughter.

Street, who has previously travelled to the island as part of the search for her daughter, told the paper: 'There's too many things that don't make sense and don't add up.

'When we went to the island, people wouldn't speak to us about Sarm and on the posters asking for information someone had gone round and scrubbed out the number to call.'

She is calling on Ryan to provide the police with everything he knows about her daughter's disappearance.

In the new documentary, she is seen speaking about the loss of her daughter from her home in Hampshire. Breaking down, she says: 'What am I going to do without her? I am stronger now and I'm going to do everything I can. I'll never give up.'

His lawyer, David Cattie, said in a statement to the newspaper: 'Mr Bane is heartbroken over Sarm's disappearance.

'We certainly understand and empathize with her mother's pain and frustration.'

Missing in Paradise: Searching for Sarm will air on BBC Two at 10pm on September 17th, 18th and 19th
A woman who has lost 6.5 stone in a year using Mounjaro has shared the first side effects she had - including debilitating tiredness that left her 'in and out of sleep' in the daytime.

The TikToker, who goes by the name Insightful Lucy on the social media platform, offered advice based on her own experience with weight-loss jabs, explaining what symptoms she initially had.

The Welsh mum weighed in at 16 stone 11lbs before the treatment and now tips the scales at just over 9 stone.

She told her followers: 'I get this question a lot about what the side effects were when I took my first ever dose.'

The first, she explained, was an immediate loss of appetite, after taking the lowest dose of 2.5mg, saying: 'Instantly the food noise went within a couple of hours - I just wasn't hungry at all, it was crazy.'

However, the next side effect wasn't quite so welcome, she said in the clip, which was just over a minute long

Lucy said she became so fatigued that if she wasn't working, she would take her son to school and then 'lie on the settee' and be 'in and out of sleep all day'.

She admitted the drug, which is made by Eli Lilly and has risen in price since Sept 1st, 'drained the life out of me'.

TikToker Insightful Lucy has lost 6.5 stone in a year using 'King Kong' weight-loss drug Mounjaro. In a recent video, she revealed the side effects that had hit her straight away when she first began on a 2.5mg dose

Other minor symptoms she experienced included nausea and a headache but she explained that all her symptoms gradually subsided as the weeks went on, with her energy levels rising.

Rising to the 7.5mg dose, Lucy said once again she experienced unpleasant side effects, although only a couple of times.

She explained she had 'sulphur burps' twice but says they were manageable.

As a busy parent, she said ensuring you take time to adapt to taking the drug was important, saying she advised a friend who planned to start on weight loss jabs in the summer holidays not to do it.

She told her: 'wait til they're back in school', adding: 'you're so drained, you just need that time to yourself'.

Eli Lilly announced in August that wholesale prices would more than double from September 1 - with the highest dose rising from 122 to 330 a month.

Mid-range doses, such as the 5mg pen, were also set to jump from about 92 to 180.

But it has now been made public that pharmacists and private providers have struck commercial deals with Lilly to keep prices lower.

The Welsh mum pictured before she began taking Mounjaro, when she weighed in at 16 stone 11lbs

Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug, has backed down to mounting pressure over the planned price hike, and the increased cost for the fat jab will now not be as high as previously announced

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Under these arrangements, the top dose will rise to 247.50almost 100 less than the new list pricewith smaller discounts applied to lower strengths.

In a statement, Lilly said: 'We are working with private providers on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability and expect these to be passed onto patients when the change is effective on 1 September.

'We are already seeing providers respond in different ways to the list price change, with a range of options available for eligible patients.'

The move comes as slimmers have rushed to stockpile months worth of Mounjaro after panic grew over its soaring cost.

Social media users have boasted online of getting their hands on months worth of injection pens, to avoid having to pay the new price.

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Pharmacies have also warned that patients have been 'Covid-style' panic-buying the drug since the announcement.

It has left some experts fearing patients may be tempted by black market sellers who flog the jabs at reduced pricesputting their health at risk.

More than 18,000 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications, including fake Ozempic and Mounjaro pens, were seized by Border Force at Heathrow between June 2024 and June 2025.

The data, obtained by the online pharmacy group Chemist4U, showed that smugglers had been stopped at the airport with fake Mounjaro pens hidden on their bodies.

Yesterday, Lilly also announced it was temporarily pausing the supply of Mounjaro to the UK until the price hike is enforced.

The US pharmaceutical giant claimed this was to ensure they are not stockpiling at the current lower price.

At least half a million NHS patients and some 15million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months.

And the numbers using them privately are even higher.

Under official guidelines, only patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 and at least one weight-related health problem like high blood pressure, or those who have a BMI of 30 to 34.9 and meet the criteria for referral to a specialist weight management service, should be prescribed weight-loss jabs.
For thousands of years it was the biggest health threat in the world - killing actors, poets, kings and emperors.

Previously called phthisis, consumption and even the White Plague, this deadly lung infection is today known as tuberculosis (TB).

Despite sweeping advances in medical care, the World Health Organization (WHO) still considers it the deadliest infectious disease on the planet, killing 1.25 million people in 2023 alone.

TB remains a relatively rare threat in the US, infecting several thousand of people annually and killing around 500 - far fewer than heart disease, cancer and dementia.

However, cases are on the rise in 80 percent of US states, and health officials nationwide are now sounding the alarm.

In September, three people in Maine tested positive for active TB, which means the bacteria responsible for the disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is building up in their lungs.

Officials reported that there was no connection between the patients, suggesting they were all infected from different sources.

Just days later, Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, reported a TB case. It is unclear if the individual is a student or employee.

The lung infection tuberculosis is on the rise in the US, prompting urgent warnings from public health experts (stock image)

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Meanwhile, Kansas health officials warned in January that the state was experiencing the 'the largest documented outbreak in US history,' with 67 people infected with active TB since the start of 2024, according to the latest figures.

Dr Raj Dasgupta, internal medicine physician and Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis, told the Daily Mail: 'Without strong public-health action, well probably continue to see elevated numbers.'

Children, older adults and those with weaker immune systems are more vulnerable to the infection.

While the lung infection doesn't always cause symptoms (then called inactive TB), about half of people with untreated active infections will die.

In the early stages, symptoms include a persistent and unexplained cough, 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 and extensive lung damage, and the infection may spread to other organs or the back, causing pain.

Deaths are most often due to respiratory failure caused by bacterial damage to the lungs.

Medical advancements like antibiotics have helped dramatically curb deaths.

Once killing as many as 20,000 Americans each year in the 1950s, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths have declined to about 560 per year as of 2023.

TB was on a steady decline from 1993 until 2020, when the overall number of cases hit an all-time low of 7,170. But in 2021, that number jumped to 7,866.

Prevalence has gone up every year since.

The latest CDC data shows the US provisionally recorded 10,347 TB cases in 2024 - up eight percent from the year before and the highest tally since 2011, when there were 10,471 cases.

Pictured above are public health posters from the Work Projects Administration in the 1930s and '40s on getting tested for tuberculosis

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Compared to 2014, cases nationwide are up 10 percent, CDC data shows.

And experts have warned it is not just one area responsible for the increase. According to the data, TB infections are on the rise in 40 US states and have only declined in 10.

The District of Columbia is the only jurisdiction to report no change compared to 2014.

Maine has reported 28 cases so far this year compared to 39 during all of 2024, which showed a 179 percent increase from the 14 cases in 2014.

TB cases have risen the most - 187 percent - in Kansas compared to a decade ago. Maine has seen a rise of 179 percent from 2014 to 2024 (14 compared to 39, respectively), while North Carolina reported 250 cases last year compared to 195 in 2014 - a 22 percent increase.

California reported the most cases in both 2014 (2,145) and 2024 (2,100), and Texas had the second most with 1,269 in 2014 and 1,238 in 2024.

In New York, the state with the third-highest prevalence, cases have surged 73 percent over the last decade.

Across Idaho, Vermont and Wyoming, cases are up 100 percent compared to 2014.

Doctors and public health experts told the Daily Mail that the Covid pandemic is likely a main driver in TB's surge, especially considering cases started going up in 2021.

'In my opinion, early in the pandemic, a lot of clinics focused almost entirely on Covid, which meant TB testing and treatment often got pushed aside,' Dasgupta said.

'At the same time, masks and social distancing probably helped slow TB spread for a while.

'Now that most people arent masking, and with those earlier delays in diagnosis, were seeing cases rise again.'

Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause tuberculosis, are pictured above (stock image)

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The pandemic also forged a growing distrust of doctors and the medical establishment, which Dr Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, said has likely contributed to the rise of TB.

One JAMA study found the public's general trust in physicians and hospitals dropped from 71.5 percent in April 2020 to 40 percent in January 2024. Experts have suggested the change is likely due to concerns over vaccine mandates and Big Pharma's financial gains.

Nachman told the Daily Mail: 'I believe the erosion of public health funding and the publicity around "medical myths" being true has led to people not seeing their medical providers and not following standard guidelines or even going back for follow-up care.

'This translates into poor care for our population and delays in preventing TB infection from progressing to TB disease (meaning intrathoracic or lung disease).

'This delay then translates into a person having an easily treatable infection to having a disease that transmits to their family and friends, leading to more cases of TB.'

The demographics of TB began to shift in 2001. That was the first year the CDC reported more non-US born citizen patients than US-born, meaning immigrants and travelers were the driving force behind infections.

Dasgupta said international travel and migration play a role as many of those cases were linked to folks who had recently come from places where TB is more common.

Pictured above is a chest X-ray showing signs of tuberculosis. Doctors told the Daily Mail that paying attention to early symptoms is key for preventing spread (stock image)

International travel further surged starting around 2021, after the height of the Covid pandemic, which Nachman said could have further driven the increase as Americans ventured abroad and foreign relatives made Stateside visits.

'The longer you stay and come into contact with an infected adult, the more likely you are to get infected yourself,' Nachman said.

Still, infections are linked to significant, long-term exposure over months or years, so one international trip abroad likely is not enough to bring TB back to the states, she added.

Tuberculosis can be prevented with the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. Though, due to the generally low risk, it is not routinely offered in the US - except for to children regularly exposed to people with active TB or healthcare workers in areas with increased spread.

'Its not recommended here because of its variable effectiveness against adult pulmonary TB and because it can interfere with TB skin test results,' Dasgupta said.

In developing countries, the vaccine is administered to children younger than 16.

As cases rise, Dasgupta urged Americans to 'pay attention to symptoms' before they progress so antibiotics can be administered and potential spread can slow.

'If youve had a cough for more than a couple weeks, or unexplained weight loss, fevers, or night sweats, get checked.

'And if you are diagnosed, stick with treatment until the end. Stopping early can lead to drug resistance.'
News / National

by Staff reporter

A SOUTH African tourist has urged Zimbabweans at home and abroad to speak positively about their country's tourism treasures, arguing that such patriotism could boost visitor arrivals and enhance Zimbabwe's international image.Musa Mathebula, who recently visited the majestic Victoria Falls, described his experience as "breathtaking" and said Zimbabweans should celebrate and promote their country's beauty rather than allowing negative narratives to dominate."Guys, travel to Zimbabwe - especially Victoria Falls - and you will be shocked by the amount of tourism happening here. There are more Europeans, Americans, and Asians here than Africans," Mathebula remarked.He suggested that Zimbabweans in the diaspora, in particular, could do more to build the brand "Zimbabwe" by showcasing the country's strengths rather than focusing only on its challenges."Yes, Zimbabwe faces difficulties, but things are not as bad as they are often portrayed. This country has so much to offer and so much hope. Honestly, this is a beautiful country," Mathebula added.While Victoria Falls - the "Smoke That Thunders" - remains the crown jewel of Zimbabwean tourism, the southern African nation boasts a wide variety of attractions that are drawing increasing international interest.Just a few hours' drive away lies Hwange National Park, the country's largest game reserve, renowned for its elephant herds and diverse wildlife.In the east, the Eastern Highlands offer misty mountains, scenic waterfalls, and hiking trails reminiscent of Europe but with a distinctly African charm.History lovers flock to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and the largest ancient stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa, which testifies to the country's rich cultural legacy.The Matobo Hills, with their dramatic granite formations, sacred caves, and rhino populations, are another must-see.For those seeking tranquility, Lake Karibaone of the world's largest man-made lakesoffers spectacular sunsets, houseboat adventures, and excellent fishing opportunities.These destinations, combined with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe's people, position the country as a truly world-class tourism destination.Mathebula's sentiments have resonated widely on social media. Commentators such as South Africa's Edward Ranthule and Tshifhiwa Muofhe agreed that international media often misrepresent Zimbabwe.Zimbabwean voices also joined the conversation. "Victoria Falls is very beautiful, one place I can never get tired of visiting," said Nobukhosi Mpala-Ndlovu.Wilfred Tshuma added: "Zimbabwe is beautiful and it's not as reported on mainstream media."Others, like Simo Ndebele, acknowledged the country's challenges but emphasized that Zimbabwe should not be defined solely by them.While some critics pointed to governance and economic concerns, many agreed that Zimbabwe's natural beauty, heritage, and tourism potential remain undeniable strengths.David Ngobeni summed it up: "Things may be bad, but not as bad as they are portrayed. There are so many beautiful attractions in Zimbabwe."As more international visitors like Mathebula discover Zimbabwe's treasures, the call for locals to champion their country's image grows stronger.The nation, blessed with natural wonders and cultural richness, stands as a reminder that Africa's stories are best told by Africans themselves.
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


A top GP has warned that while heartburn is something almost everyone experiences from time to time, persistent symptoms can be a red flag for serious disease.

In most cases the condition is nothing to worry about, and if severe can be tackled with simple over-the-counter remedies.

But Bristol-based GP and University of Bristol lecturer Dr Dan Baumgardt, writing in The Conversation, cautioned that ongoing problems should be checked by a doctor as they can sometimes signal acid reflux or, more rarely, cancer.

'Indigestion is common but not always harmless,' he said.

'Over-the-counter treatments can provide relief and many benign conditions often prove to be the underlying cause.

'But in some cases, persistent symptoms may signal a more serious underlying condition, including cancer.'

Indigestion  or dyspepsia  is the medical term for discomfort in the upper abdomen, often after meals, and can include bloating, nausea or a burning sensation in the chest.

Acid reflux  when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the gullet  is a common cause, and the burning pain this produces is what most people describe as heartburn. Everyday factors can make symptoms more likely.

A top GP has warned that while heartburn is something almost everyone experiences from time to time, persistent symptoms can be a red flag for serious disease

A hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest, affects around a third of over-50s and makes reflux more common.

Eating large, spicy or fatty meals, drinking coffee or alcohol, being overweight, pregnant or a smoker can all trigger flare-ups, explains Dr Baumgardt, writing in The Conversation.

Some medicines  including antidepressants, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories and iron tablets  can also set them off.

After a heavy meal or a stomach bug, short-term indigestion is expected and usually clears within days.

But persistent or unexplained symptoms can point to more serious problems. Inflammation of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum may be caused by Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterial infection that is the leading cause of ulcers.

Treatment may involve antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole. Left untreated, ulcers carry serious risks of bleeding or perforation.

Doctors also warn that in some cases what feels like indigestion or heartburn can actually be a sign of a heart problem, such as ischaemic heart disease, where narrowed arteries restrict blood flow and cause chest pain.

More worryingly, ongoing indigestion can occasionally be a symptom of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Having problems swallowing (dysphagia), feeling or being sick, heartburn or acid reflux and symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot, can all be signs of cancer

Red-flag signs include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent upper abdominal pain and feeling full quickly after eating.

In severe cases, patients may vomit blood, requiring urgent hospital care.

To investigate, doctors may arrange an endoscopy, where a camera is passed down the throat to examine the stomach and gullet.

Other cancers  including of the pancreas and ovaries  can sometimes cause indigestion among other symptoms, while even heart disease can mimic its signs.

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend urgent investigation for patients with difficulty swallowing, abdominal lumps, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain with indigestion, particularly in the over-50s.

Investigation may also be considered for persistent symptoms that do not respond to treatment, or in people with anaemia, a history of ulcers or a family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer.

The risks underline why doctors warn against self-diagnosis. 'It's important not to ignore persistent symptoms, and not to rely on over-the-counter remedies alone,' Dr Baumgardt said.

'A GP can put the pieces together and decide on the most appropriate plan.'

In most cases heartburn is nothing to worry about, and if severe can be tackled with simple over-the-counter remedies.

The warning comes amid debate over the long-term use of common acid-suppressing medicines.

In a viral TikTok video, pharmacist Deborah Grayson, known as the 'Godmother of Pharmacology', cautioned that while drugs like omeprazole can ease reflux and heartburn in the short term, they may cause bloating, nausea, weight gain and vitamin deficiencies if taken for extended periods.

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are among the UK's most prescribed drugs, with 73 million NHS prescriptions issued in England in 202223 at a cost of 190 million.

Mrs Grayson said: 'Omeprazole is useful if you've got gastritis or erosion of the oesophagus, but if it's just simple heartburn, longer-term use can have greater impacts on the body.'
A LIFE AND A HALF: THE UNEXPECTED MAKING OF A POLITICIAN by Chris Bryant (Bloomsbury 25, 336pp)

FROM repressed Anglican priest to liberated Labour MP, via the throbbing gay nightclubs of 1990s London: its been quite a journey for 63-year-old Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant.

When he first stood as Labour candidate for Rhondda in 2000, the journalist Tom Baldwin wrote: It would be difficult to find a Labour candidate less in keeping with the traditional image of Rhondda. Bryants rivals in Plaid Cymru tried to smear him with his past: privately educated, formerly a Tory, parachuted in by Tony Blair  and gay.

But with charm and persistence, he managed to win the confidence of voters in the Welsh valleys. Colourful Past No Bar to MP Chris, said the South Wales Echo, after hed won the seat with a 16,000 majority in the 2001 General Election. His call to become a Labour politician was the second great one of his life. The first  to be ordained  arrived while he was on tour with the National Youth Theatre in 1981 in his first Oxford University summer vacation.

Chris Bryant campaigning for the 2001 election

In Antwerp Cathedral, he felt called to the priesthood. Dont get me wrong, he writes in his wonderfully frank and honest memoir (which takes us up to that moment when was first elected as MP). I didnt suddenly get pious. Nor did I intend to join a monastery. In fact, that evening I went to bed with a member of the cast.

Hed been aware of his homosexuality since prep-school days at Hurst Grange near Stirling, when the boys in his dorm decided to give each other a massage to soothe their muscles on the eve of a rugby match. When one boy asked Christopher to straddle him to do the massage, I felt him brush against me. And I felt shame. Terrible shame.

That shame would stalk him through his teens, in those days of Are You Being Served?, and Kenneth Williams camp persona, when it was still acceptable to jeer at someone for being a limp-wristed, effeminate, lisping poof. Bryant tried to have girlfriends to hide the truth from the world and from himself. One, Donna (still a close friend), simply said in bed one morning: Christopher, you do know youre gay, dont you? There was no rancour, he writes. It was just a fact.

AT the time, the Church of England was (and still is) contorted in its attitude towards its own gay clergy. At the selection conference for ordination, a male panellist asked him: Do you have a girlfriend, Christopher? To which he replied: Are you propositioning me? Bryant feels the panel should have followed up on that, seeing as homosexuality among clergy was officially a sin. But the Church was a sensitive soul back then, and preferred to draw a veil over such matters.

His first calling as a Priest

He got through the selection process and entered that strange Anglican world, full of secretly gay priests living in constant fear of exposure. At one interview with a bishop, Bryant found himself racing round the grand piano in the living room, trying to escape the bishops clutches. Inner-city dioceses were so full of gay clergy, he writes, that the induction of a vicar in some parishes was not that different from a Saturday night in Soho, except that the ecclesiastical outfits were more flamboyant but less flammable.

Bryants childhood was marred both by that conflicted attitude to his own sexuality, and by having an alcoholic mother. Christopher, I drink too much, she admitted to him when he was just 14. From that day on, he took on the household chores, as well as the impossible task of trying to stop her from drinking. She swayed in the kitchen and stumbled in blind drunk to the school play he was in. His father moved out, and disappeared almost entirely from Christophers life. His mother cracked her head open on the kitchen floor when Christophers four-year-old younger brother was alone in the house with her. One of the most moving things about this memoir is Bryants mixture of rage at his mother for putting her sons through this  and torturous guilt that he didnt do enough to help her.

SUCH experiences certainly imbued him with empathy, both as a priest and later as a Labour MP. I must say, it stuck in my throat that Bryant benefited from a brilliant education at two private schools (he won a scholarship to Cheltenham College), and schoolmasters such as Tim Pearce, who prepared him for Oxbridge.

Our governments slapping of VAT on private education is making it near impossible for the middle classes to afford what he was given. He writes about his three wonderful, elderly spinster cousins, who were like grandparents to him, having him stay in their affluent, ordered household, which he adored, with a gong ringing for dinner.

A Life and a Half by Chris Bryant is available now from the Mail Bookshop

When Jean, the last of them, was dying, she asked him if she could leave Bryant their entire multimillion-pound estate. His uncle was furious that his own children would not inherit anything. Bryant decided it was wrong for him to take it as a clergyman, but asked for just enough to look after his mother. He also gave each of his cousins hefty sums from the estate. The rest went to charity. He emerged from school a proper little Tory.

A few things swayed him towards Labour: an increasing loathing of Thatcher, as he calls her; visiting Argentina and seeing the iniquities of a far-Right government; seeing shocking levels of poverty in a Newcastle suburb; and watching Les Miserables in the West End.

When he decided to leave the priesthood in order to live a full life as a gay man and (he hoped) a Labour MP, the then Bishop of Peterborough squeezed my hand with his squidgy fat fingers and said: Theres no need to leave. If only you knew how to bide your time and keep your mouth shut, you could become a bishop and enjoy everything I have today, including regular dinners with Mrs Thatcher. 

There was nothing hed rather do less. Released, he launched himself into the liberated world of 1990s Londons gay clubs. Black, white, tall, short, old and young, it was all mixed up in a glorious medley of rampaging naughtiness.

He met his lifelong partner, Jared, at a club called The Yard, when canvassing in LGBT bars with LGBT Labour.

His thoughts on the state of Britain seem to epitomise his own life, Our future is not yet written for us. Nor is the future of our country and the world. We can shape it anew. We can change course.
PRIMAL INTELLIGENCE: YOU ARE SMARTER THAN YOU KNOW by Angus Fletcher (Headline 22, 304pp)

THE modern world, according to American a c a d e m i c A n g u s Fletcher in this innovative book, has incorrectly defined intelligence.

Weve assumed the brain functions much like a computer. Yet, a computer today will always do better than humans in tasks which demand nothing but logic. By drilling students to think like computers, Fletcher writes, the educational system is training them to do what their laptops can do better.

Robots are no threat to a general

Fletcher champions a different way of using our brains. The human brain has non-logical intelligence. We think in story. Narrative is at the heart of our cleverness but we are in danger of losing sight of this kind of brain power. As a professor of story science at The Ohio State Universitys Project Narrative, he is an eloquent advocate of an intelligence that AI cant replicate.

This primal intelligence has four strands to it  intuition, imagination, emotion and common sense. Computers possess none of these qualities. Common sense, for example, is an ability that distinguishes humans from AI which can ace complex calculations yet fumble a decision obvious to children.

Why do chatbots such as ChatGPT come up with false information? Unlike humans, they dont have the common sense to know when they dont know something. So, in Fletchers words, they fabricate guilelessly, filling the gap in their knowledge by extrapolating from past trends. Unfortunately, the result is often nonsense. AI and computers are brilliant as long as only maths and logic are needed. If life requires common sense or imagination, AI tumbles off its throne.

Primal Intelligence is available now from the Mail Bookshop

This is brought home to Fletcher when he visits a site near the Pentagon which has a computer programmed with military intelligence. It has memorised the strategies of historys greatest generals and can make a billion decisions a second. Yet it always loses war games against the US armys human teams. The reason? It has no initiative. As the 19th century military theorist Carl von Clausewitz saw, the best plans are not logical, because logical plans are predictable.

By contrast, the exemplar of the qualities that make up our story-thinking intelligence is Shakespeare. Shakespeare binds together the book youve been reading, Fletcher writes. He even provides a list of people who, he believes, developed their own primal intelligence by reading Shakespeare.

They include Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Nikola Tesla, Maya Angelou and Vincent van Gogh. This is essentially a self-help book, and as Fletcher notes in his introduction, his aim is not just to propose a theory about the human brain but to demonstrate ways in which readers can be trained to improve their own primal intelligence. He certainly goes a long way towards showing that the human brain is real-life smart because it thinks in story.
Nicolette Booth was always hopeful that the value of her flat in Earlsfield, south London, would rise in time  after all, property in the capital had been a safe bet for many years and more than doubled in value over the past two decades. Plus, in the meantime she'd earn a nice income from renting it out.

The 42-year-old bought the flat to live in herself more than ten years ago for 490,000. And when she met her husband, Paul-James, and they bought a home together in Hertfordshire, the public relations contractor decided to hold on to it and rent it out.

However, like thousands of UK landlords, an investment that once would have provided a tidy income and been a growing asset has become an increasing burden.

And things look likely to get a whole lot worse. New rules set to come into force in the next few years will heap even more costs and red tape on to a sector that is already under pressure. And rumours are swirling that measures in the Autumn Budget could deal another blow to landlords.

Nearly a third of landlords have sold some or all of their properties over the past 12 months, according to the buy-to-let mortgage lender Aldermore. Of those remaining, many are wondering whether it is worth the hassle.

How did we get here  and what could destroy the buy-to-let market for good?

Cash grab: An investment that once would have provided a tidy income and been a growing asset has become an increasing burden

For Mrs Booth, the Renters Rights Bill, due to become law by early 2026, will be the last straw.

This will ban 'no fault' evictions, which means landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a valid reason, such as wanting to sell the house or move in themselves. Landlords will not be able to evict tenants  even if they have a valid reason  for the first 12 months of the tenancy. At other times they will need to give four months' notice.

The controversial Bill will also restrict landlords to one rent increase a year, and require them to give tenants two months' notice before doing so.

The Bill will also ban landlords from locking renters in to fixed-term contracts. Instead, tenancies will be periodic, which means tenants can leave at any time by giving two months' notice.

Mrs Booth fears this will make tenant changeovers more frequent. 'The hassle of new tenants moving in and out is the worst bit.' she says. 'It just takes up a huge amount of time and effort.

'Sometimes the new tenants want new furniture, sometimes they don't want any furniture.

'Last time around, my husband and I had to take two days off work to get the flat ready before the new tenants moved in.'

She adds: 'The main thing putting me off in the future is that you won't be able to tie renters into a contract. It means renters could leave our flat every few months.'

While the rental income means Mrs Booth has been able to turn a small profit most years of between 8,000 and 10,000, helped by having an interest-only mortgage and good tenants, she says that it's no longer worth the hassle.

She tried to sell the home for 500,000 earlier this year, just 10,000 more than it was bought for, but after her buyer pulled out unexpectedly she put it back on the rental market.

'We had loads of viewings, but when our eventual buyer went AWOL we decided we couldn't afford to have it vacant for any longer,' she says. 'So we re-let it and also remortgaged to a two-year fix. We will try to sell it again either when that ends or our current tenants leave.'

She and her husband would rather put the money into something that doesn't come with so much admin and take up so much time. 'We are looking for a hassle-free alternative and will likely move any proceeds from the eventual sale into a stocks and shares Isa, as well as using it to pay down the mortgage on our current home,' she says.

It's hard to think of a group of taxpayers who have been worst-hit by extra costs and regulations in recent years.

For the past decade, successive governments have piled on heavy-handed rules that have wrapped landlords up in red tape and eaten away at their profits.

The most recent blow came in October when the Government added a further 2 per cent stamp duty surcharge on top of the extra 3 per cent landlords already pay.

It means an investor buying a 300,000 property would owe an eyewatering 20,000 in tax. If they bought a 600,000 property they would pay 50,000 in stamp duty.

But the bad news for landlords doesn't end there.

Treasury officials are rumoured to be looking at charging National Insurance on rental income as they hunt for taxes to raise to help balance the books. This would be charged on top of income tax. This could mean, for example, that a basic rate taxpaying landlord with a 30,000 salary, earning 20,000 in rental profit a year could see their annual tax bill on the rental income rise from 4,000 to 5,600.

The Renters Rights Bill could be the tipping point for many landlords, according to Jeremy Leaf, an estate agent in London.

He also thinks the Bill could end up doing more harm than good if it causes landlords to sell up, as this would create more competition for properties and drive up rents.

'The Renters Rights Bill is weighted too much towards tenants,' he says.

'If it is going to take a long time and be so costly to remove a tenant, then that will be the final straw for a lot of landlords. The result will be a lot of people trying to sell the properties which were let out  and they may find exiting isn't as easy as they had hoped.'

The Bill will also prohibit the practice of 'rental bidding'  where a landlord sets a ballpark rent and chooses the tenant who makes the highest offer.

Where tenants refuse to leave after antisocial behaviour, damaging a property, or falling into major arrears, landlords should still be able to go to court, as under the current system  but this can be a lengthy and costly process.

If a tenant believes the rent increase is above the market rate, they'll be able to challenge this at a tribunal, which will determine what the level should be.

Buy-to-let owners also face being listed on a public landlord register under the Bill. Some are worried this will allow tenants to criticise them online  which has been described as a 'Trustpilot for landlords'  while others say it is unfair that dishonest tenants won't face the same public shaming.

They could even be subject to a landlord ombudsman, which would handle complaints from tenants and force landlords to pay them compensation.

Property investors also face having to upgrade properties to meet punitive eco targets, or be banned from renting them out.

The Government has proposed that all rental homes in England upgrade to an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C or above by 2030  although it hasn't yet been made law.

EPC ratings run from A, the best, to G, the worst. The Government's own figures suggest 2.6million privately rented homes have a rating of D or below, which amounts to 60 per cent of all buy-to-lets.

'Twenty years ago there was more of a golden age for buy-to-let, when property prices were rising more rapidly, with landlords benefiting from good income and capital growth,' says Mr Leaf.

'But things have changed, taxes have increased, regulation has become more onerous, and you can't offset the same level of expenses against income [for tax purposes] as was the case.

'We are finding that the more established landlords are staying for now, but newer landlords are not taking the place of those who are exiting the sector, which is worrying.'

Moving out: Landlady Nicolette Booth is planning on selling her flat, while Lewis Crompton has already sold four of his 12 properties

It is also becoming more expensive to be a landlord. Those with mortgages  about 60 per cent of landlords  have seen mortgage rates spike from 3 per cent at the start of 2022 to 5.25pc today, according to rates scrutineer Moneyfacts and based on a five-year fixed rate.

Someone taking out a 200,000 interest-only mortgage on a five-year fix will typically pay 875 a month today, compared to 500 a month just three years ago.

Landlords also pay to maintain, furnish and decorate their properties, and the cost has been soaring due to an under-supply of skilled tradesmen and costs of materials.

For some landlords, keeping their head above water proves too difficult a task.

Buy-to-let mortgage repossessions are up by 11 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest data from UK Finance.

'We're seeing the private rental sector become a more challenging environment, for both landlords and renters,' says Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore.

'Increased regulation, high mortgage rates and high maintenance costs mean more landlords are being squeezed out of the market. A continued exodus will place greater strain on an already stretched sector, further impacting tenants.'

And the pain is not over when they sell up. Landlords will often face capital gains tax if the property has gone up in value.

This is charged at 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, and 24 per cent for higher rate taxpayers  but with any significant gain, people are likely to pay most of it at the higher rate.

This is because a capital gain is added to your normal income to determine the tax rate you pay. If you make a significant gain  especially if you've owned the property for many years  it is likely to push you into a higher tax band than the usual one.

This is despite the fact that you can deduct all the costs involved with buying and selling the property from your capital gains tax bill. Frozen income tax bands mean that growing numbers of workers are shifting into a higher tax band  the number of higher-rate taxpayers is expected to increase by 500,000 this tax year to more than seven million, according to official figures.

To make things even worse, there is more admin from next year. From April 6, 2026, those earning over 50,000 from self-employment or property income will need to start filing their taxes every three months, rather than once a year as part of its shift towards digital record-keeping for income tax.

The Making Tax Digital scheme will require these landlords to keep records throughout the year and report their income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Lewis Crompton a landlord based in Lincolnshire, has decided enough is enough. He owned 12 properties but over the past two years has whittled that down to eight. 'I want to shift away from buy-to-let as it's hard to just break even,' he says.

His buy-to-lets are in more affordable Northern areas such as Middlesbrough and Doncaster, and each make a relatively modest 650 a month in rent.

With rents less than half the UK average of about 1,365, according to Rightmove's data, Mr Crompton, 35, says unexpected costs can quickly wipe out all his profit.

'The cost of turning over tenants is high, as is the price of repairing anything. You might be making a 10 or 12 per cent yield, but that is easily wiped out,' he says.

'If you have to replace a boiler, it might mean you haven't made any profit that year.'

He got into buy-to-let partly because he didn't trust the Government to provide a pension that would look after him in his old age. He also thought he could benefit from house price growth and rental income.

Instead, he has decided that it isn't worth the hassle  especially given the extra admin being piled on to landlords.

'I do think the Government is penalising good landlords and making things harder for them. Meanwhile, the bad landlords won't obey the rules anyway,' he says. 'Landlord licensing feels like an extra tax on good landlords.

'If I sell my portfolio, I'll transition to buying commercial property to rent out, invest in social housing on long-term leases or put the money into the stock market.

'I already invest in the stock market so I would move more money over to that, where I could make better profits.'

Who can blame him?
Contacless card payment has been with us for 18 years. For many, myself included, it has transformed the way we pay for things: our weekly shop, a double espresso at the local coffee shop on a Saturday morning, or a glass of chilled Viognier down the pub on a Saturday night.

According to data released last week by Barclays, shoppers on average use contactless payment 236 times a year  up from 231 in 2023.

It's not hard to fathom why many consumers like this payment form. It's quick, safe and secure  and reduces the need to carry wads of cash in wallets and purses.

It's also user-friendly, in that it works most of the time, although the florist at the market in my hometown six days ago was spitting lilies after his payment machine wouldn't work because of a technical glitch at the service provider's end.

Thankfully, I had enough cash on me (a crisp 10 note from the local Nationwide ATM) to pay for a bunch of his exquisite pink lilies, destined for pride of place in my lounge.

Yet the City regulator is itching to sex-up contactless payment. It has decided to scrap the current 100 limit on transactions without the need (most of the time) for a person to enter a personal identification number (PIN) to authenticate a payment request.

All change: The FCA has decided to scrap the current 100 limit on transactions without the need (most of the time) for a person to enter a PIN

Instead, payment providers will be allowed to process purchases above 100 without the need for the payer to enter a PIN. The only proviso is that providers must ensure that any such payments can be identified as low risk.

The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is so mad keen to shake things up that the rule change could be introduced as early as next year.

It's a recipe for disaster that could cause widespread consumer detriment as contactless cards are targeted by thieves  and our bank accounts quickly emptied as the criminals go on an unchecked blizzard of a spending spree.

Yes, we would still get any stolen money refunded by our bank, but the whole process would be hugely disruptive, time-consuming (have you tried ringing your bank recently?) and deeply traumatic.

Getting back 80 after your contactless card has been stolen and fraudulently used is stressful enough. Attempting to get back 1,000 would be in an altogether different stress league.

Indeed, the current rash of crime involving the plucking of phones from the hands of shoppers on the high street  and then shipping them overseas to be sold at a knockdown price  would look like a pin prick compared to the rampant stealing of contactless cards with (potentially) no payment limit.

As would the spate of shoplifting, fuelled by a reluctance by anyone other than the public to challenge the criminals (a year ago, I was given a lecture at my local

Waitrose after unsuccessfully chasing after a shoplifter and putting myself in danger).

I'm not alone in raising such concerns about uncontrolled contactless payments. Consumer campaigner Martyn James predicts a 'huge increase' in wallet, purse, and bag thefts' as thieves target contactless cards.

Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which?, agrees. She says: 'Inevitably, fraudsters will seek to take advantage of these changes, so it's crucial that regulators and industry work together to ensure fraud controls are applied properly to protect consumers.'

The reasons put forward by the FCA in support of such a change are as ridiculous as they are dangerous. The craziest of them is the suggestion that a more laissez-faire regime will support economic growth  Rachel Reeves' distant holy grail.

Removing the 100 contactless payment was one of a number of proposals FCA boss Nikhil Rathi outlined in a crawling letter to the Prime Minister early this year in support of Labour's growth agenda (what growth,you may ask).

The letter was written at a time when huge pressure was being put on regulators by Keir Starmer and Reeves to be more growth focused, rather than an impediment to growth.

The FCA went on to explain this extraordinary 'growth' claim in an 'engagement paper' published two months later. Here, it said that enabling more contactless payments could have 'positive secondary impacts on growth through smoother consumer payment journeys, resulting in more sales and higher productivity'.

Being kind, I would say that is a pretty tenuous claim to make. Being brutal, it strikes me as utter baloney and evidence of a regulator eager to scratch the back of the Government.

What I also find bewildering is that the FCA is steaming ahead with these proposals despite there being little appetite for them among banks and consumers.

It admits as much in the document (quarterly consultation, number 49) it has just published explaining its intentions.

It says that more than three-quarters of consumers who responded to its March engagement paper preferred no change in the current contactless limits

(a 100 individual payment and a cumulative total of 300) before the need for a payer to use their PIN as authentication.

More surprisingly, a majority of industry respondents (banks and payment processors) wanted no change, pointing out 'concerns of potential fraud increases'.

The FCA's own estimates indicate that contactless payment fraud could increase by up to 131 per cent over the next three years if the single and cumulative limits are raised.

The other key fact in support of no change is that the average contactless purchase last year (according to Barclays bank) was just 16.10.

It's a convenient payment tool for low-ticket items  the digital wallets on most smartphones, which have in-built authentication, are more suitable for bigger ticket purchases.

So, to summarise, consumers don't want change, nor do a majority of banks, with banking lobby group UK Finance saying that 100 is the 'right amount for now'.

Furthermore, current usage indicates that it isn't needed, while any lifting of current limits would increase fraud.

It's change for change's sake. Surely the FCA has more important issues to tackle than meddling with a system that works perfectly well as it stands.

Indeed, it all smells to me of a regulator pandering to its ultimate boss, the Government. For consumers, the changes are nothing but harmful  and increase their chances of being victims of contactless card theft and fraud.

I think the 100 contactless payment limit should remain. Do you? Please email me at: jeff.prestridge@mailonsuday.co.uk

Read Jeff Prestridge's new guide to equity release

Unlocking wealth from your home to boost your financial security in later life is an enticing option  especially for those who are cash light, equity rich.

Thankfully, there are now a number of options available that are worthy of consideration: from downsizing through to equity release and retirement interest-only mortgages.

All have their pros and cons, which is why I've produced a free guide on the subject in conjunction with leading financial mutual Royal London.

It's called Unlocking The Cash From Your Home and is available now.

Get your copy of Jeff Prestridge's Daily Mail guide to equity release and later life mortgages. Call 0808 239 7433 or go to Mail Finance's Equity Release Guide page.
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

M.W. writes: In 2017 I met financial adviser Christopher Burgess of Alderley Wealth Management. I made some investments, and in 2021 he asked me to transfer 10,000 each day for nine days, sending payments to AWM and to The Life Team Ltd.

I received monthly interest until 2022, then payments became irregular. In May 2023 he advised my money would return that month. But it did not.

Tony Hetherington replies: You couldn't make this up: you have a financial adviser who I discovered has gone bankrupt, and your money has disappeared into a failing company run by another man with a Glasgow contact address who turns out to be a Labour councillor in Cheshire!

It has taken many months of enquiries, but it was quickly clear that Alderley Wealth Management (AWM) has not been authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority since 2012.

Burgess appears to have used a loophole that allows the unregulated marketing of bonds  IOUs  towards people who are wealthy or willing to take risks.

Burgess is the owner of AWM, but quit as a director in May last year. He had no choice, since he was declared bankrupt.

Court records show four county court judgments (CCJ)against him, the biggest being for 17,339. I also found two more against his company.

Gone: Money handed to Alderley Wealth Management has vanished into thin air

When he recommended lending money to The Life Team (TLT), Burgess was a director of that company too. However, in May 2023 the High Court ordered TLT to be wound up for failing to pay its debts.

Now here is the curious bit. Just before the High Court case, Burgess told you: 'Monies invested through AWM and TLT were utilised by Basik Money.'

You told me: 'I never authorised any such investment.' So, what does 'utilised' mean?

Basik Money is a scandal in itself. It has filed no accounts since 2020. There is a CCJ against it for 2,711. And last year the Financial Conduct Authority cancelled its authorisation as an investment firm because it appeared to have gone out of business.

Companies House records show Basik Money is owned by a separate company called Basik Ltd. But this is impossible, since the firm was dissolved in 2022.

The man behind Basik Money is John Place, who was also a director of The Life Team. Place is a long-time business associate of Burgess. The pair ran UK Investment Strategies Limited, which was liquidated in 2016 with debts of over 280,000. Its office furniture was sold to their new company, The Life Team!

In company filings for Basik Money, Place gives his contact address as an office building in Glasgow, but in fact he lives 230 miles south, in Macclesfield, where he is a member of Cheshire East Council. He gives his occupation in council records as 'retired'.

When he first advised you, Burgess described you as an 'inexperienced investor', with about 150,000 from your divorce.

He reckoned you could afford to risk 30,000. You agreed, and even signed up to one deal by confirming that you knew the risks.

He later used this to justify treating you as an experienced investor, though it seems to me you did no more than trust Burgess as your adviser.

You insisted: 'This has ruined my life, and I was only made aware of the Basik investment in September 2023.'

Burgess promised you were about to be repaid, but you received nothing. It is not clear how much of your savings are missing, as you say a separate investment was not repaid, taking the likely total to 160,000.

Burgess tells me you applied to make a big loan to Basik Money, but he has failed to produce any such application. He told me: 'I can confirm there is no indication the investor will not receive her money back in full.'

But with Basik Money in tatters, he appears to be in financial dreamland!

As for Councillor Place, he has not offered any comment. I also invited the Labour Party in Macclesfield to comment, but it too remained silent.

You told me you have contacted the police. I suggest you also contact the Insolvency Service. I will co-operate with them both in supplying evidence. Let's see if we can track down your money.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU: Rocketman jailed

A former Nasa scientist who cheated investors out of 1 million has been jailed for two years.

John Burford, 85, ran Financial Trading Strategies Ltd from his home in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, but over a five-year period he concealed losses while using investors' money to buy property and to support his lifestyle.

I warned in August last year that Burford was not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and that he was operating illegally.

He claimed to have worked at Nasa on its project to land men

on Mars, but switched careers and became a broker when

he realised the Mars landing would not happen in his lifetime.

Burford pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to charges of fraud and controlling an unauthorised investment business. Sentencing him, Judge Coles said that 'old age is never an excuse for avoiding punishment for serious offending'. The FCA will now bring confiscation proceedings against Burford to compensate his victims.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
With Russia baiting Poland and the West, turmoil in the Middle East and growing unrest across the US, the world seems both dangerous and unpredictable.

It's not great here either. Business leaders from former M&S boss Sir Stuart Rose to chemical billionaire Jim Ratcliffe are lining up to denounce the Government, warning that Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are taking Britain to the brink of catastrophe.

Yet the FTSE 100 is flirting with record highs and other indices are rising too, prompting seasoned observers to worry about a disconnect between inexperienced, over-optimistic traders and reality.

At such times, caution and discrimination are critical, and certain shares stand out, having demonstrated resilience in the past and developed credible plans for growth in the future. Here are four worth looking at.

Crash-proof: Caution and discrimination are critical, and certain shares stand out, having demonstrated resilience in the past

Galliford Try

The construction industry has a reputation for over-promising, under-delivering and losing piles of money in the process.

Since spinning off its housebuilding arm in 2020, Galliford Try has made a point of sticking to the sectors it knows. That simple strategy has delivered robust gains in sales, profits and dividends.

Specialist areas include defence, from Armed Forces accommodation to top-secret sites for defence operations.

The group also builds and upgrades schools, prisons and roads and is a key supplier to the water industry as it improves infrastructure after decades of under-investment.

Results for the year to last June will be released this week and are expected to show a 7 per cent increase in sales to 1.9 billion, a 30 per cent surge in profits to 42.5 million and a 15 per cent hike in the dividend to 17.8p.

Further strong growth is forecast, with chief executive Bill Hocking targeting revenues of more than 2.2 billion by 2030.

Galliford has more than 4 billion of orders on its books, with 90 per cent of current year revenues already secured and some customers talking about projects ten years ahead.

That inspires confidence, and Galliford shares have done well. At 4.17 there is still plenty of potential, and some brokers believe it may hit 5.40 in the coming months.

Traded on: main market Ticker: GFRD Contact: gallifordtry.co.uk

Volution

Vent-Axia owner Volution joined the stock market in 2014, since when it has delivered annual growth of more than 10 per cent and increased dividend payments every year bar Covid-blighted 2020.

Specialising in ventilation, the firm's success reflects a growing recognition that indoor air quality is crucial for health.

Efficient ventilation is mandatory in new homes and Volution is a leader in the field, not just in the UK but also in Australia and New Zealand, with a growing share in Europe too.

Chief executive Ronnie George has been at the helm for nearly 14 years, driving growth both organically and through a steady stream of acquisitions.

The shares have responded, soaring fourfold to 6.30 since Midas first recommended them in 2014, with plenty of attractive dividends to boot.

There should be more to come. The Government's commitment

to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029 is way behind target but even if new Housing Minister Steve Reed achieves half that figure, Volution will be a strong beneficiary.

And many other countries, from Australia to Sweden, are grappling with a shortage of homes and are determined to increase the pace of housebuilding, to Volution's advantage.

City analysts predict a near-20 per cent increase in profits to 93 million when annual figures are reported next month, rising steadily next year and in 2027.

With dividends forecast to move ahead too, Volution shares should continue to deliver.

Traded on: main market Ticker: FAN Contact: volutiongroupplc.com

XPS

Pensions specialist XPS has an enviable track record too, increasing sales, profits and dividends for years, with plenty more growth in the pipeline.

It works with around 1,300 businesses, ranging from John Lewis to IBM, looking after the pensions of more than a million existing and former employees.

Boss Paul Cuff, an actuary by training, has been at the helm since 2016, delivering growth throughout. This resilience should persist.

Businesses stick with the group for years, such that 90 per cent of annual sales are recurring.

In recent times, many more companies have started to offload pension schemes to insurers, and this is another rich seam for XPS.

Brokers predict steady growth matched by rising dividends, with 12.5p pencilled in for 2026, climbing to 13.8p the year after.

XPS shares are a long-term, defensive buy.

Traded on: main market Ticker: XPS Contact: xpsgroup.com

DCC

DCC sells oil and gas to off-grid business and residential customers, from major industrial groups to rural farmers.

The Dublin-based business has increased payouts to shareholders every year since floating on the stock market in 1994.

Operating in the UK, Europe and the US, its long-term relationships with customers created steady revenue and profits growth.

Buoyed by its success, DCC then branched into healthcare and technology - a misguided decision that saw shares fall from nearly 80 in 2018 to 47.30 today. However, they are ripe for recovery.

The healthcare division has been sold and 800 million is being returned to shareholders, as DCC buys back stock from investors.

Part of the technology division has also been sold and the rest is likely to follow suit, delivering more rewards for investors and sending DCC shares firmly upwards.

Traded on: main market Ticker: DCC Contact: dcc.ie
If you thought alumni from Eton and Harrow or management consultancy McKinsey and investment bank Goldman Sachs really ran Britain, think again. As the dust settles on Keir Starmer's ministerial reshuffle, it's clear who's really calling the shots ahead of November's Budget.

The Prime Minister has effectively sidelined Rachel Reeves and handed control of key decisions to graduates of the Resolution Foundation, a Left-leaning think-tank that advocates for taxing 'unearned' wealth rather than 'earned' income to plug a hole of up to a 50 billion in the public finances. That means those who own property, have a pension or are expecting an inheritance are in the crosshairs.

The Chancellor has ruled out increasing taxes on 'working people' such as income tax, VAT and employee national insurance, but that leaves the door open to higher taxes on inheritance, capital gains and pensions.

Several of the think-tank's ideas were adopted in her disastrous maiden Budget last year. These included the abolition of inheritance tax (IHT) relief on family farms and bringing unused pensions into a dead person's estate, making them subject to IHT. The measures provoked fury among farmers and savers respectively. But these were just for starters.

The foundation has drawn up plans for even bigger tax raids  and now has the people in power to implement them.

In charge: The Prime Minister has effectively sidelined Rachel Reeves and handed control of key decisions to graduates of the Resolution Foundation (above)

The key players

Sir Clive Cowdery

The foundation was created in 2005 by insurance entrepreneur Sir Clive Cowdery to focus on improving living standards for low and middle-income households.

It is best known for calculating the real living wage, a voluntary hourly pay rate which is above the legal minimum. Cowdery hit the jackpot last year when he sold his Resolution Life insurance business to a Japanese rival for 8.3 billion. The size of his windfall was not disclosed.

Torsten Bell

The foundation's most high-profile alumnus, Torsten Bell, a former Treasury civil servant, ran the think-tank from 2015 to 2024 before being parachuted into the safe Labour seat of Swansea West at the last general election.

A recent promotion saw him take a lead role in preparing the Budget and handling economic policy, meaning his fingerprints will be all over November's update.

Bell has previously called for the state pension 'triple lock' to be axed and said the tax system is 'a dog's dinner' and should be tilted towards taxing wealth.

Dan Tomlinson

Another ex-Treasury official, Dan Tomlinson worked at the foundation between 2015 and 2022, becoming its senior economist.

He went on to win the Chipping Barnet seat for Labour last year and was made Treasury exchequer secretary in the reshuffle. In a 2022 report for the foundation, he said not targeting wealth with new taxes while incomes were squeezed was 'indefensible'.

Minouche Shafik

A former Bank of England deputy governor, Baroness Minouche Shafik is now Starmer's economics guru. She has no experience of business, having spent much of her career in academia, the civil service and at the International Monetary Fund, where she oversaw its response to the 2009 eurozone debt crisis.

With Cowdery, she co-chaired a recent foundation report that said wealth needed to take 'more of the strain' of the tax burden.

Vidhya Alakeson

Starmer's deputy chief of staff, Vidhya Alakeson was Bell's number two at the foundation between 2011 and 2014.

Like Bell and Tomlinson, she also worked in the Treasury as a senior policy adviser. Following Starmer's latest reset, she has taken on an extra role overseeing policy and delivery in Downing Street.

Their Budget Wishlist

The think-tank will set out its recommendations later this month, but there are already clues about what it could be planning.

Inheritance tax

The foundation has previously called for the IHT system to be 'ripped up' and replaced with a levy on recipients, not an estate.

Currently, the first 325,000 of an estate's value is tax-free, after which IHT is charged at 40 per cent. This threshold can increase to 500,000 if you give your home to your children or grandchildren.

Bell presided over the think-tank's previous modelling of how a recipient-based wealth tax could almost double the amount that IHT raises. Proposals included a lifetime tax-free allowance of 125,000 as well as a basic rate of 20 per cent up to 500,000 and a 30 per cent tax on more than 500,000.

While it does not expect IHT to be scrapped in the Budget, the foundation has called for the 325,000 tax-free limit to be removed.

Pensions

Having brought retirement savings into IHT from 2027, and given Bell's ministerial brief, a raid on pensions seems inevitable.

This could involve further restricting how much tax-free cash can be pulled from pension pots, which is capped at 268,275.

Another target could be tax relief on pensions. Savers enjoy tax relief at their higher marginal rate, but the foundation wants to rebalance this relief 'towards low-to-middle earners'.

NI for landlords

The Treasury is reportedly considering a tax on landlords. Rental income is exempt from national insurance if being a landlord is not your main job. But the think-tank has suggested all landlords should pay NI.

A Resolution Foundation spokesman said: 'We'll try to influence the upcoming Budget in the same way we have done for the past 20 years.' Except that this time, it will be pushing at an open door.
The mistress of the Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death and fled to Georgia to start afresh without his wife can be unmasked for the first time.

Ryan Borgwardt, 45, was jailed for 89 days last month, after plotting the elaborate stunt to be with his mistress in Eastern Europe.

He spent four months in the former Soviet country before returning to America where he was charged with obstruction related to the $30,000 manhunt launched following his disappearance on August 11, 2024.

Police learned in October that the father-of-three had crossed the border into Canada a few days after staging a kayaking accident and had been communicating with a Russian-born woman.

Exclusive photographs obtained by the Daily Mail show the mother-of-two, known only as Katya, alongside her two children.

Green Lake County Sheriff's Office had sent her the photo along with one of Ryan, and a sheriff's badge, asking for her help in locating him.

In her initial email translated by Daily Mail, Katya told officers that Borgwardt was 'just a friend' who had been helping her with problems, before asking why they contacted her.

After weeks of communication, she eventually put them in touch with Borgwardt, telling cops: 'I will talk to Ryan so that he comes back sooner... I beg you, please help him so that he does not have many problems with the law and so that they try to keep his passport.

The mistress of Ryan Borgwardt, 45, who faked his own death in Wisconsin to reunite with her in Eastern Europe, is a woman named Katya, a Russian mother-of-two (Pictured with her two children)

Borgwardt, 45, was jailed for 89 days last month after faking his death to leave behind his wife Emily and three children before fleeing the country and spending four months hiding out with Katya in the former Soviet republic of Georgia

Police learned in October the father-of-three had crossed the border into Canada and was seen in footage chatting to officers during his escape to Eastern Europe

'Maybe they will be able to listen to your word. He was always honest with you and in touch. No one knows how hard it is for him now... although he tries not to show it,' she continued.

Borgwardt explained to officers that he met Katya online in 2024, with the mother-of-two initially telling him she was from Ukraine. He said they 'quickly became close' and had 'identical personalities'.

Katya told him a month into the relationship that she was not from Ukraine but from Russia, with Borgwardt forgiving her lie because 'she felt awful'.

In further emails, Borgwardt constantly quizzed cops about how to get his lover to the US, with his main concern about returning to American soil being if he was going to get jail time.

'Will the government allow Katya, a Russian, to live here?' he asked.

'She and I know we didn't cross paths in the most ideal situation.... but I refuse to be forced to abandon her.

'We both are looking forward to starting a life together that hopefully includes some kind of positive relationship with my three children.

'THE ONLY THING I'M ASKING OF YOU IS TO ALLOW ME TO STILL HAVE A FUTURE WITH KATYA.....

During his conversations with officers while he was out of the country, he asked them multiple times how he could bring her to America, highlighting the problems she could face getting a visa since she's Russian

One email sent by Borgwardt to the officers claimed that 'everyone wins' if they let him stay in Georgia, but clarified that his three children with Emily would be the ones to suffer

'If this gets taken away from me too, then you might as well just put in me in jail for a long time.'

Borgwardt also told authorities that other than his children, 'everyone wins' by him remaining in Georgia, and he was concerned that his kids would see him as 'the enemy'.

Borgwardt was hit with obstruction charges over the $30,000 manhunt sparked by his disappearance on August 11, 2024

The new documents also reveal that he was considering a book or media deal about his plot in a bid to write off his debts in the US, with Chief Deputy Matthew Vande Kolk telling him 'good or bad you are famous'.

One email between the father-of-three, from Watertown, Wisconsin, states that he will take on 'all the debts' from his divorce from wife Emily, adding: 'She shouldn't have to deal with my mistakes. It wasn't her fault.'

Emily, 44, filed for a legal separation, the day after the father-of-three landed back on US soil in December last year.

Court records seen by the Daily Mail confirm that Emily, who lives in Watertown, Wisconsin, lodged the documents in Dodge County almost immediately after his return.

'The marriage is irretrievably broken,' Emily said in her petition. Documents filed in Dodge County Circuit Court state Borgwardt's wife wants full custody of their three teenaged children.

A treasure trove of new evidence, released to the Daily Mail by Green Lake County Sheriff's Office show a calm Borgwardt chatting with officers as he flew out of Canada on August 12 last year.

Wife Emily, 44, filed for a legal separation, the day after he landed back on US soil in December last year, saying in documents that the marriage was 'irretrievably broken'

He even pleaded in emails that he didn't want to face jailtime but emphasized his respect for law enforcement

In texts with law enforcement Borgwardt whined about them not understanding Katya's last five years of life and lamented about having to leave her

The father-of-three handed himself in to local authorities in December after four months of correspondence with Chief Deputy Matthew Vande Kolk.

New emails released by the cops show him concerned about when he would be reunited with his mistress and his money troubles.

The cabinet maker lashed out at Chief Deputy Vande Kolk after he initially made contact, branding initial reports about his disappearance as 'half true'.

'I was actually very angry when I saw the first news story', Borgwardt wrote. 'The whole story is not in the best interest of my kids, Emily and the rest of my family. Is it really that difficult to report the truth?

'Was it your department or is the news just really that terrible at what they do? The news story makes it sound like I'm living 'large' over here.

'That couldn't be further from the truth. I truly tried to take as little as possible with me to LEAVE MY FAMILY WITH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.'

He went on to whine that officers wasted time trying to verify that he wasn't a 'victim from an Eastern European money scheme'.

He added: 'If we never made contact and about one week later you learned that my body was laying somewhere in Eastern Europe and that any money I had was stolen.. then what would you have done?

Borgwardt emphasized in the emails that his 'sin was increasing by abandoning Katya' and how much she would struggle with the cost of living without him, before questioning why Russia had to be an 'enemy country'

Calm and collected, Borgwardt chatted with officers while flashing his bogus passport, then carried on with his scheme

'Would you try to correct the news? Or now that all of Wisconsin thinks I'm a 200% dirt bag, would you just let the story sit out there?

'Why wouldn't you have waited to do any press conference and news story before you actually tried to confirm a few more details. Like the major one, did Ryan end up being a victim here too?'

He also claimed that he took out a new life insurance claim months before meeting his mistress because he was 'falling asleep while driving' in late 2023  so became fearful that he would die.

In one self-pitying email, the father whined: 'I realize I created this mess and now everyone is trying to put the pieces together.

'I am really sorry about that. It would have just been much easier if no one looked for me.

'I truthfully don't want to go to trial. I'd rather settle. It's in everyone's best interest I think. I really just DONT want to end up in jail. That's my only goal.'

Borgwardt complained that his wife had thrown out his clothes, so he would need to spend more money than planned to replace his things upon his return.

He also spoke to Chief Deputy Vande Kolk about his Christianity and the best place for tool deals in December during the bizarre exchange.

Officials say he deliberately capsized his kayak (pictured), tossing his phone and belongings into the water before slipping away on an inflatable boat  then pedaled more than 50 miles to Madison overnight on an e-bike

For 54 days, police scoured the lake for the missing kayaker, only to announce on November 8 that he was alive - and had staged his own death

New footage released shows the moment he fled Canada to France, before travelling to Tbilisi to be with his lover.

Borgwardt looks calm as he chatted to officers using his illegally obtained passport, before continuing on his elaborate scheme.

Authorities spent 54 days looking for the Wisconsin man before announcing on November 8 that they didn't believe he had drowned in the lake, but rather had faked his own death.

Police did not release details of where he was staying or who he was with while he was missing. They confirmed that Borgwardt flew back into an international airport in the US of his own volition.

Officials revealed that he deliberately flipped his kayak and dumped his phone and belongings in the water before paddling to safety on an inflatable boat and e-biking more than 50 miles to Madison overnight.

Borgwardt had been talking to Katya before he obtained a new passport and a $375,000 life insurance policy in January.

Police managed to establish contact and in November, Borgwardt - who had not contacted his family since his disappearance - sent a video in which he showed off his apartment, telling officers: 'I am safe, secure, no problems.'

But the same could not be said for his heartbroken family, who were being supported by the Sheriff's Office.

Borgwardt left his original passport at home when he vanished, and police said he tried to cover his tracks by removing his laptop hard drive and wiping his search history clean.

Before his disappearance, he also changed all the email addresses linked to his bank accounts and moved money to a foreign bank account.

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said he 'could not be more proud' of his officers in helping bring Borgwardt to justice.
Furious villagers in a seaside beauty spot have accused their local council of asset stripping after it announced plans to sell off the land beneath their beach huts.

Owners also complained the proposed auction would leave the site in private hands, leaving it at risk of prohibitive costs and commercial redevelopment in future.

An officers report on the plan, which reveals the local authority could net a 450,000 windfall, provoked further anger after one of the reasons for the decision was to avoid a reputational risk to the council.

Details of the sale of the 105 huts in Heacham, Norfolk  some of which have been in families hands for generations - emerged months after the council was accused of greed following a 37 per cent increase in annual ground rents in just three years, which was reported in the Mail.

Owners have now formed an association to fight the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk and do whatever it takes to keep the coastline in public hands, where it belongs.

They include NHS mental health nurse Tracey Turnbull, 60, who lives in Heacham with her husband James, 51, who said: This is a complete joke and the council should be ashamed.

Asset stripping their reliable income streams, changing the face and culture of coastal rural England potentially, changing an iconic vista and causing financial and personal distress to owners. We will fight this, make no mistake.

Stuart Marshall described his hut as a little piece of local history and an escape.

Beach hut owners in Heacham met to launch their campaign to persuade the local council to turn down an officer's recommendation to sell the land the buildings stand on

He added: The beach huts are an iconic feature of the seafront. I am proud to have one and will miss my little sanctuary if it is taken away or made financially unaffordable.

Grandmother Tracey Mellor, 59, said: We use it several times a week and cant imagine not having it.

Locals who dont own one of the wooden huts have also complained that their loss would damage the feel of the area.

Photographer Christina Brown, 71, said: Heacham wouldnt be the same without the beach huts.

Theyre part of the landscape and so many people have made memories there over the years.

We need to keep them to maintain our seaside heritage and traditions.

A spokesman for Heacham Beach Hut Association added: To see in black and white that the council plans to sell our community's heritage simply to avoid reputational risk is a complete disgrace. Theyd rather silence residents than do whats best for West Norfolk.

Instead of engaging with our concerns about rents and maintenance, which they explicitly mention in this report, the council's solution is to sell a public asset because they find their own tenants too inconvenient.

The resort has 105 huts, some of which have been in families' hands for generations

Owners who gathered to discuss their course of action claim the auction of the site would amount to 'asset stripping'

Its a shocking failure of public service and a betrayal of the community they are meant to serve.

Suspicions have been heightened about the huts future as the council granted temporary planning permission in 2020 to remain on site but this expires in 2031.

In a letter to owners, the council said: The current leases are due to expire on 31 March 2026.

I will be recommending that any sale should take place well in advance of this date, allowing the new owner sufficient time to negotiate future lease arrangements with tenants.

If the sale goes ahead, it means you would be negotiating any lease with the new owner instead of with the council. This is a common arrangement: many beach hut sites are owned privately.

The permission stated that all beach huts and structures would have to be removed at that point unless a new application was approved.

The association said many beach hut owners, who act as unofficial guardians of the site, proceeded with purchases and investments based on clear assurances from council officers that their leases would be renewed.

Caron Rawnsley, who bought her seaside retreat little over a year ago, said, We have put a lot of time, money and effort into it. Its our little bit of escapism by the sea.

The huts sit in a 2.7 acre site next to a sandy beach which has views over The Wash

Owners complain they have already been hit by 'greedy' hikes in ground rents, which have seen costs soar 37 per cent in three years

They fear a private owner would push up ground rents even further or even redevelop the site

In May it emerged the ground rent had soared from 522 to 730 per year between 2022 and 2025.

Owners said this was completely unjustified, particularly as the water is so polluted that it has warning signs warning people to avoid swimming.

It has also been handed a Brown Flag award by a UK travel firm in a parody of the coveted Blue Flag designations given to top beaches.

The huts sit on a 1,400 by 65ft sand dune behind a sea wall with a total area of about 2.7 acres, with views of sunsets over The Wash from the sandy beach.

The report to the cabinet - which made savings and efficiencies to address a projected 4 million black hole in the councils budget for this financial year - states: To retain the site will expose the council to further high-profile criticism and provide a poor and underperforming financial return when property management resources are under pressure.

It also admits rents could decrease due to the continuation of the Brown Flag designation of Heacham Beach.

The sale proposal is due to go before the councils cabinet on September 23.

A petition to save the huts and keep the stretch of West Norfolk coastline in public ownership for the benefit of the whole community has been launched at https://www.change.org/p/save-heacham-beach-huts

More than 500 people have signed it since it was launched last Saturday.

A council spokesman said the views of owners would be taken into account at the cabinet meeting.
A chilling link between the horrific killing of a Ukrainian refugee on a train and Russian intelligence operations has emerged.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was brutally stabbed on the Charlotte Light Rail on August 22 in a crime that has shocked America.

Zarutska fled a bomb shelter in Ukraine to come to the US in 2022 and escape war with Russia - but just a few years later she was knifed to death.

Shocking footage of the attack allegedly carried out by Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. has been circulating online showing ghoulish bystanders filming her bleeding to death rather than trying to save her life.

But an undated photograph of Zarutska shared by an X account linked to dangerous Russian disinformation attempts has simultaneously gone viral.

The image shared by MyLordBebo appears to show the Ukrainian refugee in a bedroom with a poster on the wall behind her reading 'Black Lives Matter'.

The post was captioned 'the Ukrainian girl that was killed on the subway' and has been viewed millions of times on X, stirring up intense responses.

MyLordBebo is connected to Russian disinformation operation Storm-1516, according to a recent government report. Storm-1516 is reportedly aimed at harming Ukraine and its operatives are known to disseminate deepfake content.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was brutally stabbed on the Charlotte Light Rail on August 22 in a crime that has shocked America

An undated photograph of Iryna Zarutska shared by the MyLordBebo X account - which is linked to dangerous Russian disinformation attempts - has gone viral. The image appears to show Zarutska in a bedroom with a poster on the wall behind her reading 'Black Lives Matter'

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

The unverified photograph appears to show Zarutska lying on a bed and holding her phone to the photographer. A poster behind her is circled in red.

The placard featured slogans including 'Black Lives Matter' and 'I Can't Breathe' - the phrase uttered by George Floyd before he was killed in Minneapolis police custody.

The image was shared in a tribute album on Zartuska's online obituary, but the origin and authenticity of the image remain unknown.

Zartuska only arrived in the US in 2022 as she sought safety from Putin's war in Ukraine, so is unlikely to have participated in the BLM riots that erupted across America two years prior.

Photographs taken in what appears to be her bedroom and posted to Zartuska's own social media accounts also suggest the photo was captured at a different residence.

Motivation beyond MyLordBebo's post is merely speculative, but experts allege the post mirrors Russia's 'standard playbook of exploiting existing discontent'.

Dr Lukasz Olejnik, a visiting senior research fellow in the department of war studies at King's College London, says Kremlin disinformation operations try to deepen societal divisions and distort public perception.

'While we do not know of the motivations behind the spreading of this particular content, such specific messages using current events, in this case a tragic photo of murdered Ukrainian refugee, and specifically highlighting a Black Lives Matter poster would be consistent in the pattern of known Russian information operations targeting the US,' the cybersecurity and privacy consultant told Daily Mail.

VIGINUM, a French agency established to detect and counter foreign interference, has identified the MyLordBebo account as being linked to Kremlin-backed disinformation operation Storm-1516, according to its May 2025 report

Photographs taken in what appears to be her bedroom and posted to Zartuska's own social media accounts also suggest the photo was captured at a different residence

'Russia prioritizes acting in the most efficient, effective manner.

'In this case, such an approach would align with strategies applied in the past, and consistent with Russia's practices of projecting information influences that are in line with their own strategic interests.'

Olejnik warned that spreading disinformation, as in the case of MyLordBebo's tweet, is 'highly dangerous, especially when it combines real tragedy with charged symbols trying to link it to some existing 'Big Picture' thing'.

'It's not just misleading, but deliberately manipulative, aimed at deepening societal divisions and distorting public perception,' he said.

He warned that by injecting themes into unrelated geopolitical events, Kremlin operatives are able to exploit sensitive issues to fuel distrust and polarization.

'The impact is both immediate and long-term: eroding trust, inflaming tensions, sowing chaos, and distracting from important issues like the current geopolitical situation in Europe, specifically Russian attacks in Ukraine,' Olejnik added.

Russian operatives follow a 'standard playbook' for exploiting discontent, Ojenik explained, highlighting how this includes genuine street protests.

During the height of France's Yellow Vest movement in 2018 and 2019, Russia-linked troll networks were actively amplifying unrest, according to the expert.

Zaruska's alleged attacker, Decarlos Brown Jr, is seen above in his mugshot

A makeshift memorial for murdered Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska is seen at the East/West Blvd lightrail station in Charlotte this week

People have laid flowers at the makeshift memorial at the spot where Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska was killed

In June last year, coffins labeled 'French soldiers of Ukraine' were placed near the Eiffel Tower in a provocative display.

Ojenik notes there have also been documented cases of staged protests in cities like Paris, The Hague, and Brussels.

'The tactic is often quite simple: someone shows up at a real protest-unrelated to Ukraine or Russia! like for example, about pension reforms-with a pro-Russia or anti-Ukraine sign, takes a few photos, and leaves,' he told Daily Mail.

'Voilayou now have images that can be circulated to falsely suggest that a large protest, attended by thousands, was actually in support of a completely different cause.'

VIGINUM, a French agency established to detect and counter foreign interference, has identified the MyLordBebo account as being linked to Kremlin-backed disinformation operation Storm-1516, according to its May 2025 report.

Storm-1516's main objective is to discredit the Ukrainian government and damage the image of the country and its leader.

The operation is also tasked with disparaging Russian opposition, such as western leaders and governments, particularly during election seasons.

Operatives are known to disseminate deepfake images and videos, and have 'sometimes created narratives with twists and turns', the report states.

VIGINUM also warned that Storm-1516 operators are able to adapt their narratives to support various political contexts and have a desire to impact audiences in Europe and North America over the long term.
The family of a 65-year-old man was paid $830,000 by an Oregon transit agency after he was dragged 100 yards by a train when his trench coat got caught in the doors.

Jonathan Ignatious Edwards III, who later died from his injuries, was the last to get off a MAX train at a station in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland, on December 21, 2023.

According to an internal report from TriMet, the agency that oversees the Portland-area light rail system, Edwards exited the train then 'turned back' with his right hand holding his coat 'toward the doors'.

This resulted in his coat getting 'caught in the closing doors', according to the report, which was obtained by The Oregonian.

Edwards then stuck his left hand through the doors before pulling it out toward his body, the report said.

The train began moving while Edwards was still caught. He stumbled and was dragged across the platform and then the tracks.

Two TriMet security officers saw this and radioed TriMet's operations center, which immediately told the train operator to 'STOP! STOP! STOP!', according to the report.

The train operator later told a police officer 'he had been having trouble with the train's mirrors being loose and he had needed to adjust them multiple times earlier', per the report.

Jonathan Ignatious Edwards III was dragged 100 yards by a MAX train on December 21, 2023, after his coat got stuck in the doors. Edwards, 65, died in the hospital on January 16, 2024

Pictured: First responders helping Edwards onto a stretcher. He was taken to the hospital with a fractured neck and a hematoma in the cervical spine

He said he instead used a monitor that showed a camera feed of the outside of the train. He added that he looked at that monitor before pulling away from the station, the report said.

Edwards was rushed to the Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland with a fractured neck and a hematoma in the cervical spine, the uppermost vertebra in the spinal column.

Edwards's estate has alleged in a lawsuit against the hospital that his surgeon, Dr. Tiffany Dian Wong Odell, chose a much riskier procedure to fix his spine and that there was a safer way to operate on him.

The lawsuit also accused Odell of ignoring signs that the operation was going wrong as soon as anesthesia was administered, namely that his blood pressure had dropped to unsafe levels.

Odell allegedly failed to place a stent to relieve the pressure on Edwards's spine, which the lawsuit said caused him to become paralyzed from the neck down.

For the next 26 days, Edwards suffered in 'extreme pain' and 'mental and emotional distress', according to the lawsuit. He succumbed to his injuries and died in the hospital on January 16, 2024.

'But for defendants' negligence, Jonathan Edwards would not have suffered quadriplegia and would not have died when he did,' the suit alleges. 'Defendants' departures from the standard of care directly and foreseeably resulted in his catastrophic injuries and premature death.'

Edwards left behind three children, two daughters and a son. His daughter, Ebony Edwards-Robbins is managing his estate.

Edwards was rushed to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. The family is now suing the medical center for negligence, claiming Edwards was given poor treatment that led to his quadriplegic state and death

For 26 days before he died, Edwards suffered in 'extreme pain' and 'mental and emotional distress', according to the lawsuit

The complaint has requested a jury trial and is demanding the hospital pay $9 million in damages.

Daily Mail approached Legacy Emanuel Hospital for comment.

The Oregonian reported that TriMet paid the Edwards family an $830,000 settlement last year, something the agency hadn't disclosed until this week.

'Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Mr. Edwards,' TriMet said in a statement.

'This was a unique incident, and TriMet has taken additional steps to prevent this from ever occurring again.'

The Edwards family never sued TriMet, with both parties agreeing to settle the case before it advanced to court.

Daily Mail approached the lawyer representing the Edwards family, Ernest Warren Jr., for comment.

A TriMet spokesperson told the Oregonian that the agency inspected all MAX train doors after Edwards's coat was caught to make sure the 'sensitive edges' designed to open when they make contact with objects or people were functioning properly.

A photo above shows the scene of the horrific accident on December 21, 2023

Before Edwards's death, TriMet policy stipulated that train operators were to check their mirrors and the outside camera to see if the doorways were clear before leaving.

That guidance has since been updated, with conductors now being encouraged to step outside the train and look.

They can also call other staff who are looking at video from stations to give them the all-clear.

It's still unclear how Edwards's coat got stuck in the doors, since TriMet concluded they were functioning properly.
An active and healthy Queenslander whose back pain revealed a horror leukaemia diagnosis has joined thousands of Aussies in the search for a donor.

Greg Mason, 57, discovered he had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) seven weeks ago and is now waiting for a stem cell donor.

Julie Mason told Daily Mail her husband had developed back pain in mid-July and that within a week the pain had spread down to his legs.

After two weeks of struggling to find the source of the pain, a routine blood test at Redland Hospital, Brisbane, revealed the devastating diagnosis.

'We presented at emergency on Saturday and were told he had leukaemia on Monday. If we hadn't gone in, he could've been dead in five days,' Mrs Mason said.

She initially fell down a dark rabbit hole after reading about AML online, but quickly decided negativity wouldn't help her or her husband.

'We made a conscious decision to focus on the positive side of everything and try to laugh as much as possible because laughter is the best medicine,' she said.

However, there is one major roadblock that has made it difficult for the couple to remain positive - Mr Mason is in desperate need of a stem cell donor.

Greg Mason (pictured with his wife, Julie Mason) was diagnosed with leukaemia after he started feeling fatigued and experienced persistent back pain for two weeks

Mr Mason (pictured) has three months to find a stem cell donor

People aged between 18 and 35 can donate stem cells through a more specialised blood donation, with young men considered the best candidates.

'It's quite cool - they put a catheter in each arm, blood comes out of one arm and goes through a machine that sifts out your stem cells, then your blood is pumped back into your other arm,' Mrs Mason said.

'Greg, or any other patient, then gets those stem cells transfused into him and they can repopulate his body in a couple of weeks.

'I have seen stories of people going into remission and living an active and healthy life for another 22 years. It's amazing.'

In order to have the best chance of beating leukaemia, Mr Mason will need a stem cell transfusion within the next three months.

Australia is currently experiencing a critical shortage of donors, with Australians urged to donate stem cells through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Donors undergo a blood test to ensure the proteins on their stem cells match those of a recipients, who could be a patient from anywhere around the world.

As September is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, the Masons have encouraged as many people as possible to donate.

Mr Mason (pictured) hoped his story would encourage more Aussies to donate stem cells

'How amazing would it feel to save a life?' Mrs Mason said. 'What a great gift you could give someone.'

Her posts on social media have already gained thousands of reactions, with many promising to join the donor registry.

The couple have also urged anyone with unusual symptoms to get a blood test.

'One thing Greg has said over the last seven weeks is he used to blow it off if he was a bit fatigued,' Mrs Mason said.

'So many of us are the same, we never go and get checked out.

'If you've got some unexplained bruising, weird aches and pains or even if you're more tired than usual, get a blood test.

'It could save your life.'
Charlie Kirk was gunned down at a Utah college event on Wednesday moments after delivering a glowing tribute to the Mormon faith, which the alleged killer himself had been raised in.

The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder had just praised the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and bantered with a Mormon audience member when a high-powered rifle round struck him in the neck, killing him on stage.

On Friday, authorities identified the suspected shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson - a trade school student from a devout Mormon family.

Robinson was arrested following a frantic 33-hour manhunt, thanks to a tip from his own relatives.

'I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are.  Half my team is Mormon - Mormons are great people,' Kirk told a rapt audience, drawing a loud cheer shortly before the fatal shot rang out.

'I'm an evangelical Christian, but I'm not one of those guys that hates on Mormons.'

His words were captured in video footage posted to social media, as Kirk laughed and referenced the church's signature missionary uniform: 'the white shirt and tie put on right there.'

Authorities say Robinson fired the deadly shot from outside the venue using a scoped hunting rifle and later discarded the weapon in a wooded area near campus.

Charlie Kirk was gunned down at a Utah college event on Wednesday moments after delivering a glowing tribute to the Mormon faith, which the alleged killer himself had been raised in

On Friday, authorities identified the suspected shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson - a trade school student from a devout Mormon family

Shortly before he was shot, Kirk expressed admiration for the Mormon ethos of service, community, and evangelism. Pictured, the historic Mormon temple in Salt Lake City, Utah

Two unused bullet casings found nearby were reportedly inscribed with anti-fascist slogans, including one that read: 'Hey, fascist! Catch!'

The killing sparked a desperate nationwide manhunt that ended 33 hours later, when a relative of Robinson contacted a friend - who tipped off law enforcement.

'We got him,' Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared at a press conference earlier on Friday, confirming Robinson's identity and lauding the family's reluctant role in his capture.

'On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County sheriff's office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident,' Cox said.

Kirk was killed with a high-powered hunting rifle in front of hundreds of supporters at a campus stop on his 'America First' college tour.

Authorities quickly recovered the murder weapon from a wooded area nearby but without a suspect in custody, early efforts to identify the shooter stalled.

The FBI mistakenly detaining two unrelated individuals before narrowing in on Robinson late on Thursday.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest took place around 10pm that night.

Tyler Robinson, seen alongside his parents, grew up in a devout Mormon household

Robinson was raised in the faith Kirk had publicly praised, and shown no outward signs of radicalism

For many in Robinson's orbit, the news was incomprehensible. He had by all accounts, been raised in the faith Kirk had publicly praised, and shown no outward signs of radicalism.

'He went to our church when he was younger,' said Kristin Schwiermann, a former head custodian at Robinson's elementary school in Washington County. 'I was a head custodian for 18 years at Riverside Elementary. He went to Pine View High School,' she told The New York Post.

'I just know that [Tyler] carried himself nicely. He was very nice. He was smart. I hear he had a full-ride scholarship [to college] I was shocked that this was even him.'

Photos circulating on social media show Robinson dressed in a Halloween costume made to appear as if he was riding Donald Trump's shoulders. In others, he can be seen poses with guns.

Robinson had been working toward a career as an electrician and was in the third year of an apprenticeship when the shooting occurred.

While no motive has officially been declared, clues are beginning to emerge.

FBI director Kash Patel and other officials announced arrest of the suspect in the shocking murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk

Authorities identified Tyler Robinson as the suspected killer of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk

Two unused bullet casings found near the scene bore scrawled slogans, authorities say. One read, 'Hey, fascist! Catch!'. Other cartridges included gaming references and internet symbols.

Governor Cox confirmed the writing appeared 'hand-etched' and said forensic analysis was ongoing to determine whether Robinson had acted alone or with influence from extremist online communities.

'We do not yet have definitive proof of political motivation,' Cox said. 'But the markings on the casings are deeply troubling.'

Before Robinson had even been named publicly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints condemned the violence and issued a plea for peace.

'We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion and goodness,' said Church spokesman Doug Andersen on Wednesday. 'For members of the Church, we reaffirm the Savior's teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.'

Such message echoed the tone of Kirk's final moments as he expressed admiration for the Mormon ethos of service, community, and evangelism.

He even teased a man in the crowd for wearing the signature 'white shirt and tie,' joking that he must've 'just come from knocking on doors,' a reference to missionary work.

Then he turned serious again: 'I really respect what you guys do.'

Supporters place flowers outside the headquarters of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA organization

Wendy Lucas, a Utah Valley University student, looks at a memorial set up for Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Friday

Kirk had long been a lightning rod with his fierce in his rhetoric on race, immigration, guns, gender identity, and religion. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, rising to prominence as a fiery youth voice for conservatism.

His online presence, particularly on TikTok and YouTube, drew millions of views.

Following Kirk's killing President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff and vowed swift justice.

'I want the death penalty for the killer,' Trump said on Thursday night.

Vice President JD Vance personally accompanied Kirk's casket on the return flight to Phoenix, using Air Force Two. Video footage showed Vance placing his hand on the flag-draped coffin as it was carried off the plane.

'It still feels insane that this happened,' Jonathan Silva, 35, said at a vigil in Orem Park, where hundreds gathered on Thursday evening with candles and MAGA hats. 'It's totally surreal.'
The real reason Dezi Freeman refused to let police through the door on the day they arrived to serve their warrant can now be revealed after Daily Mail was given exclusive access to the extraordinary 27-minute siege vision.

Ten officers surrounded the property near Freeman's rural home in Porepunkah, Victoria, on August 26 to execute a search warrant linked to allegations of historical sexual assault on a minor.

Freeman barricaded himself inside the bus with his wife and two-year-old, flatly refusing to open the door.

It is now clear the fugitive gunman knew that the item officers would find inside his home would almost certainly condemn him to years behind bars.

Freeman had already lost his firearms licence, which had been stripped from him after a string of public rants in which he hurled abuse at police and authority figures and posted chilling threats online.

But, rather than stepping back from violence, the father-of-three took his obsession underground, building his own weapon in secret.

Detectives now believe Freeman had manufactured a homemade gun, a deadly device pieced together with the help of online blueprints and black market parts.

Under Australian law the penalties are severe. In some states even downloading and possessing the plans carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail.

Dezi Freeman (pictured) had previously lost his firearms licence after a string of public rants

Officers surrounded the property near Freeman's home in Porepunkah, Victoria, on August 26

Freeman barricaded himself inside a bus that he had been converting into a residence

In Victoria, the act of actually making a firearm without a licence can carry up to 10 years behind bars, while possessing one without a licence carries penalties of up to four years.

Familiar with the legal system and his own rights, Freeman knew exactly what would happen if he was caught. Friends say this explains the defiance he showed when officers first arrived.

'Dezi tells everyone he knows the law better than anyone else and he would have known he was done for if it was found,' one said.

'He would not cooperate, he would not hand over weapons, and he would not surrender because going to jail and having his freedom taken from him was what he feared the most.'

The looming threat of potential incarceration, combined with his deep-seated hatred of authority, appeared to make Freeman desperate in the video seen by Daily Mail.

Even after he was handed the warrant to search his property, he continued to argue for his rights. He claimed the warrant was fake and insisted they had his name and address wrong.

'You go by many different names,' one officer responded to his escalating demands.

'It looks like you live here to me,' another added.

Even after he was handed a warrant to search his property, Freeman argued for his rights

The looming threat of incarceration, combined with a hatred of authority, made Freeman desperate in video seen by the Daily Mail

In the video, Freeman moved out of sight of officers, claiming he was reading the warrant and had 'one more page to go.'

A senior officer could then be heard raising her concerns, whispering that she was worried he may 'destroy' something.

Her fellow officer quickly agreed, claiming they had been left with 'no choice' but to get into the bus.

It is then that Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson stepped into place with the crowbar and prised off the door window.

Within seconds, two gunshots could be heard and Detective Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were both shot dead at point-blank range.

The video then ends.

A third officer would later be confirmed as seriously injured, but it is unclear when that shooting took place.

Freeman took weapons from the deceased officers and fled into the rugged alpine bushland.

About 450 police officers and the Australian Defence Force continue to hunt for Freeman as the search enters its third week.

Police have also searched more than 100 properties in the surrounding towns and have received hundreds of tips and pieces of new information since announcing a $1million reward.
Amaye was working as a food vendor in the remote town of Kasuwan-Garba, Nigeria, when she was attacked by the mob.

A hysterical crowd descended and set her alight after she allegedly made what was taken as a blasphemous remark in response to a tongue-in-cheek marriage proposal at her restaurant.

What exactly was said remains unclear. But witnesses say that it was her comments that sparked the frenzy. State police said she was set ablaze before a reinforcement of security teams could arrive to protect her.

Police branded the August 30 slaughter 'jungle justice' - extrajudicial punishment carried out by an angry mob with no investigation, trial or sense of proportion.

Amnesty International Nigeria said blasphemy was 'often weaponised to settle personal scores'.

A small disagreement between people quickly escalates when one accuses the other of insulting the Prophet Mohammed, only for a mob to 'lynch' the accused instantly, without recourse to investigation or trial, they said.

Religiously-motivated violence still blights parts of Africa. Just a week later, Boko Haram militants killed more than 60 people in a nighttime assault on a village in northeastern Nigeria housing returning internally displaced persons.

More than a dozen houses were burned down and more than 100 people were forced to flee, local officials said.

In regions where political institutions are weak, mob justice flourishes. Chaos follows a lack of clear leadership and consequence, and local strongmen - religious and militant - continue to exploit power vacuums.

A mob surrounds a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in Bauchi State in May 2022. She escaped, but some people were macheted and many houses burned in the rampage

Deborah Samuel Yakubu was a victim of so-called mob justice. She fled an angry horde, taking refuge in a building that was then burned down

In June 2023, Martina Okey Itagbor was accused of causing the deaths of two young men who died in a car accident in Cross River State. She was tortured and burned alive

Violent Islamic extremism in northwest Africa thrives where states fail to retain the monopoly on violence. Radicalisation festers where socio-economic conditions worsen and opportunities are scarce.

Groups like Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) bring devastation to swathes of the continent. But so too has the failure of states to protect lives seen an escalation in mob violence in the last decade.

Amnesty International Nigeria documented last year how victims accused of theft, blasphemy, shoplifting and witchcraft had been beaten, tortured and killed with impunity.

'Suspected perpetrators almost always get away with it,' they said.

Between January 2012 and August 2023, the rights group documented at least 555 victims of mob violence from 363 documented incidents across Nigeria alone. Thirty two were burned alive, they said. Two were buried alive. Twenty three were tortured to death. Six were children.

A 2014 survey found 43 per cent of Nigerians had personally witnessed a mob attack.

These killings are not the work of organised groups orchestrating an insurrection against a fragile government. Often, these are driven by religious leaders operating in a lawless environment where mobs 'feel entitled to take the law into their own hands', Amnesty International Nigeria writes.

Deborah Samuel Yakubu was one of the victims who made headlines. She was studying at Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto in Nigeria when she was killed in Sokoto on May 12, 2022.

Miss Yakubu was also killed for allegedly blaspheming the Prophet Mohammed. Amnesty wrote that she had been killed by her classmates.

She was accused by the mob, 'comprising mostly of students from the school', of posting a voice note on a WhatsApp group that her classmates 'deemed intentionally disparaging of religious sensitivities'.

The ashes of Deborah's body outside the building, in a harrowing image shared by Amnesty

In 2012, four close friends were killed after leaving their campus at the University of Port Harcourt, in Chuba, Nigeria

The message went viral, reportedly upsetting the group. They 'forced their way' to the student hostel where Miss Yakubu lived and overpowered security personnel, shouting Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest), it was alleged.

Video footage shared on social media showed her being stoned and burned to death. Again, by the time police arrived at the scene she was already dead.

Just two people were arrested in connection to her murder. The police in charge of prosecution then went 'AWOL', a lawyer Amnesty, leading to the suspects' release.

Justice is not straightforward. Human rights lawyers involved in the case said they received death threats sent by social media, and said that mobs could crowd courtrooms during hearings in order to intimidate legal representatives and the families of victims.

When former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, then aspiring to run in the 2023 general elections, condemned the killing in a post on social media, he received a mixed response. Some praised him for speaking out, while others said they would no longer vote for him. The post was later deleted.

Miss Yakubu was killed with burning tyres. Mobs in Nigeria have long used this method to kill victims in an agonising way. In 2012, four close friends were killed after leaving their campus at the University of Port Harcourt, in Chuba, Nigeria.

They had gone to collect a debt when they were suddenly chased through the streets by stick and stone-wielding vigilantes. What exactly happened when they arrived is unclear, but it was claimed that Obuzor's debtor spread the word that the men were there to steal laptops and mobile phones and they were soon set upon.

When they were caught, they were stripped naked and beaten until nearly unconscious.

Ugonna Obuzor, Chiadika Biringa, Lloyd Toku, and Tekena Elkanah were dragged through mud and had concrete slabs dropped on their heads. The mob filled car tyres with petrol, placed them around the victims' necks and set fire to them.

The horrific spectacle, known as 'necklacing', was filmed on a mobile phone and posted on YouTube.

Ugonna Obuzor, Chiadika Biringa, Lloyd Toku, and Tekena Elkanah were dragged through mud and had concrete slabs dropped on their heads

Usman Buda was stoned to death as the crowd chanted 'Allahu Akbar'

Without a fair trial, it is impossible to know whether they were guilty of the crimes of which they were accused. Hauwa Yusuf, a criminologist at the Kaduna state University Nigeria, told DW that most victims are innocent.

'A lot of innocent Africans have fallen victim to jungle justice,' he said.

Often, the exact cause of a dispute remains unclear. Rumours quickly spiral out of control and vigilantes pursue their victims without establishing the facts before committing atrocities.

On June 25, 2023, Usman Buda and his business partners were approached by a beggar asking for help in the name of God and the Prophet. Buda responded that he could only beg in the name of God, not the Prophet. It was a theological point of debate.

An argument ensued. Buda was accused of blasphemy. This developed into a rumour that he had made a derogatory statement against the Prophet.

A mob formed and chased Buda through a market. Three police officers arrived but were unable to help him. He was pulled out from market stalls and stoned to death as the crowd chanted 'Allahu Akbar'.

In another case, a member of a vigilante group, Ahmad Usman, was tortured and set on fire in Lugbe District, Abuja.

It was June 4, 2022. Usman was on a security patrol on a Friday night and was trying to arrest several people for wandering after midnight, Amnesty reports. Cross words were exchanged and Usman was said to have made a blasphemous comment.

Other vigilante members stepped in to cool down the argument. But the next day, the man he had clashed with returned with a mob.

Hundreds gathered. The vigilante office was surrounded. Police were overpowered as they arrived. Powerless, they reportedly retreated 'and watched while Ahmad Usman was tortured and set ablaze'.

Buda was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death by a mob in Nigeria

Tawa's case was exceptional in that she was eventually handed over to police. She was suspected of child abduction after speaking to children on the street in the Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo state in February 2019

So-called jungle justice is not contained to religious killings. In places where the justice system is strained or absent, where police and lawyers cannot work without fear of intimidation, mobs overcome by emotion take matters into their own hands to deliver the most egregious forms of punishment for those accused of crimes.

In June 2023, Martina Okey Itagbor was accused of causing the deaths of two young men who died in a car accident in Cross River State. She was accused of witchcraft and set upon by a mob, who collected stones to kill her.

She pleaded with them that she knew nothing of the allegations. She was tortured and burned alive.

In 2021, 16-year-old Anthony Okpahefufe was killed along with two unidentified boys over allegations of theft. The allegations were not proven.

A store owner accused the two boys of stealing money. They were beaten and tortured into naming accomplices.

When they named Anthony, a mob marched with the store owner to Anthony's grandmother's house and seized the teenager.

He was dragged out into the market and pleaded to know what he had done wrong, before they tortured and killed him. He was warned not to say anything in his defence, Amnesty writes.

The accounts are almost without end. In 2012, four University of Portharcourt students were lunched over the alleged theft of laptops. In 2015, an 11-year-old boy suspected of kidnapping a baby was burned alive.

In 2017, a comedian, Paul Chinedu, was killed by a mob after being accused of being a member of a ritual gang, according to the Guardian Nigeria News. A 'vigilance group' tracked the men down in Ikorodu.

Chinedu's car had broken down and two men had come to help him. The mob did not believe their story and suspected them of being part of the Badoo cult. All three were lynched and burned, along with the car.

Tawa's case was exceptional in that she was eventually handed over to police. She was suspected of child abduction after speaking to children on the street in the Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo state in February 2019.

A trader approached her and asked what she was doing with the children. Her answer did not satisfy the growing crowd, so she was stripped naked in the street and beaten. Eventually, she was handed over to the police because some intervened to suggest the authorities should deal with the matter.

Frank Tietie, a Nigerian legal expert and Executive Director of Citizens for Social Economic Rights in Abuja, told German outlet DW that mob justice has 'been a long time with us'.

But cases have soared in the last decade, inflamed by distrust in law enforcement, economic hardship and the rapid spread of misinformation.

The outlet recalled a story in which 16 hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano were lynched on 'mere suspicion' of being bandits and kidnappers.

The victims were said to be travelling home after attending Eid celebrations when they were stopped in their vehicle and surrounded.

The mob found weapons on the hunters and reasoned that they were criminals, before burning them alive.

Amnesty International Nigeria said the vehicle was blocked and they were dragged out one by one to be set ablaze by 'vigilante and armed youth'.

'They were tied to used tyre[s] doused with petrol and then set on fire. The viral videos of the gory incident show the victims drenched in blood, pleading with their attackers while crowds cheered the vigilante that attacked with using axe, stones, dagger, iron rod and machete,' the report said.

Martina was accused of witchcraft and set upon by a mob, who collected stones to kill her

Mob justice is not unique to parts of Africa. A 2023 paper assessed that institutional problems and unethical practices in the criminal justice system lead to public distrust.

Joined with socioeconomic issues, this distrust leads individuals to find 'unconventional' approaches to tackling crime. Witch trials were relatively common in Europe and colonial America for three centuries until institutions hardened and socioeconomic conditions improved.

Britain's 1735 Witchcraft Act ended prosecutions for actual witchcraft, while also making it a crime to claim to have magical powers, tackling superstition. Mob justice dwindled.

The United States did overcome this side of mob justice. But mobs continued to lynch Black people suspected of crimes. Today, mob justice is far less common that it was, but lingers in Africa, the Americas, Asia and parts of Europe.
Opinion / Columnist

#BREAKING

UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution



Voting result

In favor: 142

Against: 10

Abstain: 12 pic.twitter.com/38ilC20OYL  UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 12, 2025

The UN General Assembly's (UNGA) resounding vote on 12 September 2025 to endorse the historic "New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" should have been a unifying triumph for global justice. Instead, in our part of the world, it exposed alarming fissures within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), highlighting the regional bloc's eroding ability to speak with one voice on pivotal geopolitical issues. With 142 nations voting in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstaining, the resolution demonstrated broad international consensus - yet SADC's splintered stance was so out of step as to raise urgent questions about the purpose and potency of the regional body in an increasingly interconnected world.As shown in the results chart from the official post by @UN_News_Centre, five out of SADC's 16 member states failed to support this crucial resolution: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) abstained, while Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia were conspicuously absent from the vote. This means virtually a third of SADC effectively turned its back on a historic declaration designed to advance peace, self-determination, stop genocide and bring to an end the occupation of Palestine. The full text of the Declaration, adopted on August 6, 2025, is available as a PDF addendum (document symbol A/CONF.243/2025/1/Add.1) in the United Nations Digital Library at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4087153/files/A_CONF.243_2025_1_Add.1-EN.pdf The UNGA's voting tally accounts for 164 member states: 142 in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstaining. With 193 total UN members, this leaves 29 countries that did not participate - their delegations either absent or failing to register a vote electronically. In essence, UNGA recognizes four categories of response:- Voted in favour- Voted against- Abstained- Did not participateThose in the final category are classified as "not voting" (or absent/non-participating). According to UNGA Rules of Procedure (Rule 86), both abstentions and non-participation count as "not voting" when determining majorities. However, reporting distinguishes abstentions as an intentional choice, while non-participants remain unlisted or appear as blanks in official charts. Such absences may arise from deliberate strategy, logistical hurdles, or suspended voting rights due to unpaid dues - though none of the 29, including Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia, faced suspension in this instance.The irony stings: among these truants is Madagascar, the current SADC chair. What message does this send from the leader of a bloc founded on solidarity and collective action?How can SADC advance African interests when its chair skips a vote on an issue echoing the continent's own struggles against colonialism, occupation and for sovereignty?This humiliating fragmentation of SADC erodes the regional body's authority and repute.What is the geopolitical value of a regional body that falters on core international matters? SADC nowadays seems lost, with its cohesion unravelling into irrelevance.Undoubtedly, SADC'S founding visionaries - like Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda, who championed the liberation of not just the region but also Palestine, international solidarity and regional unity - must be turning in their graves at this display of disunity, inertia and inaction!
As photographer Phil Penman ran towards the horrors of the terror attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11, bewildered and shocked victims covered in dust ran away from the danger and towards his camera lens.

Penman's shots from that fateful day in Downtown Manhattan are some of the most vivid images captured of the aftermath of the deadliest terrorist attack in American history that killed 2,977 people and injured thousands more.

Penman tells the Daily Mail that his life changed after the attacks and he is forever intertwined with the people he photographed that day 24 years ago.

'There's a weird bond between I think anyone that was down there that day,' he said. 'You really can't explain to anyone else what it was like to be down there.'

One of Penman's photos captures three men - Joseph Kelly on the left, Srinath Jinadasa in the middle and George Sleigh on the right - walking towards him on Fulton Street after the first tower collapsed.

Penman has stayed in contact with two of the men. He talks to Jinadasa's family on Instagram and once spent some time with them in Florida: 'I stayed at his house with him and his wife and they cooked for me and we basically stayed up till the early hours drinking his whiskey.'

Penman kept in touch with Sleigh until his recent passing: 'That was quite a shocker because I got quite close to George and I actually went out to see him at his home.'

The photographer fondly remembers one car ride with Sleigh. Penman said: 'He was driving me back to the airport and he actually turned around to me and said, "Everybody kind of knows my story but has anyone ever asked you how it was for you that day? How are you doing?" I think he was one of the first people to ask me that.'

Joseph Kelly (left), Srinath Jinadasa (middle), George Sleigh (right) walking on Fulton Street

The September 11th terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people

John Paul DeVito (right) inside the J&R music store

It has been 24 years since September 11, 2001

Debris is seen on the streets of Downtown Manhattan

Penman explains that September 11, 2001 was supposed to be his first day off in six months - until he learned that the World Trade Center had been hit.

Penman 'cycled down there as quickly' as possible, 'running through all the red lights' in the process.

The photographer recalls getting to the Twin Towers and being pulled into a J&R music store by firemen. It was a surreal scene, he said.

'It was police and some of the fire department guys in the doorway but everything inside the store is normal. Some people are going through CD racks looking at stuff - and then the sky just goes completely black outside.'

Suddenly, John Paul DeVito ran in. He was covered 'head-to-toe' in dust and soot - 'screaming because he couldn't believe that he'd made it,' Penman said.

That was when the photographer realized 'something really big' had happened. Penman calls the September 11th attacks the biggest historical event of his lifetime.

When the photographer walked outside, the ground was 'completely covered in paperwork and dust'. The debris was so thick that Penman struggled to walk.

He said: 'For me as a photographer, I've never been in anything like that before. That question comes into your brain where it's like, well can I do this? Can I stop to take these pictures of these people? Because you're capturing people in their worst hour.

As people ran away from the danger, photographer Phil Penman went towards it to capture some of the day's most striking images

The burning towers shortly after the second plane hit can be seen above

Phil Penman said: 'I remember I was just pointing my camera up at the towers, photographing the flames coming out - and then all of a sudden the building just came down in front of me.'

Penman's photographs are some of the most vivid images captured of that day

He described the ground as 'completely covered in paperwork and dust' in the aftermath

Thousands were injured in the attacks

'And for me it was like, well, there's a reason why I'm here. So I started.'

Penman's photos document the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack.

He said: 'When you have the camera up your eye, you're in this surreal place where all you're seeing is what's on the camera. It wasn't until a couple of seconds in, as it's coming down, you start realizing that s***, this is coming. It's actually coming for me.'

One of Penman's shots features an ambulance and a fire truck to the right of its composition. The end of the road is pitch-black.

Penman said: 'I was going to walk down that street effectively towards the World Trade Center to take pictures. Sometimes you get this intuition - like somebody's saying something. 'Don't go down there.' I basically listened to it and then of course that was where the second tower came down.

'I would have been gone for sure. I don't know where it came from but something said to me, 'Do not go down there.' I turned around and then that second tower came down probably 10-20 minutes later.'

The photographer was at Ground Zero for two hours. He said he knew he wouldn't be able to return if he left.

Later, Penman went to St. Vincent's Hospital to capture everyone coming in - but no one ever did.

Penman said he had 'never been in anything like that before' as a photographer

Penman does not want anyone to forget about the September 11 attacks

He said: 'It's very important that people remember these events - so we not only remember the people that were lost, but also so nothing like this happens again'

Penman says the September 11th attacks were not 'just one day' for him but part of a larger painful experience and the 'real trauma' started afterwards

He heartbreakingly shared: 'Everybody that was down there had died.'

Penman says the September 11th attacks were not 'just one day' for him but part of a larger painful experience and the 'real trauma' started afterwards.

Penman said: 'It was the next, say, six months of your life. All you're doing is photographing funerals, people that have lost loved ones and you could just never get away from it. It was just gut wrenching.'

The photographer still lives with the memories of September 11, 2001 to this day and he does not want anyone to forget what happened.

Penman said: 'I think we're very, very quick these days to forget things or we choose to want to forget things and I think it's very important that people remember these events - so we not only remember the people that were lost, but also so nothing like this happens again.'
Sussan Ley's decision to sack Jacinta Nampijinpa Price from the shadow ministry may have been inevitable - but it was also late, messy and politically costly. To the point where it might ultimately cost Ley her job.

Price's incendiary claim that Labor courts Indian-Australian votes through migration - and, more importantly, her refusal to back Ley's leadership - left the Opposition Leader with little choice but to dump her.

But the way it unfolded guarantees that this story will echo on for weeks. It has already been a week-long distraction.

Make no mistake, Price won't go quietly now that she's been sidelined - quite the opposite. She has already vowed to keep campaigning on migration, free of shadow cabinet rules, which, let's face it, she didn't really follow anyway.

Just imagine how outspoken she's going to become now that she doesn't even have to pretend to play a team game?

From the backbench, Price becomes a rolling headline machine with her own media ecosystem, a martyr to conservatives who think the party has gone soft. There is no shortage of conservative presenters and columnists happy to platform her opinions, especially when they cut against the views of her party room leader.

Expect pointed speeches, even more pointed and strategically deployed leaks, and the kind of white-anting that slowly corrodes a leader's authority.

And it won't just be Price undermining Ley's credibility - there is a network of internal party opponents willing to do the same.

If the next published opinion poll shows Sussan Ley's (right) support sliding, the speculation around a change of leadership could shift from hypothetical to imminent.

Price's statement after her sacking - doubling down on 'mass migration' as her core concern - is only a preview of what to come. Lampooning emissions targets is another issue she'll gladly take up.

As an aside, voters are concerned about high levels of immigration. But it's important to note that, while they were higher than usual in recent years, they are now back down to levels they have been at for decades under both sides of politics.

But that doesn't matter because more and more Australians are starting to question whether levels of immigration once accepted as necessary are still appropriate.

The context, of course, is the housing crisis.

And according to RedBridge polling, Price may even have a point when she targets Indian migrants as Labor-voting. The research apparently suggests they vote 85 per cent Labor's way. That said, the last election was a boil-over, and migrant communities have traditionally been conservative and therefore capable of favouring the Liberal Party.

Which is why many of Price's colleagues worry that she's losing votes when she muses publicly - even if she appeals to some voters worried about the overall migrant intake. Either way, it's entirely understandable that the Indian community reacted badly - and it's also a stretch to suggest an Albo conspiracy to import Labor voters from India based on some data points indicating they might favour Labor politically.

Besides these particulars, the immediate leadership implications from this mess are obvious for the Liberals.

Ley's victory over Angus Taylor in May was close - too close, in fact, for Ley to start losing friends now. Some of those who voted for her have already retired from Parliament when the Senate changed over on July 1.

It won't just be a sidelined Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) undermining Ley's credibility - there is a network of internal party opponents willing to do the same

Taylor's camp believes it already has the numbers to successfully challenge Ley. The very mention of this fact undermines the leader, whether it's true or not.

If the next published opinion poll shows Ley's support sliding, the speculation around a change of leadership could shift from hypothetical to imminent. The killing season in Canberra traditionally happens in the final sitting fortnight of the year.

That now looms large.

Taylor was touted by colleagues and commentators as the standard bearer for a harder-edged form of Liberalism after the election rout, but he narrowly lost out. The fact that he is the only viable alternative to Ley right now underlines that there isn't a great deal of talent on the Liberal Party's frontbench.

Internal lists circulating now show Taylor marginally ahead on the counting going on behind the scenes. If Price becomes a permanent headache for Ley, the Taylor proposition will be reframed as stability rather than risk: unite the conservatives, neutralise Price by proximity, and dare the moderates to try to do the same in the aftermath of a leadership change.

It would be a case of rewarding bad behaviour, but that's hardly an uncommon practice in the world of politics.

One problem with the Liberal Party bending to the conservative way of thinking is that Price's rhetoric is toxic to younger voters, who Liberals already struggle to win over. Climate change action is another issue the Indigenous senator is pledging to rail against now that she's on the backbench. For younger voters, that casts Liberals as political dinosaurs, whether that's fair or not.

Ley's victory over Angus Taylor (pictured) in May was close. Taylor's camp believes it already has the numbers to successfully challenge Ley

The simple fact is that the conservative side of politics is deeply divided, and the spoils of defeat make it near impossible to paper over those divisions. Finding things that moderates and conservatives within the Liberal Party agree on is getting harder.

Being so far behind Labor on the seats count after the 2025 election loss almost certainly locks defeat in at the next election, which makes it all the more difficult for any leader to maintain discipline during the interim.

Ley is struggling right now, but Taylor probably would too if he takes over. Which, of course, explains why he's happy to wait. It's a death spiral for the Coalition right now, and we haven't even discussed all the divisions within the Nationals as well as between the Coalition parties.

Labor must be grinning from ear to ear - but voters shouldn't be. Without a viable opposition, the government isn't being held to account in the way the Westminster system requires. That's bad for policy outcomes, and worse still for democracy.

The structural context is even worse for Ley, by the way. The moderates she is aligned with are numerically weaker after two election cycles of teal incursions and inner-city losses. The party is now anchored in outer suburban and regional seats, and the Nationals are more assertive. The merged party in Queensland makes it even tougher for moderates to compete.

That leaves Ley trying to lead a Coalition with a shrinking metropolitan footprint while defending policies meant to win those very places back. It's a wicked problem made worse by the fact that Ley's moderate tendencies don't align with the views of a great many of her parliamentary colleagues.
SAS soldiers have launched a legal fightback after a High Court judge banned them from attending hearings.

They have accused Lord Justice Haddon-Cave of acting 'unlawfully' and breaching 'open justice'.

The judge is heading an inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice into claims the SAS committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

The soldiers, through the Ministry of Defence's Witness Legal Team (MODWLT), have applied for a Judicial Review into Haddon-Cave's ruling.

The dramatic move comes as the Mail's Stop the SAS Betrayal has exposed mistreatment of veterans by courts.

SAS soldiers who fought the IRA could face murder charges after a ruling by a coroner in Northern Ireland.

Their cause has triggered huge public support. Just under 200,000 people have signed an online petition to protect veterans from the Troubles era.

The SAS's row with Haddon-Cave is set out in legal documents seen by the Mail. Pictured, photos of SAS operations posted on Facebook

SAS soldiers have accused the judge leading an inquiry into 'war crimes', Sir Charles Haddon-Cave of acting unlawfully

Previous witnesses at the inquiry include former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer

Last night, Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army commander, said: 'It is imperative allegations of this severity are subjected to appropriate scrutiny.

'The SAS's legal representatives rightly want to defend the soldiers' interests. They are also right to question how much weight can be given to anonymous accounts.'

The Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan has already been sitting at the High Court in London for two years and is not expected to return a judgement before 2027.

It was ordered after evidence emerged suggesting 80 or more unarmed Afghans were executed by SAS soldiers from 2010 to 2013.

In a bid to obtain eyewitness evidence, Haddon-Cave has ruled whistleblowers can provide testimony without anyone else in court, save for a skeleton legal team.

The soldiers, some of whom could face possible murder charges, have argued this could lead to evidence being untested and taken on face value.

The secret sessions, known as Green Hearings, are expected to hear SAS soldiers shot a Taliban suspect while he was asleep.

According to the laws of armed conflict, and the soldiers' Rules of Engagement, he should have been arrested and detained.

The MODWLT claims the judge's ruling breaches the Inquiries Act 2005.

The legislation is supposed to protect the legal rights of witnesses who may later face criminal charges.

Veterans have protested in London about repeated historical investigations into their actions on the battlefield. The Mail's SAS Stop the Betrayal campaign has highlighted these issues.

The SAS's most famous action took place in 1980 when a counter-terrorist team stormed the Iranian Embassy in London ending a six-day siege.

Former Australian SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, 46, recently lost a legal action to clear his name after being accused of war crimes.

The SAS' famous motto is 'Who Dares Wins'. But the soldiers say they are being treated unfairly by the courts.

The Judicial Review application, which will be heard by another senior judge, could grind the already lengthy inquiry to a halt.

Some of the SAS soldiers affected are still serving, some are retired.

The SAS's row with Haddon-Cave is set out in legal documents seen by the Mail.

The papers reveal the Inquiry was approached by witnesses 'who were only prepared to give evidence with no-one else present and on terms of complete anonymity'.

It continues: 'In particular, there is evidence regarding an occasion during a Deliberate Detention Operation when an individual was shot in the head whilst they slept'.

The SAS say 'very little, if no weight' should be given to 'untested' evidence provided in secret hearings.

The regiment say Haddon-Cave's ruling 'strays unacceptably far from the principle of open justice'.

The SAS is demanding the judge applies 'exacting standards of fairness' to all parties, including soldiers as well as Afghan relatives of the deceased.

The situation arose after the whistleblowers claimed their lives would be endangered should their identities be revealed.

The hearings at the Royal Courts of Justice have taken evidence from Special Forces commanders, military police officers and government ministers.

The SAS, as part of the Ministry of Defence, is a Core Participant in the inquiry.

Last night, a spokesperson for the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan, said: 'We are aware of a Judicial Review that has been brought against the Inquiry.

'It would not be appropriate to comment whilst proceedings take place.

'The Inquiry will continue its important work in investigating matters relating to the Terms of Reference.'

The Ministry of Defence said: 'We recognise the right of those involved to initiate proceedings for a Judicial Review.

'The department is rightly proud of its people, not least our Special Forces who have fought with bravery around the world.

'We continue to support our personnel and veterans who come forward to give evidence to the Inquiry. We also support the Inquiry and its investigations.'
A handsome six-bedroom house on a Birmingham street is the centrepiece of a property developers glossy sales brochure.

It shows impressive before and after photos of the family home which has been transformed into what it openly declares is an asylum seekers haven.

Since being repurposed, the property has doubled in value to 250,000.

It has been leased to the Home Office for seven years in a juicy deal guaranteeing a private landlord 2,000 rent per month, with all repairs covered.

This has maximised the earning potential and ensured a stable, long-term income, states the brochure of the developer, which turns family homes into houses in multi-occupation (HMOs) to feed Britains insatiable market for migrant accommodation.

Every asylum seeker is given a roof over their heads and there have been north of 50,000 arrivals by boat since Labour took office, with a near daily record of 1,097 in 17 dinghies across the Channel last Saturday and more since then. The conundrum is where to put these often-illegal newcomers.

In addition to them, there are the tens of thousands of more deserving Afghan and Ukrainian (and soon to be Gazan) refugees who have been promised resettlement here.

In the face of public outrage over migrant hotels, the Government has promised to shut them all by 2029 and is now beginning to do so. A controversial plan, dubbed Operation Scatter by critics, is under way to transfer the new faces into private accommodation across the country.

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Abdul, from Afghanistan, pictured with Sue Reid inside his HMO, of which there is room for four occupants in Grimsby, Lincolnshire

A property developer in the nearby seaside resort of Skegness has also bought, and refurbished, myriad existing HMOS for migrants

Most of these homes are HMOs, the migrant housing staple considered most suitable for a group of single men of different nationalities who want individual bedrooms.

In what smacks of deep unfairness to many, the Operation Scatter is going ahead as 1.4 million people languish, sometimes for as long as 15 years, on waiting lists for council and social housing in England and Wales.

The Home Office has refused to tell the Daily Mail how many HMOs for migrants it has on the books or how many it will need in the future.

What we do know, however, is that only 30,000 or so of approximately 110,000 in the asylum system remain in hotels, according to recent analysis by Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory.

So where are the rest? The answer is in around 100 villages, towns and cities across the country  from North to South, East to West. Our map, compiled from land registry records, local council meeting reports and private property sales data, shows that already barely any part of England is untouched by migrant housing.

This week the BBC delved into the problem by going to the Lancashire town of Wigan, which has recently clamped down on the huge number of HMOs there, many of them for asylum seekers.

Despite having a housing waiting list of 12,000 people, it has 900 HMOs, a 190 per cent increase in four years.

A resident called Adrian stood on his street of red-brick terraces in the town, pointing out migrant houses to the BBC: Thats an HMO, and thats an HMO down the street is another HMO.

Grosvenor Road in Skegness, Lincsolnshire, contains multiple HMO's housing migrants

He said he had been living nextdoor to one such abode housing asylum seekers. Ive had intimidation, confrontations in the street, he said, as he showed photos from a year ago of young men dressed as delivery drivers coming in and out the house even though asylum seekers are not allowed to work.

The migrants in Wigan, a once-proud cotton town, were placed there by Serco, one of three giant Home Office accommodation providers, the others being Mears Group plc and Clearsprings Ready Homes.

Serco told the BBC it was not responsible for the behaviour of migrants in the community, saying that was a matter for the police or the Government.

But, as Adrian complained: We were never asked, never consulted. They [Serco] just moved them in at 2pm one afternoon. The only reason I knew about it was the voices, screaming and shouting next door.

Serco is at the heart of the migrant home property bonanza. It offers landlords lucrative five-year tenancies to house them in swathes of the North West, the Midlands and the East of England.

It guarantees rental income during the five-year period with no voids or empty buildings, as well as free management, covering all repairs and council tax. It drums up business through a special helpline where landlords can get in touch to see if their home is suitable for migrants.

The result of Operation Scatter is that purchase prices for HMOs are soaring outside London (where hotels still house 60 per cent of migrants) because of demand. The gold rush is particularly evident in poorer areas, such as Blackpool, Bradford and Barrow-in-Furness, where cheap purchase prices give potential landlords a big bang for their bucks.

Recent property data shows there are now 360,000 HMOS in England, and the figure is soaring as landlords take financial advantage of the demand for migrant housing.

The village of Mellis in Suffolk where four new build houses (pictured) have been allocated to asylum seekers situated right next to the railway

Today an HMO sells for an average of 334,260, 13 per cent more than similarly sized family houses in England, and can reap a rental return of an astonishingly high 12.5 per cent.

The Daily Mail has found that the Home Offices desperate search has specifically targeted HMO properties in often deprived parts of the east coast of England.

In Grimsby, the once-thriving fishing port, a terraced house was recently revamped as an HMO to provide four bedrooms, including one on the ground floor. We talked to two Afghanis and a Yemeni who have moved in courtesy of the Government.

They were pleased to get the rent-free accommodation. One had come in on a Channel boat late last year, another moved from a hotel.

A property developer in the nearby seaside resort of Skegness has also bought, and refurbished, myriad existing HMOS for migrants.

The properties once provided cheap 400 to 500-a-month bedsits for locals working in the tourist trade, shops and the NHS. No longer. We found three HMOs on one side of a terraced street there housing 21 young Somalian, Afghan and African asylum seekers.

Meanwhile, with the help of government grants, an East Sussex council has bought two new-builds on a private estate  at the hefty price of 450,000 and 325,000 apiece  for large Afghan refugee contingents. It means they are off-limits to British families who might have fancied them.

And in a Suffolk village  to the outrage of some locals  four 300,000 houses have been taken by Serco for migrants, thereby shutting out anyone else who might have fancied buying or renting them on the open market.

This HMO is a residential street in Grimsby is being used to house three migrants

In the Basildon town of Essex, Labour councillors have had enough of HMOs and Operation Scatter. They say local residents are being evicted from rental homes by greedy landlords who are increasing their profits by turning properties into migrant housing. Its enough to make your blood boil, said the councils leader Gavin Callaghan.

Yet Labour ministers have made it crystal clear they expect every part of the country to take their fair share of migrants, whether asylum seekers or refugees. The Oxford University Migration Observatory found in March this year that only 59 of the 361 local authorities in England and Wales have failed to fall in line with this Government diktat.

The truth is the removal of migrants from hotels is having profound and miserable consequences for ordinary people, particularly the young struggling to rent or buy homes.

The winners in this David and Goliath battle will be property developers and private landlords who are enjoying their own housing boom  one which shows no sign of stopping as more and more migrants pour through Britains open borders
The head of Britains human rights watchdog led peers in an impassioned plea against the assisted dying Bill yesterday as she tearfully revealed glimpsing the Grim Reaper following an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Baroness Falkner, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, urged the House of Lords to reject the flawed assisted dying Bill  despite previously supporting the principle.

It came as a record 190 peers  including former ministers, bishops and a former president of the Supreme Court  were due to speak in a historic Lords debate over two days.

Some 91 Lords spoke in the debate  which lasted six and a half hours without pause yesterday  with two thirds of those opposing the Bill.

Baroness Falkner, who said her remarks are entirely personal, told peers of her experience with a disregarding and, at best, incompetent NHS after she was diagnosed with advanced stage three ovarian cancer last summer.

She said: I have had two rounds of chemotherapy and three operations, and I am now on relatively debilitating medication until 2027. So in this period, I too feel as though I glimpsed the Grim Reaper through my hospital window, in a morphine-induced haze.

Urging peers to reject Labour MP Kim Leadbeaters Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, she added: There is much to discuss in the scrutiny of this flawed Bill  and I say that as someone who previously supported assisted dying.

Former prime minister Theresa May also opposed the licence to kill Bill yesterday as it came before the Lords for its first debate after MPs backed legalisation by a majority of just 23 in June.

Baroness Falkner (pictured), chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, urged the House of Lords to reject the flawed assisted dying Bill  despite previously supporting the principle

However, Lord Falconer (pictured) urged peers to back the most safeguarded assisted dying measure in the world and to respect the decision of MPs and not overturn it

She said legalising assisted dying would reinforce the dangerous notion that some lives are less worth living than others and could even be used to cover up mistakes made by hospitals.

Baroness May said: Suicide is wrong, but this Bill, effectively, says suicide is okay. What message does that give to our society? However, others spoke passionately in favour of legalising assisted dying.

Lord Falconer, the former Labour justice secretary who is taking the Bill through the Lords, urged peers to back the most safeguarded assisted dying measure in the world and to respect the decision of MPs and not overturn it.

He said: There are so many people whove been following the debate who recall the agonising death of a loved one, or... who fear what their own death might be like. The elected house has expressed its will.

The assisted dying Bill will return to the upper house on Friday, when there will be a motion to agree to a second reading. If

it passes this stage, this is followed by committee, report and third reading stages in the Lords, then consideration of amendments by MPs in the final stages and lastly Royal assent.

The Bill must pass all stages by the end of the parliamentary session next spring to become law, or it will fall and not be able to go any further.

Being a private members Bill, it will be allocated only limited time for debate and there are fears opponents will lay down dozens of amendments to effectively talk it out.

Former prime minister Baroness May (pictured) said the controversial Bill going through parliament could have a catastrophic impact on disabled people, those with chronic physical illness or mental health problems

Campaigners gather outside Houses of Parliament to demonstrate their opposition to the assisted dying Bill in June

Lord Jackson of Peterborough said: The strength of concern voiced today makes it increasingly unlikely that this Bill will pass at third reading, and momentum is clearly against it.

In that scenario, supporters of assisted dying would have to start the process again, unless Sir Keir Starmer decided to adopt it as a government bill, which is thought to be unlikely.

The Bill in its current form would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel.

The first assisted death would take place by 2029 if it clears all remaining stages this year.
Melbourne mayor Nick Reece has urged protesters to 'stay home' on Saturday as planned rallies under the Australia Unites banner kick off around Australia.

Organisers say the rallies will highlight Australians' dissatisfaction over worsening cost-of-living pressures, declining health outcomes, rising violence, financial strain, and environmental policies that serve corporations.

Opposing groups led by Indigenous and Palestinian activists have planned a National Day of Action against racism and fascism in response to neo-Nazis allegedly raiding an Indigenous camp in Melbourne on August 31.

Victoria Police anticipate troublemakers in both far-left and far-right groups will use protests as an excuse to pick a fight and commuters have been told to expect extended delays in Melbourne's CBD.

Melbourne Mayor Nick Reece said he was 'fed up' with the number of protests being held in his city and around Australia.

'Whatever people think they are achieving through these protests, I can tell them it is being more than offset by the harm they are causing to the city and people of the city,' he told Weekend Today on Saturday.

'I think everyone respects the right of people to protest peacefully, but that's not what we're seeing anymore. We are seeing behaviour which is disruptive, extremely disruptive, and intimidating and I think people are fed up. I'm fed up.

'We seem to be going to a new level where you've got four protests happening on a single day. It's starting to look a little like the bar scene from Star Wars, but unfortunately it's a very serious situation causing mass disruptions.'

Right-wing groups gather at Victorian State Parliament as Australian's hold anti-fascism rallies

Melbourne Mayor Nick Reece (pictured centre) said he was 'fed up' by the number of protests being held in his city and around Australia ahead of more rallies on Saturday

Anti-immigration marches turned violent as they clashed with multiple counter protesters

There have been many protests around the country this year and are costing taxpayers millions

Rallies will occur in Sydney, Hobart, Canberra and Brisbane but their state police forces have not warned of similar clashes.

Officers deployed in Melbourne will have extra powers to search people for weapons and can direct people to remove face coverings.

The planned protests comes a fortnight after a group of men dressed in black clashed with people at Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on August 31, following the March for Australia rally in the city.

The camp is a burial site with the remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. It was first created in 2006 and was re-established in 2024.

Ten men, some with links to neo-Nazi groups, have been arrested and charged in relation to the alleged assaults and affray.

Brawls also broke out between anti-immigration protesters and anti-fascist groups, which led to police deploying pepper spray to separate demonstrators.

Victoria Police said among the four groups set to turn out on Saturday, those with far-right and extreme ideologies, as well as far-left and opposing views, will seek conflict and confront each other.

They could not discount the chance neo-Nazis would again take to the streets while a leader in the group remains behind bars.

Brawls also broke out between anti-immigration protesters and anti-fascism groups, which led to police deploying pepper spray to separate demonstrators

The Mayor says the amount of protests going on around the country is getting out of control

An anti-fascism rally in Sydney on Saturday featured Indigenous and Palestinian activists

Victoria's Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the government supported peaceful protest but rebuked any protesters who planned to engage in harm and violence.

'Do not ever use the cloak of protest to go out there and cause crime,' she said.

'There is no place for protests that spread harm, that spread hate, that spread fear and violence, and there is certainly no place in Victoria for neo-Nazis.'
A teenager who stabbed two 'vulnerable' taxi drivers said he was suffering drug withdrawal symptoms and was trying to get money to buy more 'vape liquid'.

Hattam Assaad, 19, pleaded guilty to attacking the drivers with a knife in two separate incidents within 24 hours in Sydney's west in March 2024.

He was sentenced to four years in jail in Parramatta District Court on Friday, with Judge Mahony saying the knife was capable of causing 'serious injury'.

The court heard Assaad was just 17-years-old when he was first introduced to the 'vape liquid', which he was told contained cannabis.

He later discovered the vape liquid was spiked with a synthetic opioid, which the teenager now believes was fentanyl.

Assaad, the eldest of eight children, was suffering drug withdrawal symptoms and was suffering with addiction when he attacked the taxi drivers.

In the first attack, he brandished a 20cm blade, pressed it to the driver's shoulder, and demanded $500 after he got in his cab at South Granville on March 28.

Assaad became angered after finding out the fare was twice what he expected.

Assaad will be eligible for parole next year after attacking two taxi drivers with a knife

'I just turned that day,' the teenager told the court.

'I don't know what happened, he was just not listening to me.'

The driver pressed his duress button and parked at the Speedway petrol station at Guildford, where Assaad fled with the dashcam.

The following day, he attacked a 42-year-old driver at Guildford.

'Give me $600. If you don't give it to me I will smash you,' he reportedly told the driver, before taking his mobile phone.

He stabbed the driver in the hand and arm multiple times before he escaped.

The driver underwent surgery on August 31, the same day Assaad was arrested.

The teenager told officers he was a heavy user of opioids, and had used illicit substances in the 48 hours before the attacks.

One of Assaad's victims was stabbed in the hand and arm multiple times

The court heard how his victims were still traumatised from the stabbings; suffering isolation, physical pain, emotional distress and anxiety.

In an apology letter, Assaad wrote: 'Not one day goes by where I don't feel guilty or overwhelmed by what I've done.

'I apologise to everyone I've hurt and I will learn from this big mistake I've made.'

Judge Phillip Mahony said his drug use was due to PTSD and unresolved trauma.

The court heard Assaad had claimed he had been carrying a switch knife for protection after a gun was put to his head just months before the attacks.

Assaad pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and inflicting actual bodily harm, and assault with intention to rob armed with an offensive weapon wound/grievous bodily harm.

He will be eligible for parole on August 2, 2026, backdated to his first day in custody.
Pete Hegseth is putting military members on notice after a Marine was fired for making shock comments about the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Captain Jacoby Williamson, who has worked in multiple positions with the Marines since 2013, sent out an Instagram snap showing an interview segment Kirk was doing called 'DEI in the cockpit.'

'Another racist man popped,' Williamson captioned the post, adding the emoji of someone raising two beers for a toast.

The post was brought to the attention of the LibsOfTikTok account, who asked: 'Hi @PeteHegseth, can you please fire this lunatic?'

Later, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the firing in a statement.

'It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,' Hegseth wrote on X. 'The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.'

Hegseth quote-tweeted Parnell's statement and said that he'd be keeping an eye on any further incendiary comments.

'We are tracking all these very closely  and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable,' he wrote.

Pete Hegseth is putting military members on notice after a Marine was fired for making shock comments about the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk

Captain Jacoby Williamson, who has worked in multiple positions with the Marines since 2013, sent out an Instagram snap showing an interview segment Kirk was doing called 'DEI in the cockpit'

'We are aware of a social media post that does not align with our core values,' Lt. Col. Joshua Benson, lead spokesman for the Marines, told USA Today.

'The Marine in question has been relieved of his recruiting duties, and the matter is currently under investigation.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Williamson and the Pentagon for further comment.

Hegseth celebrated Kirk in a post shortly following the shooting: 'Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.'

After Kirk was confirmed dead, Hegseth added: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Several people from all different walks of life have been sacked over their comments following Kirk's killing.

A Secret Service agent has been placed on leave and is facing growing calls to be fired over his shocking comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Anthony Pough, a 36-year-old from Royersford, Pennsylvania, called the right-wing influencer's death 'karma' in a now-deleted Facebook post.

The post was brought to the attention of the LibsOfTikTok account, who asked: 'Hi @PeteHegseth, can you please fire this lunatic?'

'If you are Mourning [sic] this guy .. delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show,' the agent wrote in the post, first reported by RealClearPolitics.

'Especially when we should be mourning the innocent children killed in Colorado,' Pough said, referring to a shooting at Evergreen High School near Denver on the same day as Kirk's death.

Two students were injured when Desmond Holly, 16, opened fire 'again and again', before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pough continued: 'At the end of the day, you answer to GOD and speak things into existence. You can only circumvent karma, she doesnt [sic] leave.'

Pough's post has since been taken down.

His comments sparked uproar and the Secret Service has now placed him on leave.

'The US Secret Service will not tolerate behavior that violates our code of conduct,' an agency spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking in front of around 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking in front of around 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday

Suspect Tyler Robinson was taken into custody around 11pm local time in southern Utah on Thursday night

The conservative influencer had just taken a question about mass shootings and gun violence when a single shot was fired from the roof of the Losee Center - around located 200 yards away.

Kirk was struck in the neck - sending him toppling over in his chair.

He was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Suspect Tyler Robinson was taken into custody around 11pm local time in southern Utah on Thursday night.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said at a news conference on Friday that a family member of Robinson's 'reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident'.

The governor said investigators learned from Robinson's family that he had become more political in recent times, and had recently expressed his dislike for Kirk, describing him to his family as 'full of hate.'

Cox said that casings from the weapon used to kill Kirk were found to have several anti-fascist messages engraved on them, including one referencing the Italian anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.

One engraving read: 'Hey Fascists, Catch!', and another read 'If You Read This You Are Gay LMAO', Cox said.

Robinson's arrest comes after a manhunt for the suspect stretched to over a day and a half, with officials previously offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to his capture.

If convicted, Robinson will face the death penalty.
Kim Jong Un has banned the word 'hamburger' for being too Western, as well as several other Anglicised words.

Tour guides in North Korea's new Wonsan beach-side resort have been advised to avoid using certain words that are popular in the West and its neighbouring South Korea when speaking to foreign visitors.

According to news outlet Daily NK, tour guides have received 'detailed instruction on handling and entertaining tourists, and must memorise slogans and phrases.

'The goal is to teach tourism professionals to consciously use North Korean vocabulary while avoiding South Korean expressions and foreign loanwords.'

The tour guides, who are enrolled in a rigorous state-run training programme, are being instructed to say dajin-gogi gyeopppang (double bread with ground beef) for hamburger and eseukimo (eskimo) for ice cream.

Meanwhile karaoke machines should be called 'on-screen accompaniment machines'.

Repression in North Korea has largely worsened over the last decade, with the state increasingly cracking down on citizens trying to access foreign media with harsh punishments, including public executions, a major new U.N. report has found.

The review, covering developments in the country since 2014, found North Korea has tightened its grip on imports of foreign media in recent years, orchestrating public executions to 'instil fear' in the public.

This picture taken on September 9, 2025 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on September 10, 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaking at the flag-raising ceremony and central oath-taking rally to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un has banned the word 'hamburger' for being too Western, as well as several other Anglicised words

A night view of the the Wonsan-Kalma resort is seen in Wonsan, Kangwon Province, North Korea, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, which opened earlier this summer

Since 2015, the government has introduced laws criminalising accessing and sharing information from 'hostile' nations and the use of 'linguistic expressions' not in line with prescribed socialist ideology and culture.

Watching foreign films, listening to music or sharing TV dramas from overseas may warrant harsh penalties, including the death penalty, under new laws established over the last decade.

Crackdowns against foreign information in particular were said to have intensified from 2018 and became harsher still from 2020, resulting in several public executions, the report says.

'Enjoyment of freedom of expression and access to information have significantly regressed' in recent years, the report assessed.

It said a government task force had increasingly been employed to raid houses in search of 'anti-socialist' materials.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, some North Koreans found they could bribe authorities to avoid punishments for consuming banned media.

Defectors who escaped before the pandemic reported that people arrested for consuming foreign media were released after receiving 'revolutionary' education.

But a renewed focus on controlling imports has seen the state organise public trials and public executions 'to instil fear in the population', it said.

Reports suggest that the population continues to consume prohibited information despite the risks.
Labour's plans to house asylum seekers at military barracks might cost more than hotels, according to officials.

Sir Keir Starmer made another dramatic U-turn this week as his government pivoted towards using these facilities in a bid to close down controversial asylum seeker hotels.

The party had previously criticised the Conservatives' use of military bases but failed to fulfill its promise of closing RAF Wethersfield in Essex and Napier Barracks in Kent, the final two sites housing migrants.

New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, at the end of her first full week in the role, is expected to announce plans to convert military sites in the coming days.

According to The Times, sources close to her say she doesn't see this as a question of money' but 'a question of public confidence' and that she would be 'more than happy to fight it out in the courts if she has to'.

Indeed, ministers are believed to already be pushing ahead with the proposals despite warnings that the shift in policy could cost the taxpayer more than the current 5.77million-per-day cost of migrant hotels.

Military commanders are working with the Home Office's Border Security Command to pick some appropriate locations where temporary housing, including prefabricated modular units, can be set up.

Such units made up a large number of the 'rapid deployment cells' built to handle soaring demand for prison places after Covid.

Military sites, such as RAF Wethersfield, pictured, might cost more than hotels to house migrants, according to officials

New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, pictured, at the end of her first full week in the role, is expected to announce plans for the new accommodation in the coming days

The Conservative project to convert two military sites into asylum seeker accommodation ended up costing 12 times more than its budget.

Meanwhile, a National Audit Office investigation into four large sites under the previous government found that they had cost 46 million more than the 3billion spent on hotels at the time.

And the cost is not the only issue, with officials warning of asbestos in these buildings, as well as land contaminated by military-grade chemicals and explosives.

The location of such sites is also a potential stumbling block, with most of them some distance away from public transport, healthcare options and education establishments.

As a result, costly bespoke services might need to be provide to fulfill the Home Office's legal duties to put on a minimu level of care and support for migrants.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The department learnt a lot of lessons from the previous government's experiments with military land.'

In March, the High Court ruled that the Home Office had acted unlawfully by housing three vulnerable asylum seekers at the former RAF Wethersfield base.

The independent chief inspector of borders and immigration had issued repeated warnings after he found rampant disorder at the site, including violence.

Luke Pollard, a defence minister, suggested that RAF Scampton, pictured, the base from which the Dambusters mission was launched in World War II, was a possibility for housing migrants

Health specialists also raised concerns over housing migrants with mental health issues at the accommodation.

In a six-month period last year, there were 14 suicide attempts at Wethersfield.

Last week, Luke Pollard, a defence minister, suggested that RAF Scampton, the base from which the iconic Dambusters mission was launched during World War II, was a possibility once again for housing migrants.

It was previously part of a 50m Conservative plan to house 2,000 migrants at the site - later reduced to 800 - which was eventually scrapped by Labour in 2024 as it did not provide 'value for money'.

Locals have, in turn, vowed to defeat the plans once and for all, fearing the picturesque village will become swamped by asylum seekers.

There were hopes that the Conservatives' plans being shelved would clear the way for the site to become a centre for aviation history, boasting a hotel and top-flight attractions such as the Red Arrows, but these are now under threat.

In his announcement this week, Mr Pollard said MoD military planners were now reviewing all sites including Scampton as part of a new government push to close down migrant hotels.

He said: 'The Home Office has... decided against accommodation that the Ministry of Defence offered in the past. But were looking at all of them again at the moment.

Labour made another U-turn as it pivoted towards using these facilities in a bid to close migrant hotels, including the Bell Hotel in Epping, pictured, the subject of many protests

'The Prime Minister wants all asylum hotels closed, as do I, as does the British public.

'And by standing up temporary accommodation on those sites, we can support the closure of those asylum hotels even faster.'

Mr Pollard added: 'We've deployed a military planning team into Border Security Command and the Home Office to look at military and non-military sites, about where we can help build temporary but adequate accommodation that enables us to transfer those folks from asylum hotels into that temporary accommodation so we can close even more hotels.'

Fury down in Epping, Essex grew after the Home Office won an appeal against the closure of their local migrant hotel - the Bell.

The Court of Appeal set aside an injunction granted earlier this month which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed at the hotel beyond September 12.

Lawyers for then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' that would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

The decision enraged Essex locals who have been protesting outside the hotel for weeks. Last week, they took to the streets as well as those further afield in Chichester, Cheshunt and Bournemouth taking part in anti-immigration demos.
Free speech must not be allowed to die with Charlie Kirk, activists warned last night as his British campaign group said its members had received death threats online.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Left-wingers had also called for him to be shot in the wake of Mr Kirks murder at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The social media site Bluesky, which is popular with liberals, was so swamped by users celebrating the murder that its chief executive was forced to issue a rebuke.

Some even named individuals they wanted to do next, including Donald Trump and JK Rowling.

Last night, free speech campaigner Toby Young said: The attitude of some activists towards the assassination of Charlie Kirk has revealed how little regard there is for free speech in some dark corners of our political universe. But we cannot let free speech die with Charlie Kirk.

It is more important than ever that we stand up for it.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said Mr Kirks death must be a wake-up call for the Western world, adding: Free speech is under threat and political violence is growing.

We must fight back with a renewed commitment to defend the right for people to speak freely  even those we vehemently disagree with  or democracy will die.

Charlie Kirk's UK campaign group paid tribute to the Conservative activist in front of the Palace of Westminster on Friday evening

Mourners laid photographs of the murdered conservative influencer and lit candles in his memory

A woman wears a MEGA (Make England Great Again) hat during a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Montgomery Statue, in Westminster, central London on September 12, 2025

Turning Point UK, the political campaign group set up by Mr Kirk, 31, held a vigil in Whitehall in his memory last night.

Chief executive Jack Ross told the crowd of around 500 people: Despite what certain members of the Press have reported, Charlie was not a hateful far-Right bigot  he was a good Christian man and his passion came from his desire to help people.

Charlie did not hate anyone through his work  he wanted to educate them and teach them to make better decisions.

Charlies legacy will be one of hope. Hope that the world will return to normalcy. Hope that people will once again embrace Christianity and family values. Hope that what happened to Charlie will never happen again.

The organisation has warned that left-Wing activists had tried to stir up assassination attempts against its members by posting lies and threats on social media.

We are majorly concerned about copycat attacks in Britain, Mr Ross added. But we will not be deterred or intimidated out of delivering our message. Charlies brutal assassination is a stark reminder of why we need more free speech. When political echo chambers shut out other opinions it leads to radicalisation, swiftly followed by violence.

I think it is truly sick that people are celebrating Charlies murder. The far-Left have not learnt any lessons from this tragedy.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said it was disgraceful that far-Left mobs would seek to target the group with intimidation and threats.

The social media site Bluesky was so swamped by users celebrating the murder that its chief executive was forced to issue a rebuke

Bluesky's chief executive Jay Graber (pictured) said: Violence is always unacceptable. Our thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family

Some Bluesky users even named individuals they wanted to do next, including Donald Trump (right) and JK Rowling (left)

She added: Charlie Kirks assassination was an assault on the freedom of speech that we hold so dear. The right to openly and peacefully express ones views, without fear of violence, is fundamental to democracy.

This must be a wake-up call for our country and for the West. Freedom of speech must be defended at all costs.

Last night, Mr Farage blasted the rise in political violence, and called for police to investigate those calling for him to be shot.

He said: If we are serious about understanding what the limits of freedom of speech are, those people posting on TikTok calling for me to be killed yesterday, lets see if the police go and arrest them. Because if they dont, we truly are living in two-tier Britain.

Dozens of Bluesky users revelled in Mr Kirks death yesterday, posting messages including one that said: Charlie Kirk is dead, YAY!!!! One less misogynist piece of s*** on the planet. Do Trump next!!!! NOT SORRY!!!!

Another, apparently based in Scotland, wrote: Im glad that guy died... Can we get JK Rowling next, like the UK would be unbearable about it, but its for the greater good of trans people.

Bluesky, which was set up by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, banned or suspending many of the offending members.

It said: Glorifying violence or harm violates Blueskys guidelines. We take action on content that celebrates harm against anyone. Violence has no place in healthy public discourse.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated Wednesday while speaking at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University in Orem

Mourners lay flowers and light candles in a heartfelt vigil outside the Turning Point USA Legacy Center on September 11, 2025 in Lemont, the organization's original headquarters established in 2012 by founder Charlie Kirk, one day after the conservative activist was fatally shot at an event in Utah

Its chief executive, Jay Graber, said: Violence is always unacceptable. Our thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.

Yesterday, Spencer Cox, Utahs Republican governor, warned that Mr Kirks murder threatened to stifle freedom of speech  a constitutional right in the US. This is bigger than an attack on an individual  it is an attack on all of us, he said. It cuts to the very foundation of who we are.

Charlie championed freedom of expression. Having his life taken in that very act makes it more difficult for people to feel they can share their ideas and speak freely.

We will never be able to solve all our problems, including the violence problems people are worried about, if we cant have a clash of ideas safely and securely  especially those ideas you disagree with. Thats why this matters so much.
The wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk made her first public address since her husband's assassination on Friday evening and promised to continue the political movement her husband started.

Erika Kirk stood next to the empty chair once used by Charlie in his studio while she addressed an online audience just after 8:25pm.

During an emotional speech in which she had to pause several times to catch her breath and wipe away tears, she called on Kirk's followers to become members of a church before making a vow to her late husband.

'Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,' she said. 'I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.'

Her comments came just hours after the man alleged to have shot and killed her husband was identified and arrested.

Wearing an emerald green shirt and white blazer, Erika Kirk thanked President Donald Trump and his family for their support following the shooting during her roughly 16-minute remarks.

'Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you,' she said.

She also thanked Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha for 'bringing him home'.

Erika Kirk, wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk made her first public address since her husband's assassination on Friday evening

Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, on Thursday

Erika Kirk, wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made her first public address since her husband's assassination on Friday evening

Erika began her 15 minute long address after making a silent prayer.

Overcome with emotion, she thanked employees of Turning Point USA - which her husband co-founded.

'My heart is with everyone of my husband's employees who lost a friend and a mentor,' she says. 'He loved what he did.'

She thanked law enforcement and the 'first responders who struggled heroically to save Charles' life, and the police who acted bravely to ensure there were no other victims on that terrible afternoon'.

Charlie Kirk's death is being treated as a political assassination.

A photo of Kirk could be seen displayed on her podium, with the caption: 'May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving savior.'

'Charlie said if he ever ran for office, his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority,' Erika Kirk said.

'Charlie loved life. He loved his life. He loved America,' she added before describing some of her husband's hobbies, and his favorite sports teams.

Erika Kirk call called her late husband Charlie the'perfect' father, weeping throughout her comments

Erika began her 15 minute long address after making a silent prayer. Overcome with emotion, she thanked employees of Turning Point USA - which her husband co-founded

Right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk appears at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah shortly before he was assassinated

'Go ducks,' she said with a smile, referring to the Oregon University sports team, adding that he would want her to say that because they play this weekend.

'But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that everyday.'

She went on to call him a 'perfect' father, weeping throughout her comments.

In one particular heart-wrenching section of her speech, Erika said she doesn't remember the last time she slept. She shared a story about the couple's daughter, whom they referred to as GG, when she ran into her arms the night before.

''Where's daddy?'' GG asked.

'What do you tell a three-year-old?' she said. ''Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus he can afford your blueberry budget,'' Erika said.

Wearing a cross necklace she focused on her Christian faith quoting a verse from the Bible.

'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.' She praised God and said he is 'incredibly good'.

'My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,' Erika said 'May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.

'Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his savior's side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.'

She pledged Charlie Kirk's message will continue and that the planned campus tour to US universities would keep going - as will the podcast he hosted.

'He never gave up. One of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell that we will never surrender,' said Erika in a defiant tone.

'The campus tour will continue. There will be even more tours in the years ahead to come,' she went on.

His ideology will continue to spread - 'in a world filled with chaos doubt and uncertainty, my husbands voice will remain,' she added.

Erika then addressed the killer - or as she put it 'the evildoers responsible' directly.

'You have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God's merciful love,' she said.

Kirk has this message for the 'evildoers',' Erika said. 'You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't, I refuse to let that happen.

'They should all know this: If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world, you have no idea.'

Erika reached out to touch the chair where her husband once sat to present his podcast

In one particularly moving section, Erika Kirk told how her three-year-old daughter had been asking where her daddy was. 'He's on a business trip with Jesus', she responded

She pledged to her late husband that that she would never let his legacy die.

'In a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty, my husband's voice will remain,' she promised.

Before concluding she addressed Charlie directly, saying: 'I can't wait to see you again one day.'

Erika had last been seen on Thursday when her husband's casket arrived in his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two as Vice President JD Vance honored the conservative activist with a final flight.

Vance's wife, Usha, stepped off the plane alongside Erika. Both women wore black and sunglasses while the vice president was a few steps behind in a dark suit.

Vance helped carry Kirk's casket with a group of uniformed service members as it was loaded onto the plane.

On Friday, President Trump said he plans to attend Kirk's funeral, calling it an 'obligation.'

Trump also said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom  the nation's highest civilian honor.

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested in connection to Kirk's killing

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies, according to a probable cause statement filed in court and released Friday. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.

Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party, according to Utah state records.

The break in the case came after a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend with information that Robinson had 'confessed' or implied involvement in the shooting, Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters on Friday, shortly after Robinson was taken into custody.

Cox said it is believed that Robinson acted alone.
The British sole survivor of the Air India crash has still not returned to his wife and son in the UK, as he continues to grieve his brother, who was killed in the tragedy three months ago.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, from Leicester, was on the flight headed to London that crashed minutes after taking off from India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad on June 12.

Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed alongside 29 on the ground.

Ramesh, who was sitting in seat 11A, walked away with only cuts to his face and some chest injuries, but is said to have been wracked with survivor's guilt ever since.

Speaking to The Times, his wife said he remains in India, where he continues to receive treatment, and said he is devastated by the loss of his brother Ajay, who had been sitting across the aisle when the Boeing 787 went down.

'I'm not sure when he's coming back to the UK as his treatment is going on. Everything happened in front of him and the main thing is he lost his brother. He's not talking to anyone in the media, even in India.'

Ramesh, who has been dubbed the 'miracle man', 'God's child', and a 'symbol of hope' by Indian media, previously said he feels 'terrible' he could not save his brother and feels tormented with guilt over his death.

His relatives in India previously spoke of how he struggled to sleep at night and was haunted by nightmares where he sees 'everyone die'.

Ramesh had tried to book two seats next to each other on flight AI171.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the British sole survivor of the horrific Air India crash, pictured in hospital after the tragedy

This photo shared on X by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) shows debris of a plane that crashed in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Ramesh is wracked with guilt as he faces the reality of being the only person out of 242 passengers and crew to survive the crash. Above, Indian Prime Minister Modi meeting the miracle survivor

But by the time he came to make the reservation, he was forced to pick two seats apart from each other in row 11.

Vishwash told The Sun at the time: 'If we had been sat together we both might have survived.

'I tried to get two seats together but someone had already got one. Me and Ajay would have been sitting together.

'But I lost my brother in front of my eyes. So now I am constantly thinking 'Why can't I save my brother?'.

Vishwash carried his brother's coffin at a ceremony in Gujarat in June. He was later seen crying in anguish and had to be taken away.

He was sitting next to one of the plane's emergency exits, was able to crawl through a hole in the twisted fuselage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Footage exclusively obtained by MailOnline showed Vishwash tried going back to the site of the inferno to save his brother.

Vishwash told the first emergency service worker on site: 'My family member is in there, my brother and he's burning to death. I have to save him.'

Vishwash carried his brother's coffin at a ceremony in Gujarat in June

Vishwash was later seen crying in anguish, and had to be carried away

Emergency worker Satinder Singh Sandhu said: 'I walked nearer to Mr Ramesh, grabbed him by the arm and led him away to a waiting ambulance.

'I had no idea that he was a passenger on the plane and thought he was a resident of the hostel or a passer-by.

'He was very disoriented and shocked and was limping. There was also blood on his face, but he was able to speak.

'He told the paramedics that he was flying to London when the plane fell and that he wanted to go back to save his family.'

Shortly after the tragic crash he told Indian media: 'I thought I would die. Everything happened in front of my eyes,'

'I don't know how I came out of it alive. I saw people dying in front of my eyes.'

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British.

The majority of families have received compensation from Air India worth about 21,500, and Ramesh may be entitled to claim compensation for physical injuries and the psychological trauma caused by the incident.

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British

Two British families who received 'other remains' in the casket holding their relatives wrote an open letter to foreign secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday calling on her to demand answers from Indian authorities.

Miten Patel, the son of Ashok and Shobhana Patel, and Tom Donaghey, brother of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, wrote: 'Not only did we lose our family members in this tragedy but have since endured the unimaginable pain of their remains being mishandled, mislabelled, commingled and in one devastating case, completely lost without any explanation or any sort of empathetic response regarding this whatsoever from the authorities in India.'

They added: 'For the last three months, we have tried to seek answers through the proper channels, but we have been met with silence and empty gestures.'

'We are not asking for sympathy but are asking for accountability, responsibility and action. The silence and indifference that we have faced are further traumatising and have added to our grief and sorrow. We cannot mourn in peace until accountability for these wrongs are acknowledged and addressed.'
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne has been denied a second literary award after he backed JK Rowling over her gender critical views.

The 54-year-old Irish author was initially offered the James Joyce Award for his novel Earth, which takes on themes of sexual assault and homophobia.

However, the prize offer was withdrawn by University College Dublin's Literary and Historical Society amid a row over an accolade for LGBT writers known as the Polari Prize.

The James Joyce Award was put on hold after over 800 authors signed a petition against his book's nomination after Boyne said he supported Rowling and her criticism of gender ideology.

Opposing authors described his inclusion on the list, which was released on August 6, as 'inexcusable' due to his public comments on trans rights and identity.

The UCD's debating society were lambasted as 'shocking and cowardly' by campaign group Seen In Publishing after rescinding the prize.

They described the student body as committing 'another example of literary cancel culture'.

Boyne shared an email from the student-run society, on Friday, where it explained they offered him the James Joyce Award because of his ability to face off with 'uncomfortable truth with courage' as well as his 'authenticity' and 'justice'.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne (pictured) had been denied a second literary award after he backed JK Rowling over her gender critical views

The 54-year-old Irish author was initially offered the James Joyce Award for his novel Earth, which takes on themes of sexual assault and homophobia (Pictured: JK Rowling)

They then went on to add that such qualities in his work were essential for students manoeuvring their way through life, while they search for a sense of belonging and identity.

But, Mr Boyne has since been left confused by the society's recent decision.

'How any organisation can say [this]...and then rescind their prize when I demonstrate those very qualities is baffling,' he said.

He explained in a post that he felt honoured to have received the initial letter from the UCD where the bestowed the highest prize a student body in Ireland can give.

However, following the Polari Prize row, he claims both messages from he and his agents went ignored by the society.

'This morning, under threat of legal action, they finally deigned to respond, simply informing me that they were withdrawing the award,' he said.

Expressing his disappointment, he dubbed their actions as 'cowardice', saying: 'Awards are ultimately meaningless. The books matter. Readers matter.

'And if using ones platform to defend the rights of women, children, lesbians and gay men means that some plaque doesnt end up on my wall... well, I wont be losing any sleep over it.'

It is understood that the award is given from a student-run society and not the University of College Dublin itself.

Previous winners of the James Joyce Award includes, Sir Salman Rushdie, Bill Bryson, JK Rowling and Noam Chomsky.

Non-literary figures awarded for being at the pioneers in their fields include, Nancy Pelosi, Gary Lineker and Ralph Fiennes.

The award organisers said in a statement that they 'condemn all forms of transphobia'.

They also said they would work to 'increase representation of trans and gender non-conforming judges on panels and undertake a governance and management review'.

They also said they would look at weighing up the need to 'provide inclusive and supportive spaces in a world hostile to our trans community' and free speech.

The Daily Mail has approached University College Dublin and the Literary & Historical Society for comment.
A Teal candidate has praised disgraced MP Gareth Ward as 'hard-working' and 'clever' as Aussies vote in the Kiama by-election on Saturday.

Kate Dezarnaulds has not only invoked Ward in her election pitch, urging voters to 'keep Kiama independent', but had many positive things to say about the convicted sex offender, who was found guilty of multiple sex offences in July.

'People loved how responsive, how available, how hard-working he was,' Dezarnaulds told The Daily Telegraph.

'Both things can be true at the same time, somebody can have made a terrible mistake in their private life but have been a very hard-working member.'

Dezarnaulds, who has previously clashed with Ward, said in 2023 she was 'ashamed' Kiama had re-elected the MP while he faced sexual assault charges.

Ward's lawyers threatened legal action at the time and now Dezarnaulds has conceded voters 'loved' the jailed rapist's work ethic.

A Labor government will face its first major electoral test as voters in Kiama on the NSW South Coast go to the polls to pick a replacement for Ward.

Before the then-Liberal MP won the seat in 2011, Labor had held it for the three decades from its re-establishment, putting the party in a good position to wrench the electorate back.

Gareth Ward was found guilty of sexually abusing two men - including a teenager - in July

Dezarnaulds, who has previously clashed with Ward, said in 2023 she was 'ashamed' Kiama had re-elected the MP while he faced sexual assault charges

Voters on the NSW South Coast headed to the Kiama by-election was held on Saturday

'Labor seems to be in the box seat,' election analyst Ben Raue told AAP.

It's unusual for a government to gain a seat in a by-election, but Raue believes Labor has more incentive to work harder for the victory.

Kiama will not push NSW Labor out of minority government, but a win would put the party one step closer to majority power when the 2027 contest comes around.

Though that does not mean the coalition is out of the running.

Conservative voters who were split between Ward - who turned independent after being dumped by the Liberals - and the coalition's candidate at the 2023 election, could unite behind Liberal candidate Serena Copley on Saturday, Raue said.

Premier Chris Minns tried to temper expectations as he visited Kiama with Labor candidate Katelin McInerney.

'It's a strong field for the voters of Kiama to choose from, which is good for democracy,' he told reporters on Friday.

'If it's a good result for Labor, we will not be interpreting it as a pat on the back - we'll only be seeing it as an invitation to work even harder for this community and the entire state.'

Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney is seen voting at Terry Public School

NSW Premier Chris Minns is seen chatting with voters at a polling booth in Albion Park

The stakes are arguably higher for state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, whose fate as party boss could be decided by the south coast voters.

Asked if his leadership would survive a loss, Speakman batted away the speculation.

'We are the underdogs,' he told reporters in Kiama on Friday.

'I will be the leader, I will continue to be the leader.

'Tomorrow, it's about the best representative for Kiama... it's about electing someone who will take the toughest fight up to the government.'

Ward resigned in August after he was convicted of sexual and indecent assault in July and he is due to be sentenced on Friday.

Though he had maintained a significant personal vote at the previous election, Minns said Saturday's by-election would rule a line under Ward's time in office.

'Now it's about turning the page,' he said.

A spokesperson for Dezarnaulds's office inisisted the Teal MP did not defend Gareth Ward in her comments to the publication.

'Kate did not defend Gareth Ward. She explained that many locals are struggling to reconcile his conviction with memories of electorate service while reiterating that serious crimes and victim pain are not up for debate,' a statement read.

'Her public record since 2023 is consistent: He should not have remained in office. victims must be believed, Kiama deserves independent, ethical representation.'
A man who posed as a teenage boy to trick girls as young as 13 into sending him explicit photos, before using the images as blackmail, has been jailed.

The 26-year-old from Liverpool was sentenced to two years after pleading guilty to eight offences in Campbelltown Local Court on Friday.

He was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in November 2022 after they learned the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children was investigating an online user uploading child abuse material online.

Child Protection Operation investigators and forensic specialists raided the Liverpool man's home and seized a computer and mobile phone.

A NSW Police and US Homeland Security investigation discovered the young man had contacted 11 girls aged between 13 and 16, under the guise of a teenage boy, to trick them into sending him child abuse material.

Once he had the images, the man threatened to send them to the girls' family and friends and post them online, unless they sent him more.

He pleaded guilty in August last year to using a carriage service for sexual activity with children under 16 years old, possessing and producing child abuse material, using a carriage service to procure children aged under 16 for sexual activity, and transmitting indecent communication to children aged under 16.

AFP detective inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias said the case was a good reminder for parents to educate their kids about potential online predators.

The man was arrested by Australian Federal Police in November, 2022 (pictured)

The Liverpool man posed as a teenage boy to trick young girls into sending him explicit photos

'We encourage parents and guardians to talk to children about what platforms, apps and games they are using online, and remind them to never reveal personal information or speak to someone they do not know,' he said.

'If your child has been targeted, reassure them it is not their fault and help is available. Children and young people are never to blame for being a victim of online child sexual exploitation.'

It comes as the number of people reporting online child sexual exploitation increased in the last year at an alarming rate.

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) recorded a 41 per cent increase in reports of the crime in the 202425 financial year.

In a report released on Sunday, the Australian Federal Police-led centre revealed that 82,764 reports had been made over the 12-month period.

'The 41 per cent rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation is hugely confronting,' AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider said.

'It represents acts of unspeakable horror and trauma that involve Australians as both victims and offenders.'
He wore train-track braces and a teenager's awkward smile, but suspected assassin Tyler Robinson could not be more 'handsome' and 'wonderful' in the eyes of his mother and grandmother.

Between them, proud Amber Robinson, who worked with disabled youngsters, and her mother-in-law Debbie posted dozens of photos of the young man they doted on, along with his two younger brothers.

Today, this once-gawky teenager is, according to US officials, the hate-filled extremist who this week became America's most wanted man  with President Donald Trump already demanding he be executed by the state.

He went from being 'interested' in politics to being apparently obsessed by it  somehow transformed from an ordinary son in the family's $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah, about 260 miles south of where Charlie Kirk was murdered, into one of the most notorious characters in US history, according to US officials.

According to officials last night, Robinson had allegedly said during a recent dinner that 'Charlie Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate'.

Among shocked neighbours, Kristin Schwiermann, 66, said he was 'very respectful and quiet' and 'had friends', adding: 'He was smart. He's from a very loving family.

'I love his mother, and he's from a hard-working family.'

His family's Facebook albums are bursting with ordinary, smiling family snaps. There is one on Robinson's mother's Facebook showing her beaming as she manages to grab her teenager to pose together for a portrait. It was 2018, when he was 15.

The suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination has been identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident

Robinson has two younger brothers, and lives in a $600,000 six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah - about 260 miles south of Kirk's assassination site in Orem

Last night, someone has added the comment: 'Murderer! Your life is over. Judgment day is coming.'

Alongside one photo of three brothers posing by a waterfall, their grandmother Debbie Robinson wrote: 'How lucky I am to have such handsome grandsons.'

Yet in the hours since Robinson was arrested by the FBI, outraged members of the public have been able to add a stream of comments to the family album, such as, 'Learn how to parent and maybe your son wouldn't have done that!'

On one picture of teenager Robinson next to the Grand Canyon, a Facebook user named Travis has added the comment: 'Shoulda jumped'.

And to a camping photo of Tyler with a dog, snapped in 2018, someone has now written: 'Poor dog, no idea he has a maniac standing behind him.'

Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday night in southern Utah after having allegedly confessed to his father, who persuaded him to turn himself in with the help of a local youth pastor.

Tyler's father recognised him from images released by authorities and encouraged him to turn himself in, a law enforcement official revealed.

Alongside the 'happy family' snaps, there are plenty that reveal his love of high-powered machine guns. In one image from when Robinson appeared to be a teenager, he was seen posing with an M2 Browning .50-calibre machine gun, another showed him posing with a scoped rifle. In another, he was holding a bazooka.

In one image from Robinson's mother's social media from 2017, he was seen wearing a Donald Trump costume to Halloween

Other images also show Robinson using guns in his childhood, including one where he was posing with an M2 Browning 50. calibre machine gun

Facebook posts from his mother showed Robinson and his two younger brothers at gun ranges and military events. In one post, Amber was seen holding a US army machine gun.

One picture of the son whom Amber called her 'man child', showed them dropping him off at university  apparently wearing the same trainers as in the FBI 'wanted' pictures.

He attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021, according to a university spokesman, before dropping out and moving back home to complete an electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College.

His mother wrote she was hoping 'he'll pick a Utah college and stay close to mamma', adding: 'His options are endless!'

Last night Mr Trump said: 'I hope he's going to be found guilty, and I hope he gets the death penalty.'
A new Daily Mail theory about how Dezi Freeman escaped and where he could be hiding now has prompted police to search a new area of bushland.

Senior reporter Jonica Bray believes Freeman may have kayaked down the fast-flowing Buckland River as a means of escape after ten officers descended on his compound in Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne, on August 26.

The new theory emerged after Daily Mail discovered a YouTube account belonging to the self-proclaimed sovereign citizen.

In one of the three videos uploaded to the account, Freeman is seen kayaking down the Buckland River, which runs along the perimeter of his isolated compound.

'He is a very experienced and skilled kayaker,' Bray said on Friday.

'He covers rapids with his canoe... and it wouldn't be out of the question that Freeman kept his own canoe right here on the riverbank where it could be easily accessed from his bus.'

Bray explained the kayak would have allowed Freeman 'a much quicker escape' than trekking through dense bushland into the mountains on foot.

Just hours after Daily Mail shared the new theory, a police helicopter was seen flying over the Buckland River on Saturday morning.

Freeman uploaded a YouTube video of himself kakaying down the Buckland River in early 2021

Just hours after Daily Mail shared the new theory, a police helicopter was seen flying over the Buckland River on Saturday morning (pictured)

The Buckland River runs along the perimeter of Freeman's property in Porepunkah

It comes after Freeman's secret hiding hole was revealed in a social media post four years ago, but its exact location still remains a mystery - and not even his closest family members know where it is.

The remote location, hidden deep in the rugged slopes of Mount Buffalo, is where detectives now believe Freeman could have vanished after allegedly gunning down two officers.

The area  dubbed 'Buffalo Creek' by Freeman  does not appear on any map searches of the region, and the only proof it exists is in a single photograph obtained by Daily Mail.

As the manhunt for the self-proclaimed sovereign citizen moves into its third week, investigators are urgently trying to track it down, convinced it could have been his secret refuge from the authorities.

'He wouldn't tell any of us exactly where it was and I have no doubt he headed there,' one of Freeman's most trusted sources told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview.

'I know the details have been provided to the police but, before all of this, no one we know has ever been able to find it.

'He is fiercely protective over that location and I wouldn't be surprised if he had taken tubs of essentials up there long before (the alleged incident) and has them stashed already.'

Daily Mail also understands investigators are now working with Meta in a desperate bid to gain access to Freeman's multiple social media accounts to find fresh leads, as the 450-strong manhunt continues with seemingly no real progress.

Detectives now believe Freeman have have vanished to a remote sanctuary in the mountains

About 450 police officers and the Australian Defence Force continue to hunt for Freeman as the search enters its third week

Freeman's alleged refuge is believed to be hidden deep within the rugged slopes of Mt Buffalo

While Freeman used his Facebook, which has public posts, to condemn and attack police and authorities, his Instagram paints a different picture of the father-of-three.

Locked from prying eyes, access to Freeman's Instagram page is only for his family and lifelong friends. Within it, he shared his passion for nature and loving photos of his children.

It was here that Freeman is understood to have often spoken of his secret spot, a place he made a point of keeping as his most tightly guarded secret.

One single photo posted in 2021 now offers the vital clue that police desperately need.

Along with a photo of an unusual rock pool formation high in the mountainous terrain against a backdrop of thick forest, Freeman wrote:

'My happy place. Buffalo Creek. Here I am me, I am in my element, I am connected, I am where I belong, I am who I am.'

About 450 police officers and the Australian Defence Force continue to hunt for Freeman as the search enters its third week.

The two officers shot dead during the confrontation last month, 59-year-old Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Vadim De Waart-Hottart, have both been laid to rest.

Police have also searched more than 100 properties in the surrounding towns and have received hundreds of tips and pieces of new information since announcing a $1million reward.
FBI Director Kash Patel was dining at an upscale New York City restaurant just hours after Charlie Kirks murder - the same evening the FBI fumbled the pursuit of his killer not once, but twice.

The 45-year-old former MAGA podcasterturnedspy chief has come under mounting scrutiny for the blunders at the bureau following the brutal killing at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Hours after the killing, Patel took to X to announce that the 'subject' in Kirk's murder was finally 'in custody.'

In a post shared at 6:21 pm, the director wrote: 'Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with the FBI.'

But just over an hour later - at 7:59 pm - Patel walked back his earlier statement, announcing that the subject 'has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.'

Two sources with knowledge of his movements revealed that he was actually in New York City that evening, dining at Raos - the high-end Italian hotspot that opens at 7pm promptly, as reported by NBC News.

In the chaotic aftermath of the assassination, 71-year-old George Zinn was cuffed and hauled away by police at the scene.

While rumors instantly swirled that Zinn may have been the shooting suspect, authorities quickly announced this was not the case and the culprit was still at large.

FBI Director Kash Patel (pictured) was reportedly dining at an upscale New York City restaurant just hours after Charlie Kirks murder - the same evening the FBI fumbled the pursuit of his killer not once, but twice

The 45-year-old former MAGA podcasterturnedspy chief has come under mounting scrutiny for the blunders at the bureau following the brutal killing at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (pictured: Kirk before shooting)

Just over an hour after Patel announced that a 'subject' was in custody for Kirks murder, he walked back the statement in a follow-up post on X - all while sources close to him said he was dining at Raos, the exclusive Italian restaurant in Manhattan (pictured)

Then, Patel prematurely declared that a suspect was in custody, a claim he swiftly walked back while allegedly hundreds of miles from Utah.

'Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,' he wrote in the post announcing the sudden release of the suspect.

Then on Thursday, the Daily Mail observed federal agents escort veteran Jason Christopher Hartley from his home. He was questioned in connection with the shooting and released without charge shortly after.

Meanwhile, the frantic search for the killer continued.

These consecutive failures thrust Patel into hot water, fueling growing concerns about his ability to competently manage a case of such high profile importance.

One law enforcement official described the 'horrific event' of Kirk's murder as a clear demonstration of Patels 'public inability to meet the moment as a leader,' according to NBC.

'It was amateur hour,' Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told HuffPost on Thursday.

'He was doing a running commentary,' he added. 'Historically, the FBI keeps its mouth closed until it believes it's the right time and the right message.'

In the chaotic aftermath of the assassination, 71-year-old George Zinn (pictured) was cuffed and hauled away by police at the scene - but was soon released as the manhunt frantically continued

After three failed attempts to detain the correct suspect, Patel was thrust into hot water amid concerns about his ability to competently manage a case of such high-profile significance (pictured: chaotic aftermath of shooting)

Conservative activist Chris Rufo wrote on X: 'He performed terribly in the last few days, and it's not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movements - of whatever ideology - that threaten the peace in the United States.'

In response to questions about whether Patel was at the restaurant when he posted about the investigation, the FBI issued a statement of its own.

The statement to NBC said that the FBI 'worked with our law enforcement partners in Utah to bring to justice the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, and we will continue to be transparent with the American people with real time updates as we are able.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the FBI for additional comment.

Patel reportedly held an expletive-laden conference call with over 200 FBI personnel Thursday morning, warning his agents that he would no longer tolerate any more 'Mickey Mouse operations,' according to The New York Times.

During the call, he allegedly 'lost it' on agents for bungling the investigation into Kirks killer, all while upending the probe himself by congratulating state and federal officials for wrongfully detaining a person as 'the subject for the horrific shooting.'

He slammed employees for failing to provide timely updates and specifically blamed agents in Salt Lake City, claiming the local FBI didnt show him a photo of the suspected killer for 12 hours.

But just weeks earlier, Patel had dismissed the head of the Salt Lake City FBI field office for reasons that remain unclear.

Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, admitted to feeling immense pressure to succeed and demonstrate their ability to lead a manhunt - a fear that, in the end, became a grim reality, according to the NYT.

One law enforcement official described the 'horrific event' of Kirk's murder as a clear demonstration of Patels 'public inability to meet the moment as a leader'

Patel (pictured right) reportedly held an expletive-laden conference call with over 200 FBI personnel Thursday morning, warning his agents that he would no longer tolerate any more 'Mickey Mouse operations'

Patel slammed employees for failing to provide timely updates and specifically blamed agents in Salt Lake City, claiming the local FBI didnt show him a photo of the suspected killer for 12 hours (pictured: suspected killer fleeing)

The confusion and public backtracking in the immediate hours after Kirks death came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by three former FBI agents against the FBI, the Department of Justice, the White House, and senior officials - including Patel.

In the lawsuit, the former agents alleged they were targeted for refusing to carry out controversial directives - including firing disfavored colleagues and compiling lists of individuals who had worked on Trump-related investigations, according to The Independent.

Brian Driscoll, who served as the FBI's acting director earlier this year, claimed that Patel suggested his superiors at the White House and DOJ 'directed him to fire anyone who they identified as having worked on a criminal investigation against President Donald J. Trump.'

The lawsuit also portrayed Patel and his deputy, Bongino, as out of their depth, politically motivated, and so fixated on social media that 'it could risk outweighing more deliberate analyses of investigations,' the outlet reported.

Both Patel and Bongino allegedly told FBI officials that they should be 'posting more about their successful investigations and other "FBI wins" on social media,' according to the suit.

On Thursday night, authorities delivered a critical update in the manhunt for the assassin - all while Patel remained stone-faced.

Utahs Republican Governor Spencer Cox presented video footage of the shooter fleeing the scene, while Patel, who had flown to Utah for the briefing, neither took questions nor addressed the public.

Social media users along with government officials quickly ridiculed him for his deer-in-headlights demeanor while serving as director.

On Thursday night, authorities delivered a critical update in the manhunt for the assassin - all while Patel remained stone-faced (pictured)

Tyler Robinson (pictured), a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, and former student at Utah State University was arrested Thursday night following a tip-off from his family members

Steve Bannon, a former Trump administration advisor, told The Hill: 'I don't know why Kash flew out there, you know, thousands of miles, to give us, "Hey, working partnerships and our great partnership in Utah" - OK, got that.'

'He flew all the way there and didn't say a word. I don't get it! Something else is going on!' one comment read.

Another added: 'Don't worry guys Kash Patel is clearly on the case. I mean look at how he checks every last nook and cranny in the press conference room to see if the assassin might actually be there with them.'

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, and former student at Utah State University was arrested Thursday night following a tip-off from his family members.
A former advisor to Kamala Harris called the police on conservative influencer Laura Loomer after direct messaging him on social media that 'you and your son are going to hell.'

Mike Nellis, now a Democrat strategist, revealed the threat on social media Friday evening after a fight with Loomer over the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The apparent feud was set off when the right-wing commentator cited comments by Nellis such as calling Donald Trump a 'fascist' for threatening to send the police to Chicago and pointing out his connections to the judge who handled Donald Trump's hush money trial.

She wrote: 'It's people like @MikeNellis who got Charlie Kirk assassinated. The assassin wrote 'Hey fascist, catch!' on the bullets in his rifle.

'Mike Nellis is the business partner of Loren Merchan, the daughter of Judge Merchan who tried to sentence Trump to jail for the rest of his life. Mike Nellis should be investigated. He should be shunned from polite society. He's raising his kid to be a mini communist. The type of communist who picks up a rifle and murders an innocent father. I hope The Feds are monitoring you.'

Nellis then turned it around on Loomer: 'It was you and Nick Fuentes attacking Charlie Kirk and calling him a fascist over the last several weeks. You're the one who deleted your tweets, not me. Stop deflecting and take responsibility.'

There is no apparent record of Loomer calling Kirk a fascist, while Mediaite reported that neo-Nazi Fuentes - who is banned from Turning Point USA events - called Kirk a 'fascist' and a 'traitor' back in May.

After Kirk's death, however, Loomer did delete a harshly critical post of him from July 13.

'I don't ever want to hear Charlie Kirk claim he is pro-Trump ever again. After this weekend, I'd say he has revealed himself as a political opportunist and I have had a front row seat to witness the mental gymnastics these last 10 years,' she claimed.

A former advisor to Kamala Harris called the police on conservative influencer Laura Loomer after direct messaging him on social media that 'you and your son are going to hell'

Mike Nellis, now a Democrat strategist, revealed the threat on social media Friday evening after a fight with Loomer over the assassination of Charlie Kirk

She added that Kirk was behaving 'like a charlatan' and 'stabs Trump in the back.'

Nellis claimed that things became personal soon after.

'Loomer is now DMing me and threatening my family. Last year, she doxxed my home address. So much for the tolerant right,' he wrote, adding that he was 'on the phone with the police' about it.

Loomer responded: 'But I thought you wanted to defund the police? Ps: what threat? It's a crime to file a false police report. Just like it's a crime to dodge a congressional subpoena which you and your business partner both did. You will be charged for filing a fake police report if you are.'

Nellis later said that he and his family were safe and had officially filed a police report against Loomer.

'The funny thing about Loomer being obsessed with me is that I have her muted. I only see her posts when someone else sends them to me. Meanwhile, shes tweeted at me like 50 times in the last 24 hours. Get a life,' he wrote.

Meanwhile Fuentes, who infamously clashed with the late conservative activist Kirk, has reacted to his assassination.

Fuentes, 27, who was prohibited from attending any of Kirk's Turning Point USA events, went live on Thursday night and described his passing as a 'tragedy'.

Nellis later said that he and his family were safe and had officially filed a police report against Loomer

He said: 'As I watched the chaos and tragedy unfold yesterday afternoon it didn't feel real. People have been profoundly affected by this.

'It doesn't feel real, it feels like a nightmare that we will never wake up from', while making note of their long standing rivalry.

He added: 'I say that as somebody who is not even a fan, not even a friend, and actually an adversary, a foe.'

Fuentes also addressed his supporters, known as Groypers, saying: 'To all of my followers if you take up arms, I disavow you.

'I disown you. In the strongest possible terms. That is not what we're about.'

His supporters are known to use the acronym 'RKD4NJF', which stands for 'rape, kill and die for Nicholas Joseph Fuentes'.

The two had clashed first back in 2019, with Fuentes claiming Kirk was too moderate and not sufficiently far-right or anti-immigrant enough.

Supporters of Fuentes started heckling Kirk at his Turning Point events due to his mainstream stance on conservatism.

Loomer deleted a post to X after Kirk's death from July 13 harshly criticizing him

After Fuentes' words were shared on social media on Friday after the arrest of the main suspect Tyler Robinson, a clip of him talking about Kirk just last month resurfaced.

In it, he said: 'I do not want to hear, and you can not allow, Charlie Kirk to go to one more public event, without being protested, without being shouted down.

'This guy goes around from campus to campus in the most, artificial, phony, fake way.

'You sit there and call yourself a Christian and then you make excuses for the genocide of two million people', referring to Palestine.

Officials announced on Friday that Robinson, a student and Utah native, was handed over by his own family after they suspected him of killing Kirk.

Authorities said he inscribed messages on bullets referring to internet culture and anti-fascist sentiments before firing the shot that killed Kirk on Wednesday.

Officials said he had become more political in recent years, and mentioned Kirk going to Utah Valley University.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox added: 'In the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU.

'They talked about why they didnt like [Kirk] and the viewpoints that he had.'

Robinson is alleged to have said at dinner with family that 'Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate'.

President Donald Trump said he now wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of Kirk, whom he described as the 'finest person'.

Kirk, a father of two, known for his fierce MAGA views and debates with college kids across the country, collapsed immediately after being hit by the gunfire.
A legal loophole means the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk will not face a single federal charge, despite the FBI's high-profile involvement in the case.

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies.

The decision not to pursue federal charges stems from a narrow set of legal criteria that limit federal jurisdiction in homicide cases.

Unless the murder occurred on federal property, targeted a federal official, or qualifies as a hate crime based on race, religion, or another protected category, none of which currently apply in Kirk's killing, the case defaults to local prosecutors.

'Right now, based on the facts I'm aware of, I don't see an obvious federal crime,' said Mary McCord, a longtime federal prosecutor to Politico.

'Of course, there's hate crimes that sometimes can be applicable, but not for politics.'

Indeed, federal homicide charges typically require one of three elements: a killing on federal property, an attack on a federal official, or a hate crime based on race, religion, or another protected characteristic.

Robinson will be tried solely under Utah state law, but it also means the entire trial, from his arraignment to sentencing, will be broadcast on live television, unlike in federal court.

A legal loophole means Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk will not face a single federal charge, despite the FBI's high-profile involvement in the case

Robinson will be tried solely under Utah state law, but it also means the entire trial, from his arraignment to sentencing, will be broadcast on live television, unlike in federal court. Pictured, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, left, speaks as FBI Director Kash Patel, center, listens, Friday

FBI agents were seen collecting evidence at the scene and questioning witnesses across three states.

Director also Kash Patel made clear that the Bureau's involvement would remain supportive.

'The FBI has a certain role to play, and we will play that role,' Patel said during a press conference Friday.

'We will continue to work with state and local authorities to develop the investigation, to provide them the evidence they need for their ongoing prosecutions.'

That includes coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whose K-9 units were deployed to track the firearm used in the slaying.

McCord, who now directs Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, once supported efforts to create a domestic terrorism statute. But she now worries that such a law could be misused.

'Honestly, I'd be more nervous about it, because this administration, even way more so than the first Trump administration, really does seem pretty hell bent on weaponization,' she said, citing President Trump's recent remarks blaming the 'radical left' for Kirk's killing.

'I would be very nervous right now about how a federal offense like that might get investigated and used. This administration, even more than the first Trump administration, really does seem hell-bent on weaponization.'

Unless the murder occurred on federal property, targeted a federal official, or qualifies as a hate crime based on race, religion, or another protected category, none of which currently apply in Charlie Kirk's killing, the case defaults to local prosecutors

With the federal government sidelined, all eyes now turn to Utah, where Robinson's first court appearance is expected early next week.

Unlike in federal court, where cameras are strictly prohibited, Utah allows near-total transparency.

'Utah has one of the best cameras-in-the-courtroom rules in the country,' Utah media lawyer Jeff Hunt.said.

'There's a presumption of electronic media coverage in our trial courts. The rule applies to all criminal proceedings, from initial appearance to sentencing.'

Court TV and major cable networks have already begun vying for access with conservative outlets likely to broadcast wall-to-wall coverage of the proceedings.

Both Utah and the federal system allow for the death penalty. It means Robinson could still faces the maximum possible punishment, even without federal involvement.
A man who was maliciously prosecuted and wrongfully imprisoned on the basis of false claims made by Kristina Keneally's son has been awarded nearly half a million dollars.

Luke Brett Moore was jailed for more than three weeks after the son of NSW's first woman premier and later Labor senator made a false statement about him

Daniel Keneally claimed Mr Moore threatened to kill a police officer at Sydney's Newtown Police Station during a phone call, triggering the man's arrest by the Fixated Persons Unit.

But Keneally was unaware the call was being secretly recorded by Mr Moore, who pleaded for police to listen to it during his 22-day stint in custody.

An officer did listen to the recording on Mr Moore's 13th day in custody but failed to take appropriate steps, a court found on Friday.

The charge was eventually dropped months after Mr Moore was bailed against police wishes.

The NSW Supreme Court on Friday found Keneally and the other officer maliciously prosecuted Mr Moore and awarded the victim $456,000 in damages.

'The impact of being in prison for something that he did not do cannot be understated,' Justice Richard Cavanagh said.

Luke Brett Moore has been awarded nearly half a million dollars after Daniel Keneally claimed he threatened to kill a police officer

Daniel Keneally was sentenced to a 15-month intensive correction order in February. He is pictured with his mother Kristina (middle left) and ex-Premier Gladys Berejiklian (right)

'His period in gaol was difficult and distressing and made more difficult by his pre-existing paranoia, mania and other mental health problems.'

The state of NSW increased Mr Moore's stress, aggravation and hurt by not expressing any remorse or regret for wrongfully imprisoning him, the judge found.

But he determined Mr Moore's argument that he was entitled to more than $3 million could not possibly be justified.

Medical evidence did not support the activist's claim that he developed or will continue to suffer from a long-term psychological condition as a result of the illegal jailing, Justice Cavanagh found.

The decision marks Mr Moore's third successful claim for compensation from the state as a result of police conduct against him, the judge noted.

Friday's judgment came more than a year after the state government conceded the founder of ISuePolice had been maliciously prosecuted but said the blame lay only with Keneally.

The former premier's son was convicted of fabricating evidence in February 2024.

He was spared a stint behind bars when sentenced to a 15-month intensive correction order.

Former police officer Daniel Keneally (pictured) was found guilty of fabricating a statement that wrongfully landed a man behind bars

Keneally is no longer employed by the NSW Police Force.

Keneally was charged in October 2022 after the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission investigated an internal police probe which initially cleared him of wrongdoing.

The commission's report into the case, released in August 2024, recommended introducing telephone systems in police stations that can record conversations.

Newtown Police Station already had such an ability, but the report found Keneally was not aware of it.

Keneally is one of three children to the US-born Kristina Keneally.

Ms Keneally served as NSW premier from 2009 to 2011, before being elected to the Senate in 2018.

She served as Labor's home affairs and immigration spokeswoman until 2022, when failing to pull off a bold switch to the lower house.
An employee at a Michigan Office Depot was fired after allegedly refusing to print posters for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, instead calling the material 'propaganda.'

The 31-year-old conservative firebrand was shot in the neck during a debate with a student about mass shootings, with horrifying footage showing him recoil from the impact before he was later pronounced dead.

On Friday afternoon, the Kalamazoo County Republican Party ordered posters of the slain father-of-two from an Office Depot in Portage, Michigan, ahead of a vigil honoring Kirk that night.

But nearly three hours after the order was placed, a supervisor named Beryl contacted organizers to say the action would not be completed, labeling the content as 'political propaganda.'

That night, attorney and Republican activist Matthew DePerno took to X to call out the company for what he described as blatant political bias.

'Hey @officedepot @OfficeMax do you think this is acceptable?' he wrote, sharing a photo of the $56.17 receipt for the canceled order.

Alongside the receipt, DePerno also shared a video taken inside the store, where he appeared to confront employees about the call he had received.

A woman he spoke with identified herself as one of the stores managers and reiterated that the location 'doesnt print political propaganda.'

An employee at a Michigan Office Depot was fired after allegedly refusing to print posters for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, instead calling the material 'political propaganda' (pictured: poster in question)

The 31-year-old conservative firebrand (pictured before death) was shot in the neck at the event during a debate with a student about mass shootings, with horrifying footage showing him recoil from the impact before he was later pronounced dead

On Friday afternoon, the Kalamazoo County Republican Party ordered posters of the slain father-of-two from an Office Depot in Portage, Michigan (pictured), ahead of a vigil honoring Kirk that night

DePerno defended his position, telling the seated employees that the flyers were for someone who had passed away and were specifically intended for a prayer vigil scheduled that night.

Even after hearing that, the woman maintained that the store does not print materials like that.

Another woman, who appeared to be filming the exchange, then joined the conversation, asking the manager what specifically about the request made it 'political propaganda.'

'Because hes a political figure and I dont have to...' the employee began, before trailing off mid-sentence.

In his post on X, DePerno shared that the group then went to FedEx, where the staff apologized and printed the poster free of charge.

Despite securing the poster - a black-and-white photo of Kirk fist-bumping the air with the words 'The Legendary Charlie Kirk' - DePernos post racked up thousands of views within just 24 hours.

Office Depot faced immediate and intense backlash, with some calling for a complete boycott of the store.

'HOLY CRAP. A customer put in an order and paid for a poster for a vigil for Charlie. @officedepot REFUSED to print it because they said its "propaganda." WTF @officedepot?!' Libs of TikTok wrote to X.

Nearly three hours after the order was placed, a supervisor named Beryl contacted organizers to say the posters would not be completed, labeling the content as 'political propaganda' (pictured: receipt from the poster order)

Republican activist Matthew DePerno shared a video from inside the store, where he questions an employee who identified herself as a manager (pictured) and insisted that the store does not print materials like that

Just hours after DePernos viral post, Office Depot took to X to express that they are 'deeply concerned' and confirmed the employee involved is no longer with the company

In his post on X, DePerno shared that the group then went to FedEx, where the staff apologized and printed the poster free of charge (pictured: makeshift memorial at Turning Point USA headquarters)

Another user wrote: 'Office Depot just dug the final grave for themselves.'

'Sell your Office Depot stock! They will feel that more than any boycott,' suggested a third.

Another comment read: 'WTF @officedepot#BoycottOfficeDepot they don't want our business so lets shut em down! Lets put them mainstream!! We can do this! Anti-American P.O.S!!'

Global entrepreneur Inga Springman wrote to X: 'Disgusted and disappointed at the local Portage, MI Office Depot that refused to print a picture of Charlie Kirk, for a prayer vigil tonight. Im asking every American that sees this to boycott Office Depot. #boycottofficedepot.'

Just hours after DePernos viral post, Office Depot took to X to express that they are 'deeply concerned' and confirmed the employee involved is no longer with the company.

'The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot,' the company wrote.

'We sincerely apologize to the customer affected and to our community for this regrettable situation,' the statement added.

Office Depot further explained that they immediately reached out to the customer to ensure the order was fulfilled to their satisfaction.

However, it remains uncertain whether Office Depot refunded the payment.

'We also launched an immediate internal review and, as a result, the associate involved is no longer with the organization,' they wrote.

'We are committed to reinforcing training with all team members to ensure our standards of respect, integrity, and customer service are upheld at every location. Our customers and communities deserve nothing less.'
Lord Mandelson could be in line for a generous six-figure payout after being dramatically sacked as Britain's ambassador to the US over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

But questions have also now been raised over his status in the House of Lords.

Sir Keir Starmer, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UK's representative in Washington, swiftly made the decision to fire Mandelson after emails showed he had sent messages of support even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The Foreign Office said the emails showed 'the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment'.

According to allies of the beleaguered peer, Lord Mandelson had made it clear during the vetting process that his connection with Epstein continued over many years.

They added that he was unable to share any of the emails that have since emerged, because they came from an old account he no longer has access to.

As the peer refused to resign, the Government would have needed to find legal grounds to sack him - or else pay him compensation over loss of position.

HR experts are understood to have now been drafted in to ensure due process was followed before Lord Mandelson was sacked, The Times reported.

Lord Mandelson could be in line for a six-figure payout after being sacked by Keir Starmer as Britain's ambassador to the US over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

The holiday snap that triggered his downfall: Lord Mandelson in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with 'best pal' Epstein

Lord Mandelson, who was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's Ambassador to the US, is pictured here with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in May 2025

But there are fears the dismissed politician could be in line for a substantial taxpayer-funded payout, because the prime minister did not speak to Lord Mandelson before taking his decision.

One government source said: 'They're concerned it could end up in some disastrous HR process.'

Another explained that Starmer had 'no choice' but to act swiftly, given the negative optics of leaving Lord Mandelson in place after his friendship with Epstein had been revealed.

They said: 'Politics is very different from employment law and there is a real fear that this will end up costing them a lot of money.'

The Daily Mail understands Lord Mandelson is still on the Government payroll and will be paid until a settlement is reached.

If the peer does secure a hefty compensation package, he will follow a long line of others before him who were paid out after being forced to step down.

Sir Tom Scholar, the top official at the Treasury, was sacked just days after Liz Truss became prime minister and received an exit payout of 335,000.

Former permanent secretary Jonathan Slater received a 277,780 payout after he left in 2021 following backlash over the use of a controversial algorithm to award A-Level and other exam grades.

Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, said Epstein was 'my best pal!'

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Mandelson with his now husband enjoying a boat ride together as guests of Epstein at his private island in 2002

According to allies of the beleaguered peer, Lord Mandelson had made it clear during the vetting process that his connection with Epstein continued over many years

Physical tests did not take place because of the pandemic.

Sir Philip Rutnam, who quit as the Home Office's permanent secretary after accusing Home Secretary Priti Patel of a 'vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign' against him, settled his constructive dismissal case for 340,000.

Meanwhile Sir Philip Barton, the former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, received a voluntary exit payment of more than 260,000 after leaving eight months before his five-year fixed contract was due to end.

Sir Philip was heavily criticised for staying on holiday in Dordogne as the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

There are also concerns that, even after his sacking, the peer could re-emerge for duty in the House of Lords.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown made Peter Mandelson a life peer in 2008 so he could join his cabinet to become become business secretary.

The peer is currently on a leave of absence from the House of Lords, which began at the end of January and is due to last for the rest of the Parliamentary session.

Lord Mandelson's intentions now he has been removed as ambassador are not known.

The PM's spokesman said today that whether Lord Mandelson keeps his peerage - which was awarded in 2008 - was 'not a matter for me'

However, under Lords rules he can return to duties in the chamber simply by giving the Clerk of the Parliaments three months' notice.

His fellow peers however expressed concern that Lord Mandelson cannot be allowed to be a 'lawmaker' following these latest revelations.

Some MPs - including several who were suspended after going against the Government - have called for him to be stripped of his peerage or have the Labour whip removed.

The PM's spokesman said on Friday that whether Lord Mandelson keeps his peerage - which was awarded in 2008 - was 'not a matter for me'.

But Labour MP Kim Johnson told Sky News the peer should be 'removed from the Lords'.

SNP MP Brendan O'Hara meanwhile has tabled an early day motion in the Commons accusing Lord Mandelson of bringing Parliament 'into disrepute' and calling on the Government 'to take legislative steps to remove his peerage'.

And Tory frontbencher Neil O'Brien told the Daily Mail that Lord Mandelson should not be allowed to return.

He said: 'Surely now he has been forced to resign in disgrace for a third time, for attempting to secure an early release for a convicted paedophile, he cannot return to being a lawmaker and a serving member of the House of Lords.'

His fellow peers have said today that Lord Mandelson cannot be allowed to be a 'lawmaker' following these latest revelations

Chris Hinchliff, who was suspended by Labour over his efforts to halt the Government's welfare reforms, and now sits as an Independent MP, said the ex-ambassador should be removed from the Lords.

'Someone with such flawed judgment should not be involved in shaping the laws of our country,' he posted on X.

The Labour Party does not have the power to kick him out of the House of Lords - removing the whip from a peer means they can sit as an Independent.

Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said she found it 'completely hypocritical' that four colleagues who 'acted in good faith' were suspended over their opposition to welfare cuts earlier this year while similar action has not been taken against Lord Mandelson.

'I certainly don't think he should be representing the Labour Party in any way, shape or form,' she said.

Lord Mandelson could resign as a sitting member of the House of Lords, but he would retain his title.

Peers convicted of a crime with a custodial sentence of at least a year are automatically expelled as members under the House of Lords Reform Act 2014.

Removing a title from a peer would require a new act of parliament.
The Home Office has advertised for a religious adviser to help detained migrants get married - despite the risk of sham ceremonies.

The vacancy for the religious affairs manager post is at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre, near the village of Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

It was announced last year the immigration detention facility near Oxford would be reopened after it shut in 2018 amid riots, escapes and poor conditions.

The centre, which has space for up to 400 people waiting for their immigration status to be resolved, is now expected to open its doors in December.

Among the 'main duties' on the ad for its religious adviser is needing to 'counsel residents who request marriage while in custody and make any arrangements for the wedding'.

It comes as part of the 'comprehensive programme of religious activities', including 'pastoral care', they must provide for the various faiths represented at the facility.

Detainees - which includes convicted criminals and refused asylum seekers awaiting removal - can under human rights law marry while in such centres.

This is despite the risk of so-called 'sham' ceremonies, which can see detained migrants tie the knot with a British citizen to try to avoid deportation.

The vacancy for the religious affairs manager post is at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre (pictured), near the village of Kidlington, Oxfordshire

Among the 'main duties' on the ad (pictured) for its religious adviser is needing to 'counsel residents who request marriage while in custody and make any arrangements for the wedding'

Detainees - which includes convicted criminals and refused asylum seekers awaiting removal - can under human rights law marry while in such centres. Pictured: File photo

The advert has since been taken down by the Home Office but there are postings for the role still available online on other websites.

It is understood the advert will be set live again but with this wording removed.

The Home Secretary can order an investigation of the couple if it suspects a marriage is a 'sham' one.

To stop the marriage going ahead, investigators would have to show one or both people were foreign nationals and they did not have a 'genuine relationship'.

They would also need to show one or both people were marrying 'for the purpose of circumventing UK immigration controls'.

But marriages or civil partnerships can take place in detention centres if there is no legal impediment and the couple has complied with any Home Office investigation.

They must also be able to be escorted to the ceremony 'without disrupting the smooth running of the centre'.

Guidance from the Home Office notes: 'Getting married or entering a civil partnership to gain an immigration advantage is not a legal impediment and, in any event, only a registrar may prevent a marriage/civil partnership on this ground.'

The job ad also notes the religious advisor must provide appropriate rooms, literature and artefacts for detainees to observe their faith.

The advert (pictured) has since been taken down by the Home Office but there are postings for the role still available online on other websites

They must also issue communications to staff and 'residents' about any religious festivals being observed.

And the adviser should be informed in their work by the practices of 'outside faith communities', which they are to remain in touch with.

It comes after a row at another detention centre where thousands of pounds are being spent to hire staff to teach ballooncraft, cake decorating and floristry.

A hairdressing tutor, hospitality and floristry tutor, painting and decorating tutor and gym manager are among the 32 jobs currently available at Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre.

Salaries for the full-time roles at the male-only facility are more than 30,000 a year - with the gym manager role being advertised for 38,873.66 per annum.

The combined yearly spend of all the jobs has been considered an insult to tax payers, with Tory ministers warning: 'The Government has lost the plot.'

The roles first appeared on the Government's Find A Job website last week and are still available.

But Home Office Minister Seema Malhorta said the department had asked for the roles to be scrapped as they 'don't believe all these roles are necessary'.

It comes after a row at Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (pictured, file photo of one wing of it), where a hairdressing tutor, hospitality and floristry tutor, painting and decorating tutor and gym manager are among the 32 jobs currently available

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The jobs have been advertised by Mitie - a facilities firm that is required to provide recreational services to detainees as part of its 2014 290million contract with the Home Office.

Some 1,940 people were being held under immigration powers in the UK as of December last year.

There are currently seven immigration removal centres, four short-term facilities for holding people for up to a week and one pre-departure accommodation centre.

Along with Campsfield House, the Government is also planning to open Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in the town of Gosport, Hampshire.

More than 31,000 migrants have come to the UK across the Channel this year, which is 40 per cent up from the same time last year.

This is also the highest number since arrivals began in 2018.

More than 50,000 have come to Britain since Labour took over in July last year.

A Home Office spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We have recently started working with immigration removal centre providers to set out what this government expects from education and activities across the detention estate.

More than 31,000 migrants (pictured, file photo) have come to the UK across the Channel this year, which is 40 per cent up from the same time last year

'At the same time, the scope and responsibilities of all planned recruitment for Immigration Removal Centres continue to be actively reviewed.'

Migrants are detained for administrative reasons, rather than it being a kind of criminal imprisonment - though the conditions are similar.

It is done for a variety of purposes, including establishing an asylum seeker's identity or the basis of their claim, or as a precursor to removing them from the UK.

Other reasons include the belief a given person's release on immigration bail would not be 'conducive to the public good' or might lead to them absconding.

Non-citizens can be detained at any point in the immigration process.

This includes immediately after arrival in the UK, either while they wait for their claim to be examined or if it has been refused and they are awaiting removal.

It could follow visiting an immigration office in the country, during a check-in with immigration officials or arrest by a police officer.

Those who have overstayed their visa or leave to remain, could also be detained.

Someone who has just finished a prison sentence could also continue to be detained under immigration powers, either in a prison or removal centre.

Most immigration detention either ends in removal from the UK or release into the community, normally on immigration bail.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
A former Muslim priest who sexually abused four young girls inside a mosque has been jailed for 10 years.

Qari Sher Mohammad, who was the iman at the Muslim Community Centre in Chatham, Kent, targeted children for almost a decade.

Concerns about his behaviour were first raised in 2018 when one of his victims revealed he had sexually touched her while carrying out his spiritual duties.

She said the assault took place inside a mosque on Thorold Road between March 2014 and October 2016.

Mohammad, 61, was arrested and interviewed in April that year, but he was not charged because there were concerns the trial would have a negative impact on his young victim.

Between May 2022 and December 2023 he went on to sexually assault three more children and was arrested on December 11.

The victim who had made the previous allegation, now an adult, stated she wished to support a police prosecution for the crimes committed against her.

The iman was charged with multiple counts of sexual touching of a child.

Qari Sher Mohammad, (pictured) who was the iman at the Muslim Community Centre in Chatham, Kent, targeted children for almost a decade

One of his victims said the assault took place inside a mosque on Thorold Road (pictured) between March 2014 and October 2016

He denied the offences but on March 7, 2025, was convicted at Canterbury Court on 16 indictments.

On Friday, Mohammad was sentenced to 10 years in jail.

He will be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years once he is released.

Detective Constable Conor Middleton said: 'This man was in a position of authority when these appalling offences were committed.

'The children showed immense courage by reporting his actions and I would like to commend them and their parents for assisting our investigation.

'Mohammad is now serving a prison sentence and he should reflect on his actions and the impact they had on these vulnerable victims.'
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could be preparing to challenge Keir Starmer for PM, with a sitting MP allegedly ready to stand down to let him back into Parliament.

The Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester is an outspoken critic of government despite being in the same party as his Prime Minister, and is a fierce supporter of Lucy Powell in the race to become Labour Deputy Leader.

Powell is widely seen as the anti-Starmer candidate, and is pipped to be one half of a two-horse race against Cabinet member and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Speculation is building around Burnham as pressure on Sir Keir rises following the departure of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and US ambassador Lord Mandelson.

Burnham has now put his weight behind new Labour movement Mainstream, a new network of party figures who are critical of Starmer and, more broadly, government.

The campaign wants to see the introduction of wealth taxes, the nationalisation of utility companies and an end to the two-child benefit cap.

And he is expected to explicitly criticise the Prime Minister at the Labour Party conference later this month, where hustings for the race to become Deputy Labour Leader will take place.

There's just one problem for Burnham if he wishes to become a serious contender to be the next Prime Minister - assuming Starmer is toppled.

The Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester is an outspoken critic of government despite being in the same party as his Prime Minister

Sources say Burnham could be eyeing up a run against the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (pictured)

And that is that despite being the only Labour politician with a net positive approval rating, he is not a sitting MP.

But this might not stand in his way for long.

Labour sources have said that one of Manchester's own MPs, who is in ill health, is ready to step down - which would trigger a by-election which Burnham could conceivably stand in.

No 10 will be wise to the threat of Burnham and will likely do their best to block any such event, but should a by-election occur, there will be those pushing to nominate a popular candidate in order to effectively fight the threat of Reform.

Most tellingly, Burnham was asked to rule out running in a future leadership contest this week, and failed to do so.

One Burnham ally told the Guardian: 'Andy is ready to come back but it needs to be asap. He needs to be in place before the May elections in order to be ready. He also needs to be upfront about why he wants to come back and challenge the leadership to defy the party's wishes.'

But Burnham, who has already run to be Leader of the Labour Party twice, has previously said he intends to see out his term as Manchester mayor until 2028.

The speculation comes after a torrid couple of weeks for Starmer, who lost his Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister in Angela Rayner after it emerged she did not pay enough stamp duty on the purchase of her home.

Starmer this week fired US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson over his links to disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

It triggered a significant reshuffle for Starmer in the opening days of what was supposed to be a reset, or 'phase two' of government following the return from the summer recess.

Then, the Epstein birthday book was published by the Democrats in the US, revealing Starmer's pick for US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson's contribution.

Mandelson wrote a ten-page note to Jeffrey Epstein, complete with photographs, in which he described him as his 'best pal'.

Starmer initially stood by Mandelson, before emails emerged showing he had supported the paedophile even after he was convicted, told him to fight the conviction and to campaign for an early release.

The Prime Minister then fired Mandelson via his new Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper - but that was far from the end of the nightmare.

Questions still persist about exactly what Starmer knew, and when - and crucially whether he was aware of the supporting emails between Epstein and Mandelson.

Although some Labour MPs are quietly beginning to question whether Starmer will make it to the next election, many are aware of the risks of replacing a leader so soon.

'There's a calculation that needs to be made,' one cabinet minister told the Guardian. 'We might get a boost if we put in place a different leader and they quickly get a grip.

'But there's a danger that we're basically saying to the country that we're the same as the Tories.'
The family of a British father who mysteriously died in Benidorm say Spanish authorities have shut down a homicide probe, despite someone trying to use his bank card after his body was found.

Nathan Osman was discovered at the foot of a remote cliff on the outskirts of the resort last September while on a trip with friends.

His family criticised the initial police response and carried out their own investigation, uncovering evidence that his card was used after his death, which led to the case being reopened.

But police have now confirmed the investigation has concluded and the 30-year-old's death was being treated as accidental, according to the BBC, a decision relatives described as 'upsetting and frustrating'.

His brother, Lee Evans, said the official report was based only on 'an overview and assumptions and no hard facts.' He added: 'Nathan hasn't been given any thought or justice.'

Mr Evans said they would not give up in their attempts to discover what happened and that his brother 'hasn't been given any thought or justice'.

The father-of-four had joined the getaway at the last minute and spent the evening of September 27 drinking with friends before heading back to his hotel alone.

Nathan Osman, pictured, was discovered at the foot of a remote cliff on the outskirts of the resort last September while on a trip with friends

Police have now confirmed the investigation has concluded and the 30-year-old's death was being treated as accidental, a decision relatives described as 'upsetting and frustrating'

The next morning, his bed had not been slept in, and his body was later found by an off-duty officer.

But the next morning, his bed had not been slept in, and his body was found by an off-duty police officer later that day.

His brother Lee Evans has previously said his brother had no reason to do the hour-long walk there, in the opposite direction to his hotel, alone. He instead believes his brother was taken to the cliff, either by taxi or against his will.

Mr Evans helped compile a comprehensive timeline of his brother's movements from the minute he left the UK until the last moment they could find him on the CCTV cameras of local Benidorm businesses.

The last sighting of Mr Osman, according to Mr Evans, was him walking 'very calm and collected' following directions on his phone. He was found a 50-minute walk away from where he was last seen on CCTV.

At an inquest into Osman's death in October last year, senior coroner Graeme Hughes heard the man suffered traumatic brain injuries after falling from the cliff.

'He drank quite rarely and has never used recreational drugs. His autopsy revealed that there were no drugs in his system,' Hughes said.

'Nathan had four beautiful children and enjoyed life to the fullest. He never imagined that a break in the sun would lead to his death.

At an inquest into Osman's death in October last year, senior coroner Graeme Hughes heard the father-of-four suffered traumatic brain injuries after falling from the cliff

Nathan Osman was discovered at the foot of a remote cliff on the outskirts of Benidorm last September while on a trip with friends

As the anniversary of his death approaches, his family said the authorities told them that 'all paths of evidence have been closed' and that the family feel 'abandoned'. pictured: Stock image of a Spanish police officer

'He was just really excited and really looking forward to seeing his friends and having a relaxing holiday.'

In March, members of the family travelled to Spain and presented their timeline, in both English and Spanish, to the relevant authorities.

Meeting with the Policia Nacional, the head prosecutor and judge on Nathan's case, the family said Mr Osman was not a 'typical Brit going abroad on a lads' holiday.'

'Nathan liked to go and experience different places, and he'd even decided to book on his friends' holiday and join them last minute,' Evans said, according to The Olive Press.

They said someone tried to use his bank card at a shop near where his body was found the next morning, while his valuables had disappeared.

The family said the head prosecutor in the case was receptive to their appeals, and was 'blown away' with the detailed investigation and said the case will be taken seriously by detectives, with foul play being determined due to the factors raised.

The case was reopened in May, but police insist now that the death was an accident.

As the anniversary of his death approaches, his family said the authorities told them that 'all paths of evidence have been closed' and that the family feel 'abandoned'

He added the family will continue to pursue further legal avenues to understand what happened and had been in touch with other families whose relatives have died abroad in similar circumstances.

He previously said: 'We want to be able to tell Nathan's children when they're older that we tried everything in our power to get justice for their dad.'
A British law student jailed for life in a hellhole Dubai prison had only taken a single line of cocaine when she was arrested, her former cellmate has claimed.

Mia O'Brien, 24, of Huyton, Merseyside, was sentenced to 25 years behind bars after a day-long hearing which was held entirely in Arabic on July 25.

She had been caught by Middle Eastern police at a party last October with 50 grams of the Class A drug, which has an estimated street value of around 2,500 in the UK.

The Liverpool University student pleaded not guilty to drug offences but was convicted by a judge after just one day in court, where she was also ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 for the crime.

Mia had spent months in the Al Barsha police detention centre before being ordered to languish in Dubai Central Prison - also known as Al Awir - which has been dubbed 'the Middle East's Alcatraz'.

The 24-year-old has joined a list of high-profile Britons to be imprisoned in the jail, including Karl Williams who was locked up in 2012 after police found narcotics in his rental car.

Mr Williams went on to write a memoir following his release, in which he described inmates being stabbed to death as guards watched and told how he had his testicles electrocuted during an interrogation.

Mia is sharing a cell with six inmates - most of whom are Nigerian criminals - in the prison which lies in the sandy outskirts of the glamourous city which is lined with skyscrapers worth billions of dollars.

Mia O'Brien (above) was sentenced to 25 years behind bars after a day-long hearing which was held entirely in Arabic on July 25

Mia (above) was caught with 50 grams of the Class A drug by Middle Eastern police last year

The law student (above) pleaded not guilty to drug offences but was convicted by a judge after just one day in court

Mia's arrest became public knowledge after her mother, Danielle McKenna, 46, launched a fundraiser to try and overturn the guilty verdict.

Ms McKenna told the Daily Mail last week that her daughter was in a 'living hell' after making a 'stupid mistake' having flown out to Dubai to meet her friend and her boyfriend.

And now, a British mother held alongside Mia inside the prison has told The Sun that the law student is claiming to have only taken a single line of cocaine when police arrested her.

She said Mia admitted to taking drugs and knew she'd be in 'big trouble' but did not expect to be treated 'as a dealer' by the judicial system.

The mother added: 'If what she's saying is true and all she has done is a line of cocaine, 25 years is a horrifically long sentence. She said she was visiting on holiday and had only been there a few days.'

Mia's friend, known only as Emma, was also arrested in the drugs bust last October. However, tests for cocaine in her system came back negative and she was released without charge.

Emma's boyfriend also received a life sentence.

Mia's ex-cellmate, who was detained for fleeing the scene of a car crash before being released after paying a 3,000 fine, added: 'Mia had fallen out with her friend as she said it was the boyfriend who had the cocaine. Her problem was that they had all been arrested and Mia had it in her system.'

Mia's arrest became public knowledge after her mother, Danielle McKenna (right) launched a fundraiser to try and overturn the guilty verdict

Mia is now languishing in Dubai Central Prison - also known as Al Awir - which has been dubbed 'the Middle East's Alcatraz'

A British mother held alongside Mia (above) in jail said the law student is claiming to have only taken a single line of cocaine when police arrested her

The fundraiser launched to raise money for the 24-year-old was swiftly removed by GoFundMe for violating Term 9 of the Prohibited Conduct section of their Terms of Service.

At the time of its removal it had received just 700 of donations towards its 1,600 target.

Mia has not paid the court's 500,000 dirham fine - equalling just over 100,000 - but is due to have an appeal in the next few weeks.

Ms McKenna, who launched the fundraiser, told the Daily Mail last week of the grim conditions her daughter is languishing in.

She said: 'The prison conditions are horrendous. There are no staff really and she has to bang on a big door if she needs anything.

'She's seen fights and said she has been really scared. Mia said she has to sleep on a mattress on the floor and shares the cell with six others.

'But she's not been ill - she has just come out in a few rashes.'

Dubai's Central Prison is notorious for its brutal conditions, with inmates packed into overcrowded cells, tortured for confessions.

Mia admitted to taking drugs and knew she'd be in 'big trouble' but did not expect to be treated 'as a dealer' by the judicial system

Karl Williams (pictured in Dubai Central Prison) described inmates being stabbed to death as guards watched and told how he had his testicles electrocuted during an interrogation

A doctor shows a hallway at the medical centre of Al-Awir prison during the Covid pandemic

Rape is an 'every day occurrence' in the jail, according to a report from last year, with violent assaults carried out both by inmates and guards.

Several people share beds at a time, with as many as 20 people sharing cells designed for three or four people.

Illness is also rife in the prisons, with one British former inmate suffering from tuberculosis which he contracted while in there.

Human rights campaigners say some with chronic health conditions were denied adequate medical care.

A report in 2019 found that HIV patients in al-Awir were refused life-saving treatment.

The cells were gripped by Covid during the pandemic as well, with cramped conditions making it impossible to social distance.
Protesters from different ends of the political spectrum have shut down major city centres as police remain on guard to fend off potential clashes.

Thousands took to the streets in Melbourne, Sydney and other capitals under the Australia Unites banner, made up of several splinter groups, on Saturday.

Organisers said participants were voicing displeasure over worsening cost-of-living pressures, declining health outcomes, rising violence, financial strain and climate change denialism.

Some carried signs with slogans such as 'We're not right-wing, we're just right.'

Opposing groups led by Indigenous and Palestinian activist groups also turned out in a National Day of Action against racism and fascism in response to neo-Nazis allegedly raiding an Indigenous camp in Melbourne on August 31.

They shouted 'always was, always will be Aboriginal land' in unison at Flinders Street Station.

Dozens of Victorian officers, including mounted police on horses, were deployed in central Melbourne to make sure there was no clash of demonstrators by setting up orange barricades.

The ABC broadcasted aerial shots of police forming long lines to cordon off areas between the demonstrations about 50m apart.

Protesters gather at Parliament during the National Day of Action rally in Melbourne on Saturday

An Indigenous sovereignty protester was tended to after allegedly being pepper-sprayed by police outside Flinders Street Station

There were similar scenes in Sydney on Saturday

The national broadcaster also reported capsicum spray being used with one man being caught up in the melee.

Police were granted additional powers to deal with the protests, allowing them to search for weapons and direct people to remove face coverings.

In Sydney, Australia Unites protesters originally signalled they would march across the Harbour Bridge, but settled for a different route after police challenged the decision in court

They instead rallied in the CBD, ending up in Hyde Park carrying Australian and Eureka flags.

'Well done Sydney...no troubles, no dramas. Done and dusted,' Pauline Hanson's One Nation candidate Stuart Bonds posted on social media.

NSW Police said a 50-year-old man was arrested for breaching the peace and escorted from the area.

Two people were also treated by paramedics but no serious injuries were recorded.

'A police operation has concluded with no significant incidents following multiple planned assemblies in Sydney's CBD today,' they said on Saturday.

Police on the scene after an attempt by a counter protester to enter Camp Sovereignty on Saturday

Police stepped in to separate opposing rallies outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne

Indigenous activists turned out in a National Day of Action against racism and fascism

'Hundreds of police (were) deployed across the city to ensure the safety of both participants, as well as the community and local businesses.'

With Sydney's demonstrations wrapped up, Melbourne remained on high alert into the late afternoon for the possibility of scuffles erupting.

Violent brawls broke out between anti-immigration protesters and anti-fascism groups in August, which led to police deploying pepper spray to separate demonstrators in Melbourne.

A group of men dressed in black had clashed with people at Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on August 31, following the March for Australia rally in the city.

The camp is a burial site with the remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. It was first created in 2006 to coincide with the Commonwealth Games and re-established in 2024.

Ten men, some with links to neo-Nazi groups, have been arrested and charged over the alleged assaults and affray.

Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the government supported peaceful protest but rebuked any protesters who planned to engage in harm and violence.

'Do not ever use the cloak of protest to go out there and cause crime,' she said.

NSW Police only made one arrest during Saturday's rallies

'There is no place for protests that spread harm, that spread hate, that spread fear and violence, and there is certainly no place in Victoria for neo-Nazis.'

Saturday rallies were also staged in Hobart, Canberra and Brisbane, but police in none of these locations warned of similar clashes.

In New Zealand, some 50,000 attended the March for Humanity rally in central Auckland on Saturday morning decrying Israel's military assault on Gaza in which nearly 65,000 have been killed since October 2023.
A prominent federal Teal MP has sparked a barrage of online backlash after she was caught liking a controversial post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Sydney-based Warringah independent MP Zali Steggall liked an Instagram post which stated that 'violence is sometimes necessary' on Thursday.

The former Winter Olympic medallist reacted to the post on the same day that Kirk, a conservative pro-Donald Trump activist in the US, was shot dead at a college campus in Utah.

At the time of his death, Mr Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings before he was struck by a high-calibre bullet.

Mr Kirk died in hospital a short time later. Tyler Robinson, 22, has since been taken into custody by police over the activist's death.

The 'tone-deaf' post that Steggall liked was from Cheek Media co-founder and aspiring politician Hannah Ferguson, who shared her thoughts on the shooting through a series of questions.

'Am I glad Charlie Kirk will no longer spread his extremist messaging? Yes,' the progressive political influencer wrote.

'Do I believe [Mr Kirk] empowered the violence that ended his life? Yes.

Teal MP Zali Steggall liked a controversial Instagram post regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Thursday

Mr Kirk, a US conservative activist, was assassinated at a college campus in Utah on Wednesday US time. He's pictured shortly before he was shot.

'Is violence sometimes necessary? Yes.'

Other questions included whether the shooting was an act of progress and 'am I happy that someone shot him in the neck in broad daylight?'

Ms Ferguson's response to both questions was 'No'.

Steggall told Daily Mail Australia that her liking the post was not an endorsement of political violence.

'Let me be clear, I do not, and have not, condoned the horrific political violence that has occurred in the US and resulted in the death of Charlie Kirk,' she said.

'Whilst I respect Hannah from Cheek Media for trying to have a discussion about the conflicting realities occurring in the US, I originally liked her post because it is important to understand and discuss the dangerous polarisation occurring online due to the algorithms and click bait media.

'However, I do not agree with or endorse everything Hannah has written. Whilst liking does not equal endorsement, for the avoidance of doubt, I have chosen to unlike the post.'

Despite this turnaround however, Steggall has still copped online backlash for originally liking the post in the first place.

The Instagram post in question stated that political violence was 'sometimes' necessary

'What a disgrace you are Zali Steggall. I wonder if you would still have that opinion if it was your family member. You are a disgrace to this country,' one woman wrote.

Another added: 'I no longer feel safe with Zali Steggall in our parliament.'

A third wrote: 'If the violence was directed her way, her story would be totally different.'

Others called for Steggall's sacking or resignation from parliament.

Ms Ferguson, who plans to run for the Senate at the next election has made a series of posts to social media criticising the coverage in the wake of Mr Kirks death.

'I can understand those who argue we must not support the murder of someone who disagrees with us, but support and condemnation are not the only two choices available,' her post was captioned.

'Charlie Kirk was killed today in an act of gun violence his views permitted. In the world I will continue to advocate for, hed still be alive.'

Mr Kirk founded Turning Point USA and was a close associate of President Trump.

However, she told Sky News on Friday that it was important to be respectful at this time and place around the world.

'I think in these political times, it's really dangerous to use... inflammatory language,' Steggall said on Friday.

Steggall is serving her third term in parliament, six years after she ousted former prime minister Tony Abbott from his seat on Sydney's northern beaches.
Vladimir Putin has deployed strategic nuclear bombers as the UN warns the world is 'staring into the abyss of a Third World War' - and the UK prepares to help fortify Nato's eastern front against Russian attack.

The Russian president has launched the Tu-22M3 aircrafts in a renewed show of aggression - which the UN security council warned could escalate into global conflict.

Footage shows Kremlin long-range aviation forces carrying out an air strike on a 'simulated' enemy, with the aim of 'disrupting the control system and destroying critical objects'.

Bastion complexes from the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land, which lies in the Arctic Ocean, struck the target in the Arctic with Onyx missiles as part of a drill.

And just today, Putin taunted the West again by deploying hulking nuclear-capable Iskander missile launchers close to Russia's border with Poland.

It comes after the Kremlin flew attack drones into Polish airspace earlier this week which it had to shoot down on Tuesday night with the help of its Nato allies.

Poland closed its border with Belarus as the UN security council was warned of the dire risk of a new world war.

Nato was forced to urgently strengthen its eastern defences - efforts the UK will join.

The Russian president has launched the Tu-22M3 aircrafts (pictured) in a renewed show of aggression - which the UN security council warned could escalate into global conflict

Footage (pictured) shows Kremlin long-range aviation forces carrying out an air strike on a 'simulated' enemy, with the aim of 'disrupting the control system and destroying critical objects'

Bastion complexes from the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land, which lies in the Arctic Ocean, struck the target in the Arctic with Onyx missiles as part of a drill (pictured, another exercise in the Zapad-2025 series of drills)

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said on Friday military activity under 'Eastern Sentry' would start in the coming days and involve assets from the UK, as well as allies including France and Germany.

'In addition to more traditional military capabilities, this effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones,' Mr Rutte said.

The operation will bolster Nato's posture and add flexibility to its approach, he said.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'The UK is fully committed to playing our part in Nato's Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia.

'We will provide further detail on the UK Armed Forces contribution soon.'

Putin's deployment of nuclear bombers comes as part of its four-day Zapad-2025 exercises - annual drills in the Arctic, Belarus and Russia to test the defensive readiness of the Union State, the alliance between the latter two nations.

They are seen as a challenge to Nato in all three locations.

The war games will also see troops drill the use of nuclear missiles from the West's doorstep in Belarus, Russia's authoritarian neighbour.

Putin's deployment of nuclear bombers comes as part of its four-day Zapad-2025 exercises (pictured) - annual drills in the Arctic, Belarus and Russia to test the defensive readiness of the Union State, the alliance between the latter two nations

The war games (pictured) are seen as a challenge to Nato in all three locations

The drills (pictured) will also see troops drill the use of nuclear missiles from the West's doorstep in Belarus, Russia's authoritarian neighbour

It comes as preparations are made for deploying its 'super-weapon', the ballistic missile Oreshnik, in Belarus, which borders Nato alliance states Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as Ukraine.

And footage of the missile launchers Putin deployed today shows the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.

At least two were seen on a highway reportedly close to the Polish border in Russian enclave Kaliningrad, which sits on the Baltic Sea and is also neighboured by Lithuania.

The road had been closed for the deployment.

The Iskander-M missiles have a range of at least 310 miles and can carry 1050 kiloton nuclear warheads, comparable to HiroshimaNagasaki bombs.

This would put Nato capitals Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga and possibly Tallinn and Berlin in range.

There was no immediate explanation from Moscow for the Iskander-M move but they apparently came as part of the current Zapad-2025 war games underway involving Russia and its neighbour Belarus.

Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk warned if Putin's escalation is not halted, 'tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles falling on Berlin, Paris, or London'.

The Russian-Belarusian war games (pictured) also saw a dozen warships from Putin's Baltic Sea Fleet engaged in drills with Su-30SM and Su-24M aircraft, and Mi-8 helicopters, against a mock enemy

He continued: 'And the day after, who knows, something might even "accidentally" cross the Atlantic.'

Russia consciously crossed another red line in attacking Poland with drones, he warned: 'Russia is not mocking this council. It is spitting in your face.

'We are staring into the abyss of a Third World War.'

Meanwhile, Putin highlighted his lack of interest in a settlement in the war, with his spokesman signalling peace negotiations with Ukraine were now on 'pause'.

Donald Trump has threatened sanctions against Putin but is also demanding first that all Nato states stop buying Russian oil.

The Russian-Belarusian war games also saw a dozen warships from Putin's Baltic Sea Fleet engaged in drills with Su-30SM and Su-24M aircraft, and Mi-8 helicopters, against a mock enemy.

'Combat ships operating within tactical groups will practice their designated tasks - encompassing anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and mine countermeasures - and will also execute missile and artillery strikes against various surface and aerial targets,' said a statement from the Russian defence ministry.

The exercises involved large landing ships, corvettes, small missile and anti-submarine vessels, minesweepers, missile boats and submarines, it was reported.

Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk warned if Putin's escalation is not halted, 'tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles falling on Berlin, Paris, or London'. Pictured: Zapad-2025 war games

Russia flew attack drones into Polish airspace (pictured) earlier this week which it had to shoot down on Tuesday night with the help of its Nato allies

After a visit by Prince Harry to Ukraine, ex-premier Boris Johnson (pictured in Ukraine today) was the latest prominent British figure to offer support to the war-torn nation

Separately, Russia deployed its Northern Fleet vessels in the Arctic Ocean led by large anti-submarine ship Severomorsk.

In an another separate move, the drills saw Russian tank crews firing from concealed positions at Borisovsky training ground in Belarus.

Poland and allied Nato countries have boosted its forces to around 40,000 close to the border with Belarus due to the Zapad-2025 war games.

Meanwhile, Chief of the Belarus General Staff Pavel Muraveiko warned: 'We are vigilantly monitoring all military activities near our borders and stand ready to counter any provocations that might occur during Zapad-2025.' After a visit by Prince Harry to Ukraine, ex-premier Boris Johnson was the latest prominent British figure to offer support to the war-torn nation.

He was seen this week in the city of Odesa with former Conservative deputy chairman and long-time Ukraine supporter Lord Ashcroft and Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko.

Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this week he had tasked the military with looking at how the UK can help bolster Nato's air defence over Poland.

Until July, six RAF Typhoon jets were operating from Poland as part of Nato's air policing mission - a task shared between the members of the alliance, he said.

On Friday, the UK announced a raft of 100 sanctions targeting Moscow's military and energy sectors as Yvette Cooper visited Kyiv for the first overseas visit in her new role as Foreign Secretary.

Poland closed its border with Belarus as the UN security council was warned of the dire risk of a new world war. Pictured: Polish television channel TV Republika shared this image of one of the downed drones

She said: 'The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

'His complete disregard for sovereignty has been shown this week when he recklessly sent drones into Nato airspace.

'International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows, which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war, is vital.'

Ms Cooper was later asked if she would push US President Donald Trump to follow suit with sanctions when he comes to the UK for a state visit next week.

'We will, of course, be talking about the economic pressure that we need on Russia,' she told ITV.

'Of course, we will talk about the continued security issues that we have discussed with the US, with other countries over a long period of time, and that partnership, that relationship, is incredibly important.'

Among the companies hit with the UK sanctions are firms which supply Russia with equipment like electronics, chemicals and explosives used to manufacture missiles and other weapons.

They also target 70 ships involved in Putin's 'shadow fleet' operation, responsible for illicitly carrying cargo since the start of the war in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Moscow carried out its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, an assault that hit a key government building in Kyiv for the first time.

Ms Cooper will visit the damaged building, known as the cabinet of ministers, as well as residential buildings destroyed by Russia's attacks, the Foreign Office said.
Keir Starmer is facing mounting unrest from political opponents and those within Labour circles in the wake of Lord Mandelson's humiliating sacking.

New Labour architect Mandelson was dramatically fired from his role as US ambassador on Thursday after the emergence of emails to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, describing him as his 'best pal'.

The scandal has enraged many MPs who are furious at Sir Keir for selecting Lord Mandelson for the post in the first place.

Left-wing MP Clive Lewis became the first to call for the PM to go yesterday afternoon, telling the BBC's The Week in Westminster that the atmosphere in the Parliamentary Labour Party had become 'very, very dangerous'.

And it has since emerged that Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could be plotting to oust Sir Keir, with a sitting MP allegedly prepared to stand down to let Mr Burnham back into the House of Commons.

Now, as a disastrous week for the Labour Party ends with further fury on the horizon, you can vote in the Daily Mail's poll on whether Sir Keir should be booted from Downing Street.
A British-born Sikh woman has been raped while being told 'you don't belong in this country, get out' - and police are now hunting two men over the 'racially motivated attack'.

The horrifying attack on the woman in her twenties happened in the town of Oldbury, West Midlands, at around 8.30am on Tuesday, in the residential Tame Road area.

The Sikh Federation UK dubbed it a 'brutal racist and sexual attack', adding the young girl was 'viciously beaten and raped' in 'broad daylight on a busy road'.

West Midlands Police are now investigating and want to speak to anyone who may have seen two white men in the area at the time of the attack.

The first is described as having a shaved head and a heavy build and was wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves on.

The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

Officers said they are treating it as an 'isolated incident' but understand the 'anger and worry' it has caused locally and will be making extra patrols for reassurance.

Local MP Gurinder Singh Josan has also noted the attack is being treated as a hate crime.

The horrifying attack on the woman in her twenties happened in the town of Oldbury, West Midlands, at around 8.30am on Tuesday, in the residential Tame Road area. Pictured: An emergency meeting called at a local Sikh place of worship in the wake of the attack

The Sikh Federation UK dubbed it a 'brutal racist and sexual attack', adding the young girl was 'viciously beaten and raped' in 'broad daylight on a busy road'. Pictured: Tame Road, where the attack happened

West Midlands Police are now investigating and want to speak to anyone who may have seen two white men in the area at the time of the attack. Pictured: A meadow just off Tame Road, where the attack happened

Dozens of people have attended an emergency meeting at a Sikh temple in the nearby town of Smethwick in the wake of terrifying attack.

Jas Singh, principal adviser to the Sikh Federation (UK), was among the faith and community leaders who organised the meeting at Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

He told Sky News: 'In the context of the climate, it makes it even more worrying because there is a trend of hatred... the targeting of migrants.

'Ultimately, what that means is the targeting of people's skin colour, and as Sikhs we have the most distinct, unique identity.

'We bear the brunt of all prejudice and ignorance, and hate.'

One woman in her 30s, who did not wish to be named, broke down in tears as she called out the attack as a divisive act of racism.

Reverend Nick Ross, from the nearby Holy Trinity Church in Smethwick, said both the gurdwara and his Anglican place of worship had been defaced by graffiti.

He warned tensions across the country will continue to build if such attacks are ignored.

The first man police want to speak to is described as having a shaved head and a heavy build and was wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves on. Pictured: A meadow off Tame Road, where the attack happened

The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Pictured: Tame Road

The gurdwara has said in a statement it is 'deeply concerned by the recent targeted attack'.

The place of worship posted on Facebook: 'Acts of violence against any individually especially when motivated by identity are abhorrent and must be met with collective resolve.'

It underlined it was 'committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of all who attend, serve or belong here'.

The gurdwara's statement continued: 'We have met with senior police officers and continue to push for strong action and reassurance.

'We urge everyone to remain vigilant and united.'

It said it would further strengthen its reporting mechanisms for 'suspicious behaviour' and work with the police to ensure any reports escalated to it are treated seriously.

The spokesperson concluded: 'Our strength lies in unity. Fear and division undermine our values...

'We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving this community with compassion, solidarity and courage.'

Officers said they are treating it as an 'isolated incident' but understand the 'anger and worry' it has caused locally and will be making extra patrols for reassurance. Pictured: Tame Road

Local MP Gurinder Singh Josan has also noted the attack is being treated as a hate crime. Pictured: Grassland near Tame Road

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: 'We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other inquiries well under way.

'We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible.

'Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.'

Dabinderjit Singh, the lead executive for political engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said the attack took place in 'broad daylight on a busy road'.

He added Sikh Youth UK is supporting the victim and her family.

'Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks,' he underlined.

'The current racist political environment is driven by populism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views.

'More than 48 hours later, we await the public condemnation by politicians on all sides of this brutal racist and sexual attack where a young Sikh woman has been viciously beaten and raped.'

Dozens of people have attended an emergency meeting at a Sikh temple in the nearby town of Smethwick in the wake of terrifying attack. Pictured: Oldbury

Ms Josan, Labour MP for Smethwick, wrote on X: 'This is a truly horrific attack and my thoughts are with the victim.

'I have now spoken with the Borough Commander Chief Supt Kim Madill and am reassured Sandwell Police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators.

'The incidence is being treated as a hate crime. The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack.

'We are grateful for all the CCTV and information that has already been forthcoming from the community.'

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting log 798 of September 9.
The man who allegedly coward-punched a stranger with such force that the victim lost consciousness before hitting the ground has been denied bail.

Deron Rahul Overson, 22, from Victoria Point is accused of punching a young gymgoer, 27, in the head over a friend's grudge outside Club Lime gym in Victoria Point, south-west of Brisbane last Monday night.

Six days on, the alleged victim remains in hospital in a critical condition after he suffered a bleed on the brain.

Overson was one of two men arrested and charged over the alleged attack in recent days following extensive inquiries.

The other man, also 22, was arrested at a Redland Bay address on Wednesday, which police have since released footage of.

He was charged with one count each of intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, and contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically. He remains in custody.

Overson handed himself into police on Friday. He was charged with one count of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, where police argued the alleged victim would have died had he not undergone emergency surgery.

Deron Rahul Overson, 22, is accused of punching a man in the head outside a Brisbane gym

A second man from Redland Bay (pictured during his arrest) was charged with one count each of intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, and contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically

The court heard that the alleged attack was over Overson's co-accused holding a grudge against the victim due to a loss of employment

The alleged attack was unprovoked, prosecutors told the court.

The offence  pertains to an alleged apparently unprovoked, deliberate planned attack,' Magistrate Patrina Clohessy said, the Courier Mail reported.

'The material before the court indicates that the force of that strike was sufficient to render the complainant unconscious immediately. He then struck the ground.

'The evidence before the court suggests had that medical treatment not been performed he would have died. As it stands, his condition is still critical, and therefore the extent of his injuries is not yet known.'

The court also heard that police allegedly have video footage of Overson 'committing another unprovoked and sickening assault occurring in a Bunnings car park'.

It is alleged that Overson 'approached and punched a man without warning' before his co-accused commented on how funny the violence was, Magistrate Clohessy told the court.

Charges have yet to be laid in relation to that alleged incident.

Overson and his co-accused (pictured during his arrest) will return to court on Thursday

The Redlands Bay man (pictured) was arrested by police on Wednesday before Overson turned himself in two days later

Overson's solicitor, Mark Butler, told the court his client did not have any criminal history and voluntarily handed himself to police.

Mr Butler said the 'young man' admitted himself to police knowing they were 'investigating a serious charge' and noted that he had not tried to flee.

Overson was willing to 'face what was coming', Mr Butler said, the publication reports.

His solicitor told the court the charges against his client were not strong, as prosecutors would have to establish a prior motive for Overson having thrown the alleged punch.

Mr Butler proposed bail conditions including a curfew, no contact provisions and reporting to police, which was was rejected by Magistrate Clohessy.

She described Overson's alleged actions as 'inexplicable', which raised the risk of safety to others in the community.

The potential harm for the community was 'so great' that she could not accept the bail conditions proposed by Mr Butler.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday at Cleveland Magistrates Court, where Overson's co-accused will also be mentioned.
The National Trust has removed a Union Jack from the Penshaw Monument, saying it had been placed there without permission.

The flag appeared on the Grade I-listed landmark overnight on Friday, attached high up on the 70ft structure.

The Trust, which has owned the site since 1939, said it would be carrying out checks to ensure no damage had been caused.

Penshaw Monument, built between 1833 and 1845 in memory of the 1st Earl of Durham, is a replica of a Greek temple and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in the North East.

The charity stressed that anything fixed to historic sites would be taken down.

A National Trust spokesperson said: 'A flag which has been attached to the Grade I listed Penshaw Monument will be removed, as will anything that's attached to historic buildings without permission.

'We will assess whether any damage has been caused to the monument, which is an important part of our shared local and national heritage.'

The flag appeared on the Grade I-listed landmark overnight on Friday, attached high up on the 70ft structure

The Trust, which has owned the site since 1939, said it would be carrying out checks to ensure no damage had been caused

The incident comes amid a wider movement that has seen Union Jacks and St Georges flags springing up across the country in recent months.

Earlier this week, the famous Westbury White Horse, which has been carved into a Wiltshire hillside for 350 years, had two lengths of red fabric pinned to it.

English Heritage, which owns the land, said it would remove the ribbon as soon as possible, but Wiltshire Police confirmed the force was not investigating the incident.

Velisa Russell, who walks past the landmark regularly, said: 'Luckily there's no damage as red material was used.

'It's more an act of patriotism, not vandalism. Just a bit of fun.'

The campaign behind the flag displays, known as Operation Flying the Colours, grew out of recent asylum hotel protests and Palestinian flags being flown in Birmingham in solidarity with Gaza.

The movement has divided opinion as supporters claim it is about national pride, while critics warn it has been co-opted by the far right.

Flags have been strapped to lampposts and road signs in towns and cities across Britain, despite repeated pleas from councils not to tamper with street furniture.

A historic white horse landmark in Wiltshire, pictured, has been altered to feature the St George's Cross as 'Operation Raise the Colours' continues across the UK

Earlier this week, the famous Westbury White Horse, which has been carved into a Wiltshire hillside for 350 years, had two lengths of red fabric pinned to it

Sheerness: St George's and Union flags have been raised in towns across England in recent weeks

Flags in Sittingbourne: Flags have been strapped to lampposts and road signs in towns and cities across Britain, despite repeated pleas from councils not to tamper with street furniture

Some local authorities, including Tower Hamlets and Birmingham, have taken banners down on health and safety grounds.

Many Conservatives have opposed those who say the flags should come down.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick was among those to go out and hang up flags, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wrote in the Daily Mail that the flags were being flown as 'symbols of unity, nationhood and optimism'.

She added: 'We Conservatives know there is nothing extreme about pride in our country, whatever our background. There is nothing racist about flying the flag of your nation.'

However, the campaign to raise flags has also been seized upon by the far right, with the likes of Tommy Robinson expressing support..

Operation Raise the Colours was co-founded by Andrew Currien, also known as Andy Saxon, an ally of Robinson - whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - who has alleged links to the English Defence League and Britain First.

The campaign has also accepted a donation of flags from Britain First, which has denied repeated accusations that it is a far-right and fascist organisation.
A 28-year-old man faces jail after pleading guilty to arson following a devastating fire that destroyed Labour MP Sharon Hodgson's constituency office.

Joshua Oliver's plea was entered at Newcastle Magistrates Court today on the basis that it was reckless rather than intentional - the Crown did not accept its basis.

The fire gutted the entire building, which housed the MP's office, a small charity for people with very rare genetic diseases and an NHS mental health service for veterans.

Shocking aerial images previously showed the extent of the damage caused to the Washington and Gateshead South MP's office, with its roof almost entirely destroyed.

The court heard Oliver has been living in a tent nearby.

District Judge Kate Meek remanded him in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on October 14.

It was previously reported that '328 days blood on your hands' was scrawled on the wall during the attack.

However, the message had been sprayed on the premises many months before the incident occurred overnight this week.

Shocking aerial images previously showed the extent of the damage caused to the Washington and Gateshead South MP's office, with its roof almost entirely destroyed

A 28-year-old man faces jail after pleading guilty to arson following a devastating fire that destroyed Labour MP Sharon Hodgson's (pictured) constituency office

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Ms Hodgson said: 'An incident occurred overnight at Sharon's office.

'We will not be commenting or speculating while there is an ongoing police investigation, what we are clear on is there is no place for this kind of violence in our society.

'Sharon will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents in Washington and Gateshead South as she does day in, day out.

'Constituents should get in touch with their issues by emailing in the usual way.'
The British sole survivor of the Air India crash has still not returned home to his wife and son as he continues to mourn his dead brother, while UK families of the victims say they are still facing 'silence and indifference' from authorities.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, from Leicester, survived the disaster on June 12 after his London-bound Boeing 787 plane crashed just minutes after taking off from India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad on June 12.

Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed, including 52 British nationals, alongside 29 on the ground.

Ramesh, who was sitting in seat 11A, walked away with only cuts to his face and some chest injuries, but is said to have been wracked with survivor's guilt ever since.

His wife revealed he is still coming to terms with the loss of his brother Ajay, who had been sitting across the aisle from him.

Meanwhile, two families who received other victims' remains in their relatives' coffins have written an open letter to Yvette Cooper calling on her to demand answers from her Indian counterparts over the blunder, the Times reported.

Mr Ramesh's wife told the newspaper she had returned to the UK with their young son and the rest of the family remained in India.

She said: '(My son) understands but still misses his dad. I'm not sure when he's coming back to the UK as his treatment is going on.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the British sole survivor of the Air India crash, has still not returned home to his wife and son as he continues to mourn his dead brother

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British

'Everything happened in front of him and the main thing is he lost his brother. He's not talking to anyone in the media, even in India.'

Aviation lawyer James Healy-Pratt, whose firm Keystone Law is representing more than 20 British families who lost loved ones in the disaster, previously said relatives of one victim found out a casket contained 'commingled' remains, while a different family were told a coffin contained the body of someone else, not their loved one.

Miten Patel, the son of Ashok and Shobhana Patel, and Tom Donaghey, brother of Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, wrote to the Foreign Secretary on Friday.

Their letter said: 'Not only did we lose our family members in this tragedy but have since endured unimaginable pain of their remains being mishandled, mislabelled, commingled and in one devastating case, completely lost without any explanation or any sort of empathetic response regarding this whatsoever from the authorities in India.'

They added: 'For the last three months, we have tried to seek answers through the proper channels, but we have been met with silence and empty gestures.

'We cannot mourn in peace until accountability for these wrongs are acknowledged and addressed.'

The family of three British victims previously criticised the lack of transparency on the identification and repatriation of victims.

Relatives of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa said they were confident they had received the correct bodies but 'the mishandling of such a sensitive process speaks to a wider failure between the British and Indian authorities to act with care, co-ordination and respect'.

Miten Patel, the son of Ashok and Shobhana Patel (pictured) wrote to the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling on her to demand answers from her Indian counterparts

Ramesh is wracked with guilt as he faces the reality of being the only person out of 242 passengers and crew to survive the crash. Above, Indian Prime Minister Modi meeting the miracle survivor

This photo shared on X by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) shows the site of the crash after the incident on June 12

'We are deeply troubled by what this means for other families who may still be searching for certainty and closure,' they added.

Mr Healy-Pratt is investigating the identification mistakes but is also representing families at inquests, investigating the causes of the accident, taking High Court legal action in England against Air India and taking action against Boeing in the US courts.

It is understood no blame is being put on any UK agency for the blunders, he said during a previous interview in July.

'We know that they were not allowed anywhere near the DNA identification chain of custody link to the caskets,' he said. 'That was the Indian authorities, that's what we understand.

'Somebody has to take responsibility in India for this massive screw-up and then they actually have to ensure that they can give proper assurances to the families that the job has been completed and done properly,' he added.

His firm has demanded a written explanation from Air India, including on the involvement of their contractors Kenyon International Emergency Services.

A preliminary report into the incident from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found both of the plane's fuel switches moved to the cut-off position immediately after take-off, stopping fuel supply to the engine.

It has sparked questions over whether the crash was deliberate.

Ramesh carried his brother's coffin at a funeral ceremony in Gujarat after the tragedy

He was later seen crying in anguish and had to be carried away from the scene

Ramesh, who has been dubbed the 'miracle man', 'God's child', and a 'symbol of hope' by Indian media, previously said he feels 'terrible' he could not save his brother and feels tormented with guilt over his death.

His relatives in India previously spoke of how he struggled to sleep at night and was haunted by nightmares where he sees 'everyone die'.

Ramesh had tried to book two seats next to each other on flight AI171.

But by the time he came to make the reservation, he was forced to pick two seats apart from each other in row 11.

Ramesh told The Sun at the time: 'If we had been sat together we both might have survived.

'I tried to get two seats together but someone had already got one. Me and Ajay would have been sitting together.

'But I lost my brother in front of my eyes. So now I am constantly thinking 'Why can't I save my brother?'.

Ramesh carried his brother's coffin at a ceremony in Gujarat in June. He was later seen crying in anguish and had to be taken away.

Families of the victims have said they have suffered 'unimaginable pain' and feel 'completely lost without any explanation or empathetic response from the authorities in India'. Pictured: Relatives mourn during a prayer meeting in India in July

He was sitting next to one of the plane's emergency exits and was able to crawl through a hole in the twisted fuselage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Footage exclusively obtained by Daily Mail showed Ramesh try to return to the site of the inferno to save his brother.

Ramesh told the first emergency service worker on site: 'My family member is in there, my brother and he's burning to death. I have to save him.'

Emergency worker Satinder Singh Sandhu said: 'I walked nearer to Mr Ramesh, grabbed him by the arm and led him away to a waiting ambulance.

'I had no idea that he was a passenger on the plane and thought he was a resident of the hostel or a passer-by.

'He was very disoriented and shocked and was limping. There was also blood on his face, but he was able to speak.

'He told the paramedics that he was flying to London when the plane fell and that he wanted to go back to save his family.'

Shortly after the tragic crash he told Indian media: 'I thought I would die. Everything happened in front of my eyes.'

'I don't know how I came out of it alive. I saw people dying in front of my eyes.'

The majority of families have received compensation from Air India worth about 21,500, and Ramesh may be entitled to claim compensation for physical injuries and the psychological trauma caused by the incident.

The Foreign Office has been approached for comment
Labor has claimed victory in a NSW seat vacated by a disgraced MP convicted of rape, nabbing it in a rare win for the government.

The by-election in Kiama was held on Saturday to pick a replacement for former MP Gareth Ward, who was convicted of sexual and indecent assault in July.

Labor had held the NSW south coast seat for three decades until Ward claimed it for the Liberals in 2011.

Labor candidate Katelin McInerney's victory was the first major electoral test for the Minns government.

When Labor declared victory just two hours after the polls closed, McInerney was leading Liberal candidate Serena Copley 62 per cent to 37 per cent on the two-party preferred vote.

Premier Chris Minns hailed the result was a humbling success.

'My government views this result as an invitation to work even harder for the entire state,' he said on Saturday night.

'I want to thank the people of Kiama for putting their trust in Labor. We do not take that trust for granted.

Labor candidate Katelin McInerney is the new MP for Kiama

Liberal candidate Serena Copley conceded defeat on Saturday night

Former Kiama MP Gareth MP (pictured with former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian) resigned after he was convicted of rape

'Kiama now has that voice inside government, and I know Katelin will be a fierce advocate for her community.'

With 13 candidates vying for people's votes, election analyst Ben Raue called the win for Labor two hours after polls closed.

It's unusual for a government to gain a seat in a by-election, but Mr Raue said Labor had more incentive to work harder for the victory.

It is the first time in three decades a seat in a by-election has gone to the government rather than against.

A loss in Kiama would not have pushed NSW Labor out of minority government, but a win will put the party one step closer to majority power when the 2027 contest comes around.

The stakes were arguably higher for state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, whose fate as party boss could be decided by Kiama voters.

Asked if his leadership would survive a loss, Mr Speakman batted away speculation.

'We are the underdogs,' he told reporters in Kiama on Friday.

Labor candidate Katelin McInerney was confident of victory when she voted on Saturday

The result emerged just two hours after polls closed on the NSW south coast on Saturday

'I will be the leader. I will continue to be the leader.

'It's about the best representative for Kiama ... it's about electing someone who will take the toughest fight up to the government.'

Ward resigned in August after he was convicted for sexual and indecent assault in July and he is due to be sentenced next week.

Though Ward maintained a significant personal vote at the previous election, Mr Minns said Saturday's by-election would draw a line under the disgraced MP's time in office.

'Now it's about turning the page,' he said.